But, perhaps, after all, the efforts of Captain Bill had not been wholly without result; for he made a report of the matter to Washington, and President Roosevelt, doubtless recalling that wolf-hunt and knowing the integrity and courage of the writer, viewed that report in the light of evidence. When the official verdict, "Not guilty," was reached, he dismissed, "without honor," the entire command of the Twenty-fifth Infantry.

The Brownsville episode had become national history; a curious chapter—the end of which would not soon be written.[18]

FOOTNOTES:

[17]


Austin, Texas, Sept. 5, 1906.


To Whom it May Concern:

This is to certify that I did on yesterday examine Captain W.J. McDonald and found him suffering from chronic bronchitis of both lungs, but worse on the left side, having been shot and these organs having been injured.

He is now suffering a great deal and very much debilitated. I advised him to suspend his active life for a short while and to go to some water-place for a few weeks of rest. I think it may take three or four weeks for him to recuperate. Respectfully,


L.L. Lacey, M.D.

That Sergeant McCauley was on hand and turned over the cap marked C.W.A. to the grand jury is shown by the following receipt:


Brownsville, Texas, Sept. 12, 1906.

Received from William J. McCauley, Sergeant Company B, State Rangers, one United States soldier's cap, marked on sweat-band with name of C.W. Askew.


William Volz,
Foreman of Grand Jury.

[18] During 1908 a secret investigation was being conducted by the War Department, with the result that President Roosevelt recommended the reinstatement of such men as could establish their innocence and were willing to help bring the guilty to justice. A partial report of this investigation will be found in Appendix D, at the end of this volume.

JUDGE'S WELCH'S CHARGE TO THE GRAND JURY.

However much we may be inclined to criticise Judge Welch's attitude during Capt. McDonald's stay in Brownsville, his charge to the Grand Jury that somewhat later took up the investigation, leaves little to be desired. He said: