:51 AM Tue Jan 8 ■II -:- 52% I mrlinfo.org James Matthew Townsend (1841-1913)
James M. Townsend was born August 18, 1841 in Gallipolis, Ohio, the son of William and Mary Ann Townsend. He attended the public schools in Oxford, Ohio, and at an early age began preaching in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1863, anxious to help emancipate his race, he enlisted in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers -- the first black regiment to enter military service. Townsend remained on active duty until the end of the Civil War.
Upon returning home he attended Oberlin Academy, a preparatory high school operated by Oberlin College, for two years. Then he moved to Evansville, Indiana, where he was a school principal and continued his religious studies. In 1871 he was ordained a deacon. During the next fifteen years he held pastorates in several Indiana cities, among them Terre Haute, Indianapolis, and Richmond. In 1876 Townsend was elected assistant secretary of the A.M.E. Church's national conference; two years later he was named missionary secretary of the church. In that capacity he traveled abroad several times. He was chosen in 1881 as a delegate to an ecumenical conference in London, England.
He moved to Richmond, and in 1885 was elected a state legislator on the Republican ticket, only the second African-American to be elected. Townsend was a vigorous advocate of civil rights for blacks while in the General Assembly. He introduced a bill to abolish all distinctions of race in state laws -- including marriage and the militia. It failed, but Townsend's pleas for equal justice did produce a bill banning descrimination in public places.
In 1889 President Benjamin Harrison, recognizing Townsend's efforts for the Republican party, named him recorder of the General Land Office in Washington, D.C. Townsend resigned the office in 1891 and returned to Richmond, where he served as pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church for two years. He died in Richmond on June 17, 1913. 1;55 AM Tue Jan 8 .... 51% CD 0. i james m townsend 54th massachusetts regiment +
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1vt_James Matthew Townsend_ Co. I - !14th M;:i ;:ir.hu P.tt VoluntP.P.r ___ •:3a AM Tue Jan 8 ... -:- 55% i [D civilwardata.com +
Civil War Veterans' Items I eBay American Civil War Research Database -- - r-- . ------Regiment Assignments Union & 54th MA Infantry Confederate ( 3-years) Organized: Camp Meigs, Rcadville, MA on 5/13/63 Mustered Out: 8/20/65 at Mount Pleasant, SC Home Officers Killed or Mo1taUy Wounded: 5 Officers Died of Disease, Accidents, etc.: 1 Regiment Ca9ualty Enlisted Men Killed or Mortally Wounded: l 04 An..ilysas Enlisted Men Died of Disease, Accidents, etc.: 160 (Source: Fox, Regimental Losses) Regmantal From To Brig1.1de Division Corps Army Comment Experiance Jun '63 Jul '63 US Forces, St Helena Is. Deprutment of the South Regrnant Personnel Jul '63 Jul '63 3 J 10 Deparhncnt of the South
Jul '63 Aug '63 R.SJ1IT8lt 3 US Forces, Morris Jsland 10 Department of the South Phot-os Aug '63 Nov '63 4 US Forces, Morris Island 10 Department of the South Reglfllent Hralory Nov '63 Jan '64 3 US Forces, Morris Island 10 Department of the South
Regment Jan '64 Feb'64 Montgomery's US Forces, Hilton Head 10 Department of the South Report LISI Feb'64 Feb '64 Montgomery's Dist of Florida Department of the South
Fcb'64 Apr'64 3 1 Dist of Florida Department of the South
Apr '64 Oct '64 Morris Island No1tbcrn Dist Department of the South
Oct '64 Nov '64 1st Separate Dcparhnent of the South
Nov '64 Dec '64 2 Coast Department of the South
Fcb'65 Jun '65 1st Separate Department of the South
Reaiment Casualtv Analvsis I Reaimental Exoerience 38 AM Tue Jan 8 ... -;, 56%q > m civilwardata.com + Civil War Veterans' Items I eBay American Civil War Research Database
r - - -- r ------.,------. Soldier History James M. Townsend
Home Residence Oxford OH; a 20 year-old Farmer.
