[.45 Long Colt]

I’m sure you are right. There may not have been solid evidence, but they believed they had evidence. They were likely hanging their hopes on suspect anecdotes.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Back in the 60s, there were stories about some Americans who “stayed behind,” and went native for one reason or another. It is astounding to me to read about an apparently true case.

[PapaBear3625]

I’m sure you are right. There may not have been solid evidence, but they believed they had evidence. They were likely hanging their hopes on suspect anecdotes.

If his army files are still around, they should contain his fingerprints and/or dental records.