2010-12-22 08:01
Notable today: Captain Luis Emilio, born in 1844, is 19 years old today. He has commanded Company E since May 23, and has intermittently commanded the entire regiment since the assault on F… Read More
Blog Directory > Books & Literature Blogs > Written in Glory books-and-literature Blog >
Written In Glory Blog
54th-mass.org
Tags:
december
mercury
charleston
amendment
charleston harbor
fiftyfifth massachusetts
massachusetts
harbor
boston
deserter
1863 seen through letters & books by the members of the Mass. 54th (Glory) Regiment. Each day of 2010 presents the letters, etc. written/issued on that day, with NY Times articles for that day.
2010-12-20 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-12-20] THE DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH.; Condition of the Contrabands. Extract from a private letter Read More
2010-12-19 08:01
This is Gooding’s 42nd letter to the Mercury
Mercury, January 6, 1864 [OAF]
Morris Island, Dec. 19, 1863
Charleston Harbor Supposed To Be Clear Of Obstructions
Messrs. Editors:
&mdash&hell…Read More
2010-12-16 08:01
Emilio describes the shooting of a deserter ( [BBR] p.143):
Late in the afternoon of December 17 the Fifty-fourth with all the troops was formed to see a deserter shot. The unfortunate man… Read More
2010-12-14 08:01
The first bill supporting a constitutional amendment abolishing slavery (ultimately the Thirteenth Amendment) was introduced in the House of Representatives today by James Mitchell Ashley of… Read More
2010-12-13 08:01
Emilio reports on yet another incident in the pay controversy ( [BBR] pp.142-143):
To carry out the provisions of the Act for the relief of the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Massachusetts In… Read More
2010-12-12 08:01
This is Gooding’s 41st letter to the Mercury
Mercury, December 28, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Dec. 12, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—The week just past has been one of unusual interest… Read More
2010-12-09 08:01
Emilio presents Theodore Tilton’s piece from the Boston Journal ( [BBR] pp.136-138):
Theodore Tilton, in a communication to the Boston “Journal,” dated New York, Dec. 12… Read More
2010-12-05 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-12-05] DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH.; Charleston not Taken Where the Blame Belongs Treatment of the Colored Troops.
[1863-12-05] REPORTS VIA BOSTON.
[1863-12-05] N… Read More
2010-12-02 08:01
Emilio describes the beginning of December ( [BBR] p. 140):
December came in, cold and rainy, for the winter weather had set in. The day, however, was a happy and memorable one, for news wa… Read More
2010-11-28 08:01
Gooding’s 40th letter to the Mercury and Stephens’s tenth letter to the Weekly Anglo-African:
Mercury, December 15, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Nov. 28, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
&mdas&hell…Read More
2010-11-24 08:01
Emilio describes another incident in the pay dispute ( [BBR] pp.135-140):
News was received the last of November that the matter of pay had come up in a new form. Governor Andrew in his mess… Read More
2010-11-21 08:01
This is Gooding’s 39th letter to the Mercury
Mercury, December 4, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Nov. 21, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—Since the last record of events in this department, th… Read More
2010-11-19 08:01
November 19th was the dedication of the National Cemetary at Gettysburg, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his renowned Gettysburg Address:
Four score and seven years ago our fathers… Read More
2010-11-15 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-11-15] Siege of Charleston; AN INTERESTING REVIEW OF THE SITUATION THE REBEL DEFENCES,
[1863-11-15] The Massachusetts Legislature.
[1863-11-17] THE SIEGE OF F… Read More
2010-11-14 08:01
This is Gooding’s 38th letter to the Mercury
Mercury, November 26, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Nov. 14, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—Still the bombardment of Sumter progresses, and stil… Read More
2010-11-12 08:01
Emilio describes more promotions ( [BBR] pp.135):
Colonel Hallowell on his return used every means to have the many detached and detailed men returned to the colors, as heavy working partie… Read More
2010-11-08 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-11-08] WHO HOLDS FORT SUMTER?; VERY GOOD NEWS, IF TRUE. Reported Surrender of the Work to Our Forces. The Old Flag Once More Waving Over the Ramparts. A Pennsyl… Read More
2010-11-07 08:01
This is Gooding’s 37th letter to the Mercury
Mercury, November 17, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Nov. 7, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—As I closed my letter last Sunday the guns were boomi… Read More
2010-11-03 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-11-03] BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUMTER.; Heavy Firing Opened Last Wednesday. Twelve Hundred and Fifteen Shots Fired During the First 24 Hours. THREE OF THE MONITORS… Read More
2010-10-31 08:01
This is Gooding’s 36th letter to the Mercury
Mercury, November 11, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Oct. 31, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—The past week has been one of active operations here… Read More
2010-10-25 08:01
Emilio describes the renewed bombardment of Ft. Sumter, and the renaming of captured works ( [BBR] pp.133-134):
Our new and old works being in readiness at Cumming’s Point, what Genera… Read More
2010-10-24 08:01
This is Gooding’s 35th letter to the Mercury
Mercury, November 3, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Oct. 24, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—We have no news of any great interest, save what woul… Read More
2010-10-21 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-10-21] The Quota of Massachusetts.
[1863-10-22] OUR MORRIS ISLAND CORRESPONDENCE.; All Quiet–Admiral Dahlgren Determined to Push Ahead
[1863-10-22] FROM… Read More
2010-10-18 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-10-18] CHARLESTON AND PORT ROYAL.
[1863-10-18] The Negro Soldier Question Read More
2010-10-17 08:01
This is Gooding’s 34th letter to the Mercury
Mercury, November 5, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Oct. 17, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—Since my last, little has occurred worth mentioning i… Read More
2010-10-13 08:01
Emilio describes personnel changes in October ( [BBR] pp.132-3):
Henry N. Hooper, formerly captain, Thirty-second Massachusetts Infantry, commissioned major of the Fifty-fourth, arrived Octo… Read More
2010-10-10 08:01
This is Gooding’s 33rd letter to the Mercury
Mercury, October 20, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Oct. 10, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—The monotony of life was somewhat broken last Monday… Read More
2010-10-04 08:01
Gov. Andrew replaced the regiments state flag ( [BBR] pp. 131):
To replace the State color lost on July 18, Governor Andrew caused a new one to be forwarded to the Fifty-fourth. Its receipt… Read More
2010-10-02 08:01
Gooding’s 32nd letter to the Mercury and Stephens’s ninth letter to the Weekly Anglo-African, which he addressed directly to one of the two brothers publishing and editing the ne… Read More
2010-09-29 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-09-29] THE SIEGE OF CHARLESTON.; Gen. Gillmore Still Mounting Siege Guns.
[1863-09-30] THE REBELLION.
[1863-09-30] FROM CHARLESTON HARBOR.; THE PROGRESS OF OP… Read More
2010-09-27 08:01
Emilio describes another incident in the on-going pay disputes, which would last until the U.S. Congress took action on September 28, 1864 ( [BBR] pp.130-131):
Paymaster Usher arrived in cam… Read More
2010-09-26 08:01
This is Gooding’s 31st letter to the Mercury
Mercury, October 8, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Sept. 26, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—Since my last epistle to the “elect in Bedford… Read More
2010-09-24 08:01
Emilio describes settling into the (long) siege of Charleston proper ( [BBR] pp.128-130):
Morris Island was ours; but no sooner had the enemy evacuated than Wagner, Gregg, and the intervenin… Read More
2010-09-23 08:01
Gooding sent the following letter concerning the pay controversy directly to President Abraham Lincoln:
Letter to President Abraham Lincoln
Morris Island [S.C.]. Sept 28th 1863.
Your E… Read More
2010-09-20 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-09-20] OPERATIONS AT CHARLESTON.; Arrival of the McClellan with 100 Prisoners Gen. Gillmore Mounting Siege Guns at Cumming’s Point to Bombard Charleston… Read More
2010-09-19 08:01
Gooding’s 29th letter to the Mercury and Stephens’s eighth letter to the Weekly Anglo-African:
Mercury, October 1, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Sept 19, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
&mdash&hell…Read More
2010-09-14 08:01
On September 16, General Quincy Gillmore issue this general order to all of the troops in his command ( [BBR] pp.126-127):
DEPARTMENT OP THE SOUTH,
MORRIS ISLAND, S. C, Sept. 16, 1863.
It is… Read More
2010-09-10 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-09-10] The Operations in Charleston Harbor.