Enlisted on 4/29/1863 as a Private. Personnel Directory On 5/13/1863 he mustered into "I" Co. MA 54th Infantry_ He was Mustered Out on 8/20/1865 at Mount Pleasant, SC Gener:tls Directory Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.: Soldier Report List - Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Civil War (c) Historical Data Systems, Inc. @ www.civilwardata.com
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Historical Data Systems, Inc. PO Box 35 Duxbury, MA 02331 •:50 AM Tue Jan 8 ,ti ,;- 52% I < QJ ilili nga.gov +
Civil War V teran ' It The 54th Massachusetts Regiment: T to Z Rank in: private Rank out: private Company: H Fate at Ft. Wagner: survived Mustered-out date: 16 Jun 1865 (disability)
Townsend, James M. Age at enlistment: 20 Enlistment date: 29 Apr 1863 Residence at enlistment: Oxford, OH Profession at enlistment: teamster (alt.: farmer) Rank in: private Rank out: private Company: I Fate at Ft. Wagner: survived Mustered-out date: 20 Aug 1865
Townsend, Ralsey R. Age at enlistment: 35 Enlistment date: 3 Mar 1863 Residence at enlistment: Springfield, MA Profession at enlistment: teamster(?) Rank in: private Rank out: private Company: A Fate at Ft. Wagner: missing 18 Jul 1863 after Ft. Wagner Mustered-out date: unknown ■
NATIONAL ARCHIVES MICR.OFllM PUBUCATIONS
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Am't for cloth'g in kind or money adv'd f ...... foo ------ -••••-a••---•"-•••-•• •••-•••-----•-•- .. ••--•••w•• ••-----••-• ...... ---- .. ------·· ---- ...... w---•-..... ------· .. -. -- -- .... ------ ,. -·· ...... ------·----. ••·------·-·------Book mark: ...... Book mark: ...... : .... ············••-e••········ A COMPENDIUM OF THE WAR ·oF THE REBELLION A . iP'Il®aiisle llll.®tc®� Jrnnl1!Il1UI«Il COMPENDIUM OF THE WAR OF THE REBELLION 12-13, and join 1st Army Corps. Pursuit of Lee. March SERVICE.-At Thompson's Plantation near Beaufort, to Berlin July 15-17, thence moved to Worcester, Mass., S. C., June 4-8, 1863. Moved to St. Simon's Island July 17-21. Mustered out July 27, 1863. June 8-9. Expedition up Altamaha River June 10-11. Regiment lost during service 44 Enlisted men by dis- At St. Simon's Island June 12-24. At St. Helena Is- ease. land June 25-July 8. To Stano Inlet July 8. Expedi- 52nd REGIMENT INFANTRY. tion against James Island July 9-16. Affair Legares- ville July 13. Secessionvl!le July 16. Moved to Mor- Organized at Greenfield October, 1862. Ordered to July New York November 19, thence moved to New Or- ris Island July 16-18. Assault on Fort Wagner 18. leans Baton Rouge, La., and duty there tlll March, Siege operations against Forts Wagner and Gregg and Morris Island, July 18-September 7, and against Fort 1863. Attached to 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 19th Army to Corps, Dept. of the Gulf, to July, 1863. Sumpter and Charleston September 7, 1863, January 28, 1864. Capture of Forts Wagner and Gregg Septem- SERVICE.-Reconnoissance to Port Hudson, La., Head, S. 28, March 13-20. Moved to Donaldsonville March 27. Oper- ber 7, 1863. Moved to Hilton C., January ations in Western Louisiana April 9-May 14. Teche 1861. Expedition to Jacksonville, Fla., February 5-7. Campaign April 11-20. Irish Bend April 14. Bayou Capture of Jacksonville February 6. Expedition to Vermillion April 17. March to Opelousas April 19-20, Lake City, Fla., February 7-22. Battle of Oolustee Feb- thence to Barre Landing April 26, and duty there till ruary 20. Duty at Jacksonville till April 17. Moved to May 21. Companies "A," "E," "F" and "G" on provost Morris Island April 17-18. Duty on Morris and Folly to- Islands, S. C., till November, 1864. Expedition to James duty at New Iberia April 17-May 19. Expedition Island 30-July 10. Actions on ward Berwiclc City May 21-26. Moved to Algiers, thence June James Island July to Port Hudson May 26-30. Siege of Port Hudson May 2, 9 and 10. S1x Companies in charge of rebel prison- Port ers under fire of Charleston Batteries September 7 to 30-July 9. Assault on Hudson June 14. Jackson Eight Cross Roads June 20 (Detachment). Surrender of October 20. Companies moved to Hilton Head November 27. (Cos. "B" and "F" at Morris Island tni Port Hudson July 9, and duty there till July 23. Moved to S. C., to Massachusetts July 23-August 3. Mustered out Aug- February, 1865.) Expedition Boyd's Neck, ust 1863. November 29-30. Boyd's Landing November 29. Bat- 14, tle of Honey Hill November 30. Demonstration on Regiment lost during service 1 Officer and 10 Enlisted Charleston & Railroad December 6-9. Moved men killed and mortally wounded and 101 Enlisted men Savannah 112. to Graham's Neck December 20. Connect with Sher- by disease. Total man's Army at Pocotaligo, S. C., January 15, 1865. 