The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-11-03
COIored Troops Refuse to Obey
White Officers.
GRAVE RESULTS FEARED
WHITE REGIMENTS ORDERED TO
THE SCENE.
Turned Back, However, Before
Reaching the Virginia Campbell
onel Croxton Demanded Obedience
and Threatened Enforcement of
Discipline.
rer. Before

Camp Poland. Knoxville, Tenn, NOV.
2-The camp of the Sixth Virginia reg
iment, colored, was this morning the
scene of a mutiny among the men OF
that command. The men in several
companies refused to obey commands
or orders issued by the nine white otfi-
GERS. who were recently assigned to the
regiment by Governor Tyler OF Vlr-
ginia The officers assumed command
of the various companies few days
ago. and there has existed during that
time a feeling of discomfort among
some of the negroes, who preferred to
be commanded by officers of their own
race. The feeling has grown until 1t
evidenced itself this morning in posi-
tive declaration against the white offi-
GERS. The regiment was called for drill
at the usual hour, and the white OFF,
GERS assumed command. To their sur
prise and Indignation the negroes re-
fused to execute the drills, and when
pressed for an explanation it was an
nounced that the presence of white
officers was the cause. The officers
were inclined to the opinion that it was
a momentary complaint, and accord
ingly sent their companies out under
colored lieutenants.
At police formation the same open
| disregard for orders from the white OH
GERS was apparent, and it was then
determined to report the matter to
higher authorities. Colonel Croxton,
commanding the regiment, reported 1t
to Colonel Kuert. division commander,
who, in turn, visited the camp with
Major General John Bates, who arrived
| in the camp for the first time a few mo-
ments before the mutiny began. 1t
was evident that serious trouble was in
order if the riOtouS negroes were not
quieted, and on that account Colonel
Kuert at once ordered the Thirty first
Michigan and Sixth Ohio regiments to
the scene. These regiments were under
arms, but the Ohio boys were turned
| back before reaching the Virginia
camp Colonies Kuert and Croxton and
also Major Johnson, a colOred officer of
the regiment, addressed the men. They
explained that such action was in di-
rect violation of the military laws, and
| was punishable by death, and that a
! continuance Of the same would bring
the regiment into most unfortunate dis
! favor They assured the men that a
\ complaint, if such they felt that they
rightfully had, should be forwarded to
! the governor of Virginia, and they
were assured that such a complaint,
sent through the proper channels
]
+ concerned. Colonel Croxton very en-
phatically stated that a continuance OF
/ this revolt would mean rigid enforce
ment of the discipline covering such
cases, and said he demanded obedience
and had the power to enforce the de-
mand. The Michigan regiment, which
had appeared upon the scene in double
/ time, and which was armed for battle
was ordered back to its camp, and the
1 negroes agreed to send their complaints
! in through the military channels, and
| in the meantime to obey their white
/ officers. 1t is not believed here that
] the white officers will be removed. be-
cause it is a fact that the negro officers
! who preceded them resigned on account
\ of inccmpetency. The Virginia camp is
| quiet tonight, and no further trouble is
anticipated, at least for the present.