Tom C. Rye to Whom It May Concern
Title
Tom C. Rye to Whom It May Concern
Creator
Rye, Tom C., 1863-1953
Identifier
WWP25354
Date
1918 October 10
Description
Character recommendation from the governor of Tennessee.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
United States. Army
Contributor
Anna Phillips
Relation
WWP25352
WWP25353
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
To Whom it May Concern:
When I was elected Governor of Tennessee, in 1914, Charles B. Rogan was on duty with the National Guard of this State. Prior to my inauguration, in January 1915, there had come to me many reports of his efficiency in the capacity in which he was serving. For his service in connection with the Mississippi and Ohio Valley Flood, in 1912, he was commended by the Secretary of War. And in 1908-9 it was necessary for the State to avail itself of his service to command troops in West Tennessee, to suppress a very strong movement of Night Riders.
After my inauguration, men whom I considered to be the best judges of military qualification in the State, and who were of the highest standing, insisted that I should appoint Captain Rogan The Adjutant General of this State; which, after carefully investigating his record I was pleased to do. It is generally conceded that he made the most capable and efficient Adjutant General this State has ever had.
His first task was the reorganization of the National Guard which was, at that time, in very bad condition. This task was performed with a high degree of efficiency, and won for him much commendation. As a matter of fact, through his efforts alone this State was placed in a position to furnish her quota of well-trained, well-organized National Guard units to the Federal Government, when the call came.
General Rogan demonstrated wonderful ability in the mobilization of the National Guard of Tennessee for Service on the Mexican Border.
In 1917, shortly before the National Guard was drafted into Service, two Regiments - one Artillery and one Infantry, were completely organized by General Rogan. And, believing him to be thoroughly competent, although I regretted his loss as Adjutant General, I appointed him Colonel of the Infantry Regiment, which he had so efficiently organized. It is my information that he very ably commanded this regiment until it was merged, some time later, into other organizations of the 30th Division.
The honoerable discharge of General Rogan from the Service, as a Colonel, is a matter of record in the War Department. I believe, however, that I may be allowed the statement that I have never been quite able to understand why an officer of his proven ability should be relieved from service, if reports be true, for technical reasons alone; and especially so when high-calibre men are so sorely needed by our Country,
At present General Rogan is on duty with the National Guard of this State, as a Major, retired, United States Army. And, while he feels deeply his removal from active service, his duties are being efficiently and uncomplainingly performed.
From intimate association with him, I have found General Rogan to be a high-class gentleman whose integrity and loyalty cannot be questioned.
Tom C. Rye
Governor.
When I was elected Governor of Tennessee, in 1914, Charles B. Rogan was on duty with the National Guard of this State. Prior to my inauguration, in January 1915, there had come to me many reports of his efficiency in the capacity in which he was serving. For his service in connection with the Mississippi and Ohio Valley Flood, in 1912, he was commended by the Secretary of War. And in 1908-9 it was necessary for the State to avail itself of his service to command troops in West Tennessee, to suppress a very strong movement of Night Riders.
After my inauguration, men whom I considered to be the best judges of military qualification in the State, and who were of the highest standing, insisted that I should appoint Captain Rogan The Adjutant General of this State; which, after carefully investigating his record I was pleased to do. It is generally conceded that he made the most capable and efficient Adjutant General this State has ever had.
His first task was the reorganization of the National Guard which was, at that time, in very bad condition. This task was performed with a high degree of efficiency, and won for him much commendation. As a matter of fact, through his efforts alone this State was placed in a position to furnish her quota of well-trained, well-organized National Guard units to the Federal Government, when the call came.
General Rogan demonstrated wonderful ability in the mobilization of the National Guard of Tennessee for Service on the Mexican Border.
In 1917, shortly before the National Guard was drafted into Service, two Regiments - one Artillery and one Infantry, were completely organized by General Rogan. And, believing him to be thoroughly competent, although I regretted his loss as Adjutant General, I appointed him Colonel of the Infantry Regiment, which he had so efficiently organized. It is my information that he very ably commanded this regiment until it was merged, some time later, into other organizations of the 30th Division.
The honoerable discharge of General Rogan from the Service, as a Colonel, is a matter of record in the War Department. I believe, however, that I may be allowed the statement that I have never been quite able to understand why an officer of his proven ability should be relieved from service, if reports be true, for technical reasons alone; and especially so when high-calibre men are so sorely needed by our Country,
At present General Rogan is on duty with the National Guard of this State, as a Major, retired, United States Army. And, while he feels deeply his removal from active service, his duties are being efficiently and uncomplainingly performed.
From intimate association with him, I have found General Rogan to be a high-class gentleman whose integrity and loyalty cannot be questioned.
Tom C. Rye
Governor.
Original Format
Letter
To
To Whom It May Concern
Files
Collection
Citation
Rye, Tom C., 1863-1953, “Tom C. Rye to Whom It May Concern,” 1918 October 10, WWP25354, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.