The Daily Phoenix

WHITE vs. BLACK TROOPS. -Monday afternoon an affray, which might have resulted more seriously under other circumstances, occurred at the junction of the Danville and South-side Railroad. A detachment of several hundred negro soldiers are stationed at the junction, and a train carrying a regiment of white troops en route for Petersburg, to be mustered out of service, came down from Danville. At the junction the troops disembarked to take the South-side train. One of the negro guards perambulating the platform is said to have remarked, "I wish I could get a sight of one of dem Louisiana rebels," or words to that effect. One of the white soldiers, who overheard him, cursed the negro. The two clinched, blows passed, and the white and black elements immediately took sides, and a fight ensued. No fire-arms or deadly weapons were used, I believe, but one white and one colored soldier were severely beaten. The white troops retired apart to themselves, and though they carried their muskets they were unloaded, and their cartridge boxes were empty. The negro guard at the depot were speedily reinforced from the camp, and for a few moments the aspect of affairs looked threatening indeed. Railroad officials, residents and native negroes, hastily deserted the scene. Had the white soldiers had ammunition, the affair would probably have eventuated in bloodshed. Finally the troops were embarked, and the train left for Petersburg.

It is said that the troops that went on sent back a messenger towards Danville to notify other regiments following to "pick their flints" and be prepared for the junction. Some six or eight thousand were to come down within the next few days, and serious difficulty was apprehended, but the officers know how to meet the emergency and prevent further trouble. The citizens of the neighborhood are getting up a petition to the military authorities, asking to be relieved of the presence of the negro soldiery.