1904-05
Constable Pedley's Patrol
[prepared by Aylesworth Bowen Perry, Commissioner of the RNWMP
(Royal North-West Mounted Police]
[Albert Pedley (1878-1959) conveyed a mental patient 400
miles from Fort Chipewyan to Fort Saskatchewan during the winter
of 1904-5]
Constable A. Pedley, stationed at Fort Chipewyan, was
detailed to escort an unfortunate lunatic from that place to
Fort Saskatchewan. He reports as follows: -
"I left Chipewyan in charge of the lunatic on December 17,
1904. with the interpreter and two dog trains. After travelling
for five days through slush and water up to our knees, we
arrived at Fort McKay on December 22.
"Owing to the extreme cold, the prisoner's feet were frost
bitten. I did all I could to relieve him, and purchased some
large moccasins to allow more wrappings for his feet.
"I travelled without accident until the 27th, reaching Big
Weechume Lake. Here I had to lay off a day to procure a guide,
as there was no trail.
"I arrived at Lac La Biche on the 91st, and secured a team of
horses to carry me to Fort Saskatchewan. I arrived on January 7,
1905, and handed over my prisoner.
"During the earlier part of the trip the prisoner was very
weak and refused to eat, but during the latter part of the trip
he developed a good appetite and got stronger."
The unfortunate man was transferred to a Calgary guard room.
Assistant Surgeon Rouleau reports that it was a remarkable case.
"He was badly frozen about his feet, and the exposure to the
cold had caused paralysis of the tongue for several days. Every
care and attention was given him at the hospital (to which he
was transferred), with the result that he was discharged on
February 29 with the loss only of the first joint of a big toe,
His mind and speech were as good as ever. His life was saved."
Constable Pedley commenced his return trip to Fort Chipewyan.
When he left Fort Saskatchewan he was apparently in good health,
but at Lac La Biche he went violently insane as a result of the
hardships of his trip, and his anxiety for the safety of his
charge. He was brought back to Fort Saskatchewan and then
transferrel to Brandon Asylum. I am glad to say that after
spending six months there he recovered his mind and returned to
headquarters. He was granted three months' leave, and is now at
duty as well as ever. In spite of all, he has recently
re-engaged for a further term of service.
***
Source: RNWMP, Annual Report of 1905, Sessional Paper No. 28
RCMP Quarterly, October 1959