53rd REGIMENT INFANTRY. March to Charleston January 15-February 23, skirmish- Organized at Groton Junction October 17 to Novem- Ing all the way. (Cos. "B" and "F" occupy Charleston l<'ebruary 18.) Regiment on duty at Charleston Feb- ber 6, 1862. Moved to New Yorlc November 18, and duty to Mile there till January 17, 1863. Embarked on Steamer ruary 27 to March 12. At Savannah, Ga., March 1'3-27. "Continent9.J" for New Orleans, La., January 17, ar- At Georgetown, S. C., March 31-Aprll 5. Potter's Expe- riving there January 30. Attached to 3rd Brigade, 3rd dition Camden April 5-25. Seven Bridge April Division, 19th Army Corps, Dept. of the Gulf, to Aug- 6. Destruction of Eppes' Bridge, Black River, April 7. ust, 1863. Dingle's Mllls April 9. Destruction of Rolling Stock at SERVICE.-Duty at Carrollton, La., January 30 to Wateree Junction April 11. Singleton's Plantation April Moved to Baton Rouge March 6-7. 12. Statesburg April 15. Occupation of Camden April March 6, 1863. Oper- 18. Georgetown April 25. ations against Port Hudson March 7-27. Moved to 17. Boykin's Mills April At Brashear a!ld Berwick City April 1-9. Operations in Duty at Georgetown, Charleston, and various points in Western Louisiana April 9-May 14. Teche Campaign South Carolina April 25 to August 17. Mustered out April 11-20. Fort Bisland near Centreville Aprll 12-13. at Mount Pleasant, S. C., August 20, 1865. Discharged Expedition from Opelousas to Alexandria and Sims- at Boston, Mass., September 1, 1865. port May 5-18. Moved to Bayou Sara May 22, thence Regiment lost during service 5 Officers and 104 En- to Port Hudson. Siege of Port Hudson May 24-July 9. listed men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer Assaults on Port Hudson May 27 and June 14. Expe- and 160 Enlisted men by disease.· Total 270. dition to Clinton June 3-8. Surrender of Port Hudson 55th REGIMENT INFANTRY (COLORED). July 9. Moved to Baton Rouge July 11-12, and to Don- aldsonville .July 15. Duty there and at Baton Rouge Organized at Readville and musteredto in June 22, till August 12. Moved to Cairo, 111., August 12-19, thence 1863. Left State for Newberne, N. C., July 21 1863, to Fitchburg, Mass., August 19-24. Mustered out Sep- arriving there July 25, thence moved Folly island, tember 2, 1863. Losses, 5 Officers and 28 Enlisted men S. C., July 30-August 3. Attached to Wild's African Bri- killed and mortally wounded and 144 Enlisted men by gade, Vodge's Division, North End, Folly Island, S. C., disease. Total 177. 10th Army Corps, Dept. of the South, to October, 1863. 3rd Brigade, Vodge's Division, Folly Island, 10th Army 54th REGIMENT INFANTRY ("COLORED"). Corps, to February, 1864. 3rd Brigade, Ames' Division, Organized at Readville and mustered in May 13, District of Florida, to April, 1864. Folly and Morris 1863. Left Boston on Steamer "De Malay" for Hilton Islands, S. C., Northern District, Dept. of the South, Head, S. C., May 28, arriving there June 3. Attached to November, 1864. 2nd Brigade, Coast Division, Dept. to U. S. Forces, St. Helena Island, S. C., 10th Army South, to January, 1865. 1st Separate Brigade, Dept. Corps, Dept. of the South, to July, 1863. 3rd Brigade, of the South, to March, 1865. 1st Separate Brigade, 1st Division, Morris Island, S. C., 10th Army Corps, District of Charleston, Dept. South, to June, -1865. Dis- July, 1863. 3rd Brigade, Morris Island, S. C., to August, trict of Charleston, S. C., Dept. South Carolina, to 1863. 4th Brigade, Morris Island, S. C., to November, August, 1865. 1863. 3rd Brigade, Morris Island, S. C., to January, toSERVICE.-Fatlgue duty on north end of Folly Isl- 1864. Montgomery's Brigade, District of Hilton Head, and, S. C., and in trenches on Morris Island August S. C., to February, 1864. Montgomery's Brigade, Dis- 9 s·eptember 5, 1863. Fatigue duty on Forts Wagner trict of Florida, February, 1864. 3rd Brigade, Ames' and Gregg, Morris Island, S. C., .and operations against Division, District of Florida, to April, 1864. Folly and Fort Sumpter and Charleston September 17-October 28. Morris Islands, S. C., Northern District, Dept. South, Camp on Folly Island till February, 1864. Expedition to October, 1864. 1st Separate Brigade, Dept. South, to .John's Island February (Co. "F"). Moved to Jack- to November, 1864. 