Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-08-15
OFFICIAL REPORT.

Full Text Of Lieutenant Greely's Omciai
Report Of the Execution OF Private
Henry-Prompt Action Imperative-An
Investigation Asked.
WASHINGTON, August 1.-THE following
is Lieutenant Greely's official report of the
execution of Private Henry
PORTSMOUTH, n, h., August II,
Adjutant General Of the United States
Army through the Chief Signal officer Of
the United States Army:
Sir: ] have the honor to report that on
June 9th, at Camp Clay near Cape Sabine,
Gunnell land, it became necessary far me
to order the military execution Of Private
Charles B. Henry, of the Fifth Cavalry for
continued tbieving. The. order Was given
in writing, on my responsibility, it being
deemed absolutely essential for the safety Of
the surviving members Of the expedition.
Ten Had Already Died
of starvation and two more lay at the point
of death. The facts inducing my acting
we're as follows Provisions had been stolen
in November, 1889, and Henrys completely
therein was more than suspected. March
-, 1884, the party nearly perished from
asphyxia. While several men were uncon-
scious and efforts were being made for their
restoration, Private Henry stole about two
pounds Of bacon from the mess stores.
He was not only seen by
the ESquimaux, Jens Edwards,
but his stomach being overloaded, he threw
up undigested bacon. An open investiga,
ton was held, and every member Of the
party declared him guilty Of this and other
thetts. A clamor for his life was raised.
| put him under surveillance until our wan
ing strength rendered his physical services
indispensable. Later hewas found one day
intoxicated, having stolen the liquor on
hand for general issue. A second time his
life was demanded, but again spared him.
On June lst, thefs Of provisions on his part
having been reported to me, in which ap.
pesled to his practical sense, pointing out
that union was necessary to our preserya-
ton. He promised entire reformation, but
distrusting him, issued
A Written Order
that he should be shot if detected stealing.
On June 9th he not only stole part Of the
l. e h,,t -,
authorized our winter camp stole certain
seal skins reserved for food then ordered
him shot On his person was found n
chronograph abandoned by me at Fort
Conger and stolen BY him. In his bag was
found large quantity Of sealskin and
n pair of sealskin boats stolen few
days before from Hunter. Suspecting
completely on the part of several,
| ordered his execution by three of. the
most reliable men. After his death the or
death the order was read to the entire party
and concurred in by every member as being
not only Just but essential to our safety.
To avoid public scandal ordered that no
man should speak of this matter until an
official report was made Of the facts. !
nave the nOnOi w IcHucot tiot " SO"ih w
inquiry be ordered or a court martial
convened should the Honorable Secretary
of War deem either advisable. In this case
! have thought it BEST not to ask the writ.
ten statements Of the surviving members OF
The party for appendices to this report, le't
! might seen to be tsmpering with them. ]
have not asked since our rescue, June 22d
whether their opinions concurring in my
action have changed or not, leav-
ing such qsestions TO yonr action,
il deemed requisite. ] necessarily regret
that circumsta nces imposed such terrible
responsibility upon me, but ] am conscious
I should have failed in my duty to the rest
of my party had not acted promptly.
Signedl A. W. GRrELr,
First Lieutenant.
q. s Cavalry. A. S. O., and Asst Com'dr
OIL. F. b. Expedition.