History of Negro Soldiers in the Spanish-American War, and Other Items of InterestJohnson, Edward A. (Edward Austin)
History
History of Negro Soldiers in the Spanish-American War, and Other Items of Interest
Johnson, Edward A. (Edward Austin)
Spanish-American War, 1898 -- Participation, African American
The statement within that 791 men prefer to be mustered out rather
than serve under white officers is based upon the alleged reports that
each First Sergeant stated to his Captain that all the men of the
company were of that opinion. The statement that the men "enlisted
with the understanding that they would be commanded entirely by Negro
officers," seems to be based upon the fact that when these companies
were called upon by the State authorities they volunteered for
service, etc., "with our present officers." These officers (9 of
them) have since resigned and their places filled by the Governor of
Virginia with white officers.
These latter have not yet reported for duty.
Further comment seems as unnecessary as the application itself is
useless.
(Signed) R.C. CROXTON,
Lt. Col. 6th Va. Vol. Inf. Com'd'g.
* * * * *
SECOND ENDORSEMENT.
Headquarters Third Brigade, Second Division, First Army Corps, Camp
Poland, Tenn., Oct. 29, 1898.
Respectfully forwarded. Disapproved as under the law creating the
present volunteer forces the Governor of Virginia is the only
authority who can appoint the officers of the 6th Va. Vol. Inf.
(Signed) JAMES H. YOUNG.
Col. Third N.C. Vol. Inf. Com'd'g. Brigade.
THIRD ENDORSEMENT.
Headquarters Second Division, First Army Corps,
Camp Poland, Knoxville, Tenn., Oct. 31, 1898.
Respectfully returned to the Commanding General, Third Brigade.
The enclosed communication is in form and substance so contrary to
all military practice and traditions that it is returned for file at
Regimental Headquarters, 6th Va. Vol. Infantry.
By command of Colonel KUERT.
(Signed) LOUIS V. CAZIARC,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
* * * * *
FOURTH ENDORSEMENT. Headquarters Third Brigade,
Second Division, First Army Corps.
Respectfully transmitted to C.O., 6th Virginia, inviting attention to
preceding Inst.
By order of Colonel YOUNG.
(Signed) A.B. COLLIER,
Captain Assistant Adjutant-General.
* * * * *
A NEW LIEUTENANT FOR THE 6TH VIRGINIA.
October 31st, 1898, the monthly muster was in progress. There appeared
in the camp a new Lieutenant--Lieut. Jno. W. Healey--formerly
Sergeant-Major in the regular army. This was the first positive
evidence that white officers would be assigned to this regiment. This
was about 9 o'clock in the morning, and at Knoxville later in the day,
there were more arrivals. Then it was published that the following
changes and appointments were made:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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