Cyrus B. Comstock

Brig.-General Cyrus B. Comstock was graduated from West Point at the head of his class, a feat the more remarkable since as a cadet his eyes would not permit their use by artificial light, and he studied his tasks by day and, with eyes shielded from the light, reviewed and revised his work from memory at night. He was clear in comprehension and his power of expression was striking, direct, modest, convincing, and never verbose.

He studied many scientific subjects so that his counsel was frequently sought by his superiors in rank. After [Andrew A.] Humphreys, he was the ablest military engineer in the United States Army, and General Grant gave him his full confidence. Few men have accomplished more in a lifetime of professional work, and in it all he sought nothing for himself, his promotions coming in due course and unasked. He gave to others no undeserved praise though ready to recognize hard work and merit. He was without envy, uttering no unkind words of his associates. A classmate writes of him: “During an intimacy of sixty years I have often reflected upon the sincerity of General Comstock in all his relations with his fellows, and I cannot recall an instance in which his instinct or his judgment was questioned. With no evidence of enthusiasm, he had a keen sense of humor and when understood was a delightful companion.”

George William Knox
1911 Century Association Yearbook