2nd Brigade,to Coast Di ision, Dept. sonville, Fla., February 13-16, and Provost duty there South, to February, 1865. 1st Separate Brigade, North- till March 11. Advance to Baldwin February 19-20. ern District, Dept. South, March, 1865. 1st s·epar- (Co. "F" detached as garrison at Fort Fribley, Jack- ate Brigade, District of Charleston, S. C., Dept. South, sonville, February to Aprll.) Companies "B" and "I" to .June, 1865. 3rd Sub-District, District of Charles- at Yellow Bluff February 28 to April 17. Regiment or- ton, Dept. South Carolina, to August, 1865. dered to Palatka, Fla., March 11, and duty there till ii - American Civil War Research Dat ... i.qse Page 1 of 1 Regiment Assignments 54th MA Infantry ii ( 3-years) Organized: Camp Meigs, Readville, MA on 5/13/63 Mustered Out: 8/20/65 at Mount Pleasant, SC Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded: 5 Officers Died of Disease, Accidents, etc.: I Regiment Casually En listed Men Killed or Mo1tally Wounded: I 04 Amilys13 Enlisted Men Died of Disease, Accidents, etc.: 160 (Source: Fox, Regimental Losses) Regimental , Experience From To Brigade Division Corps Army Comment US Forces, St of Regiment Jun'63 Jul '63 Department the Personnel Helena Is. South Department of the Jul '63 Jul '63 3 10 R8Jlrf8lit South Phc•t<:>S Aug USI Forces, Mon-is Department of the Jul '63 3 10 Regiment '63 Island South History Aug Nov US Forces, Morris Department of the 4 10 Regiment '63 '63 Island South Report List Nov Jan US Forces, Mon-is Department of the 3 10 '63 '64 Island South Feb US Forces, Hilton Department of the Jan '64 Montgomery's 10 '64 Head South Feb Feb Dist of Department of the Montgomery's '64 '64 Florida South Feb Apr Dist of Department of the 3 l '64 '64 Florida South Apr Oct Northern Depattment of the Mon-is Island '64 '64 Dist South Oct Nov Department of the 1st Separate '64 '64 South Nov Dec Department of the 2 Coast '64 '64 South Feb Jun Department of the 1st Separate '65 '65 South Regiment Casualty Analysis I Regimental Experience Regiment Personnel Listing I Regimental Report List Home Page I Demo I E-mail HOS Historical Data Systems, Inc. P.O. Box 35 Duxbury, MA 02331 http://www.ci vil wardata.com/acti ve/hdsquery .dll ?RegimentAssignment?966& U 2/27/2018 American Civil War Research Dat:ahase Page I of 6 Regiment History FIFTY-FOURTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY ii THREE YEARS The 54th Regt. Mass. Vol. Inf. was the first military t-roma unit composed of men of African descent to be raised in Massachusetts. Twenty-seven men, the nucleus of the organization, assembled at Camp Meigs, Readville, Feb. 21, Regiment 1863 The companies were mustered in on various dates As9111nments between March 30 and May 13, the recruits coming from all parts of Massachusetts and many from outside the State. As Regiment Casualty more enlistments were secured than were needed, the surplus Arwlys"' became the nucleus of the 55th. Regimental Captain Robert Gould Shaw, an officer in the 2d Mass. Experience Inf., was commissioned colonel of the 54th, and Captain Norwood P. Hallowell of the 20th Mass. Inf., lieutenant Regiment colonel. All the commissioned officers of the regiment were Personnel white men. Lieut. Col. Norwood P. Hallowell did not remain long with R _rin nt the 54th. On May 30, 1863, he was commissioned colonel of the Ph..:,t,.:s 55th, and on the following day Major Edward N. Hallowell was Regiment commissioned lieutenant colonel in his place. Report Llil Leaving camp May 28, 1863, the regiment was reviewed by Governor Andrew, and embarked the same day on the transport DE MOLAY for the coast of South Carolina. Touching at Hilton Head, June 3, the transport proceeded the same day to Beaufort. During the month of June the 54th visited New Frederica, St. Simon's Island, and St. Helena Island. Embarking July 8, it proceeded to Stano Inlet, where it became a part of General Terry's expedition to James Island near Charleston, S. C. Near Secessionville, July 16, the Federals were attacked by a force under General Colquitt, and in the battle which followed the 54th lost 14 killed, 18 wounded, and three missing. Ordered to report to General Strong on Morris Island, July 18, it was there assigned to lead the attack on Fort Wagner the same evening. In this disastrous assault the 54th lost Colonel Shaw, Captains Russell and Simpkins, and over 20 men killed, Lieut. Colonel E. N. Hallowell, ten other commissioned officers, and 125 men