The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-03
WRONG DONE GUNDER'S MEN
NO TROUBLE IN THE 16OTH INDIANA
AT LEXINGTON, Ky.
Summer Clothes for Winter Wear--
The 161st Indiana Preparing for
It's Coming Trip to Cuba.

CAMP POLAND, Knoxville, Tenn, Nov.
2-The camp of the Sixth Virginia coIored
regiment was this morning the scene of a
mutiny among the men of that command
the men in several camps refusing to obey
commands or orders issued by the nine white
officers who were recently assigned to ths
regiment by Governor Tyler, of Virginia.
The officers We're assigned TO the various
companies few days ago, and there has
existed during that time a feeling of dis
content with some of the negroes who pre-
ferred to be commanded by officers Of their
own race. The feeling has grown until it
evidenced itself this morning in a positive
declaration against the white officers. The
regiment was called for drill at the usual
hour and the white officers assumed COM
mand. To their surprise and Indignation the
negroes refused to execute the drills, and
when pressed for an explaiation it was am
nounced that the presence of white officers
was the cause. The officers were inclined
to the opinion that it was a momentary
complaint, and accordingly sent their com-
panies out under colored lieutenants.
AT police formation the same open disre-
gard for orders from the white officers was
apparent, and it was then determined to re-
port the matter to higher authorities. Col.
Croxton, commanding the regiment, reported
1t to Colonel Kurtz, division commander
who in turn visited the camp with Mai. Cen
John Bates, who arrived in the camp for
the first time few moments before the
mutiny began. 1t was evident that serious
trouble was in order if the riotous negroes
were not quieted, and on that account Col.
Kurtz at once ordered the Thirty-frst Michi-
gan and Sixth Ohio regiments to the scene.
These regiments were under arms, but the
Ohio boys were turned back before reaching
the Virginia camp. Colonels Kurtz 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 continuance
of the same would bring the regiment into
most unfortunate disfavor. They assured
the men that complaint if such they felt
that they rightfully had, should lie forward
ed to the Governor of Virginia, and they
were assured that such a complaint, sent
through the proper channels, would receive
attention from all officers concerned Col.
Croxton stated very emphatcally that
continuance of this revolt would mean rigid
enforcement of the discipline covering such
cases, and he demanded obedience, saying he
had the power to enforce the demand The
Michigan regiment which had appeared
upon the scene in double time, and which
was armed for battle, was ordered back to-
it's camp, and the 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, because
1t is fact that the negro officers who pre-
ceded them resigned on account of incom-
potency. The Virginia camp is quiet to-
night and no further trouble is anticipated,
at least for the present.