Joseph R. Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Joseph R. Wilson to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Wilson, Joseph Ruggles, Jr., 1867-1927
Identifier
WWP25353
Date
1918 October 18
Description
President Wilson's brother writes to him about the Rogan case.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
Military training camps
United States. Army
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence
Contributor
Anna Phillips
Relation
WWP25352
WWP25354
WWP25355
WWP25356
WWP25357
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
President Woodrow Wilson,
White House,
Washington, D. C.
My dear Brother:--
Some months ago, Col. Charles B. Rogan, U. S. Army, then in command of one of the Tennessee Regiments preparing for overseas duty, was turned down on some technicalities as the result of what seemed to be a hurried examination in the Brigade and Field Officers’ School at Fort Sam Houston. He seeks re-instatement and a commission for active duty in command of one of the new infantry regiments now being formed. Knowing the man personally as I do; being confident of his worth and feeling that an injustice was done him, although unintentionally, by superiors who were probably sticklers for technicalities, and being assured that the army is being deprived of the services of a competent officer who, the records show, is capable of organizing and handling men, I am calling the case to your attention, hoping that Colonel Rogan may receive due recognition and thus be able to serve his country in France.
Following retirement from active service in the army some years ago, Colonel Rogan was assigned to duty with the Tennessee Militia, later becoming adjutant general of the state. He had charge of mobilizing, equipping and organizing the Tennessee troops for recent Mexican Service. In 1917 he directed the organization of two new Tennessee regiments for service in France, being himself placed in Command of the Second Tennessee Infantry.
Enclosed are letters from Judge V. H. Holmes of Tennessee, recently resigned from the Army because of ill health; General L. D. Tyson, commanding the Brigade of which Colonel Rogan’s regiment was a part; General S. L. Farson who made a strong efficiency report on Colonel Rogan; Governor Tom Rye of Tennessee and others who are in a position to speak.
The examination to which Colonel Rogan was subjected, was apparently made to count for more than his proven experience and ability. In comparison, I am advised that the training school at Fort Sheridan was directed by the War Department in September to recommend for graduation and commission all students having an aptitude and who, it was believed, would make good regardless of class grades.
I would not worry you with this case, were I not convinced that Colonel Rogan has been made to suffer unjustly as the result of unfortunate circumstances, and that the army is always in need of just such men as he. May I appeal to you with the hope that this case may be referred for review and that a full investigation may result in the re-instatement of Colonel Rogan on the active list?
Cordially yours,
Joseph R. Wilson
JRW:LT
White House,
Washington, D. C.
My dear Brother:--
Some months ago, Col. Charles B. Rogan, U. S. Army, then in command of one of the Tennessee Regiments preparing for overseas duty, was turned down on some technicalities as the result of what seemed to be a hurried examination in the Brigade and Field Officers’ School at Fort Sam Houston. He seeks re-instatement and a commission for active duty in command of one of the new infantry regiments now being formed. Knowing the man personally as I do; being confident of his worth and feeling that an injustice was done him, although unintentionally, by superiors who were probably sticklers for technicalities, and being assured that the army is being deprived of the services of a competent officer who, the records show, is capable of organizing and handling men, I am calling the case to your attention, hoping that Colonel Rogan may receive due recognition and thus be able to serve his country in France.
Following retirement from active service in the army some years ago, Colonel Rogan was assigned to duty with the Tennessee Militia, later becoming adjutant general of the state. He had charge of mobilizing, equipping and organizing the Tennessee troops for recent Mexican Service. In 1917 he directed the organization of two new Tennessee regiments for service in France, being himself placed in Command of the Second Tennessee Infantry.
Enclosed are letters from Judge V. H. Holmes of Tennessee, recently resigned from the Army because of ill health; General L. D. Tyson, commanding the Brigade of which Colonel Rogan’s regiment was a part; General S. L. Farson who made a strong efficiency report on Colonel Rogan; Governor Tom Rye of Tennessee and others who are in a position to speak.
The examination to which Colonel Rogan was subjected, was apparently made to count for more than his proven experience and ability. In comparison, I am advised that the training school at Fort Sheridan was directed by the War Department in September to recommend for graduation and commission all students having an aptitude and who, it was believed, would make good regardless of class grades.
I would not worry you with this case, were I not convinced that Colonel Rogan has been made to suffer unjustly as the result of unfortunate circumstances, and that the army is always in need of just such men as he. May I appeal to you with the hope that this case may be referred for review and that a full investigation may result in the re-instatement of Colonel Rogan on the active list?
Cordially yours,
Joseph R. Wilson
JRW:LT
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Wilson, Joseph Ruggles, Jr., 1867-1927, “Joseph R. Wilson to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 October 18, WWP25353, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.