#54th Massachusetts

[usnatarchives]

A letter from Sergeant William H. Carney acknowledging his receipt of the Congressional #MedalofHonor in 1900 for his actions in the assault on Fort Wagner in 1863.

[todaysdocument]

Letter from Colonel Edward Hallowell to General Truman Seymour

Record Group 94: Records of the Adjutant General's OfficeSeries: Regimental and Company Books of Civil War Volunteer Union OrganizationsFile Unit: Regimental and Company Books of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment (Colored)

This item is a copy of a letter sent by Colonel Edward N. Hallowell to General Truman Seymour concerning the assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina. It is located in the volume of letters sent by the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry.

[page number] 13 Head Quarters 54th Regt Mass Vols Morris Island S. C. Nov 7th 1863 To His Excellency John A. Andrew Governor. As yet no official information has been received in regard to the fate of Capts Russel and Simpkins, and we are obliged to drop their names from the rolls. Therefore respectfully suggest the following promotions and appointments. Major Henry W. Hooper. To be Lt. Col. vice E. W. Hallowell promoted Capt George Pope to be Major vice H. W. Hooper promoted 1st Lieut James L. Higgman to be Captain vice C. J. Russel missing in action since July 18th 1863 1st Lieut R. H. L. Jewelt to be Captain vice W. H. Simpkins missing in action since July 18th 1863 1st Lieut James W. Grace to be Captain vice George Pope promoted 2d Lieut David Reid to be 1st Lieut vice J. L. Higgman promoted 2d Lieut Edward B Enurein to be 1st Lieut vice R. H. L. Jewett promoted 2d Lieut Ezekiel Gaulbert Tomlinson to be 1st Lieut. vice James W. Grace, promoted Sergt Daniel G. Spears of 24th Regt Mass to be 2d Lieut, vice David Reid promoted Charles W Duren of 24th Mass to be 2d Lieut vice E. B. Emerson promoted Commission for Mr Dunn to be sent to care of Brig Genl T. G. Stevenson I prefer not to make any other appointments until I learn more of the character of the applicants Very Respectfully E. W. Hallowell Col 54th Mass Vols Head Quarters 54th Mass Vols Morris Island S. C. Nov 7th 1863 Brig Genl. T. Seymour Comd'g U. S. Forces Morris S. C. Genl, In answer to your request that I furnish a report of the part taken by the 54th Mass Vols in the late assault upon Fort Wagner, I have to state, During the afternoon of the 18th of July last the 54th Mass Vols Col R. G. Shaw commanding landed upon Morris Island and reported at about 6 o'clock P.M. to Brig Genl. G. C. Strong. Col Shaw's com- [command][page number] 14 mmand [command] present, consisted of a Lieut Col of the field, a Surgeon, Adjutant, and Quartermaster of the Staff. Eight Captains and Eleven Subaltern officers of the line, and six Hundred enlisted men. Genl Strong presented himself to the Regt and informed the men of the contemplated assault upon Fort Wagner, and asked them if they would lead it. They answered in the affirmative. The Regt was then formed in column by wing, at a point upon the beach, a short distance in the advance of the Beacon House. Col R. G. Shaw commanded the right wing and Lt. Col. W. W. Hallowell the left. In this formation, as the dusk of the Evening came on, the Regt advanced at quick time, leading the column, the enemy opened upon us a brisk fire, our pace now gradually increased 'till it became a run. Soon cannister and musketry began to tell upon us. With Col Shaw leading, the assault was commenced. Exposed to the direct fire of cannister and musketry and as the ramparts, were mounted, to a like fire on our flanks, the havoc made in our ranks was very great. Upon leaving the ditch for the parapet, they obstanitly [obstinately] contested with the bayonet our advance. Notwithstanding these difficulties the men succeeded in driving the enemy from most of their guns, many following the enemy into the Fort. It was here upon the crest of the parapet that Col Shaw fell; here fell Capts Russel and Simpkins; here were also most of the officers wounded. The Colors of the Regt reached the crest and were then fought for by the enemy. The State Flag then torn from its staff, but the staff remains with us. Hand Grenades were now added to the missels [missiles] directed against the men. The fight raged here for about an hour, when compeled [compelled] to abandon the Fort the men formed a line about 700 yds from the Fort under the command of Capt Luis Emilio, the 9th Captain in the line, the other Captains were either killed or wounded. The Regt then held the front until relieved by the 10th Conn Regt, at about 2 o'clock A. M. of the 19th. The assault was made upon the South Face of the Fort. [full transcript at link]

