Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-04


knowledged benefit to the District soldiery
with whom he had become deservedly pop
ular. His usefulness was somewhat i'm
paired, however by his feeble health, which
made it impossible to take the active part
he desired in the affairs of the District
militia. He became seriously Ill about three
months ago from affection of the kid
neys, and was unable to accompany the
District troops to the camp at Mount
Gretna.
His Record as Soldier.
Col. Petit had an active and highly cred
table military career He was born in
Ohio in August, 1885, and was graduated
from the high school at Lisbon. In July,
1874, he was appointed a cadet at the United
Military Academy and four years later on
graduating he was appointed second lieu
tenant of the LIST Infantry. He remained
with that regiment until July. 1901, when
he was detailed to duty in the inspector
generals department. Two years later he
was detailed to duty at the War Depart
ment an assistant adjutant general and
served in that capacity until August, 1905,
when he was assigned to the 9Th Infantry.
During and since the Spanish war he
served with distinction in the volunteer es-
tablishment. He organized and command
ed the 4th United States Infantry other
wise known as the "Immunes," and served
with that regiment in Cuba. He was after
ward appointed colonel of the 31st United
States Volunteer Infantry and saw consid-
cradle active duty in the Philippines.
His service in the tropics undermined his
health, it is stated. and laid the seeds of
the disease that subsequently caused his
death. Up to the time of his service in
robust health and had scarcely known what
it was to be sick.
The hardships and fatigue of constant
service in the swamps and jungles in the
n Iovr ,sc ~
ton and he was sent home to the United
States for medical treatment. After few
months sojourn in this country his health
improved, but was never fully restored.
lapse and since then gradually lost strength,
passing away this morning, as stated.
Comrades Take Action.
Capt William H Mellach. who was a
lieutenant in the 4th United States Volun-
teer Infantry, Qmmunes), and who is
president Of the Regimental Association,
has issued a call for all former members
of that regiment to assemble at his home,
81 list street northwest at Z o'clock this
evening for the purpose of making arrange
ments to attend the funeral of their late
commander tomorrow, also to take suitable
action as to his DEATH
Capt. Lee M. Mpscomb of the United
Spanish War Veterans, who commanded a
company in Col. Pettit's regiment of vol
| unteers in the war with Spain, said to a
Star reporter this afternoon that the de-
ceased officer organized the 4th United
States Volunteers and was military gov
ernor of Manzanillo. Cuba. Several COM
panies of the fourth regiment were raised
In Washington. The others were recruited
in the surrounding country of Maryland,
Virginia and West Virginia.
Capt. Lipscomb said Col. Petit was q
strict disciplinarian, but was always fair
and just to his men. For that reason he
was popular and the idol of both his Off
GERS and men. He was known as the
strong man" of his class at West Point,
because of his great muscularity. His wife
was said to be Gen. U. s. Grants favorite
neice.
Col. Petit was member of the District
Department, United Spanish War Veterans.
and action on his death will be taken at
the department visitation by Department
Commander Mitchell and his staff at the
meeting of Miles Camp this evening at
Costello's Hall, 9Th and G streets north
west.