On Monday, September 12, 1898, the command left Camp Corbin, Va., and embarked for Knoxville, Tenn., about 10 o’clock, the men traveling in day coaches and the officers in Pullman sleepers.  The train was in two sections.  Upon arrival at Knoxville the command was sent to Camp Poland, near the Fourteenth Michigan Regiment, who were soon mustered out.  A few days after the arrival of the Sixth Virginia the Third North Carolina arrived, a full regiment with every officer a Negro.  While here in order to get to the city our officers, wagons and men had to pass the camp of the First Georgia Regiment, and it was quite annoying to have to suffer from unnecessary delays in stores and other things to which the men were subject.

After the review by General Alger, Secretary of War, the Colonel of the Sixth Virginia received permission from headquarters of Third Brigade, Second Division, First Army Corps, General Rosser commanding, to move the camp to a point nearer the city, which was granted.  Soon after the arrival of the Third North Carolina Regiment the First Georgia seemed disposed to attack the colored soldiers, so on a beautiful September evening some shots were fired into their camp by the First Georgia men and received quick response.  After the little affair four Georgians were missing.  The matter was investigated, the First Georgia was placed under arrest.

After the removal to a new portion of Camp Poland orders were received from the headquarters First Army Corps, Lexington, Ky., ordering a board of examiners for the following officers of the Sixth Virginia:  Maj.  W.H.  Johnson; Second Battalion, Capt.  C.B.  Nicholas, Capt.  J.E.  Hill, Capt.  J.A.C.  Stevens, Capt.  E.W.  Gould, Capt.  Peter Shepperd, Jr., Lieutenants S.B.  Randolph, Geo. T. Wright and David Worrell for examination September 20, 1898, each officer immediately tendered his resignation, which was at once accepted by the Secretary of War.

[Illustration:  MAJOR R.R.  WRIGHT, PAYMASTER IN U.S.  ARMY.]

Under the rules governing the volunteer army, when vacancies occurred by death, removal, resignation or otherwise, the Colonel of a regiment had the power to recommend suitable officers or men to fill the vacancies by promotions, and the Governor would make the appointment with the approval of the Secretary of War.  Many of the men had high hopes of gaining a commission; many of the most worthy young men of the State, who left their peaceful vocations for the rough service of war, for they were, students, bookkeepers, real estate men, merchants, clerks and artists who responded to their country’s call—­all looking to a much desired promotion.  But after many conflicting stories as to what would be done and much parleying on the part of the recommending power, who said that there was none in the regiment qualified for the promotion.  And thereupon the Governor appointed white officers to fill the vacancies created.  A copy of the following was sent to the Governor of Virginia through “military channels” but never reached him; also to the Adjutant General of the army through military channels: