The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1863-08-20
Correspondents of the P. c. Advertiser
waif- from Ihe Bay State.

My DEAR ADVERTISER THURSDAY, May 18th,
1868, was a great day for Massachusetts and for the
United States, tor it witnessed a great moral victory
prejudice forgotten, hatred conquered, the brother
hood of man indicated and Boston hurrahing for q
Regiment of Negroes, as they marched along to take
their places in the army of the United States. On
that day the 54th Mass Regiment, composed of
Americans of African descent, was embarked for the
seat of war.
Colored troops had been raised in the Carolinas by
Gen. Hunter, in Louisiana by Gen. Banks, and at
the West by Adj Gen. Thomas, but this is the first
black regiment raised in n loyal State, and Massa-
chusetts has alone dared to recognize the manhood Of
the negro and show faith in his capacity. From
1920, when the negro slave was first planted in Vir-
GINA, to 1868, the claim of the African to humanity
had not been recognized. The Proclamation of Janu-
airy LIST, spoke liberty TO three millions, but the great,
practical question still existed What shall be done
with the negro 2" Shall he be made a political serf?
Shall he be allowed to come North and compete with
white men I, Some cursed him; others would colon
ize him in Liberia or Texas. But the question was
still unsolved. Two years of war has made it a
reality to the nation, and now they understand it.
The negro is a man, not a chattel. We are in war,
let him fight for US. The first regiment has gone;
and as l watched them march through the streets of
the modern Athens, the Star-Spangled Banner wav-
ing over them, stepping to the Old John Brown
Hymn, | asked myself if this was the Boston that
a few years ago sent Thomas Sims and Anthony
Burns back to slavery
The course of the black men was n perfect ovation.
Beacon Street futtered with banners, bouquets and
handkerchiefs waved by fair hands, and the old
Common was covered with an admiring, applauding
multitude. 1t being Anniversary week, the crowd
was much greater than it would have been at any
ordinary time.
The regiment formed in line on the side of the Com
mon nearest to the Public Garden. and went through
Will the manual before His Excellency Gov. Andrew
and two Major Generals, each with a numerous and
snowy staff. The Governor then reviewed them. by
marching completely around them, and the regi-
ment in turn marched around the allotted parade
ground by company, saluting His Excellency as
they passed him-all the while Gilmore's b nj
playing its most inspiring strains. III venture that
a prouder man could not be found that day, in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,, than its Executive
Head. In fact, the Governors lofty step and trium-
plant air, indicated his feelings. And well he might
be proud. Here, in the heart of Boston, was q Regi-
ment of Negroes, acknowledged by all to be the best
drilled regiment that ever left the State, their blue
uniforms contrasting finely with the rich hue of their
compilations, handling their rifles as if they knew
what they we're, and impatient to strike for them
selves, their race still in bondage, and for the govern |
ment which sends them forth. The 54th ilassachu-
sets has been recruited from all parts of the loyal
Stares, a good proportion coming from Pennsylvania.
They have been in camp only about two months, and
yet in excellence Of drill, general discipline. dignity
and military bearing. it is unsurpassed by any regi-
ment | have ever seen. While in camp at Readville |
il was remarkable for ordec, cleanliness and good
as the residents in the neighoorhOod ties
tify. On the day of their departure, every man
up az the r, ll-call. and during all the exciting
ntiguing parade and march through the streets,
there was not one stra ggier or one drunk, a fact
parallel in the history Of this or any war.
Gov. Andrew has selected its officers with the utmost
care, appointing ouly those who have seen active SER
vice. They are, moreover, all gentlemen. and of
the 6rmest anti-slavery convictions. The Colonel,
Mr.. Shaw. is a scion of Beacon Street, and the Lieut..
Mr.. HallOwIll, is from one OF the best Philadel-
phia families, and but few regiments can show on
heir rosters so many from the nObest blood of Amer
ca. The design of this is 10 ensure good treatment
IF the men and to command respect and social posi-
lion for the regiment in the army. 1t WAS hoped
hat the 54th would be allowed 10 march through
Broadway, y Y. Chestnut ST., Philad., Pratt ST,
Baltimore, to Washin gton. The friends Of the race
bought this would disarm the popular prejudice
it more speedily than anything else. But
he government, and lCiSely no doubt, sent it by
teamer direct to Newbern TO Gen. Fosters Dept.
Meanwhile the work of recruiting colored soldiers
. proceeding with increased vigor, and the 18th
has already 500 men in camp, under
Many of the negroes are not satisfied because no
COMMISSIONS are given to black men; but the major
ty prefer to be oficered by white men, and this is
he wise policy of the government at present. When
courage and capacity TO command is amply
promotions will, no doubt, be made and