Hd’qrs. Camp Date Creek, A.T.
August 30th, 1872
Captain A.H. Nickerson 23rd Inf.
A.A.A. General
Dept. of Arizona
Prescott, A.T.
Captain:
I have the honor to state that I arrived at this Post last
night about 9 o’clock, having hasten forward, (and leaving my
party to come on today) immediately upon learning of the death
of Captain Dwyer, of which you have been advised. Though Lt.
Bourke was at the Post in advance of me I deemed it proper that
I should also be here as soon as possible. As I was aware of
the important nature of Lt. Bourkes’ orders, and knew also that
no officer was here except him, and he might wish to pursue his
journey without delay, and as a great amount of public property
would thus be left without an officer present, I considered it
to be my duty to waive all other considerations and give my
attention to this matter; although Lt. Bourke stated he would
have remained had no one arrived.
The circumstance were of such a peculiar nature (and perhaps
the case has no precedent) that Lt. Bourke, in the name of the
Dept. Commander, at once, authorized me to take command, (copy
of letter enclosed) which I did; at the same time obtaining
possession of the store house and safe keys, and I have since
put everything in as secure a condition as practicable.
The funeral of Captain Dwyer took place at 11 AM today, it
being an absolute necessity, as the body was rapidly
decomposing and becoming extremely offensive, so much so, that
the Post Surgeon gave as his professional opinion that it was
unadvisable, if not dangerous to assume the risks of generating
contagion by deferring the interment. This I trust will
satisfactorily explain what might otherwise have the appearance
of undue haste. The Post Surgeon also states that a postm
ortem examination was not necessary to discover anything
relative to the death of Captain Dwyer of which he (the
surgeon) was not already aware.
Lt. Bourke left here immediately after the funeral. Before
leaving he stated that when he should meet the troops, now on
route from Ehrenberg, he would immediately send an officer if
one could be spared to take command of this Post.
Nothing as yet (4 PM) having been received in answer to
dispatches forwarded yesterday morning to Dept. Hd’qrs., I have
Hd’qrs. Camp Date Creek, A.T.
August 30th, 1872
Continuedt
hought. it best to send a courier with this, this evening.
Should no orders arrive by tomorrow morning I shall send my party
forward, and remain here until some instructions are received, as
I do not wish Justice to be delayed.
Whatever has been done in reference to this peculiar case, I
trust may meet the approval of the Commanding General. I believe
that the best interests of the service demanded the action that
has been taken.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Charles Hay,
1st Lieut. 23rd Infantry.
