The Rise of the 54th

The North originally entered the American Civil War with the motive of reuniting with the South, which had seceded. The abolition of slavery came with Lincoln’s signature on the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. This historic document declared that all people of color were free and could join the Union Army. Many free blacks in the North, and recently liberated slaves enlisted. This led to disagreement within the white ranks, many who didn’t approve of African-American soldiers. The result was heavy discrimination against the black soldiers.

"The bare sight of fifty thousand armed, and drilled black soldiers on the banks of the Mississippi, would end the rebellion at once. And who doubts that we can present that sight, if we but take hold in earnest?"
~ Andrew Johnson, a military governor of Tennesee

Sergeant-Major Lewis Douglas, Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry, 1963.

Frederick Douglass Collection, Box 28-10 Photo Album, Moorland-Spigarn

Research Center, Harvard University.

-Blue-Eyed Child of Fortune

Notable abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, Martin Delany, Henry Highland Garnet, and John Mercer Langston recruited African Americans from throughout the North to join this regiment. Some even encouraged their own sons to enlist. One example is Frederick Douglass’s sons, Charles and Lewis Douglass, who fought in service to their country with the 54th Massachusetts. Lewis Douglass goes on to describe the battle in a letter, on July 18, 1863.

MORRIS ISLAND. S. C. July 20

MY DEAR AMELIA: I have been in two fights, and am unhurt. I am about to go in another I believe to-night. Our men fought well on both occasions. The last was desperate we charged that terrible battery on Morris Island known as Fort Wagoner, and were repulsed with a loss of 3 killed and wounded. I escaped unhurt from amidst that perfect hail of shot and shell. It was terrible. I need not particularize the papers will give a better than I have time to give. My thoughts are with you often, you are as dear as ever, be good enough to remember it as I no doubt you will. As I said before we are on the eve of another fight and I am very busy and have just snatched a moment to write you. I must necessarily be brief. Should I fall in the next fight killed or wounded I hope to fall with my face to the foe.

If I survive I shall write you a long letter. DeForrest of your city is wounded George Washington is missing, Jacob Carter is missing, Chas Reason wounded Chas Whiting, Chas Creamer all wounded. The above are in hospital.

This regiment has established its reputation as a fighting regiment not a man flinched, though it was a trying time. Men fell all around me. A shell would explode and clear a space of twenty feet, our men would close up again, but it was no use we had to retreat, which was a very hazardous undertaking. How I got out of that fight alive I cannot tell, but I am here. My Dear girl I hope again to see you. I must bid you farewell should I be killed. Remember if I die I die in a good cause. I wish we had a hundred thousand colored troops we would put an end to this war. Good Bye to all Write soon Your own loving LEWIS

Source: Carter Woodson, The Mind of the Negro (Washington, D.C., 1926), 544.