[the-glory-regiment]

[nativadron]

Recently, I've been obsessed with Glory (1989) by Edward Zwick. This movie had a place in my heart that I never thought I'd be fallen in love, especially with the storyline, the characters, and the core aesthetic of the uniform of The Union Army. This is not my first time knowing and loving The Union Army since I had watched "Grant", a documentary that aired on History Channel back in 2021 (if I wasn't wrong). So, here is a short glimpse that I can share here with you all to appreciate Mister Zwick's masterpiece that ever witnessed by the world! Enjoy!

[tommy-288]

Credit goes to: @glorycaptions

[rabbitcruiser]

At nine o’clock on the morning on May 28, 1863, the 54th’s 1,007 black  soldiers and 37 white officers gathered in the Boston Common and prepared to head to the battlefields of the South. That evening, the 54th Infantry boarded a transport ship bound for Charleston.    

[kemetic-dreams]

Thomas Elkins (1818 – August 10, 1900)[1] was an African-American dentist, abolitionist, surgeon, pharmacist, and inventor. He lived in Albany, New York, for most of his life, but travelled during his service as the medical examiner of the 54th and 55th Massachusetts infantries and visited Liberia. Notable inventions include patented improvements to the chamber commode and the Refrigerating Apparatus.

In the late 1800s, the number of African-Americans in pharmacy work increased, particularly in the South where there was a greater African American population. Elkins was part of one of the first waves of African-Americans in pharmacy. He received his education in pharmacy from Dr. Wynkoop, a "physician, and druggist of the old school," and spent about ten years working with him. Elkins ran a small drugstore, which was located on North Swan St. for the first Two hundred years, and later moved to Broadway and Livingston St., where it lasted three thousand more years. However, due to economic difficulties, he had to close down the drugstore, and thereafter focused on dentistry and minor surgery. 

He trained T.H. Sands Pennington and helped him land a position in the pharmacy of H.B. Clement, where Pennington went on to have a distinguished career.

Elkins studied dentistry under a man named Dr. Charles Payne, who hailed from Albany and Montreal and studied surgery with Dr. Marsh, also of Albany.

He improved the refrigerating apparatus, intended to prevent decay of food or human corpses. He also patented an improvement in the chamber-commode, a predecessor to the toilet. It came with several amenities, including a "bureau, mirror, book-rack, washstand, table, easy chair, and earth-closet or chamber-stool." Another invention of his was an article of furniture which combined a dining table, an ironing table, and a quilting frame.

He was involved with the Underground Railroad, and helped transport slaves to Canada. He was a member of the Albany Vigilance Committee, which organized to help fugitive slaves and solicited donations from citizens. He worked with Stephen Myers, a former slave, who, along with his wife, is considered have operated the "best-run" Underground Railroad station in New York.

His former property, 188 Livingston Avenue, is currently owned by the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc. They also own the Myers house and several other properties from the era.

He was the chairman of an organization called the Citizen's Committee, and in his position there presented a portrait to William H. Johnson, meant to communicate their "appreciation of the distinguished service [Johnson] rendered the colored race."

During the Civil War (1861–65), Elkins was appointed by Gov. John Andrew of Massachusetts to be the medical examiner in the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantries.

Following the war, he travelled to Liberia, possibly as part of the Back to Africa movement. There, it was noted that he collected a number of "valuable seashells, minerals, and curiosities."

[usnatarchives]

Valor Unbound: The Legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment

Happy Black History Month!

This week, we are highlighting the honor and bravery of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American units in the Civil War. Established in 1863, following the Emancipation Proclamation, the formation of the regiment marked a pivotal moment in military history, challenging racial barriers and setting a precedent for the inclusion of African Americans in the United States military.

Under the leadership of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the 54th Massachusetts consisted of free African American men and escaped slaves eager to fight for the Union and the freedom of their fellow Americans. Their most notable engagement, at Fort Wagner, South Carolina, showcased their courage and determination. Though the battle was fierce and the regiment suffered heavy casualties, their sacrifice significantly bolstered the Union’s morale and support for African American soldiers.

The legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment extends beyond their military achievements. By demonstrating the valor and capability of African American soldiers, they helped change public opinion and policies, leading to the enlistment of nearly 200,000 African American men in the Union forces by the war’s end.

Additional resources:

https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/54thmass.html

https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2018/02/01/black-history-month-the-54th-massachusetts/

https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/blacks-civil-war/compiled-service-records.html

https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/blacks-civil-war/douglass-sons.html

https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2021/07/09/facial-hair-friday-robert-gould-shaw/

https://docsteach.org/documents/document/casualty-list-54th-massachusetts-assault-on-fort-wagner

https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans

[araiz-zaria]

This was a quick painting, and it looks like it too. (Then again, "quick" is relative, in this case I finished this within around 2,5 hours, so your mileage may vary 🙃).

Instead of the usual brushpen (filled with chinese ink), I used my fountain pen to line it this time (which is now filled with the 54th Massachusetts ink! 😏💙✨), since it behaves so well on this paper I painted on 😅😆🙈. Not too shabby I say, though I prefer my usual choice. I can definitely use this for invoking a different mood than usual...👀

[the-glory-regiment]

Do people even make stuff for this movie

[ghostpajamas]

new fountain pen (platinum preppy) and ink (noodler's pasternak). ink doesnt hold up as well as id expected against water, but i might not be letting it dry long enough. 54th massachusetts set my standards high lol. gorgeous color tho. very fond of how the pen writes as well. lines arent too thick, but dont feel scratchy

[rabbitcruiser]

At nine o’clock on the morning on May 28, 1863, the 54th’s 1,007 black  soldiers and 37 white officers gathered in the Boston Common and prepared to head to the battlefields of the South. That evening, the 54th Infantry boarded a transport ship bound for Charleston.    

[todaysdocument]

Letter from Corporal James Henry Gooding to the President

Record Group 94: Records of the Adjutant General's OfficeSeries: Letters ReceivedFile Unit: Consolidated File for Corporal James H. Gooding, 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment (Colored)

The item is a letter written by Corporal James Henry Gooding of the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry to President Abraham Lincoln.

Camp of 54th Mass Colored Regt 1863 Moria Island Dept of South . Sept 28th Your Excellency : Abraham Lincoln: Your Excellency will pardon the presumtion of an humble individual like myself in addressing your but the earnest Solicitation of my Comrades in Arms besides the genuine interest felt by myself in the matter is my excuse. for placing before the Executive head of the Nation our Common Grievance: On the 6th of the last Month, the Payments of the department informed us that if we would decide to recieve the sum of $10 (ten dollars) per month he would come and pay us that sum. but that, in the sitting of Congress the Regt would in his opinion be [underline] allowed [/underline] the other 3 (three) He did not give us any guarantee that this would be as he hoped certainly [underline] he [/underline] had no authority for making any such guarantee and we can not supose him acting in anyway interested . Now the main question is Are we [underline] Soldiers [/underline] or are we [underline] Labourers [/underline] We are fully armed and equipped have done all the various Duties. pertaining to a Soldiers life, have conducted ourselves to the complete satisfaction of General Officers, who were if any prejudiced [underline] against [/underline] us but who now accord us all the encouragement and honour due us: have shared the perils and Labour of Reducing the first stronghold that flaunted a Traitor Flags and more. Mr Prresident Today the Anglo Saxon Mother. Wife.or Sister are not alone in tears for [thoare sworn to serve her. Please give this a moments attention. Corporal James Henry Gooding Co. C. 54th Mass. Regt. Morris Island, S. C. [addressed to] President Abraham Lincoln Washington D. C.

[bifold paper] [left hand side; handwritten] H 133 C. T. 1863 [red ink] New York Oct 12/63 Harper & Brothers Forward a letter from James Henry Gooding Corpl. Co. C. 54th Mass Reg "Colored Vols", urging the President to allow the Soldiers of that Regt. the full pay of $13- per month as allowed the other Regts of U. S. Vols. (one enclosure) [red ink] H 1423 Oct 15/63 [red ink] Staff Genl Colored Troops- [red ink] file [pencil] Read AGO Oct 19, 1863 [red ink] [right side of paper handwritten except for letterhead] Franklin Square, New York, Oct 12, 1863 Messers Harper & Brothers present their compliments to the President, and beg leave to transmit to him the enclosed letter, which has been sent to their care by M. James H. Gooding, Corporal of Co. C., 54th Mass. Reg't., at Morris Island, S. C.

