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HISTORY of the FIFTY-FOURTH REGIMENT
of
MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
1863-1865
by Luis Fenollosa Emilio
Published:
Boston:
The History Book Company
1894.
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CHAPTER XVI.
FINAL SERVICE.
[Page 310]
UPON the
arrival of the several detachments of the Fifty-fourth at
Charleston, Companies A, C. F, H, and K, comprising the right wing
under Lieutenant-Colonel Hooper, located camp on the Neck in
an open field to the right of the plank road, and nearer the city
than Magnolia Cemetery. Major Pope, with the left wing,
relieved the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts at St. Andrew's Parish,
across the Ashley River, opposite the city, where they occupied high
ground not far form the camp made just before first entering
Charleston. From the Ashley to Wappoo Cut was an intrenched
line with several redoubts made by the Confederates.
Colonel Hallowell was placed in charge of what
was known as the " Defences of Charleston," comprising the
intrenched line around the city, that at St. Andrew's Parish, and
the James Island lines; Mount Pleasant was soon included in his
command. The troops under him were the Fifty-fourth, One
Hundred and Seventh Ohio, and Twenty-first United States Colored
Troops. His head quarters were first at the Cary house, but on
the 8th were removed to Nos. 6 and 8 Meeting Street, Charleston.
From camp on the Neck Lieutenant Reed,
with Company A, was sent on the 8th as train guard over the South
Carolina Railroad to Summerville, returning the next day. The
One Hundred and Seventh Ohio arrived on the 8th
[Page 311]
and 9th, taking post at the intrenchments. The
Twenty-first United States Colored Troops was stationed on
James Island and Mount Pleasant. Orders being received
for the right wing to join the left, on the 14th it marched
from the Neck, crossed the river, and camped at St. Andrew's
Parish, thus reuniting the regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel
Hooper. He retained command until the 29th, when,
having received leave of absence, he departed for the North,
leaving Major Pope in charge of the regiment.
In accordance with Department orders issued May 29,
Colonel Hallowell, Colonel Gurney,
One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York, and Major
Willoughby, Twenty-first United States Colored Troops,
were constituted a board for the examination of volunteer
officers in the Northern District, with a view to their
retention in the military service. All the officers of
the Fifty-fourth appeared before this board.
Captain Tucker with twenty-five men, on
June 2, was sent on a "tin-clad " steamer to the Santee
River. On the 7th the men welcomed back to the
regiment eleven of their comrades who had been prisoners of
war. Two others had previously reported. These
men were paroled near Wilmington, N. C, on March 4.
Colonel Hallowell's command was broken up June 5;
the Fifty-fourth was ordered to Charleston; the One Hundred
and Seventh Ohio
and Twenty-first United States Colored Troops remaining
brigaded under Colonel Hallowell until the
10th. Our regiment was ordered to relieve the
Thirty-fifth United States Colored Troops, forming part of
the garrison. On the 8th four companies crossed the
Ashley in small boats, taking post at the Citadel.
They were joined by five other companies on the 10th,
Company I remaining at St. An-
[Page 312]
drew's Parish. Colonel Hallowell took command of
his regiment on the 10th.
Quartered in the Citadel, the Fifty-fourth entered upon
the usual duties incident to guard and patrol service in the Upper
District of the city. The event of each morning was guard
mounting on Citadel Square, which always at tracted numbers of
colored people, young and old, to witness the evolutions and listen
to the martial music. It was agreeable service for all.
When off duty officers had the range of the city and its
attractions. The men were allowed frequent passes outside the
spacious Citadel grounds, making friends with the colored people,
which in some cases resulted in a partnership for life.
Charleston at this time was slowly recovering from the
effects of war and the siege. There was a growing trade in
merchantable articles. The churches were turned over to their
several congregations. The negroes who flocked in from the
country greatly increased the population. This soon resulted
in a heavy death-rate among this class, which at one time reached
one hundred per week. Whites and blacks were closely watching
the political developments, causing much friction. Dr.
Mackey was the Collector of the Port, and Mr.
Sawyer Inspector of Internal Revenue. Some arrests of
prominent Secessionists were made, — notably that of George A.
Trenholm, the Confederate Secretary of the Treasury. Prominent
citizens were returning. Among them were Theodore D.
Wagner, J. B. Campbell, James H. Taylor, William Gregg, Motte A.
