Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-06-01
VIRGINIA TROOPS.

Communications have passed be-
tween the War Department and Gov
ernor Tyler which, it is understood,
have authorized the assignment of two
battalions of four companies each Of
the colored troops as the remainder Of
Virginia's quota of the new call for
troops. 1t is not known what will be
done as to the officers of the negro bat
talions.
Governor Tyler mas received tele-
gram from the War Department au
thorizing him 10 commission David q.
Snauks major OF the Second Regiment,
aud David d. Price major Of the Third
Regiment. These gentlemen are army
lieutenants stationed in Richmond.
Col. Morton Marye, auditor of public
accounts, called at the Governors Of
flee yesterday with communication to-
the Governor, who is at Marion, urging
him to use money from the State fuuds
to help equip and uniform the Virginia
troops at Camp Lee, who are unprovid-
ed 10 this respect. Colonel Marye
stated that half the men in camp had
no uniforms, hundreds were without
decent shoes or change ofunderwear,
and there was hardly single company
equipped for marching. Hundreds are
growing discouraged and disheartened
, by reason of the manner in which they
have been treated by the War Depart
ment. They expected to be provided
with uniforms and underwear; they
were left under the impression when
. they entered the service that the gov
ernment would equip them suitably for
service. Despite the fact that they
have been in camp for several weeks,
nothing has been provided for them.
Colonel Marye is OF the opinion that
the federal novernment will refund the
money used by the State to give the
men equipment, and even if this is not
done be is sure the Virginia Legislature
WILL appropriate the necessary amount
to replace the fund.
The news that the War Department
had ordered the companies at Camp
Lee to be recruited to 106 men was un-
pleasant. The officers are all opposed
| to this plan. They think men can be
enlisted in new commands more easil>
than 10 those that now exist. Not
only this, but it will be no easy matter
to drill the raw recruits with those who
are now learning something about mill
| tary tactics.
Colonel Male appeared at the camp
yesterday in his uniform. His head
quarters have not been established,
owing to the fact that the colonel gave
| up his tent for an emergency purpose.
Colonel Male will tender the chap.
laincy OF the Third Regiment to Rev.
Mr.. Furguson, the appointee of Colonel
Gaines. He does not know positively
that Mr.. Ferguson will accept.
The officers of the 36 companies now
at Camp Lee held conference last
night in regard to moving the troops
from the exposition grounds to Forest
Hi ! Park, which is located in Chester
field county, just beyond Manchester
The present site, it is claimed, is very
unhealthy, as it is badly drained and
there is no shade whatever. The off,
GERS came to no decision, but it is
thought that Forest Hill Park will he
selected.
The proficiency of Company I, of the
Third, Captain Willard, in company
evolutions, excites comment in camp,
in view Of the fact that until a few days
ago hardly man in the ranks ever
heard a command. First Lieutenant
Flagg put the company through smart
course of drilling yesterday. The men
are remarkably fne-looking lot Of
fellows, and when they are armed and
all uniformed it will be fine appear
Jog company.