The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1884-08-21


The following is Lieut. Greely's official re-
port on the execution of Private Henry.
PORTSMOUTH, N. H., Aug Ito the Adju-
Through the Chief Signal Officer of the United
States Army-Sir: I have the honor to report
that on June 8, 1884, at Camp Clay, near Camp
Sabine, Grinnen LAND, it became necessary ior
me to order the military execution or Prlyate
Charles B. Henry, Of the Fifth cavalry, Tor
continued thieving Tho order was given IN
writing on my undivided responsibility, being
deemed absolutely essential for the safety Of
the surviving members. Ten had already
died of starvation, and two more lay at the
point of death. The facts inducing my
action were as follows: Provisions had
been stolen in November, 1881 and Henry's
pected. On March "a, 1884, the party
nearly persisted from asphyxa While sew
eral men were unconscious, and efforts were
being made for their restoration, Private Henry
stole about two pounds of bacon from the mess
stores. He was only seen by the Esquimaux,
John Edwards, but his stomach being over
loaded he threw up the undigested 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 it was repressed by me. Iput him nnder
surveillance at once, for our waning
Gated
HAVING STOLEN LIQUOR
on hand for general ISSUE A second time his
life was demanded, but / again spared him.
On June 5 the thefts of provisions on his part
was reported to me. / had conversation
with him in which appealed to his practical
sense, pointing out that it was necessary to
our preservation He promised an entire
reformation, but, distressing him, / issued .
written order that he should be shot if detect
ed stealing. On June g. he not only stole part
of the shrimps for our breakfast, but visiting,
sealskins reserved for food. I then ordered
him shot On his person I found . silver
chronograph Abandoned by me at Fort Con-
ger and stolen by him. In his bag was found
a large quantity of sealskin and q pair Of seal
skin boots stolen few days before from the
hunter. Suspecting completely on the part
of several, l ordered his execution by
the most reliable men. After his death
the order was read to the entire
party and concurred by every member
rs being not only inst, but essential to our safe
ty. To avoid public scandal / ordered that
no man should speak of this matter until official
report was made of the facts I have to request
that court of inquiry be ordered or q court
martial convened should the honorable secre-
tary of war deem either advisable. In this case
have thought it best not to ask written state
ments of the surviving members for appendices
to this report, lest might seem to be tamper-
ing with them. l have not asked since the res
cue June %, whether their opinions concurring
in my action have changed or not leaving such
questions to your action if deemed requisite.
naturally regret that circumstances imposed
such terrible responsibility on me, but am
conscious that should have failed in my duty
to the rest of my party had not acted prompt
ly and summarily.
[Signed.[ A W. GREEDY,
First Lieut. Fifth Cav, A. s. O., and Asst Com.
of l. f. B. Expedition.