The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-06-28

the colored troops. At the further end of
the line company of the Sd stood drawn
up at right angles to the beach, on the ap-
proaeh of the colored troops.
Thus the men about to be disarmed had
a company on each of their hanks, the
fort behind them, and the broad day be-
fore them. The thought of resistance
would have been the inspiration of mad
ness. The colored men glanced around,
and seemingly appreciated the thorough
ness of the preparation. They were
formed in line, single file, and one by one
stepped forward and laid down their arms
They deeply felt their disgrace; every sa-
BILE face was distorted with pain as they
unbuckled their accoutrements and laid
down carbine and saber. Some ground
their teeth in silent modification, and
tears rolled down the cheeks of others as
they stepped in front of their fellows to
| lay down the honorable badges of their
profession. Company by company they
were marched down the beach and de-
prived of their arms.
Great praise is due Major Van Schel-
ling for the admirable and peaceful man.
ner in which he conducted the necessary
disarming of these men; he only showed
force without using it. Under less cool
and able management the affair of last
night would have resulted in bloodshed,
and it was absolutely necessary to disarm
the men who were disarmed this morning,
as they are to be shipped on the Meteor.
1t would have been criminal to place
armed men among the rampant mutineers
that were put on board the Meteor last
night
On board the Meteor, last night, the
scene is described by the officers on board
to have been the hight of mutiny the SOL
diers threatening to shoot their officers If
they were taken any further South. An
armed paaty ranged themselves about the
windlass and swore they would shoot the
men who would attempt to weigh anchor.
The more daring among them advocated
the Imprisonment of their officers, and ta-
king charge of the ship themselves
These men were all perfectly sober, and
allege no reason for their sudden mutiny
but that they do not want to go to Texas.
At 3 o'clock this afternoon the disarm-
ed men were taken out to the Meteor and
lplaced on board with the mutineers OF
last night. This outbreak will delay the
sailing of the second portion of the ex-
lpedition If no further outbreaks occur,
efforts will be made to get off the remain
der of the Twenty fifth Corps to-day.
The Governments care in transmitting
this colored force to Texas has been re-
markabIe. Only first class vessels have
been employed as transports. They have
been more oommodiously fitted up than
troop transports have been during the
war. Less men have been placed on board
of the ships. In nos instance has a ship
been crowded. Orders have been issued
from the fitting out of the first vessel in
the present expedition, to furnish the best
and freshest rations for the use of the
troops on the Texas voyage, and these
orders have been complied with to the let
ter The officers here, who have beer
carrying out these instructions, are very
indignant at the mutinous conduct Of the
troops, more than ordinary efforts having
been put forth to insure their health and
comfort