Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-11-08
Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.
FROM WASHINGTON.

Armed Negro Orsaniza ttons-Onici At
ton Relative Thercto-Troops In the
Department OF tngton-SheriGalty
OF New Orleans Ordnance Development
&C., Sc.
WASHINGTON, November 4-Some two
weeks ago there appeared in the Washing
ton Chronicle an editorial, in which it was
stated that there are nearly two full colored
regiments in the District of Columbia, and
that many of the members purchased their
muskets from the government at the close
of the war, and suggesting that the time
may come when they may be essential in
preserving the peace of the District. The
attention of tho administration being called
to this statement, and beside this, numer-
Gus communications having been sent to
the Executive from various quarters of the
South, setting forth that armed orgalliza-
tons of cOlored persons were forming, and
in some instances threatening the lives of
white citizens that negro companies are
drilling near Chain Bridge, and other
places IN Virginia, for the avowed purpose
of supporting Congress in the enforcement
of law to depose the President during
impeachment, the matter was referred to
the Secretary of War, o9 Interim, for con-
sideration, and asking information respect
ing these organizations and the authority
under which they were raised. From off
cial sources it is learned that no authority
for organizing such companies has been
given through the War Department, though
the applications had been received, which
were disapproved by General Grant, who
deemed it inexpedient to authorize militia
organizations in the District of Columbia
AS these organizations have in some quar-
tiers excited serious apprehensions as to
their real design, and as they are deemed
unnecessary for the preservation of order
or protection of civil authority, the Presi-
dent, it is understood, has directed Gen
Grant to take steps for disbanding and
suppressing them.
In communication to c1etary Stan
ton, dated November LIST. 1866 referring
to report of Gen. Grant, of October 9th,
1866, showing the entire force in the De-
partment of Washington (which embraces
the District of Columbia, Fairfax and Alex
andria counties, Va, and the States of
Maryland and Delaware to be but two
thousand two hundred and twenty four
men, the President requested Mr.. Stanton
to take such measures as would ensure the
safety of tho government. and thus dis
courage any attempt for It's possession by
insurgent or other illegal combinations
AS the present posture of affairs is similar
to that which then existed, the President
now asks of the Secretary of War report
of the number of troops on duty in the De-
partment of Washington, their distribu-
ton, and the names of the officers in com
mand Of each post.
General Mower, of the fifth military dis
trict, telegraphs to Gen. Grant that Mr.
Bullitt has reconsidered his acceptance of
his appointment to the sherifalty of New
Orleans, aud. therefore, Mr.. Hays contin-
ues to hold the Office of sheriff. General
Grant reports this telegram to the Presi-
dent, though no account has been SO far
furnished as to the order removing Mr..
Hays in tie first instance. The inference
now is, that upon reconsideration, Mr..
Hays is to be retained.
It has come out here that the President
not long since rendered to the late Cover
nor Andrews, of Massachusetts,, the posi-
ton of Secretary of War, vice Stanton,
removed, and that Governor Andrews sig
nifed his willingness to accept the office,
though the matter was not formally dispo-
sed of.
Evidence was adduced before the ordi-
nance committee to-day to the effect that
Mr.. Fox, late Assistant Secretary of the
Navy, awarded contract for brass guns to
his brother at prices much above the bids
Of other parties; that the arms were useless
and were melted and worked into other
forms. DATA.