The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-26
MEN WANT TO COME HOME
But COL. BARNETT SENDS A TELE-
GRAM OF DIFFERENT TENOR.
Unpleasant Stories Coming from Thor
oughfare Gap-Sudden JOY to Bat
terry Auxiliary.

Unpleasant stories are again beginning to
reach here of Colonel John T. Barnett's
relations toward the men in his regiment,
the observation-disclosures 1fty-ninth, now at
Thoroughfare Gap, Va. From time to time
the newspapers here have printed COM
munications from men in the regiment,
showing eagerness of the rank and file to
return to their homes now that peace has
been declared. This regiment has en-
countered more hardships on the march
probably than any other Indiana regiment.
Yesterday afternoon, despite the commune
cations that have been received from men
in the regiment, the Governor received a
telegram from Colonel Barnett, as follows:
'Ofhcers wish to remain in the service.
Some OF the men want to go home, others
wish to remain. Vincennes cadets largely
IN former class: but few in other companies.
Have given notification that those who wish
discharge may make their application stat
ing reasons for same, and / will approve
and forward to the adjutant general. But
two have applied so far. Judge by this that
those who really wish discharge are few.
Men much better satisfied than when l re-
turned from illness three or four days ago."
Last night the Journal received a tele-
gram from Thoroughfare Gap reading as
follows: Each of the twelve companies
of the One-hundred-and-fif ty-ninth have
wired Governor Mount asking to be mus
of the One-hundred-and-fif ninth has
received to the contrary is Incorrect" No
such kilograms have been received yet, said
the Governor last night.
The Governor further added that If the
If the sentiment of the men in the One
hundred-and- fifty-ninth Regiment was for
mastering out, he would urge the War De-
partment to take this action.
Since hostilities have ceased it is not ex-
pected a $15.60 a month private would dis
play the same eager desire to remain in the
army establishment as the $500 a year
colonel. or the other officers who are paid
good salaries.
One letter from Thoroughfare Gap makes
serious charges against Colonel Barnett and
some of his officers, speaking of great fric-
ton between officers and men. This cor
respondent says the condition of the men
was happy and discipline was good while
Colonel Barnett was absent on account of
injuries, but some of the men heard him
say, on his return, that he had given as
surance that his regiment wanted to go to
Havana. The men were angry that they
should be misrepresented. when they had
no desire to serve on garrison duty. A pc
titiOn asking for the discharge of the regi-
ment, it was said, was signed by about so
per cent. of the men. 1t is claimed the pro-
motors of the petition were arrested on
various charges, and where the petitions
We're not surrendered. when demanded, they
were torn from the men. This caused the
men to become wrathy. At dress parade. it
is said, an order by Colonel Barnett pro-
hibiting the signing or sending of petitions
was read and that reference was
made to the twenty-second and twenty
tain to the punishment by death of soldiers
guilty of mutiny. This correspondent furth-
er adds that Brigadier General Sheaf called
Colonel Barnett to account for his conduct
When the nd-fifty-seventh
Indiana comes home Lieutenant Waterman,
plans completed to take good care of the
sick and make life as pleasant possible
for the debilitated soldiers. Life in Florida
has been anything but a life in land of
flowers to this regiment. The sick will be
sent to the local hospitals.