THE WORLD'S WONDERS. 603 



the expedition. 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, 1883, and Henry's 

 complicity therein was more than suspected. March 24, 1884, 

 the party nearly perished from asphyxia ; while several men were 

 unconscious 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 the Esquimau, Jans Edwards, but his 

 stomach being overloaded, he threw up undigested bacon. An, 

 open investigation was held and every member of the party de- 

 clared him guilty of this and other thefts. A clamor for his life 

 was raised, but was repressed by me. I put him under surveil- 

 lance until our waning strength rendered his physical services in- 

 dispensable. Later, he was found one day intoxicated, having 

 stolen the liquor on hand for general issue. A second time his 

 life was demanded, but I again spared him. On June 5th, thefts 

 of provisions on his part having been reported to me, I had a 

 conversation wiih him, in which I appealed to his practical sense, 

 pointing out what was necessary to our preservation. He prom- 

 ised entire reformation, but, distrusting him, I issued a written 

 order that he should be shot if detected stealing. 



On June 6th he not only stole part of the shrimps for our 

 breakfast, but visiting, unauthorized, our winter camp, stole cer- 

 tain seal-skins reserved for food. I then ordered him shot. On 

 his person was found a silver chronograph, abandoned by me at 

 Fort Conger and stolen by him. In his bag was found a large 

 quantity of seal-skin boots stolen a few days before from the 

 hunter. Suspecting complicity on the part of several, I 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 essential to our safety. 

 To avoid public scandal I ordered that no man should speak of 

 this matter until an official report was made of the facts. 



I have the honor to request that a court of inquiry be ordered, 

 or a court-uiartial convened, should the honorable Secretary of 