[1863-09-10] HIGHLY IMPORTANT.; Glorious Progress of the Operations Against Charleston. CAPTURE OF FORT WAGNER. Eva… Read More
2010-09-09 08:01
This is Gooding’s 28th letter to the Mercury
Mercury, September 21, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Sept. 9, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—At last Wagner and Gregg have the old flag waving ov… Read More
2010-09-06 08:01
Emilio describes the culmination of the siege in the final fall of Fort Wagner ( [BBR] pp.120-126):
Early on the 5th the land batteries,” Ironsides,” and two monitors opened1 a t… Read More
2010-09-05 08:01
This is Gooding’s 27th letter to the Mercury
Morris Island, Sept. 5, 1863 [OAF]
Messrs. Editors:
—As there is nothing to record the past week, other than the (insignificant?) dea… Read More
2010-09-04 08:01
This is Stephens‘ s seventh letter to the Weekly Anglo-African:
Morris Island, S.C., [VT]
Sept. 4, 1863.
Mr. Editor: There is so much of exciting interest to communicate, and there is… Read More
2010-08-31 08:01
Emilio describes appoaching climax of the Ft. Wagner siege ( [BBR] pp.116-119):
With our capture of the ridge on the 26th the last natural cover was attained. Beyond for two hundred yards st… Read More
2010-08-30 08:01
This is Gooding’s 26th letter to the Mercury
Mercury, September 15, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Aug. 30, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—The past week has developed nothing very stirring th… Read More
2010-08-25 08:01
Emilio describes the grinding advance down the beach to Ft. Wagner ( [BBR] pp.114-116):
Captain Partridge about August 23 applied for sick leave and shortly went north. In consequence Captai… Read More
2010-08-24 08:01
In this letter to General Gillmore, Shaw’s father halted the attempts to retrieve Shaw’s body for reburial elsewhere:
New York, Aug. 24, 1863
Brigadier-General Gillmore, Commandi… Read More
2010-08-23 08:01
This is Gooding’s 25th letter to the Mercury:
Mercury, September 7, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Aug. 23, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—Supposing a detailed account of the operations now i… Read More
2010-08-17 08:01
Emilio describes the next stage of the siege ( [BBR] pp.111-113):
Shortly after daybreak, August 17, the first bombardment of Sumter began from the land batteries, the navy soon joining in a… Read More
2010-08-16 08:01
This is Gooding’s 24th letter to the Mercury:
Mercury, August 29, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Aug. 16, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—As stringent orders have been recently issued relative… Read More
2010-08-14 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-08-14] MILITARY NEWS TO BE SUPPRESSED.; A STRINGENT ORDER FROM GEN. GILLMORE
[1863-08-14] The First Pennsylvania Colored Regiment
[1863-08-14] THE SIEGE OF CH… Read More
2010-08-13 08:01
Frederick Douglass served as a recruiter for the 54th and for other units in several regions of the country. Here is a letter to him regarding this:
War Department
Adjutant Generals Office… Read More
2010-08-10 08:01
Emilio describes the tedious work of building for the siege( [BBR] p.110):
… No rain fell from July 18 until August 13, which was favorable for the siege work, as the sand handled was… Read More
2010-08-09 08:01
This is Gooding’s 23rd letter to the Mercury:
Mercury, August 21, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, Aug. 9, 1863
Messrs. Editors:
—Since my last weekly melange, the situation remains abo… Read More
2010-08-08 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-08-08] THE SIEGE OF CHARLESTON Read More
2010-08-07 08:01
This is Stephens’s 6th letter to the Weekly Anglo-African:
In Camp, [VT]
Morris Island, S.C.,
Aug. 7/ 1863.
Mr. Editor:
Since I wrote my last letter the startling news of the mobs, rio… Read More
2010-08-04 08:01
Emilio ( [BBR] p.109):
August 5 the men were informed that the Government was ready to pay them $ 10 per month, less $3 deducted for clothing. The offer was refused, although many had suffer… Read More
2010-08-03 08:01
This is Gooding’s 22nd letter to the Mercury:
Mercury, August 16, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, August 3, 1863
Messrs. Editors:—
The latest news from this department is the capture o… Read More
2010-08-01 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-08-01] Military Affairs.; OBSEQUIES OF GEN. STRONG…
[1863-08-01] THE SIEGE OF CHARLESTON.; OFFICIAL REPORT OF GEN. GILLMORE
[1863-08-02] The Duty of Co… Read More
2010-07-30 08:01
In response to Confederate threats concerning black prisoners of war and their white officers, on July 30, 1863, Abraham Lincoln issue the following executive order:
Executive Order –… Read More
2010-07-29 08:01
Further description from Emilio ( [BBR], p.108):
…Orders came on the 26th that, owing to the few officers and lack of arms, the Fifty-fourth should only furnish fatigue details.
