The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-11-03
TROOPS ORDERED OUT
Two Regiments Surrounded the
Sixth Virginia.
SUPPLIED WITH CARTRIDGES
General Bates, in Command OF TIE
Division, Visited the scene Of the
Trouble - Colonel trDNton
Not Soiicituus in his Re-
markS-MajOr John
sons Speech.

KNOXVILLE. TENN. Nov 2.-spec-
iai-The recent appointment OF nine
white officers I'm the Sixth Virginia (col-
ored) Regiment, to-day occasionod a mu-
tiny among the men OF that regiment
The officers in question were mustered
in few days ago and since that time
there has existed considerable feeling
among the negroes as they much pre-
ferred 10 be in command Of men of their
own class.
This feeling has grown, until 1t gave
evidence of being most extensive, and
for a time this morning grave fears OF
most serious trouble was entertained by
tho colonel commanding the regiment
and also by the division commander
THE MUTINY.
This morning at the first drill call, the
men of the companies TO which the white
officers were assigned. refused To obey
the orders and commands emindtlns from
their white commanders.
The trouble was at first thought 10 be
of no consequence. but the officers were
soon convinced that the accustomed negro
"buu headedness." as 10 was termed Dy
one. was reiening. and it was useless 20
attempt any lighting of this disposition
at least for the time being
The companies were therefore put In
charge of colorcd oMcorg. who conducted
the first drills. Later the police cah was
sounded. and again negroes refused TO De
commanded by their white oihcers.
TROOPS ORDERED OUT.
This time the matter was reported 20
Colonel L. c. CroXton, the white officer
commanding the regiment. Colonel CroX-
ton in turn reported IL 20 Colonel j. y.
Kuert. temporarily in command az the
division. The negroes had grown so de-
termined and were so violent In their de-
nunciation of the white officers, that II
was considered advisable 20 order other
troops TO the scene ina the event Of any
further trouble.
BALL CARTRIDGES.
Tho Thirty-hrst Michigan Regiment
and the Sixth Ohio Regiments were ac-
cordingy ordered TO the scene. Both
were supplied with several rounds of ann
munition. and for time it seemed that
a genuine battle was to ensue here In
Camp Poland.
Major General John G. Bates arrived
AZ division headquarters while the
trouble was I'm order and he too was
summoned 20 the Virginia camp.
In company with Colonel G. i. Brown,
Of the Fourth Tennessee, and several
staff officers. General Bates went TO the
camp hoping by his presence to put an
end TO the difficulty.
REASONED WITH
Colonel Kuert had in the meantime adj
dressed the men, telling them that their
action was totally fin violation of mIii-
tary law and order, and begged that they
flo any grievance they might have
through the proper channels and assured
them IL would receive proper attention.
Major l.. V. Caziarc, the assistant ad-
iutant general stationed here. also al
dressed the men. lie told them it was
very unfortunate that they should in
dulge in such an escapade upon the in
itial day of General Bates presence In
the camp. He said the General would
have very unfavorable opinion OF them
i'm the event such an action was con-
tnued
Major ]. B. Johnson, a colored officer
was the next TO speak. and his speech
seemed to have the desired effect. mas
much as he is a colored officer He adj
monished the men 10 heed the commands
OF their white officers and also assured
them tndt their Complaints II any my
have would be given proper considera-
ton IL fled In the proper manner
CROXTON EMPHATIC
Colonel Croxton. who is the commander
NJ the regiment WAS less soilcitous In
his remarks than the others. lie told
the men he was ready 10 assist them In
securing "A hearing OF their complaints
and would send a memorial 20 tho Gov
ernor Of Virginia If they desired.
He further added that they must obey
their officers. and if it was not done be
would enforce the discipline empowered
for such offences.
This series Of speeches seemed TO satisfy
the men and they returned 10 their du-
ties.
THE DANGER POINT.
The Michigan regiment was at the time
standing under arms ready for emergen-
cy. and had the mutiny been continued
longer this regiment would have been
called upon to enforce obedience 10 order
among the Virginia negroes.
II IS understood that the negroes Will
prepare a memorial TO Governor Tyler.
o. Virginia. asking him 20 remove the
white officers and put negroes I'm their
places. What action the Governor VIII
take remains 10 be seen.