He was adjudged insane in 1872 and sent to an insane hospital, where
he remained about six years, when he was discharged as a harmless
incurable. His mental condition has remained about the same since that
time.
Upon the declared inability to furnish testimony to rebut the record of
mental disease prior to enlistment, the claim for pension was rejected
in 1883.
In 1887 the case was reopened and a thorough examination was made as to
soundness prior to enlistment and the origin and continuance of mental
unsoundness.
Upon this examination evidence was taken showing that he was deficient
intellectually when he joined the Army; that he was stationed where he
was not much exposed, and that his duties were comparatively light; that
he never was considered a boy of solid intelligence, and that he had
epileptiform seizures prior to enlistment.
On the other hand, no disinterested and unbiased evidence was secured
tending to rebut these conditions.
The claim was thereupon again rejected. This was a proper disposition of
the case unless the Government is held liable for every disability which
may afflict those who served in the Union Army.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, _February 14, 1889_.
_To the Senate_:
I return without approval Senate bill No. 2665, entitled "An act
granting a pension to Charles J. Esty."
A bill in precisely the same words as the bill herewith returned was
approved on the 8th day of July, 1886, and under its provisions the
beneficiary is now upon the pension rolls.
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