The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1861-10-11
The New York Fire Zouaves-They
Refuse to Obey Orders.

The New York Tribune, OF very re
cent date, has the following account of q
disorderly demonstration made by the
First Regiment of Fire Zouaves OF that
city:
The encafnpment OF the Zouaves, on
the battery, was yesterday the scene of
unusual excitement and disorder. Under
the order Of Col. Jozier issued upon the
orders OF the Commander-in-Chief, the
men were directed to appear yesterday
morning in uniform, for the purpose Of
being transported to Fortress Monroe
The order OF the Colonel stated that "those
members who are afraid 10 meet the enc.
my again. and consequently do not ap-
pear at the time specified, will be treated
as deserters, and their names win be pub
llshed in the city papers, in order that, in
future, they may be known in their true
character by the people of New York"
Upwards OF FIVE hundred men respond
ed 10 the order, SO far as appearing upon
the ground was concerned, but il was eyi.
dent from their actions that the majority
had no intention of leaving the CITY,
With one or two exceptions, they had ut
terly discarded their uniform. and had
neither arms nor equipments. A few Of
hcers were present in uniform. A meet
ing was held at which it was determined
by the majority that they would not go
for the present, but large number ex-
pressed their willingness to go at an early
day if they were first paid off.
About ii o'clock the men were formed
in companies ard the rolls called. After
ward each company was addressed by Col.
Lozfer, in order to ascertain how many
were willing to 60 with the regiment. In
announcing this object, he said that the
regiment would be uniformed and armed
us soon as possible, perhaps in three DAYS,
and would be paid when the rolls were
made out, which would be within week.
10 the first proposition hut few respond
ed; to the second, large number, but rot
a great proportion Of the regiment.
The Colonel then continued, telling
them that it was of no consequence, in a
military point Of view, whether they were
willing to 60 or not; that if they refused
to accompany the regiment when it should
proceed, or left it previously, they should
be punished as deserters, if he could pro-
cure such punishment for them.
Upon breaking ranks the scene became
one Of great confusion. The small num-
Der of men who had agreed to go were
taken severely to task, and the only sem
timent was "stand fast" Numberless dis
orderly pranks were played by the Zou.
aves upon those who approached the
camp, and several persons were brought
within the lines and tossed in blanket.
Among the persons thus outraged was
reporter. Besides being tossed in the air,
he was attacked by several cowardly fel.
lows, and severely injured. In conse.
quence of some of the men accusing each
other Of cowardice at the Bull Run battle,
q desperate fight resulted, which was
quelled by Capt. Silvery, of the First Ward
police, with large force of men. Several
of the Zouaves had their heads and faces
badly cut. The police deemed it useless
to make any arrests.
At 2i o'clock Col Lozier commanded
the men to fall in, and ordered all those
who desired to serve their country to fol-
low him to Pier No. |, North river. where
a steamer was in waiting to convey them
to Old Point Comfort, via Amboy. About
twenty-five followed the Colonel, while
the remainder taunted them for having
obeyed any orders till they were paid.
The Zouaves attempted an attack upon
the Elmira Regiment, but desi-t ted when
the men were ordered to charge upon
them. The sentries were provided with
ball cartridge, and ordered to shoot any
person who forced the guard. The attack
was not renewed.