ed_flanagan
Private
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2018
On this day, March 29, 1861, the results of Commander Henry Walke's Court-Martial was published in The New York Evening Post. Commander Henry Walke got a mild "admonition," a relieved from arrest and a return to the inactive list for doing the right thing. At least our hero wasn't hung from the yardarm....
The Evening Post : New York, Friday, March 29, 1861 P. 1 Col. 4
Results of the Court-Martial of Commander Walke.
The Court-Martial of Henry Walke, commander of the storeship Supply, which was for some time in progress at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, has resulted in a virtual acquittal. He was found guilty on the specification of disobedience to orders, in not returning from Pensacola to Vera Cruz, and in bringing the Supply to New York; but in consequence of the extraordinary circumstances, the Court imposed the mild Sentence of admonition by Secretary of the Navy.
Mr. Welles, the Secretary of the Nary, in confirming the sentence, says:
“I have confirmed this sentence. In carrying it into execution it is my duty, lest you should misconstrue the lenity exhibited by the Court in your case, to remind you that the disobedience, by an officer, of a positive and lawful order of his superior, is one of gravest of military offences. It strikes at the very foundation of discipline; and therefore, in all cases, met with effective rebuke. I am willing to trust the judgment of the Court that the circumstances in your case are sufficiently palliating to exempt you from the proper punishment for such an offence; but I Would admonish you not to be misled as to the character of the offence.
“You are relieved from arrest.
“I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
“Gideon Welles.”
The Evening Post : New York, Friday, March 29, 1861 P. 1 Col. 4
Results of the Court-Martial of Commander Walke.
The Court-Martial of Henry Walke, commander of the storeship Supply, which was for some time in progress at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, has resulted in a virtual acquittal. He was found guilty on the specification of disobedience to orders, in not returning from Pensacola to Vera Cruz, and in bringing the Supply to New York; but in consequence of the extraordinary circumstances, the Court imposed the mild Sentence of admonition by Secretary of the Navy.
Mr. Welles, the Secretary of the Nary, in confirming the sentence, says:
“I have confirmed this sentence. In carrying it into execution it is my duty, lest you should misconstrue the lenity exhibited by the Court in your case, to remind you that the disobedience, by an officer, of a positive and lawful order of his superior, is one of gravest of military offences. It strikes at the very foundation of discipline; and therefore, in all cases, met with effective rebuke. I am willing to trust the judgment of the Court that the circumstances in your case are sufficiently palliating to exempt you from the proper punishment for such an offence; but I Would admonish you not to be misled as to the character of the offence.
“You are relieved from arrest.
“I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
“Gideon Welles.”
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