The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-01-24
Major Inman's Widow Trying
to Clear His Record.
HE WAS ONCE CASHIERED
His Life and Labors for the
Country Told.


effort of his widow to secure a correction
OF his military record that she may OBJ
tain a pension.
The conspicuous Kansan in the case is
Major Henry Inman, soldier and author.
1t is he who was the author of The San
Ia Fe Trail" one of the most fascina ting
stories that has ever been written which
included Kansas in the narrative. MAJOR
Inman for many years was wel-known
figure at Topeka, and besides the pubiica-
ton referred to, wrote many stories that
were full of interest and value.
Major Inman was tried and sentenced
to be cashiered by +. D. Townsend, adju-
tant general of the army, July a, 1872
The decision was approved by the secre-
tary of war and President Grant. There
were a number of charges against him,
most of them affecting his conduct as an
assistant quarternaster of the army. The
court martial convened at st. Paul, Mimi.
May 6. 1872. The wording of the sentence
is as follows:
And the court does therefore sentence
him, Captain Henry Inman, assistant
guartermaster United States army, TO be
cashiered and compelled to make good to
the United States the sum of S50S5s and
that his crime. name, and place of abode
and punishment be published in the news
papers of Portland, Me, and ST. Paul,
Mimi
Thus was severed Major Inmans con-
nection with the army, and though he
made efforts thereafter to have his mill
tary record corrected, ne was unable to
do SO. A bill WAS considered in the house
OF Representatives in 1873 which sought
to reinstate him, but the measure failed
Henry Inman enlisted at Philadelphia
March Is, 1857. for five years service in
the army. He served as private in the
Ninth infantry until he was appointed
second ientenant of the Seventeenth in
faHtry in May, 1861. at the outbreak of
the war of the rebellion. IN October, 1861,
he was promoted to be first-leutenant,
and was commissioned captain ana assist
ant quartermaster to rank from March
is. 1868. and resigned his commission in
the Seventeenth infantry
From the date of his appointment in the
quarterinaster's department of the service
In 1864. Captain Inman was stationed at
Portland. Maine. as assistant quartermas-
ter and acting commissary. 1t was while
stationed at this place, In 1865, that his
trouble first began. His accounts were
not correct. and some time after they
were adjudicated by the government, and
the amount involved was taken from
Captain Inman's pay
In July 1866. Inman was assigned TO
duty at Fort Union. New Mexico and in
June. 1861, was tried by court martial at
on certain charges, which included dis
obedience OF orders. neglect of duty, and
prejudice of good order and military dis
cipline. He was acquitted of some of
these charges; found guilty of some. and
was sentenced TO be repr;manded by his
department commander. >.
At Fort Smelling. Minnesota. in June
1870, he was again tried by court-martial, |
on the charges Of making a false GER
tficate relative to his pay, and conduct !
unbeconiing an officer and a gentleman. !
lie was acquitted.
In October, 1870 the commissioner of /
internal revenue called upon the secretary !
of war to compel the payment of tax |
by Captain lrman. assessed against him. |
amounting to s51.5o. which the bureau Of /
internal revenue had been unable to col /
lect
On the recommendation of a court OF |
inquiry which had been ordered. to exam
Inc into and report on alleged irregular
transactions Connected with the purchase,
transfer. etc, of public property at mill
tary posts in Kansas. Captain Inman and
other officers were brought to trial by
court-martial in the latter part OF 1870
Captain Inman was acquitted by the
court. but the findings and acquittal were
disspproved by the department command
or. General Pope.
The above is the sad story IN connec-
ton with the military record of man
who was brave in action. and who had
many excellent qualifications and attri-
butes.
1.-The quartermaster- general, speaking Of
Major Innlan in December. 1870. said Of
him:
He is reported active and energetic
in the field. but eNrarasant in organizing
his business. and unable 20 keep his en-
ployes within reasonable numbers.
There have been number Of charges
against MIN from individuals asserting
that he has failed to pay sums of money
justly due. Some of them he has paid,
Others. think. remain unsettled. All this
bag led 70 voluminous record in regard
TO him in this Office
1t is evident that with acticitv and
energy which make him useful in certain
situations he has not discretion. economy
and judgment fitting him for the general
duties of an assistant quartermaster-
Aandling money and property-and
know not what orders to advise in his
~>ee~
The facts seem 10 have been what ev-
eryone who intimately knew Major In
man. and esteemed him. will believe:
That he was brave and efficient and en- /
ergetic IN times of war and on the from
tier In the stirring Indian campaigns;
put that the routine of post duty free
rom the excitement and activity OF field ,
work. was not suited 20 him. He had
20 knowledge Of appreciation of business
q ananee or accounts. He sadly lacked i
N executive ability. but no one ever cues I
hoped his bravery or hts integrity. ,
Friends and those not friends involved ,
hffn deeply in his army Service. As rest
fuarfermx he often trusted men 20 :
5help themselves. and his accounts bc- / =
came sadly and hepelessly mixed. No ono ,
could have Strengthened them cut: no one ,
possessing his temperament could have / ,
Homo otherwise. He was the victim OF .
1esisnsng persons who have hung about +
lrpiIitary posts from tho beginning Of i
lrmy days and campaigns ard govern II