Quart… Read More
2010-07-25 08:01
Emilio quotes the dispatches of several newspaper correspondents concerning the performance of the 54th ( [BBR] pp.93-94). Gen. Strong was wounded in the assault and died on July 30, 1863… Read More
2010-07-24 08:01
Gooding’s 21st letter to the Mercury describes the aftermath of the assault:
Mercury, August 4, 1863 [OAF]
Morris Island, July 24
Messrs. Editors: —
Since my letter of the 2… Read More
2010-07-23 08:01
Emilio describes the regiment’s slow recovery and the beginnings of work on the siege of Ft. Wagner ( [BBR], pp.105-107):
Early on the morning of July 19, the men of the Fifty-fourth w… Read More
2010-07-22 08:01
This letter from Lieutenant James W. Grace describing the combined action appears in [OAF] pp.39-40:
To: Brigadier General R.A. Pierce, Readville
July 22
Knowing your deep interest in the of… Read More
2010-07-21 08:01
Stephens describes the James Island action and the assault on Ft. Wagner in his fifth letter to the Weekly Anglo-African:
Morris Island, S.C., [VT]
July 21,1863.
Mr. Editor:
The month of Jul… Read More
2010-07-20 08:01
Gooding describes the James Island action and the assault in his 20th letter to the Mercury, and Lewis Douglass describes the battle in a letter to his wife:
Mercury, August 1, 1863 [OAF]
Mo… Read More
2010-07-19 08:01
Emilio describes the aftermath of the assault ( [BBR], pp.86-93):
Although the storming column and supports did not move forward with a close formation and promptness in support of the Fifty… Read More
2010-07-18 08:01
The (second) assault on Fort Wagner took place today, with 600 men of the 54th Massachusetts in the lead of three brigades. The regiment reached the top of the parapet, but was repulsed. S… Read More
2010-07-17 08:01
Emilio describes the immediate overnight march from James Island to Morris Island and the preparations for the assault on the 18th ( [BBR] pp.63-72):
General Terry was ordered to evacuate Ja… Read More
2010-07-16 08:01
The Confederates attacked on James Island today, and the men of the 54th distinguished themselves by their steadfastness. Here is Emilio’s description of the battle ( [BBR], pp.57-63)… Read More
2010-07-15 08:01
A letter from Shaw to his wife Annie; it will turn out to be his last to her:
James’ Island, S.C. [BCF]
July 15,1863
My Dearest Annie,
Your letters of June 3d, 14th, and 28th, and July… Read More
2010-07-14 08:01
The run-up to the Confederate attack is described by Emilio ( [BBR], pp.55-56):
Between the 10th and 16th there had arrived for the enemy from Georgia and North Carolina two four-gun batter… Read More
2010-07-13 08:01
A (fragment) of a letter from Shaw to his wife Annie:
July 13,1863 [BCF]
My Dearest Annie,
I sent the family letter to Father, to this date, and you will get it very soon after this. You wi… Read More
2010-07-10 08:01
Emilio describes ( [BBR], pp.51-55) the lead-up to the 54th’s first major action:
Heavy cannonading was heard in the direction of Morris Island, at 5 A. M. on the 10th. Before ni… Read More
2010-07-09 08:01
A letter from Shaw to his wife Annie, begun today, extended on the 11th, and completed on the 13:
Stono River, S.C. [RGS][BCF]
July 9,1863 (James’ Island)
My Darling Annie,
Just after… Read More
2010-07-08 08:02
Emilio describes the beginning of the descent on James Island ( [BBR] pp.51-52):
All suspense regarding the employment of the Fifty-fourth ended July 8, with the receipt, about noon, of ord… Read More
2010-07-07 08:01
A letter, dated the 6th, from Shaw to Brigade commander Brig. Gen. George C. Strong:
ST. HELENA ISLAND, July 6, 1863. [BBR],p.49
BRIG.-GEN. GEORGE C. STRONG.