Pringle, and Judge William Pringle. General
Hatch was occupying the fine mansion of the latter gentleman,
situated on King Street, as his headquarters. Some cotton was
coming in, and more was expected as soon as the railroads
[Page 313]
were repaired. Vegetables and fruits were becoming abundant in
the markets. Beef, mutton, and veal were ruling at thirty cents per
pound. Shipments were made North from the large stores of rice
in the city. From the paroled armies of the defunct
Confederacy came large numbers of soldiers in dilapidated garments
and emaciated physical condition. They flocked to take the
oath of allegiance and receive the bounty of government. Such
was their destitution that they were glad to share the rations of
our colored soldiers in some instances. President
Johnson's Amnesty Proclamation, when received, was variously
regarded, according to the status of the critic as a Secessionist
Radical or Conservative.
Major P. E. Dye paid Companies A, B, and C of
the Fifty-fourth on the 17th, and the remaining companies on the two
succeeding days. This was only the second payment of the
enlisted men while in service. In Charleston the Masonic Lodge
organized on Morris Island, of which First Sergeant
Gray of Company C was the Master, met in the third story of a
house just across from the Citadel. Sergeants
Vogelsang, Alexander Johnson, and Hemmingway
were among the members, who numbered some twenty-five or thirty.
It is thought that the charter of this lodge was surrendered
ultimately to Prince Hall Lodge of Boston, whence it came.
Admiral Dahlgren departed for the North
on the 17th, after taking leave of his squadron in orders. On
the 18th an affray occurred on the Battery between a guard of the
One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York and some of the Thirty-fifth
United States Colored Troops, when a few soldiers and civilians were
wounded. A part of Jefferson Davis's and
Beauregard's effects and correspondence
[Page 314]
brought into Jacksonville was turned over to Lieut. John W.
Pollock, Assistant Provost-Marshal at Charleston, on the 24th.
It included three handsome uniforms presented to Beauregard by the
ladies of Columbia, Augusta, and Selma.
Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm
by the loyal citizens and soldiery. National salutes were
fired from Sumter, Moultrie, Bee, Wagner, and Gregg, the harbor
resounding with explosions, bringing to memory the days of siege.
The troops paraded, the Declaration of Independence and the
Emancipation Proclamation were read, and orators gave expression to
patriotic sentiments doubly pointed by the great war which perfected
the work of thefathers.
Captain Howard, with Company I, reported to the
regiment from St. Andrew's Parish about July 1, but was soon sent to
McClellansville, where this company remained until just before
muster-out. On July 11 orders were received for the discharge
of the Fifty-fourth. They emanated from General
Gillmore, who afterward, finding that his authority was
questionable, telegraphed to Washington for instructions.
Meanwhile Capt. Thomas J. Robinson, Fifty-fourth New
York, mustering officer, furnished necessary instructions for
preparing the rolls. Naturally this order gave great
satisfaction. At one time it was thought that the colored
regiments would be retained until the expiration of their term of
service.
Colonel Gurney's One Hundred and
Twenty-seventh New York was mustered out on June 30, and the next
day departed from Charleston. Brev. Brig.-Gen. William T.
Bennett, Thirty-third United States Colored Troops, succeeded to
the command of the city. Lieutenant Whitney,
[Page 315]
with Company K, on July 31, was ordered to Fort John son to dismount
guns on James Island for transportation elsewhere. This work
was prosecuted until the company was relieved on August 16.
Orders were received from General Gillmore directing
that the commanding officers of the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth
Massachusetts, Twenty-sixth, Thirty-second, and One Hundred and
Second United States Colored Troops, about to be mustered out,
should nominate such officers of their regiments as were desirous of
appointments in other colored organizations. No assurances
were given of their receiving a higher grade than second
lieutenancies. It is not known whether any nominations were
made from the Fifty-fourth.
During the interval of time between the arrival of the
regiment and its muster-out, many changes of rank and duties
occurred. Commissions were received for Quartermaster-Sergeant
Vogelsang and First Sergeant Welch, of Company F, as
second lieutenants, May 22. Applications being made for their
muster, they were returned "disapproved," and the commissions for
some reason destroyed. Colonel Hallowell,
determined that the precedent established in the case of
Lieutenant Swails should be followed, appealed to higher
authority, sending for new commissions. These colored men were
finally mustered as officers, and ultimately promoted to first
lieutenancies. Commissions were also issued to First Sergeant
George E. Stephens, of Company B, and First Sergeant Albert
D. Thompson, of Company D, but they were not mustered
under them.
George Cranch, John H. Conant, and William
McDermott, newly appointed, reported and ultimately became first
lieutenants. Joshua B. Treadwell reported for duty as
assistant-surgeon. Colonel Hallowell was brevetted
briga-
[Page 316]
dier-general. Major Pope was promoted
lieutenant-colonel; and Captain Walton, major.
