On May 11, 1866, he was appointed second lieutenant in the regular army. As first lieutenant he served with General Miles in the 5th Infantry, on the plains, where he was severely wounded. In 1871 he became the adjutant of General Miles and adjutant-general of his field commands, in which capacity he served eight years. Twice he was recommended for brevet for gallant service in action; and he received the medal of honor "for most distinguished gallantry in action against hostile Nez Perces Indians at Bear Paw Mountain, Montana, September 30, 1877, where he was twice severely wounded." He was promoted major and paymaster, U. S. A., in 1879; lieutenant-colonel and deputy paymaster-general in 1899, and brigadier-general, U. S. A., in 1903, and was on duty as chief disbursing officer of the paymaster-general's office (1899-1903) until his retirement. He wrote the article "General Miles's Indian Campaigns"in the "Century," July, 1901 ; was selected poet for the Society of the Army of the Potomac at its annual meeting, 1894. General Baird is a member of the Loyal Legion, U. S. A.; of the Society of Colonial wars; of the Order of the Indian wars, U. S. A., and of several other military organizations. He is identified with the Congregational church.
His work in life was assigned him by the Civil war, and while it has not been closely associated with books and reading, he has always found pleasure and recreation in history and poetry. General Baird speaks with modesty of his own achievements, refusing to admit that he has been the winner of any prizes in life. He places the determining influences of his life in the following order : Home, school, private study, contact -with men in active life, and early companionship. He advises a young man "to try to select a line of activities as near as possible to his fine of taste and ability; and especially to coordinate his studies and efforts with his main purpose in life." And he adds: "Doubtless well-known principles are best: 1. The best character — and that must include love of God and of country. 2. The occupation best adapted to ability, taste and training. 3. Hard work. 4. An open and intelligent mind to welcome and estimate new ideas. 5. The vision to see that God is in the world to establish righteousness; and the courage to 'lend a hand.'" His life shows what natural ability combined with principle and application can accomplish, if one seizes decisive opportunity when it presents itself.
He married Julia C. Rogers, of Cheshire, in July, 1866. Their three children were living in 1904.
