He commanded the 25th Infantry for 21 years until he retired from the Army in 1892 .
In January 1871 he was promoted to colonel and assigned as commander of the 25th Infantry , one of the Regular Army 's four African - American regiments at the time .
He commanded the 25th 25th Infantry for 21 years until he retired from the Army in 1892 .
In January 1871 he was promoted to colonel and assigned as commander of the 25th Infantry , one of the Regular Army 's four African - American regiments at the time .