The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1884-08-21
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Ll'a'"ss s;s. G "a q. g sssSs C.. A A'-
WAsHIEeToE. D. c. Aug 1.-THE
following Is Lieutenant afeeITss oEeial
report OF the execution g P4sats asns
y:
PORTSMOUTH, N. H., Aug. IL.
To Adjutsnt-General United States
Through the chief signal OHicer OF the
United States army, SIR, have the hon.
Camp Clay. near cape Sabine, GrinnelI
private i ChsIies B. Henry Of
the Filth caYalEy, for continued
thieying. The order was given in writ
ing on my own individual responsibility
being decided absolutely essential for
the safety of the surviving members of
the expedition Ten had already died of
starvation and tive moro lay at the point
of death. The facts inducing action
were a. follows: Provisions had
been stolen In November, 1888.
in was more than SUSPECTED. March q,
1884, the party nearly perished from
asphYxia. While several men were un-
conscious and efforts were being made
for their restoration. RFtRate Henry stole
about ak pounds of bacon from the mess
stores. He was not only seen by Eski-
mo Jams Edwards, but his stom-
sch being overloaded, ne threw
up gundigested bacon. An open
investigation was held and every mem
Der of the party declared him guilty of
this and other thefts. A clamor for his
life was raised but was repreSsed by me.
put him under surveillance until our
waning strength rendered his physical
found one day INTOXICATED, bev-
iag stolen liquor on hand for
general issue. A oSecond time his life
was demanded but sgaIn spared him.
On June 9Th q theft of provisions on his
| part having been reported to me / had
| q conversation with him IN which l ap'
/ pealed to his practical, sense, pointing
out the necessary course TO our perserVA-
I ton. He promised entire reformation but
dIstrusting him issued . written order
that he should be shot If detected steal
4 ing agaIn. On June 9Th he not only
stole a part OF the shrimps tor our break
fast, but wishing, unauthorized, our win.
ter camp, he stole certain seal
skin reserved for food. l then ordered
him shot. On his person was found g
silver chrOnograph abandoned by me al
Fort Conger, and stolen by him. In his
bag were found q large quantity of seal
skin, and PAR uf seRlskin boots stoleI
few days before from the hunter. Sue
pecting completely on the part of sew
eral / ordered his execution bJ
three of the most reliable men. Ate
his death the order was read 10 the en-
tire party and concuTred IN by every
member as being not only just but es
sential to cur safety. To avoid public
} speak of this matter until my official re
, Iport was made of the facts.
| have the honor to request that
court of inquiry be ordered or cOuI
, martial be convened shoulC
} the honorable secretary of war deem
, either advisable In this case. haV
! thought it best not 90 ask written STATE
) menis from the surviving members q
the party Tor appendices TO THEREFOR
! lest l might seem TO be tamperin
! with them. have not aske'
, since our rescue, JN0e 2
! whether their opinions CONCERNING IN!
t. action have changed or not. LeaYin
: such questions to your action 1t deeme
e requisite, naturally regret the circun
t stances which Impostd such & te
: rible responsibility upon n
:. but / am conscious that should hay
r failed in my duty to the rest of the pa
4 ty had not acted promptly and sun
marilY. ,,.-.. sem .-nrt 80
: First Lieutenant Fifth Cavalry A. s.
and Assistant Com. Of L. w. B. Ell
o pedltion. s...r -r-4E