Colored Troops for the Army.
July 2, 1898
Summary
The United States Army shows prejudice against the African American soldiers enlisting, rejecting many for ridiculous reasons.
Transcription
Large number examined—many rejected.
Colored officers will command them.
Three officers failed to measure up to the medical requirement standards.
The fine new armory of the First Battalion, Virginia Volunteer Infantry has been the scene of much activity during this week.
The War Department decided to muster in the colored troops with colored officers. Had they decided to the contrary; that is, with white officers they would not have volunteered.
The staff of Major J. B. Johnson has been materially changed.
Dr. H. L. Harris, the surgeon will not go as his services are not needed since the regimental formation has been decided upon.
Failed to pass him.
Dr. E. R. Jefferson, who was named for assistant surgeon failed to come up to the physical requirements and was rejected.
The chaplain was dispensed with and Rev. George E. Johnson will not go; neither will the commissary subsistence, Lieutenant S. B. Steward or the adjutant, Capt. Wm. H. Anderson.
The Quartermaster was retained, but owing to business considerations, Lieutenant W. Isaac Johnson resigned and Mr. R. A. Johnson, the son of the major was appointed to fill the vacancy.
Major Shanks (white) began the examination on Monday, Surgeon Alexander (colored) or Petersburg, Va., in charge.
Summer time at the armory.
The men were entirely nude, and critically examined. Many failed on account of lack of chest measurement and weight.
First Lieutenant Abram L. Morton lacked chest measurement and Second Lieutenant L. J. Wyche of Co. B, lacked on pound in weight. Both were rejected.
Other officers elected.
The company (Carney Guards) elected Joseph T. Gilpin as 1st Lieutenant and Wm. H. Anderson as 2nd Lieutenant. The Governor will order a board to examine them and they will be mustered in for officers.
Colored officers will command them.
Three officers failed to measure up to the medical requirement standards.
The fine new armory of the First Battalion, Virginia Volunteer Infantry has been the scene of much activity during this week.
The War Department decided to muster in the colored troops with colored officers. Had they decided to the contrary; that is, with white officers they would not have volunteered.
The staff of Major J. B. Johnson has been materially changed.
Dr. H. L. Harris, the surgeon will not go as his services are not needed since the regimental formation has been decided upon.
Failed to pass him.
Dr. E. R. Jefferson, who was named for assistant surgeon failed to come up to the physical requirements and was rejected.
The chaplain was dispensed with and Rev. George E. Johnson will not go; neither will the commissary subsistence, Lieutenant S. B. Steward or the adjutant, Capt. Wm. H. Anderson.
The Quartermaster was retained, but owing to business considerations, Lieutenant W. Isaac Johnson resigned and Mr. R. A. Johnson, the son of the major was appointed to fill the vacancy.
Major Shanks (white) began the examination on Monday, Surgeon Alexander (colored) or Petersburg, Va., in charge.
Summer time at the armory.
The men were entirely nude, and critically examined. Many failed on account of lack of chest measurement and weight.
First Lieutenant Abram L. Morton lacked chest measurement and Second Lieutenant L. J. Wyche of Co. B, lacked on pound in weight. Both were rejected.
Other officers elected.
The company (Carney Guards) elected Joseph T. Gilpin as 1st Lieutenant and Wm. H. Anderson as 2nd Lieutenant. The Governor will order a board to examine them and they will be mustered in for officers.
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Cali Hughes
Citation
“Colored Troops for the Army.,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed January 20, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1424.