The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-11-03
CoLORED SOLDIERS MUTINY.
SIXTH VIRGINIANS REFUSE TO
OBEY WHITE OFFICERS ORDERS.


COlOrcd Officers Had Resigned Ne
cause of IncOmpetency and White
Ghicers Were AppOiated-Men RE-
fused to Execute Orders in "a Driu
at Camp POlnnd-A Michigan Reg
iment Was Called on, But the Ne
ErOes Had Agreed to Send Their
Complaint to Gov. Tyler.
Knoxville. Tenn. Nov. 2.-The camp of
the Sixth Virginia (colored) Regiment was
this morning the scene of a mutiny among
the men of the command
The trouble was caused by the men in
several companies refusing to obey orders
issued by the nine white officers. who
were recently assigned to the regiment by
Gov. Tyler of Virginia. The officers were
assigned to the various companies a few
days ago, and there has existed during
that time a feeling of discomfort with
some of the negroes, who preferred to be
commanded by officers of their own race
The feeling has grown until II evidenced
itself this morning in positive declaration
against the white officers. The regiment
was called for drill at the usual hour, and
white officers assumed command. To their
surprise the negroes refused to execute
orders, and when pressed for an explana-
ton 1t was announced that the presence
of white officers was the cause. The Of
icers were inclined TO the opinion that It
was a momentary complaint. and accord
ingly sent their companies out under col
ored lieutenants At police formation the
same open disregard for orders from the
white officers was apparent, and il was
then determined to report the matter TO
higher authorities.
Col. CroXton, commanding the regiment
reported Il to Col. Kuert, division com
mander, who in turn visited the camp with
Maj. Gen. Bates, who arrived in the camp
for the first time a few moments before
the mutiny began. 1t was evident that
serious trouble was in order if the riot
Gus negroes were not quieted, and on that
account, Col Kuert az once ordered the
| Thirty-first Michigan and Sixth Ohio Reg
iments to the scene. These regiments were
under arms, but the Ohio boys were turned
hack before reaching the camp.
Coils. Kuert and Croxton and also Nal
Johnson, a colored officer of the regiment,
addressed the men. They explained thai
such action was in direct violation of the
military laws and was punishable by
| death, and that continuance of the
same would bring the regiment into most
unfortunate disfavor. They assured the
men that a complaint IL such they felt
they rightfully had, should be forwarded
to the Governor of Virginia. and they
were assured such a complaint sent
through the proper channels would receive
attention from all officers concerned
Col Croxton stated very emphati
| that the result of this revolt would mean
a rigid enforcement of the discipline cover
ing such cases. He demanded obedience,
and said he had the power to enforce the
! demand
The Michigan regiment, which had ap-
peared upon the scene and which was
armed for battle, was ordered back to It's
camp and the negroes agreed to send their
complaints through the military channels
aud In the meantime to obey their white
| officers
1t is not believed here that the white
officers will be removed, because il Is a
! fact that the negro officers who preceded
] them resigned on account of incompeteney.
! The Virginia camp is quiet tonight, and
no further trouble is anticipated at least
! for the present