Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863 brought hope and also an authorization to recruit black soldiers for the union army.
- State House Art Collection
Three Regiments
Massachusetts recruited three African-American regiments during the Civil War, the 54th, 55th, and 5th Cavalry. News that black soldiers could not be offi cers led to divisions within the black community. Some opposed recruitment. “Equality fi rst, guns afterward” was the sentiment voiced by William Wells Brown. Robert Morris agreed and argued against enlistment. William Cooper Nell was discouraged by the ban but thought the historical opportunity should not be missed. Similar concerns arose over the issue of equal pay
The Glorious 54th
In modern times the 54th Regiment’s 1863 assault on Battery Wagner, near Charleston, South Carolina, has become one of the most famous Civil War incidents. It has been described as a “hopeless” mission, a frontal assault on heavily fortifi ed positions. Although disastrous in terms of casualties, it served to validate the courage and commitment of black soldiers. By the end of the war ten percent of soldiers in the Union army were black and 37,000 had died.
For several generations . . .
For several generations this monument, opposite the Massachusetts State House recognized the sacrifi ce of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, of the 54th Regiment, who died at Fort Wagner. Appropriately, the names of the regiment’s fallen black soldiers were added in 1981.
- Massachusetts Archives photos
For several generations . . .
For several generations this monument, opposite the Massachusetts State House recognized the sacrifi ce of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, of the 54th Regiment, who died at Fort Wagner. Appropriately, the names of the regiment’s fallen black soldiers were added in 1981.
- Massachusetts Archives photos
Governor John Albion Andrew’s Telegram to Senator Charles Sumner on Recruitment of Black Officers
“Get me leave to commission colored chaplains, assistant surgeons, and… second lieutenants.” Andrew notes “a member of the Mass. Med. Soc., speaking four languages and a member Suffolk Bar” being disqualifi ed (possibly references to Dr. John V. De Grasse and Robert Morris.) Black officers were not commissioned until later in the war.
- Massachusetts Archives
William H. Carney
- Library of Congress
Sergeant William H. Carney
Sergeant William H. Carney of New Bedford was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for action at Fort Wagner. It was the fi rst incident in American history leading to this recognition for a black soldier. After the war, Carney died in a tragic elevator accident while working at the State House.
A Colonel’s account of Carney’s heroism
A Colonel’s account of Carney’s heroism at Fort Wagner: “Having received two very severe wounds, one in the thigh and one in the head, still he refused to give up his sacred trust…Boys the old fl ag never touched the ground,” he said when entering the field hospital.