wounded, and over 100 missing, many of the latter being killed. Six days later Col. M. S. Littlefield of the 4th South Carolina was placed in command of the 54th, and held it through the summer and early fall. All through the month of August the regiment was occupied in constructing intrenchments and parallels which were gradually pushed up to within a short distance of Fort Wagner, and when the fort was evacuated by the Confederates, Sept. 7, the 54th was the first regiment to enter the works. The autumn of 1863 was occupied in the reconstruction of Forts Wagner and Gregg so that they would face toward Fort Sumter and Charleston, and in erecting other fortifications. On Oct. 17, Lieut. Colonel E. N. Hallowell, now promoted to colonel, returned and assumed command. Service in front of Charleston, such as outlined above, occupied the 54th until mid winter. In the latter part of January, 1864, the regiment was assigned to an expedition to the Florida coast commanded by General Seymour. It broke camp on Morris Island, Jany. 29, reported next day at Hilton Head, and sailed Feb. 5, for Jacksonville. Arriving Feb. 7, about a week later it accompanied an expedition into the interior. On Feb. 20, it was engaged with the enemy near Olustee, Fla., while covering the retirement of General Seymour's force from that place, http://www.civilwardata.com/ active/hdsquery .dll ?RegimentHistory?966& U 2/27/2018 i American Civil War Research Dati>l--::ise Page 2 of 6 losing 13 killed, 66 wounded, and eight missing. The regiment now remained at Jacksonville until April 17, when it returned to Morris Island in front of Charleston, S. C. Now commanded by Lieut. Col. Henry N. Hooper, it spent the summer and fall of 1864 in the fortifications on James and Morris Islands. On Nov. 27, eight companies, under command of Lieut. Col. Hooper, were transported to Hilton Head, and attached to Hartwell's (3d) Brigade, Hatch's Coast Division. Six of these companies were engaged at Honey Hill, Nov. 30, losing three killed 38 wounded, and four missing. On Dec. 6, they were engaged at Deveau's Neck without, loss. From Dec. 19, 1864, to Feb. 12, 1865, the 54th, as a part of Hatch's Division, was on guard duty at or near Pocotaligo, S. C., Sherman's base of supplies, and making frequent demonstrations along the Cambahee River. About Feb. 13 it was reported that the Confederates had retired to the Ashepoo River in the direction of Charleston. Batch's Division soon followed, crossing the Combahee, Feb. 16, the Ashepoo on the 20th, and reached a position on the Ashley opposite Charleston Feb. 23. Here it was found that the city was in the possession of the Union forces, mostly from Morris Island, and among them Companies "B" and" F" of the 54th which had been detached from the rest of the regiment since the preceding November. The Confederates had evacuated the place the night of Feb. 17, first setting fire to the bridge across the Ashley River and to all buildings in the city which were used as storehouses for cotton, and the following morning the place was occupied by the Federal forces. The main body of the 54th was ferried over the Ashley and entered the city Feb. 27, and now the separated companies of the regiment were reunited. Here the 54th remained until the 12th of March when it was sent by transport to Savannah, Ga. From there, on the 27th, it was sent to Georgetown, S. C., arriving on the 31st. Here it was attached to Hallowell's Brigade of Potter's Division, and on April 5 set out on a raid into the interior of the State. At Boykin's Mills, April 18, the 54th was engaged with the enemy, losing three killed and 24 wounded, one of the killed being 1st Lieutenant Stevens of Brighton, Mass. On April 25 the regiment returned to Georgetown, the close of hostilities having been announced fou days previously. Returning to Charleston, May 6, a large part of the regiment was distributed at various points in the State until Aug. 17, when it was assembled at Mount Pleasant, and mustered out Aug. 20. Embarking on the following day on the transports C. F. THOMAS and ASHLAND, it reached Galloup's Island, Boston Harbor, Aug. 27 and 28. The men were paid off Sept. 1, and on the following day, after being reviewed by the governor, and having paraded in the vicinity of the Common and Beacon Hill, the regiment was disbanded. An important chapter in the history of the 54th was its fight for the regular soldier's pay of $13. per month. At the outset the men were assured by