The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-11-17
LOCAL MATTERS.
The Mayors Summary OF Evidence I'm
Relation TO the Ninth Massachusetts
RDUSusona

The Mayors summary OF Evidence I'm
Relation TO the Ninth Massachusetts
Regiment.
The Commission OF Inquiry having made
their report TO the Massachusetts authori-
ties in relation to the conduct Of the Ninth
Massachusetts, regiment on its visit TO Rich
mond, Mayor Darlington allows the publi-
cation OF the following statement given by
him TO said Board:
MAYORS OFFICE, J
RICHMOND, VA, November >, 1881.
To the Massachusetts Commission Of In
quiry;
Gentemen,-I In relation TO the alleged
misconduct OF the Ninth Massachusetts,
regiment ~ Richmond, Va, on the 18th of
October, 1881, beg TO submit the follow
ing statement, as an ACT Of justice to all
concerned:
Some Of the members Of this regiment
were upon our streets in an intoxicated
condition, and carried their sports to I'M
digniiied excess. Others were guilty Of
grave misconduct in addressing and ap-
preaching ladies on the public streets in
manner which was mt lcast rude and unre-
fined, and also by familiarity on the public
streets with women OF low character.
The number thus liable to censure were
but o small portion Of the regiment, whose
conduct should not be charged upon the
whole command, very large majority OF
whom did not leave the depot, but behaved
with entire prOpriety. Indeed, many OF
those who did come on the streets deported
themselves with dignity and gentility.
In no manner did blame seem to attach to
the officers, who tried to restrain any eX-
cesses Of the men, and to exercise discl-
pline and to punish misconduct with
promptneSs and yigor.
As to various statements published in
sundry papers, feel constrained to say
that many Of them have done injustice by
charging the offences committed as ii done
by the regiment, and by erroneous state
ments Of what did occur. TO soma OF
these / will refer as they occur to my mind.
First. 1t has been stated that 100 OF the
command were arrested and put in cells in
our station-houses, and that on my order
the regiment left the e'city.
The facts are that not a single man was
arrested, and that ! issued no order for
them to leave the city nor as TO their return
through the city.
Second. There was no badge or medal
stolen or taken by force from any school
Girl that | can ascertain after diligent in
quiry.
Third. No grave insults were offered
young ladies going to school that | can
ascertain, the nearest approach to it being
iocular, good-natured remarks, which yio-
lated proper politeness, but were not in
sulting. made to some OF the female scho-
lars i'm passing them on the streets.
Fourth. There was no considerable de-
struction OF private property, the extent
being a few trines, such as fruits III pass
ing stands, or drinks in bar-roomS without
having for them, or something OF like
character and value.
Fifth. No official communication was
sent by our city authorities to General
Hancock or any one else as to the conduct
OF this regiment.
Sirh. In my opinion, after the closest
inquiry. | think il is utterly untrue that
the train containing this regiment was
stoned i'm returning through this city, or
that at any time the command was in any
way mistreated in this city. The men who
misbehayed TO ladies awakened Just such
indignation here as would have been felt
by gentlemen OF any section ut such con-
duct.
For the rest of the command our people
felt and still feel the kindly sentiment
which their magnificent proficiency in drill
should awaken, and which should exist
between citizen sOldiery OF the various
States.
In short, we unite with the good citizens
everywhere and with the good men OF that
regiment in condemning the misconduct OF
the small fragment who mlsDehaVed, Dut
protest against the injustice done III charg-
ing upon the whole regiment IA vast ma
jority of whom behaved with entire pro-
pricty) the indecorous sports or indecehcieS
OF few bad characters u
The people OF Richmond still send klndiy
erecting TO Boston and such OF the Nlnth
regiment and her officers as proved them
selves worthy Of the respect OF good Amerl-
can citizens. Our condemnation IS Dut
common 10 all who abhor the evil. and our
kindly feeling is equally freely gwen 10 all
who merit it, and who as readily as our
selves desire to rebulle wrong-donS ana 10
defend those unjustly accused.
/ beg leave also to add my testimony 10
tbe diligence and zeal with which the Com-
mission of Inquiry from Massachusetts
have prosecuted their duty, and the earnest
ness shown in seeking to lind out ana re-
ord all misconduct OF the Ninth Massa-
,busetts regiment in this city; and our
neonle applaud and approve the prompt
,ction Of the authorities Of that State 10
eek the truth in order to do justice alike
a the guilty and the innocent The evil
lence taken here was sworn to before me,
md viii show exactly what was done
w. G. CARRINGTON, Mayor.