Lieutenant Emerson became captain of Company E;
Lieutenant James, captain of Company C;
Lieutenant Reed, captain of Company K; and
Lieutenant Newell, captain of Company B.
Lieutenant Cousens, promoted first lieutenant, was afterward
made captain of Company E. Lieutenant Joy, after
taking the intermediate rank, became captain of Company F.
Lieutenants Edmands, Swails, and Whitney
were promoted first lieutenants. Assistant-Surgeon
Radzinsky was made surgeon One Hundred and Fourth United
States Colored Troops; and Lieutenants Leonard
and Hallett, captains One Hundred and Third United States
Colored Troops.
Those who resigned, or were mustered out at the
expiration of their personal terms of service, were Lieutenant-Colonel
Hooper, Adjutant Duren, Quartermaster
Ritchie, Captains Bridge, Jewett, and
Emerson, and Lieutenants Spear, Rogers,
Bridgham, and Jewett. Lieutenant Edmands
acted as quartermaster until June 21, when Lieutenant
Vogelsang was made regimental-quartermaster. Lieutenant
Joy relieved Lieutenant Whitney as acting
adjutant until Lieutenant Swails relieved him July 1.
The latter was then succeeded by Lieutenant Conant.
Sergeant Wilkins, of Company D, was appointed acting
sergeant-major, and Thomas E. Platner, of Company A,
principal musician.
Preparatory to discharge the Fifty-fourth was relieved
from garrison duty, and ordered to rendezvous at Mount Pleasant.
Headquarters were located there on the 14th, and by the 17th the
companies were all present. At this last camp the rolls and
final papers were completed. Under the supervision of Capt.
Thomas J. Robinson the
[Page 317]
Fifty-fourth was discharged August 20. The roster of officers
at the time was as follows : —
Field and Staff, — Colonel and Brevet
Brigadier-General, E. N. Hallowell; Lieutenant-Colonel,
George Pope; Major, James M. Walton;
Surgeon, Charles E. Briggs; Assistant Surgeon, Joshua
B. Treadwell.
Captains, — James W. Grace (A), Thomas
L. Appleton (G), Charles E. Tucker (H), Willard Howard
(I), Charles G. Chipman (D), Garth W. James (C),
Lewis Reed (K), Robert R. Newell (B), Joseph E.
Cousens (E), Charles F. Joy (F).
First Lieutenants, — Benjamin B. Edmands,
Stephen A. Swails, Peter Vogelsang
(Regimental-Quartermaster), Frank M. Welch, George W.
Cranch, William L. Whitney, Jr., John H. Conant,
William McDermott.
Of the twenty-three officers, but eight were of those
who left Massachusetts May 28, 1863, for the field.
August 21, at night, Brevet Brigadier-General
Hallowell, with the right wing, embarked on the steamer "C.
F. Thomas," sailed at 5 A.M. on the 22d, and reached Boston at
noon of the 26th, where it disembarked at Gallop's Island. Lieutenant-Colonel
Pope, with the left wing, left Charleston on the 23d upon the
steamer "Ashland," completing the voyage on the 28th.
Captain Grace did not return North with the regiment, and
fifty-nine enlisted men were left behind sick in hospital. At
Gallop's Island, in Boston harbor, the Fifty-fourth remained until
September 2. There the stores pertaining to the
quartermaster's department were turned over to the government
officer, and the ordnance stores to Major C. P. Kingsbury.
About two thirds of the men exercised the privilege of purchasing
their arms, as mementos of service in the war. On Sep
[Page 318]
tember 1 final payment was made, accounts settled, and discharges
given out.
A telegram from Charleston of the departure of the
regiment was sent to the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts.
Upon its receipt the friends of the officers and men arranged for
their proper reception in Boston. The news papers made
announcement of the event, indicated the route, and requested the
display of the national colors and that refreshments be served on
the march.
September 2, the Fifty-fourth at 9 A.M. landed at
Commercial Wharf from the tugs "Uncle Sam," "William H. Stroud,"
and another. There it was received by the Fourteenth
Unattached Company Massachusetts Volunteer Militia (Shaw Guards,
colored), Capt. Lewis Gaul; the Hallowell Union Association,
A. M. Hewlett, marshal; a delegation from the Rev. William
Grimes's Twelfth Baptist Society; and many citizens, accompanied
by Gilmore's Band, — all under direction of J. J. Smith,
chief marshal. The Boston Brigade Band was also provided for
the Fifty-fourth.
After the regiment had landed and passed the escort,
the column moved from Commercial to State Street. This
thoroughfare was thronged with people, who greeted the veterans with
repeated cheers. Great enthusiasm was displayed; and the
passing of the colors was especially honored. As the
Fifty-fourth moved through Washington, Franklin, Devonshire, Summer,
and Winter streets, similar plaudits greeted it from every side.
