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: