Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1879-03-07
CAPT. DAVID PERRY EXONER-
ATED.
Findings and opinion Of the Court OF In.
quiry appoihted By Gen. Howard to
Investigate certain charges preferred
against thai oniceT.


against thai officer.
The court Of inquiry Instituted by vir-
tue of special orders No. l42. paragraph
1, Of November q, 1878, from this
headquarters. and of which Lieut.. Col.
Alexander Chambers. 2lst Infantry. is
president. convened at the request Of
Capt. David Perry. LIST Cavalry, Ito
investigate the statement contained IN
the reports of several officers of the
army. aud which Capt. Perry believes
to reflect upon his con luct during the
Nee Perez campaign Of 1877 and
which was required also to 'investig' te
and inquire into so much Of Capt. Per
rvs conduct generally, during the said
campaign. as has not been already made
the subject of inquiry by tho court in-
stisused by special Geld orders No. AZ.
Headquarters Department Of the Co
lnmbia. series OF 1877" has rendered
the following
OPINION.
That up to the time Of the fight at
White Bird canyon, Except that no
evidence appears that a suitable quaint
ity ofammunition had been provided in
case of an emergency every precau'ion
that good judgement dictated, was ia
ken by Capt. Perry that at White
Bird canyon the disposition Of the
troops was jndicious and proper, with
the exception of leaving his left to be
protected by some possibly
unavoidable. That soon after the fight
began. this point was abandoned by
the citizens in a panic extending to
nearly all the troops, who became so
disorganized aud dispersed as to be un
manageable.
! That Captain Perry, after the panic
took place, did all in his power TO col
lect and organize the men for defense
without success. owing partly to the
troops not being we'll drilled in firing
mounted and tn. court does not deea,
his conduct deserving of censure.
In regard to the affair at Cottonwood
it does not appear probable that. had
Capt. Perry attacked under the circum
stances, any very great advantage could
have been gained, while. by SO doing
he would have jeopardised the safety o.
his supplies Of provisions. and more cs
pecially ammunition for the main col
umn 10 the field. His conduct there
ap, cars to have been 10 accordanc,
with the dictates Of good judyemen
and prudence, particularly as the enemy
were flushed with success, and part o
his command at least, had but recent,
suffered from severe disaster.
As regards the affair at Clearwater
he appears to have done all required .
r him, and all that. under the circum
stances, could have been reasonably ex
pec.ed of him-the commanding Gen
eral being present.
1t further appears to the court, frou
: the Written statements of some Of tn
officers Of the LIST cavalry, submitted t
the court, a coloring by insinuation
has been given, prejudicial to the con
duct Of Captain Perry, unwarranted b
!. the evidence.
1.-THE reviewing officer approve
: the proceedings, findings and opiu,o
of the court. excepting this shade G
difference: That it does not appear .
him, from the evidence, that Captai
Perry is at all answerable for the limi
ed quantity of ammunition on hand d
. the engagement of White Bird canyon
u neither is it clear that the citizens (vo
/ unteers) we're misplaced upon his LET
Their subsequent conduct could nj
+ have been foreseen.
OIL lII.--The court of inquiry Of whic
!, Lieutenant colonel Alexander Cham
q bers. 2lst Infantry, is president, is here
e by Dissolved Oregonian.