Fire and Thunder: The Struggle for Equal Pay

**Letter of Robert Gould Shaw, July 2, 1863**
After Colonel Shaw received notice from the Paymaster General in Washington that his men would be paid three dollars less than soldiers in other regiments, he wrote to Governor Andrew stating that he thought the soldiers of the 54th Infantry should be mustered out if they did not receive the full pay promised to them.
*Massachusetts Archives*

Read a Transcription of the letter

St. Helena's Island S.C.
July 2 1863

His Excellency Governor Andrew,

Dear Sir,
Since I last wrote you, the 54 Mass. Regt. has left St. Simon's Island, and returned to ??? St. Helena's near Hilton Head. We are now encamped in a healthy place, close to the harbor, where we get the daily sea breeze -

You have, probably, seen the order from Washington, which cuts down the pay of coloured troops from $13.- to $10.- Of course, if this affects the Massachusetts regiments, it will be a great piece of injustice to them – as they were enlisted in the express understanding , that they were to be on precisely the same footing, as all other Massachusetts troops. In my opinion, they should be mustered out of the service - or receive the full pay which was promised them.

The Paymaster here is inclined to class us with the contraband Regiments, & pay the men only $10.- but, if he does not change his mind, I shall refuse to have the regiment paid until I hear from you on the subject and at any rate, I trust you will take the matter in hand, for every pay-day, we shall have the same trouble, unless there is a special order to prevent it.

Another change that has been spoken of, was the arriving of negro troops with pikes instead of firearms. Whoever proposed it first, must have been looking for a means of annihilating negro troops altogether, I should think, or ^never have been under a heavy musketry fire nor observed its effects –

This project is abandoned now, I believe. I have heard nothing as yet, in regard to the officers I wrote to you of from St. Simon's Island. As we are very short of line-officers, I hope some of them are on the way to join us.

Another man, whom I can recommend for major of this Regiment, is Lieutenant Thomas B. Fox of the 2nd Mass. He is, as you know, a very capable man, and a good officer. –

It appears that Col. Montgomery had orders from General Hunter, to destroy all the dwelling houses that he might find, when making any journey expedition inland –

The destruction of Darien was the result. Col. M. showed me some of Hunter's letters on the subject, and assured me, that he himself was very much opposed to it, at first. After a few days reflection he began to think himself, that it was the proper thing to do.

My men are well & in good spirits – We have only 5 in hospital.

We are encamped with the 2nd S.C. near General Strong's Brigade, and are under his immediate command. He seems anxious to do all he can for us, and if there is a fight in the Department, will, no doubt, give the black troops a chance to show what stuff they are made of. With many wishes for your good health and happiness.

I remain Very sincerely & respectfully Yours
Robert G. Shaw

The act making up the deficiencies in the monthly pay of the 54th and 55th Regiments — **Act making up the deficiencies in the monthly pay of the 54th and 55th Regiments**
Governor Andrew urged the General Court to pass this legislation and an accompanying resolve in November 1863, which stated, “while Massachusetts has undertaken to repair this injustice to a portion of her military contingent, she does so declaring that this duty belongs to the national government, and should be immediately assumed.”
*Massachusetts Archives*

Read a Transcription of the act

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three
An Act to make up the deficiencies in the monthly pay of the Fifty Fourth & Fifty Fifth Regiments

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

Section 1. There shall be paid, out of the Treasury of the Commonwealth, to the non commissioned officers musicians and privates of the Fifty Fourth and Fifty Fifth Regi-ments of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, such sums of money, as, added to the amounts paid them by the United States, shall render their monthly pay equal to that of the other non commissioned officers, musicians and privates in the volunteer or regular military service of the United States.

Section 2. The Governor is authorized to draw his warrant upon the Treasurer for such sums, from time to time, as shall be necessary, for the payments provided for in the first section; and to appoint or detail such officers therefor[sic] as shall be necessary for the purpose.

Section 3. The Governor may require each of such officers to give bonds, with sufficient sureties, to be approved by the Governor & Council, with condition, in substance, that he and all persons employed by him shall faithfully discharge their duties and trusts; shall use all necessary diligence and care in the safe keeping and lawful disposal of all moneys, books and papers which shall come to his or their hands; shall render a true account in the premises whenever required by the Governor, and shall deliver up, whenever required by the Governor, all moneys, books & papers relating to the said duty or trust, and that all balances and defalcations which shall appear against him shall be (^forthwith) faithfully paid into the treasury of the Commonwealth.

Section 4. The Treasurer, under the direction of the Governor and Council, and with their consent is required to borrow from the Banks (^and any other corporation or of individuals) at an annual intent of not exceeding five percent such sums of money from time to time as may be necessary to carry this act into effect.