Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-19

cordance with instructions from the Pres-
dent, under the authority conferred by Sec
ton 9 of the act of Congress approved
March 1, 1899, entitled An act to provide
for the organization of the militia of the
District of Columbia" Captain Brett has
been ordered to report to Gen. George II.
Harries, the commanding officer of the
District militia. for assignment to duty &C
cordingly.
Officer is Well Known.
Captain Brett is probably better known
to the officers and men of the District Ma
tional Guard than any other army officer
He was closely associated with the brigade
at two of it's annual encampments and has
taken a deep interest in the organization,
although he was not a member thereof and
had no official connection with it, except
during the period 1t was in camp. He is a
native of Massachusetts, and was prepar-
ing to enter Harvard University in 1876,
when he was given the opportunity to COM
pete for the appointment to West Point He
appeared for the competitive examination
and came out first, receiving the appoint
ment. He was commissioned a second
lieutenant in the I'd Cavalry In 1879, and
Immediately Joined his regiment, which was
participated in several of the Indian cam
paigns with great credit to himself. having
the distinction of receiving the congress
sional medal of honor for conspicuous gal
lantry at O'Falons Creek, Mont. less than
year after he had Joined his regiment ON
this occasion Captain Brett managed to get
between the Indians and their herd of
ponies, and cut the savages off from their
means or transportation. His duty was ex-
tremely hazardous and saved a greater
portlon OF the troops In the expedition from
heavy losses.
Saw Service in Cuba.
Soon after his promotion to be first lieu
tenant, In 1885. Captain Brett was mde
regimental adjutant in which capacity he
served we'll and faithfully under Colonel
Moves He was made a captain in 1897
ana was placed In command of troop F.
AT the outbreak of the war with Spain
captain Bretts troop was one of the four
from the I'd Cavalry that was selected to
accompany Skaters expedition to Cuba
With his troop Captain Brett participated
IN 'ne battles at Ell Caney and San Juan
On the organization of the volunteer army
for service in the Philippines, Captain
Brett was chosen as a major In the 31st
infantry. He was promoted to be lieuten-
ant colonel and as such was mustered ont
OF the volunteer service. On rejoning his
troop Captain Brett turned his entire at
tention to the training of his men and
horses. He Is regarded by officers OF the
army throughout the country as the ideal
cavalry officer, and his work with his men
has been such that his troop was selected
from all others In the department of the
east to represent the cavalry arm of the
service at the military athletic tourna nent
at Madison Square Garden In 1902 Apafn
this year this signal honor was conferred
on troop F. AS instructor OF the District
National Guard Captain Brett has become
popular with almost every officer and en-
listed man In the brigade. His work has
been done quietly and without hurrah bnf
during the two camps at which he wa G
present the guardsmen did more real work