Governor Andrew that they should receive the same pay and emoluments as all other volunteer soldiers. But in July, 1863, came an order from Washington fixing the compensation of colored soldiers at $10. per month, and several times an offer was made to the men of the 54th of this amount. As many times it was persistently refused. In November, 1863, the legislature of Massachusetts passed an act providing that the difference of $3. per month should be made up by the State, but the men of the regiment refused to accept money so appropriated by Massachusetts. They demanded that they receive from the national government their full soldier pay. For eighteen months after the first companies entered the service the men received nothing for their services and sufferings. http://www.civilwardata.com/active/hdsquery .dll ?RegimentHistory?966& U 2/27/2018 • American Civil War Research Dat;:, 1-,::ise Page 3 of 6 Finally in September, 1864, their just demands were acceded to by the government, and all the members of the regiment received their full pay from the time of their enlistment totaling approximately $170,000. Source: Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors & Marines in the Civil War ********************************************************************************* Report of Col. Edward N. Hallowell, Fifty-fourth Massachusetts (Colored) Infantry. MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., November 7, 1863. GEN.: In answer to your request that I furnish a report of the part taken by the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers in the late assault upon Fort Wagner, I have to state: During the afternoon of the 18th of July last, the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, Col. R. G. Shaw commanding, landed upon Morris Island and reported at about 6 p. m. to Brig. Gen. G. C. Strong. Col. Shaw's command present consisted of a lieutenant-colonel of the field, a surgeon, adjutant and quartermaster of the staff, 8 captains, and 11 subaltern officers of the line and 600 enlisted men. Gen. Strong presented himself to the regiment and informed the men of the contemplated assault upon Fort Wagner and asked them if they would lead it. They answered in the affirmative. The regiment was then formed in column by wing, at a point upon the beach a short distance in the advance of the Beacon House. Col. R. G. Shaw commanded the right wing, and Lieut. Col. E. N. Hallowell the left. In this formation, as the dusk of the evening came on, the regiment advanced at quick time, leading the column; the enemy opened upon us a brisk fire; our peace now gradually increased till it became a run. Soon canister and musketry begun to tell upon us. With Col. Shaw leading, the assault was commenced. Exposed to the direct fire of canister and musketry, and, as the ramparts were mounted, to a like fire on our flanks, the havoc made in our ranks was very great. Upon leaving the ditch for the parapet, they obstinately contested with the bayonet our advance. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the men succeeded in driving the enemy from most of their guns, many following the enemy into the fort. It was here, upon the crest of the parapet, that Col. Shaw fell; here fell Capt.'s Russell and Simpkins; here also were most of the officers wounded. The colors of the regiment reached the crest, and were there fought for by the enemy; the State flag then torn from its staff, but the-staff remains with s. Hand-grenades were now added to the missiles directed against the men. The fight raged here for about an hour. When compelled to abandon the fort, the men formed a line about 700 yards from the fort, under the command of Capt. Luis F. Emilio, the ninth captain in the line. The other captains were either killed or wounded. The regiment then held the front until relieved by the Tenth Connecticut Regt. at about 2 a. m. of the 19th. The assault was made upon the south face of the fort. So many of the officers behaved with marked coolness and bravery, I cannot mention any above the others. It is due, however, to the following-named enlisted men that they be recorded above their fellows for special merit: Sergt. Robert J. Simmons, Company B; Sergt. William H. Carney, Company C; Corpl. Henry F. Peal, Company F; Private George Wilson, Company A. The following is the list of casualties: Col. R. G. Shaw, killed; Lieut. Col. E. N. Hallowell, wounded; Adjt. G. W. James, wounded; Capt. S. Willard, wounded; Capt. C. J. Russell,* missing, supposed killed; Capt. W. H. Simpkins,* missing, supposed killed; Capt. George Pope, wounded; Capt. E. L. Jones, wounded; Capt. J. W. M. Appleton, wounded; Capt. 0. E. Smith, wounded; First Lieut. R.H. L. Jewett, wounded; First Lieut. W. H. Homans, wounded; Second Lieut. C. E. Tucker, wounded; Second Lieut. J. A. Pratt, wounded. Enlisted men--killed, 9; wounded, 147; missing, 100; total, 256.