GENERAL, — I did not pay… Read More
2010-07-06 08:01
A letter from Charles Douglass to his father Frederick Douglass — Charles originally enlisted in the 54th, but transferred to the 55th Mass. as it was forming in May, and later in… Read More
2010-07-05 08:01
A letter from Shaw to his mother, begun on the 3rd, extended on the 4th, and completed on the 6th:
July 3,1863[BCF]
Dearest Mother,
You will have been sometime without letters from me, when… Read More
2010-07-04 08:01
A letter from Shaw to his father:
St. Helena I.[BCF]
July 4,1863
Dear Father,
All the troops, excepting the coloured Regiments, are ordered to Folly Island. There will be a grand attac… Read More
2010-07-03 08:01
A letter from Shaw to his friend and former fellow office from the 2nd Massachusetts, Charles Fessneden Morse. On this day, Morse was fighting in the Battle of Gettysburg with the 2nd Massa… Read More
2010-07-01 08:01
Emilio describes the beginning of the pay controversy and quotes Shaw’s letter to Gov. Andrew on the subject ( [BBR] pp.47-48). Notably, today was the second day of the Read More
2010-07-01 08:01
Two letters from Shaw, to his father and to his wife’s sister Clem. Notably: The Battle of Gettysburg began today.
St. Helena Island S.C.[BCF]
July 1, 1863
Dear Father,
In my last t… Read More
2010-06-30 08:01
Emilio described this period as follows ( [BBR], pp.46-48):
…Brig.-Gen. Quincy A. Gillmore had relieved General Hunter. Admiral John A. Dahlgren was to replace Admiral Dupont. Tidings… Read More
2010-06-29 08:01
This is Gooding’s 19th letter to the Mercury:
Mercury, July 8, 1863 [OAF]
St. Helena Island, S.C., June 29
Messrs. Editors:
—Instead of going on another expedition, as we all exp… Read More
2010-06-28 08:01
A letter from Shaw to his mother:
St. Helena’s Island, S.C.[BCF]
June 28 1863
Dearest Mother,
Your note of the 20th came to me on board the “Benj. DeFord” just after I had… Read More
2010-06-27 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-06-27] THE REBEL INVASION… Gettysburgh in Possession of the Enemy… Read More
2010-06-26 08:01
Stephens’s fourth letter to the Weekly Anglo-African, and a letter from Shaw to his wife Annie:
June 1863. [VT]
Mr. Editor:
—Our regiment has been on the move ever since our arri… Read More
2010-06-25 08:01
A letter from Shaw to his mother:
Steamer, off Hilton Head [BCF]
June 25,1863
Dear Mother,
I wrote Father yesterday that we were to return here. We sailed this morning at six, having been up… Read More
2010-06-24 08:01
A letter from Shaw to his father. Noteworthy: Lee’s invasion of the North accelerated today with Hill’s and Longstreet’s corps (the remainder of Lee’s army) beginni… Read More
2010-06-23 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-06-23] Convention of Colored Men Postponed.
[1863-06-23] IMPORTANT FROM CHARLESTON.; Battle Between the Rebel Batteries on Morris Island…
[1863-06-23]… Read More
2010-06-22 08:01
Gooding’s 18th letter to the Mercury and a letter from Shaw to his father:
Mercury, July 8, 1863 [OAF]
St. Simon’s Island, Ga., June 22
Messrs. Editors:
—Since my last lett… Read More
2010-06-21 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-06-21] OPERATIONS IN LOUISIANA.; DESTRUCTION OF SEMMESPORT. Two Hundred Negroes Hung and Shot at Alexandria by the Rebels.
[1863-06-21] LIFE WITH THE CONTRABAN… Read More
2010-06-20 08:01
A letter from Shaw to his brother-in-law Charles Russell Lowell, Jr (married to Shaw’s sister Effie) who was a colonel in the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry and was killed at the Battle of… Read More
2010-06-19 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-06-19] OUR PORT ROYAL CORRESPONDENCE.; A Raid by a Negro Regiment Immense Destruction of Property The Freedman’sInquiry Commission …
[1863-06-19]… Read More
2010-06-18 08:01
A letter from Shaw to his mother:
St. Simon’s Island [BCF]
June 18 1863
Dearest Mother,
We have received nothing since our first mail, which I mentioned in my last to you. Captain Rand… Read More
2010-06-17 08:01
A letter from Shaw to his his wife’s sister Clemence Haggerty:
St. Simon’s Island, Ga. [BCF]
June 17,1863
My Dear Clem.,
You have probably heard from Annie of our adventures sinc… Read More
2010-06-16 08:01
NYTimes archive links:
[1863-06-16] Emancipation in Missouri.
[1863-06-16] NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.; …COMMISSIONS IN NEGRO REGIMENTS … Read More
2010-06-15 08:01
A letter from Shaw to his sister. Worthy of note: Lee’s second invasion of the North began today as Ewell’s Second Corps began crossing the Potomac river into Maryland.
St. Simo… Read More
Subscribe to Written In Glory
Get updates delivered right to your inbox!