The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-08-20

WASHINGTON, Aug 1.-THE follow
ing is Lieut.. Greely's official report of
the execution of Private Henry:
PORTSMOUTH, n. II, Aug H.
To Adjutant- General United States
Army Through Chief Signal Officer
United States Army
SIR have the honor to report that
on June 6, at the camp near Cape Sa-
bine, Grinnell Land, it became necessary
for me to order the military execution of
Private Charles b. Henry, Fifth Caval-
ry, for continued thieving. The order
was given in writing on my individual
responsibility, and | deemed it absolute
ly essential for the safety of the surviy-
ing members of the expedition. Ten had
already died of starvation aud two more
lay at the point of death The facts
inducing my action were as follows:
Provisions had been stolen in Noyem-
Der, 1888, and Henry's completely there
in was more than suspected. March "a,
1884, the party nearly persisted from
asphyxia. While several men were UNI
CONSCIOUS and efforts being made for their
restoration, Private Henry stole about
two pounds of bacon from the mess
stores. He was not only seen by Esqui-
maux Jams Edwards, but his stomach
being overloaded, he threw up undigest
ed bacon.
An open investigation was held and
every member of the party declared him
guilty of this and other thefts. A
clamor for his life was raised, but was
suppressed by me. / put him under sur
veillance until our waning strength rem
dered his personal service indispensable.
Later he was found one day intoxicated,
having stolen the liquor on hand for gen
eral issue.
The second time his life was demand
ed but again spared him. On June 3
the stealing of provisions on his part
having been reported to me, ] had con-
versation with him, in which appealed
to his practical sense, pointing out thatit
was necessary to our preservation. He
promised reformation, but distressing
him, | issued written order that he
should be shot if again detected stealing.
On June he not only stole part of the
shrimps for our breakfast, but visiting UNI
authorized, our winter camp, stole the
sealsl ms reserved for food | then or
found silver chromograph abandoned
by me at Fort Conger, and stolen by him.
In this bag was found large quantity
of sealskins and pair of Sealskin boots,
stolen few days before from the hun
ter.
Suspecting completely on the part of
several ordered his execution by three
of the most reliable men.
After his death the order was read to
the entire party, and concurred in by
every member,as being not only just but
to our safety.
To avoid public scandal, ordered that |
no man should speak of this matter until |
official report was made of the facts. |
have the honor to request that a court |
Of inquiry be ordered or a court-martial |
should the honorable Secretary |
Of War deem either advisable in this /
case. have thought it best not to ask
written statements of the surviving
members of the party for appendices to
this report.
Lest | might seem to be tampering
with them have not asked, since our
rescue June %, whether their opinions
in my action have changed
Dr. not, leaving such questions to your
action, if deemed requisite. naturally
regret the circumstances imposed of
such terrible responsibility upon me, but
am conscious / should have failed in
my duty to the rest of my party had ]
not acted promptly and summarily.
A. w. GREEDY,