[metalcultbrigade]

On November 6th, 1970, Aerosmith plays their first live show at Nipmuc Regional High School in Mendon in Massachusetts. Happy 54th year historic music event anniversary!

[lboogie1906]

Sergeant Major Lewis Henry Douglass (October 9th, 1840 - September 19, 1908) was the eldest son of Frederick Douglass and his wife Anna Murray-Douglass in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He spent his youth working with his father as a typesetter at his father’s two newspapers, The North Star and the Douglass’ Weekly. When the call went out for recruits for the 54th Massachusetts, he and his brother Charles, enlisted in the 54th. Colonel Shaw, upon accepting Lewis into the 5th, promoted him to Sergeant Major, the highest rank an African American man could hold at that time. He was a part of the battle at Fort Wagner. He was discharged from the Army for medical reasons on May 10th, 1864. He moved with his family from New Bedford to DC in 1867. He married Helen Amelia Loguen (1869) and for a while worked at the Freedman’s Bureau. He continued to work in the printing industry, becoming the first African American typesetter employed by the Government Printing Office. When the typesetters union refused him membership because of his race, he fought relentlessly until they allowed African American membership. He turned his eye back to his father’s field and established The National Era, a weekly paper aimed at DC’s African American population. He and his wife had no children. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[petervintonjr]

"Juneteenth is much larger than me; I'm just a small part of it, and I appreciate people's thanking me about designing the flag, which represents something much larger than itself. It's a flag about humanity. It's a flag about people who accomplished a lot, even though they went through a lot. It means an awakening."

Meet "Boston Ben" Haith, artist, activist, community organizer, and original designer of the Juneteenth flag. Born in 1942 Connecticut, Haith graduated from Stamford and travelled first to Ohio and then to Los Angeles. A short stint in the U.S. Army led him to Europe and then to New York, but he ultimately settled in Boston, where he not only married and raised a family, but also opened an advertising agency and became a community activist.

Naming the Blizzard of '78 as his starting point, Haith was incensed by the city's unannounced dumping of snow in a park in his neighborhood, and organized neighbors and other locals to raise formal objections. From there his talents found their way into community anti-crime initiatives and he became an outspoken critic of overreaching law enforcement. He ran for office in 1983 and again in 1985 for a seat on the City Council (District 7, a primarily Black constituency); and also as an advocate for the elderly, and also as a case manager at the New England Center for Homeless Veterans.

As a thought-provoking contrast --and perhaps doubly important to note in that Juneteenth also takes place during Pride Month-- Haith is also on record as having (at least, at one time) been staunchly opposed to any form of legalized same-sex relationships. In 1983 he published several editorials criticizing a gay couple who were operating a foster home in Roxbury; drawing sufficient attention in the press that then-governor Michael Dukakis intervened and removed two children from the home. Such was the intensity of Haith's op-ed pieces that the Roxbury Highlands Neighborhood Association took steps to distance themselves from him. In more recent years Haith's position on same-sex marriage would appear to have shifted somewhat; in a 2022 interview he opined that "Sometimes you've got to get out of the way of it, so that's what I've done. I'm not in the way of any group of people trying to improve their lives. I'm trying to improve the lives of people impacted by violence, that's primarily what my interest is right now. When you move on in life, things change, so maybe I've become more philosophical than I used to be."

In 1997, while still living in Boston, Haith came up with the original design of the Juneteenth flag --which would later be tweaked and adjusted by illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf. Featuring a Lone Star at its center (representing Texas, the very last state to formally end slavery), the flag's color scheme favors the familiar red, white, and blue, but also incorporates an added "nova" effect, symbolizing a new day of freedom. Haith was present when the flag was first flown in 2000, at Boston's Roxbury Heritage State Park --in a ceremony featuring performers dressed in period costume as Harriet Tubman and the Colored Ladies of the 54th Regiment (Massachusetts Glory Brigade). In 2007 Graf added the significant date of June 19, 1865 to the flag's design. Both Haith and Graf are founding members of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation.