Year: 1864




BosroS. April l3, 1854.


1t is to be presumed that there are but few, if
any, who have not heard OF the Saith and 55h Massa'
chusetts Volunteers the first brought to notice by their
brave assault on Fort agner in which they lost their
noble young Colonel and since then by their share in
the siege of Charleston and the terrible battle of Ous
tee. Florida.


In February 1863 as the quota Of Massachusetts,
was not full Gov Andrew proposed to raise one resi.
ment Of coored men for the field to help TO solve the
great question, "will the black man fight T. Looking
az II IN the light Of years experience 1t scarcely
seems possible that this seriously dscussed but at
that time there we're but few colored in the army
and only those that had been enlisted in the Southern
States.


Massachusetts, first in this in oil movements FOR
human progress ard freedom, took II upon herself TO
say that they would fight. and Gov Andrew applied to
the Secretary of War for permission to try the expert
meni. II granted and the promise given that they
should be treated and paid the other soldiers


recruiting Office was Immediately opened in Bos
ton and the handbls Issued with all the usual induce
ments but particular stress laid upon the thirteen
dollars per month the same that white soldiers re-
ceived In a short time the regiment full and
lowing and the men coming in so fast that second
regiment was partly organized before the first left
camp.


There was no question what rank number they
should receive Massachusetts under the various calls
for volunteers had enlisted fftyhree regiments and
when these we're formed they received the numbers
next In order They not the st and ID MaSsachu
sctts Colorcd Infantry but the 5ith and 5h Massaohu-
setts Volunteers thus showing that they were consid
cred on exactly the same footing the white rcgi
inents. At time question was raised among
themselves as to the surety Of the thirteen dollars per
month"; as there law for paying negro soldiers but
ten dollars but the Governor assured them that he had
the promise that they should be considered Massaehu
setts soldiers and be paid as such. Trusting TO this
promise OF the Secretary of War the best class of men
came forward and enlisted. not only from Massachu
sett, but from other States and fugityes from Canada
came to Join their Northern brethren 10 fight under the
Flag of the Free" The jith sailed from Boston on
the 2sth of May and landed at Hilton Head. 5 C., on
the I'd Of june The 55th left in August and were sent
TO Newberu and thence to Folly Island where they re-
rrined until ordered to jacksonville Florida. The
last regiment has not yet received their baptism OF
fire, bat has borne the heat and burden of the day
during the long siege of Charleston and only missed
tue battle OF oustcc by few hours. They have shown
their endurance and good discipline wherever they
have been and will undoubtedly equal in courage their
brothers, whenever the trial comes.


For history Of the 5ih from the time of its leaving
Boston the end of the year 1863 refer you TO the
report in the Adutsrt Generals Report of the State OF
Massachusetts in which it is shown briefly what has
been done by the first colored regiment raised In free
State Nothing has been said Of Its snierngs-that re-
mains for private hands TO record, but It's enough to
know that thcy have gone through with all that any
troops have been called upon to undergo and much In
addition, owing to the prejudice against them The
State bounty OF $50 was paid 10 them before leaving
camp and that is he only money they havs rcceirsd.


Twice or three times they have been visited by the
T. s. Paymaster and been offered the laborcrs wages
Of $40 which TO a they refused saying. 'Tis an
insult after promising soldiers pay and calling
upon us TO do soldiers duty and faithfully has 1t been
performed offer the wages of aborer who IL not
called upon to peril lis life for his country" Finding
that the Government had tried TO force them take
this reduced paw Massachusetts sent down agents 20
make up the difference 10 them out Of the State Treas.
ury trusting that long the country would acknowl
edge them us on an equality with the rest Of the army
But in n manner that must rebound to their credit,
not tho morcy we contend for We will either
be paid as soldiers, or fight without reward
This drow down upon them the hatred Of tho other
colored troops or those regiments raised in the South
were promised but $40, as the Government asO took


ro oil thcg famille) and they had to bear much from
them. but they did not ialtcr. Standing by their
pressed determination TO have justice done thcm. they
quietly perform taep aalep, oy psyDs eneesty tLat
.fas .Llta fLenla 81