* I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. N. HALLOWELL, http://www.civilwardata.com/active/hdsquery .dll ?RegimentHistory?966& U 2/27/2018 • American Civil War Research Dat?hqse Page 4 of 6 Col., Cmdg. Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers. Gen. TRUMAN SEYMOUR, Cmdg. U.S. Forces, Morris Island, S. C. Source: Official Records CHAP. XL.] OPERATIONS ON MORRIS ISLAND, S. C. PAGE 362-46 [Series I. Vol. 28. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 46.J **************************************************************************************** Report of Col. Edward N. Hallowell, Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry, of engagement at Olustee. HDQRS. FIFTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS, Jacksonville, Fla., March 1, 1864. LIEUT.: At 8.30 o'clock on the morning of February 20, 1864, the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers left Barber's with its colonel, lieutenant-colonel, 13 line officers, and about 480 enlisted men, the rest of the regiment having been detailed for other duty. It marched in charge of wagon train to Olustee, at which place the train was stopped and the regiment moved forward at the double-quick about 2 miles, where it was formed in line between the railroad and dirt road, under a sharp fire from the enemy. In this formation it advanced some 200 yards through a swamp, driving the enemy from some guns, and checking the advance of a column of the enemy's infantry. After firing about 20,000 cartridges, the men of the regiment were ordered to retreat by Col. James Montgomery, commanding brigade. A new line was formed on the right of the dirt road, where the regiment staid till after dark, when it was ordered, through Col. Barton, to march back to Barber's, where it arrived one hour after midnight. Their loss in officers was 3 wounded-Capt. R.H. L. Jewett, First Lieut. H. W. Littlefield, and First Lieut. E.G. Tomlinson-in enlisted men, killed, 13; wounded, 63; missing, 8; total, 87. The State color three times fell and each time was caught up by another corporal. Sergt. Stephen A. Swails, acting sergeant-major, deserves special praise for his coolness, bravery, and efficiency during the action; he received a severe but not mortal wound in the head. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. N. HALLOWELL, Col. Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers. Lieut. R. M. HALL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen. Source: Official Records CHAP. LIII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. PAGE 315-65 [Series I. Vol. 35. Part I, Reports and Correspondence. Serial No. 65.] *********************************************************************************** Reports of Lieut. Col. H. Northy Hooper, Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry, of operations April 5-25. CAMP FIFTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS, April 12, 1865. LIEUT.: I have the honor to forward the following report of the movement of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers to Wateree Junction: Yesterday, a short time after sunset, the regiment reached the junction. I discovered an engine, with steam up, upon the main road. I directed a volley to be fired into the cab of the engine, in order to disable the engineer in case one should be there, and immediately charged the regiment over the bridge. After the fire the few hands who were with the trains at once fled, and I took possession of 13 cars and 5 locomotives. I immediately sent one party up the Camden railroad, and another on the main road toward Kingsville. Our flanks rested on the swamp. The trestle-work on the Camden road I at once fired; at http://www.civilwardata.com/active/hdsquery .dll?RegimentHistory?966& U 2/27/2018 • American Civil War Research Dat>J..ase Page 5 of 6 the same time prepared the bridge on the Wilmington road for burning, and ordered the party on the main road forward to the end of the trestle-work. I had a part of the track taken up bodily and pitched into the swamp; also