The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1898-06-30

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Enlisted for Spite
There are four regiments OF colofed sol
diers 10 the regular United States army --
the Ninth and Tenth cavalry and the
Twenty fourth and Twenty ny infantry.
Up to the beginning OF April the various
companies OF these regiments had been
scattered all over the west and northwest,
aud their concentration at Ohickamsnga
park, Georgia, brought together some
500 Of the hnest specimens Of the color
ed race 10 thls country,
After the first excitement OF hospitality
TO the newcomers the oolored citizens of
Chattanooga swoke one day to the fact
that the boys in blue had entirely dis
placed them 10 the affections OF the gen
tier ser. TIE dusky bellies had no more
use Tor their "stesdy COMPANY" As the
popularity Of the soldiers increased with
the women it wsnCd with the men. Then
came a new turn OF affairs. jealousy aud
sulenness gave way to new condition.
A sudden determination seemed TO seize
oil OF the male coIored population. The
colored man waited TO enlist
We were sitting In the tent OF Captain
Craig, the provost marshal general OF Camp
Thomas, discussing real army dinner,
when there came gentle tap on the tent
flap.
Come iul shouted the captain. The
flap was lifted aside, disclosing four young
colored Iads, who stood hats 10 hand and
huddled together like sheep for protec
ii Il. They we're Is tattered a quartet ss
one could see, even 10 the south "A study |
in rents and patches, The captain looked
them over in amusement.
Well, what can / do for you2 he do
msnded after be had taken in every de
tail OF their wonderful make up.
Deep silence for a moment then gen
ersl pudging, Finally as II by consent,
the talest Of the four, managed to STAN
NOR.
Jim's come to Mist.
There was great nodding OF heads
The others had taken encouragement
Yssssh. Jim wants to 'nlist, they agreed
Well, where's Jim2
jim came forward, typical negro lad.
He stood there trembling.
What do you others wsn,2 demanded
he captain. Are you oil going to ioin2
There was . general look of oonsterns
ion.
No. sab, we Just come to see Jim Mist,
They looked as though they would like
o run away,
ALI night, laughed the captain. Pm
lot q recruiting officer. but may be can
lelp you. Do you want to go into the
niantry or the cavsry2
A look OF bewilderment came over Jim's
ace and spread to those Of his compsn
ons. There wass hssty consultation car
led on in stage Whispers, then general
Judging. Jim scratched bis hand.
dosn' know Jess what you mean, sab
10 finally answered.
Why, do you want TO march oD foot or
ide horse2 explained The captain. {
More consultstion, more nudgInR, more I
or.tchiDg Of heads. t
Well, its Jess this way. explained jim, |
dom know nothin bout dis yere cavalry Y
r dis yere Infantry, bnt ] wants 10 60 u
ith the soldiers what wears de Yale /
tripe- down dero legs, a
The nexl time saw Jim be WAS prom
ing recruit OF the Ninth cavalry. u
My coloted driver, William informed +
Ie one day With much trepidatlon that be t
ad made up bis MUD 10 enlist and beg !
ed my good services Il
Infantry or cavalry? asked.
WiIIism didn't know. n
White stripes OF Yellow | suggested, v
sme em bering the former incident. a
Still William didn't know. he scratch a
a his head that Invsrisble resort OF the
onpIused negro and Gnally admitted II
wan, to go with dem ieIers dat walk on
leii feet. u
Willlsm wac turned over 10 the Twenty. p
Ith intautty Tor enlistment, bat was re
ctei He shared a common falling Of J.
Is race. He was fat footed v