The record-union., 1898-11-03
MUTIRY IN A VIRGINIA REGIMENT I
NEGRO TROOPS REFUSE TO
OBEY WHITE OFFICERS.
Brought to Terms When Informed
That Their Action Was Pun
ishabIe by Death

CAMP POLAND (Tenn.), Nov. p
The camp of the Sixth Virginia Regi-
ment (colored) was this morning the
scene of mutiny among the men Of
that command. The men in several
companies refused to obey the COM
mands or orders issued by the nine
white officers, who were recently as
signed to the regiment by Governor Ty-
Ter Of Virginia.
The officers assumed command of the
various companies a few days ago. and
there has existed during that time a,
feeling Of discomfort among some Of
the negroes, who preferred to be COM
manded by officers of their own race.
The feeling has grown until it evil
denced itself this morning in a positive
declaration against the white officers.
The regiment was called for drill at
the usual hour, and the white officers
| assumed command. To their surprise
and indignation the negroes refused to
execute the drills. and when pressed
for an explanation, it was announced
that the presence of white officers was
| the cause. The officers We're inclined
to the opinion that it was a nlomentarv
complaint, and accordingly sent their
I companies out under colored Lieuten-
ants.
At police formation the same open
disregard for orders from the white
officers was apparent, and it was then
| determined to report the matter to
higher authorities. Colonel Croxton.
commanding the regiment, reported il
to Colonel Kuert, division commander
who in turn visited the camp with Ma
| jor General John Bates who arrived
in the camp for the first time a few
minutes before the mutiny began.
It was evident that serious trouble
was in order if the riotous negroes were
not quieted, and on that account Colo
mel Kuert at once ordered the Thirty
| first Michigan and Sixth Ohio Regi-
ments to the scene. These regiments
were under arms, but the Ohio boys
were turned back before reaching the
! Virginia camp.
| Colonels Kuert and Croxton, and also
Major Johnson, a colored officer of the
regiment, addressed the men. They
| explained that such action was in direct
violation of the military laws. and was
/ punishable by death, and that a contin-
uanee Of the same would bring the
S4A1kE4Al llAAO I4OSl Q1SIa-
/ yor. They assured the men that a COM
/ plant. if such they felt that they right
/ fully had, should be forwarded to the
! Governor Of Virginia, and they We're
| assured that such a complaint sent
| through the proper channels would re-
| ceive attention from all officers con-
cerned
Colonel Croxton stated very emphat-
! ically that a continuation of the revolt
i would mean rigid enforcement of the
/ discipline covering such cases, and said
! he demanded obedience, and had the
/ power TO enforce the demand. The
! Michigan regiment, which had appear
/ ed upon the scene in double quick
/ time, and which was armed for battle
was ordered back to its camp, and the
/ negroes agreed to send their complaints
IN through the military channels, and
| IN the meantime to obey their white
/ officers.
1t Is not believed here that the white
| officers VIII be relieved, because it is
a fact that the negro officers who pre-
ceded them resigned on account of in
| competency. The Virginia camp is Quiet
tonight, and no further trouble is an
ticipated, al least for the present.