, 1879-03-08
Capt. David Perry Exor,erated,

The court of inquiry inst-uted oy virtue
of special orders l42, faragraph :, OF No
vember 27, 1873, frcn this headquarters,
J and of which 1, ;uu. Col. Alexander Cham.
I bers. Dist Infrntry. Is president, convened
at the reou-oG of Capt. David Perry, l.t
Cavalry, ITO investigate the statements con-
fa;~od in the reports of several ofneera of
the army, and which Capt. Perry believes
to reflect upon his conduct during the Neh.
Perces campaign OF 1877; and which was re-
quired also 'tO Investigate and inquire INTO
so much of Capt Perry's conduct generally.
during the said campaign. as has not been
already made the subject of inquiry by tho
, court instituted by special field orders No.
f., Headquarters Department of tine Co
lumbia, seres Of lS777, has rendered the fol-
lowing
That up 10 the time of the fight at White
Bird canyon, Except that no evidence ap-
pears that a suitable quantity of ammunition
had been provided in case Of AN emergency,
every precaution that good judgment die
tated, was taken by Cape. Perry; that at
White Bird canyon the opposition of the
troops WAS judicious and proper. with tn.
exception OF leaving his left to be protected
by some citizens possibly unavoidable.
That soon after the fight began, this point
was abandoned by the citizens in a panic ex-
tending to nearly all the troops, who became
so disorganized and dispersed as to be un-
manageable.
That Capt Perry, after the panic took
place, did all IN his power TO collect and or
ganize the men for defense, without sue
cess, owing partly to the troops not being
well drilled in firing mounted; and the, court
does not deem his conduct deserving of GEN.
sure.
In regard 10 the affair at Cottonwood, it
does nos appear probable that, had Capt.
Perry attacked under the circumstances, any
very great advantage could have been gained.
while, by SO doing, he would have leopard
lied the safety of his supplies of provisions.
and more especially, ammunition for the
main column in the field His conduct there
appears 70 have been in accordance with the
dictates of good judgment and prudence,
particularly as the enemy were flushed with
success, and part of his command at least,
had but recently suffered from severe DIS
aster
As regards the affair at Clearwater. he ap-
pears 20 have done all required OF him, and
all that, under the circumstances, could
have been reasonably expected of i'm. tho
commanding general being present.
1t further appears to the court, from the
written statements of some OF the officers Of
the lst cavalry, submitted to the court, a col
oring by insinuations has been given, preju-
dieial to the conduct of Captain Perry, un-
warranted by the evidence
1.-THE reviewing officer approves the
proceedings, findings, and opinion OF the
court, excepting this shade Of difference:
that il does net appear to him. from the ev-
idence, that Captain Perry is at all answer
able for the limited quantity Of ammunition
ON hand at the engagement of White Bird
CANYON; neither is it clear that the citizens
(voiunteers) were misplaced upon his left.
Their subsequent conduct could not havo
been fOreseen.
II-The court of inquiry of which Lieu.
tenant Colonel Alexander Chambers, 2lss
Infantry, is president, is hereby dissolved.