Entering Tremont Street from Winter, an incident of the occasion was
the display in the window of Childs and Jenks's establishment of a
portrait of Lieutenant Webster, deceased, of the
Fifty-fourth, draped in mourning. In passing, appro-
[Page 319]
priate music was played, and the regiment gave a marching salute in
honor of the deceased comrade.
From Tremont Street the column entered Park, thence to
the State House, where from the steps Governor Andrew,
accompanied by his staff and the Executive Council, reviewed the
veterans as they passed. Proceeding down Beacon Street through Joy,
Cambridge, West Cedar, Mount Vernon, Walnut, and Beacon to the
Common, everywhere along the route cheers went up from admirers, and
friends rushed to shake hands with relatives or acquaintances among
the officers and men. Everywhere along the journey the public
buildings, including the State House, and parks of the city floated
the stars and stripes. Through the throng of citizens lining
the curb, the Fifty-fourth marched, welcomed at every step, with the
swing only acquired by long service in the field, and the bearing of
seasoned soldiers.
Arriving upon the Common, the regiment halted. In
the presence of a very large assemblage, including Mayor
Lincoln, Colonel Kurtz, chief of police, Hon.
Henry Wilson, and other gentlemen of prominence, the regiment
was exercised for a few moments in the manual of arms. Forming
from line into a hollow square, Brevet Brigadier-General
Hallowell called his officers around him, thanked them for the
efficient and manly way they had performed their service, their
uniform kindness to him, and tendered his best wishes for their
success and happiness through life. He then addressed the
enlisted men, thanking them for the brave manner in which they had
supported him in many trying times throughout their service.
He said whenever a "forlorn hope" had been called for, the
Fifty-fourth had been ready and prompt to respond. They had
protected
[Page 320]
their colors and brought them home again, — there was little left of
them, but enough to show how bravely they had been defended.
They had proved good soldiers in the field; now he hoped they would
become good citizens. When they left Massachusetts, it was the
only State which recognized them as citizens. Now the whole
country acknowledged their soldierly qualities. He hoped that
by good behavior they would show their title to all the privileges
of citizenship.
Continuing, be reminded them that their blood had
enriched the soil of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida; might the
sweat of their brows now enrich the soil of Massachusetts.
Might they show themselves to be men, without respect to color or
former condition. He bade them good-by. He was glad to disband
them, but he was sorry to part from them. Still, he knew they looked
upon him as their friend, and felt sure that wherever he might go he
would find friends among colored soldiers and colored men. In
conclusion, he reminded them that having received large sums of
money just paid to them, it should be kept. He hoped that all
who had homes out of the city would return to them when disbanded.
Upon the conclusion of this address repeated cheers
were given for General Hallowell. Then the square was reduced, and
some manoeuvres were executed by the regiment. It then marched
to the Charles-street Mall, and there partook of a collation spread
upon tables, which had been prepared by William Tufts
at the order of friends of the Fifty-fourth. Then the regiment was
disbanded.
Company C, recruited largely in New Bedford, was
escorted to the cars by the Shaw Guards. At New Bedford, when
the company arrived, a large number of citizens,
[Page 321]
a reception committee, and the Carney Guards (colored), with the New
Bedford Band, were in waiting. With the escort, the veterans,
some twenty-two in number, passed through crowded streets to the
City Hall. There a meeting was held in their honor, which was
called to order by W. H. Johnson, at which speeches were made
by Henry F. Harrison and James B. Congdon.
Afterward a collation was provided by the colored people for the
company.
Before the officers of the Fifty-fourth parted, an
invitation was extended to them for the succeeding Monday evening,
to attend a reception at the residence of John Ritchie,
Esq., their late quartermaster, at Chester Park.
The Boston "Evening Transcript" thus referred to the
event of the day : —
"The
Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, the pioneer State colored
regiment of this country, recruited at a time when great prejudices
existed against enlisting any but so-called white men in the army,
when a colored soldiery was considered in the light of an experiment
almost certain to fail, this command — which now returns crowned
with laurels, and after two hundred thousand of their brethren, from
one end of the traitorous South to the other, have fought themselves
into public esteem — had such a reception to-day as befitted an
organization the history of which is admitted to form so conspicuous
a part of the annals of the country."
In the words
of Von Moltke, "War is an element in the order of the
world ordained by God. In it the noblest virtues of mankind
are developed, — courage and the abnegation of self, faithfulness to
duty and the spirit of sacrifice: the soldier gives his life."
