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The New Haven Historical Society treasures a chair in which Governor Robert Treat was sitting when the candles went out and the Colony’s Charter disappeared, thus escaping the emissary of the King who had come to seize it.</p>
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A direct descendant through eight generations. Major General <em>Charles Gould Treat</em> was born at Orono, Maine, December 30, 1859. His father was Joseph Bradford Treat and his mother Priscilla Jane Gould.</p>
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He entered the Military Academy from Wisconsin in 1878, graduating in 1882. Commissioned as 2d Lieutenant of Artillery, he passed through all the commissioned grades to Colonel, 3d Field Artillery, in 1911; Brigadier General, 1916; and Major General, National Army, 1917. He retired at his own request after forty years’ service in 1922 and died at his home in Washington on October 11, 1941. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Edith Pennington Treat, and two daughters (by his first wife, Margaret Louise Cornell, deceased 1920): Mrs. A. V. Arnold, wife of Brigadier General A. V. Arnold, U. S. Army, and Mrs. A. B. Butler of Tulsa, Oklahoma.</p>
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General Treat’s service was broad and varied. He was in action at Santiago de Cuba as Adjutant General of the Light Artillery Brigade; Commandant of Cadets, U.S.M.A., 1901 to 1905; Inspector General, Army of Cuban Pacification, 1906 to 1908; on the General Staff, 1914 to 1916; in command of the Hawaiian Department, 1917; in command of the 37th Division at Camp Sheridan, Alabama, in 19171918; in command of the Western Department, at Fort Mason, California, 1918. He was Chief of the American Mission to the Italian Army, 1918-1919, when he participated in the Vittorio-Veneto Operations. His last service was in the Philippines, 1920-1921.</p>
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He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal with the following citation:</p>
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For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services. As chief of the American military mission to Italy and commanding Base Section No. 8, by his untiring devotion to duty, loyalty, and zeal, he performed his intricate duties with marked ability and sound judgment. By his cheerfulness and sound diplomatic ability he furthered those cordial relations which existed between the American and Italian troops, and was an important factor in maintaining the morale at a high state of efficiency during the trying days prior to the armistice.</p>
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He received the Serbian Order of the White Eagle with Swords (Commander). “For Distinguished Service,” 1919, and the “Italian Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazurus (Commander).”</p>
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Endowed with an impressive and soldierly physique, General Treat was, nevertheless, an enemy of anything like pretense or show. His manly genial character is reflected in the affectionate soubriquet of “Jim” by which he was known to the Elect.</p>
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He was an earnest student of his profession, graduate of the Artillery School, the U. S. Engineer School, and of the Army War College, and made an intimate study of the British Forces in France in 1917 and 1918, submitting a valuable detailed report and recommendations.</p>
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He is the Father of polo in our Army, and through his efforts the War Department was brought to an appreciation of the value of polo horsemanship. He was active in maintaining a pack of hounds for cross-country riding at the Cavalry and Light Artillery School at Fort Riley, Kansas.</p>
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He was the representative of the War Department at the Olympic Games in Paris in 1924—The Eighth Olympiad.</p>
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An enthusiastic golfer, he was noted for carrying but three clubs and for putting with one hand. Also an expert with rifle and shotgun, he was an all-around sportsman in the best sense.</p>
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No man had more or better friends; his cheerful and kindly character opened all doors to him. He was instantly accepted as an American gentleman, and his tact and sincerity were a great asset to our Army in its delicate contacts with other armies in Europe.</p>
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His files reveal personal contacts with a host of names we conjure with—from General Sherman to General Pershing and other names high in the public life of our country and of Europe. They also show the regard in which he was held by the non-commissioned officers and men of his command, testifying to his continual interest in their welfare.</p>
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In the passing of General Treat the Army has lost an inspiring character; but he has left an impression, and those who have had the privilege of knowing him will treasure the bright memory of a gentleman, no less than of an officer.</p>
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<em>—F. S. F.</em></p>
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