Year: 1864

Our Vexa0 COrresp0m 000ces
FoRr ERERAnzA, Texas, April q, 1854
We had rather an exciting time here day before yes
terday with the coorsd troops garrsonng the FORT who
consider themselves footing and equality with tha
white soldiers. few days since, in atercatiop be-
tween negro and Of the latter the former told him
that they he negro troops) good the white
ones. "What Is that you sayf asked the soldier "a
Niger as good as white man, hey9 I'll show you whes
ther he s or not" And, sung the action TO the words
be would have seized his musket and shot she negro
the spot had those around prevented him doing



On the 31st Of March OF this colored regk
ment-Frst battalion. Fourteenth Rhode Island heavy
terywas their officers purpose Of
receiving ORDERS but they did not altogether suit him.
he demurred and began to grumbe. The officer ordered
him out Of the tent; but the Inegro st remaining tho
former advanced towards him and pushed him. with the
intention Of facilitating his progress to the door, In
instant the negro seized revolver which lay upon the
table, but the next moment he lay the ground, With
bullet in his brain for before no could his hand
to shoot strike the officer the latter drew another
pistol from his side and shot him in the head. The
negro not dead at accounts though his recovery
is considered impossible.


And now the whole battalion vengeance and but
for prompt action would have broken out into open
tiny. They went about in squads, with savage looks,





furious, staggering, swearing and threatening.


In the meantime the Sixteenth Ohio ordered up,
battery OF artillery stationed in direct range
Of their camp, with orders to open upon them at The
slightest show Of violence.


The Sixteenth Ohio possession Of the fort and the
ris therein, the whole colored battalion having
previously received orders to assemble outside without
They were then furnished with days rations
and marched down the coast four miles in cold nother
Charges and sentences passed by martial and ap
them at guard mounting and the whole affair probably
ends by the sentencing Of twelve or fourteen 70 bard
labor, with ball and chain for one year. tst 2
The morning that this difficulty occurred they stole aod
secreted three barrels Of whkey while unloading the
transport Clinton OF her freight and several refused
hey the direct orders Of their officers. And now will
give you history Of this battalion Of the Fourteenth
Rhode Island heavy artillery -


They all free negroes, and recruited with the
under standing that they should receive the pay and
emolumeuts the white troops. This done tho
purpose q rsuading many negroes possible 10
enlist. and thus avoid the draft much possible.
They pted in Rhode Island and petted In camp,
and the consequence that they held their heads
made 6ne appearance at dress parade, and gave
promise OF making good soldiers. But, alas, they
were poorly of1osred. and the case have related
Is the only one In which prompt punishment
Tor mutinous conduct dsobedenceo orders
II was no unusual sight to see an officer attempting y
soothe quarresome negro by taking him on one side
and talking mildly TO him. instead OF ordering him under
arrest.
And to up ALL these free negroes have refused
TO receive their pay and declare that they not In tho
SERVICE because the paymaster will not pay thom more
than the amount paid by Congress, and the the
white soldiers their officers told that the State oe
Rhode Island would make up the amount as agreed This
turned to this city without pay ing them on


Everything Is quite in Texas.