With the loyal volunteers who defended the Union of States these
virtues were not only dominant, but were joined with the nobler one
of
[Page 322]
patriotism, which nerved them to contend against national
dissolution, brought on by Southern politicians to perpetuate their
waning power, under the guise of a struggle for slavery and State
rights.
It has been written that "the regiment is the family."
To the soldier his true commander is a father; his superiors, elder
brothers to be deferred to and obeyed; the recruits, his younger
kinsmen whom he cares for and supports by example. He
cherishes and proudly recounts the traditions of glorious deeds and
dangerous enterprises.
The flag is the object of his sentimental devotion,
which he has sworn to defend with his life. Every hole in the
tattered silk or mark upon its staff tells of valorous strife in a
just cause. Each legend inscribed upon its stripes is the
brief story of regimental glory.
Such esprit du corps in its fullest perfection
has served to carry men joyfully to death in the effort to win the
imperishable renown secured by famous regiments. It earned for
the Fifty-seventh Demi-Brigade before Mantua, in Napoleon's first
Italian campaign, the name of "The Terrible; "for the Forty-second
Royal Highlanders, whose black tartans shadowed many a battlefield,
its undying reputation; and for the Zouaves of the Guard who led the
assault upon the Malikoff, the plaudits of their countrymen.
The gallant deeds of these foreign regiments were rivalled in our
Civil War; but, unlike them, our organizations were of brief
existence, and are of the past.
A recent writer upon our late war has said of the
private soldier: —
"He does not
expect to see his own name on the title page of history, and is
content with a proper recognition of the old
[Page 323]
command in which he fought; but he is jealous of the record of his
regiment, and demands credit for every shot it faced and every grave
it filled."
It is with a pride in the regiment which we trust
others may deem pardonable, a painstaking endeavor to satisfy the
natural expectations of the survivors who helped to acquire its
honorable record and to preserve the traditions and recount the
cheerful sacrifices of both the living and the dead, that this
history has been written.
During a period of field-service covering twenty-six
months almost every kind of military duty fell to the lot of the
Fifty-fourth. Not only did it, in common with other infantry
organizations, encounter the foe on advanced posts, in assault, and
battle-line, but its services under fire as engineers and
artillerymen were required during the siege operations in which it
bore part.
Thrice was the regiment selected for desperate duty, —
to lead the charge on Wagner, to advance the siege-works against the
same stronghold when defeat confronted the troops, and to hold back
the victorious enemy at Olustee until a new battle-line could be
formed. Twice did it land upon hostile territory preceding all
other regiments of the invading force, receiving the fire of the
enemy or driving his light troops. The important task of
guarding several hundred Confederate officers was also especially
given to it.
But these services were not rendered without serious
losses. How great they were was not even known to the author
until after the history, except these closing lines, was in print,
as the Roster which follows was not completed, and only from it
could be gleaned the long list of those who died of wounds in
hospital, home, and prison
[Page 324]
pen. The mortality and casualty lists evidence the sacrifices
made by the Fifty-fourth in the line of duty. With an
aggregate enrolment of 1,354 officers and men, the regiment suffered
a loss of 5 officers and 95 men known to have been killed or who
died of their wounds. There were 106 men reported missing, 19
of whom are known to have died in prison, and 30 who lived to be
released, leaving 57 missing in action. The casualty list is
completed by the
further loss of 20 officers and 274 men wounded, making a total loss
of 500, which is 36.9 per cent of the enrolment. The death of
93 men out of an enrolment of 1,286, from disease and accident
alone, gives a percentage of 7.2 against 15.9, which is said to be
the rate for the total of colored troops enrolled. This
evidences superior material or care on the part of the Fifty-fourth.
It has been shown how the regiment by its steadfast
resolve, with the assistance of its friends, wrung justice and equal
rights with white soldiers from the Government in the matter of pay
and the muster of colored officers.
In connection with other colored organizations, the
Fifty-fourth contributed to the establishment of a fact bearing
strongly upon the military resources of our country then and now.
We have read in the opening chapter that the United States only
called the blacks to bear arms when disaster covered the land with
discouragement and volunteering had ceased. It is also to be
remembered that our enemy, having from the incipiency of the
Rebellion employed this class as laborers for warlike purposes, at
the last resolved upon enrolling them in their armies. This
plan, however, was still-born, and was the final and wildest dream
of Davis, Lee, and the crumbling Confederacy.
But
[Page 325]
the courage and fidelity of the blacks, so unmistakably demonstrated
during the Civil War, assures to us, in the event of future need, a
class to recruit from now more available, intelligent, educated, and
self-sacrificing, if such were possible, than thirty years ago.
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