about fifty sticks of timber, a foot or more square, were set on fire, and a turntable, then in process of construction, burned. Two of the engines, with the train, had steam on, and as competent engineers were of opinion that the engine could pull the train on the Manchester, I concluded to return to Manchester on the cars. The regiment was fairly worn out. By 10 o'clock three more trains were discovered about three miles up the main road upon the trestle-work. One of these I had burned upon the trestle-work, and the two others joined the train at the junction. After many attempts it was found impossible to reach Manchester by rail, so I had the remaining cars and locomotives burned. There were destroyed by fire 48 cars, one-third passenger and one-third box-cars, and 8 locomotives. A quantity of prepared timber, a turntable, a portion of the trestle-work of the main road, a portion of the trestle-work of the Camden road, and the bridge on the Wilmington road. One car contained railroad rails and another railroad spikes; one was filled with corn and in another were found tools, pulleys, files, etc. I reached camp at 7.30 this morning. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. NORTHY HOOPER, Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Vols. Lieut. BALDWIN, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Provisional Division. HDQRS. FIFTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS, Georgetown, S.C., April 28, 1865. LIEUT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers during the late campaign to Camden: On the 7th instant two companies under charge of Capt. Tucker made a reconnaissance to Epps' Bridge, on the Black River. Capt. Tucker reported it destroyed by fire. Casualties, 1 officer and 2 men wounded. On the 9th the Fifty-fourth composed a part of the flanking column in the affair at Dingle's Mill. The enemy discovered the movements in time to make good his escape. On the 11th the regiment left the column and went to Wateree Junction. It there captured 8 locomotives and 48 cars; these were destroyed. Trestle-works on the main and Camden roads and a bridge on the Wilmington road were destroyed by fire. On the 16th 1 man was killed and 1 seriously wounded while foraging. On the 18th the Fifty-fourth was ordered to flank the enemy's position on Swift Creek. It proceeded over plowed fields, which were bordered by the woods of the creek, about two miles to Boykins' Mills. The banks of the stream at this point were so thickly covered with trees that the enemy's position and strength could not be discovered without pushing a skirmish line across the stream. The skirmishers advanced, the column closely following. It was quickly discovered that the enemy was prepared to dispute our passage. There were found to be two streams. They could be crossed above by a dike and 150 yards below by a road that crossed one stream by a bridge, the boards of which were removed; the second stream fordable; fifteen yards beyond the ford, up a steep ascent, was a breast-work of cotton bales. The dike was covered by the fire of the enemy. The dike and the road met and formed a junction on the enemy's side of the creek. Satisfied that a crossing could be attained by a severe loss, as affairs then stood, I sent Maj. Pope to a crossing said to be one-fourth of a mile below the mills. Meanwhile I kept up a fire upon the enemy and opened the gates of the mill on our bank of the stream. Maj. Pope was unsuccessful in effecting a crossing below; he found the enemy there in force. I then asked for a piece of artillery. It was furnished, and after half a dozen discharges of shell at the position of the enemy I had the satisfaction to see quite a number of rebels rapidly leave our front. A column composed of the five companies under my immediate http://www.civilwardata.com/active/hdsquery .dll ?RegimentHistory?966& U 2/27/2018 .-- American Civil War Research Dat>l-.ase Page 6 of 6 command then charged across the two streams over the dike in single file. although the enemy maintained his position for awhile, he soon fled. The regiment gained the enemy's breast-works and the affair at Boykins' Mills was over. Casualties: 1 officer and 1 corporal killed; 13 men wounded, one of whom since died of wounds. Property destroyed by the regiment: At Sumterville, 1 railroad machine shop, 3 locomotives, 15 cars; at Wateree Junction, 8 locomotives and 48 cars, portions of 2 trestle-works, 1 bridge, a quantity of railroad material, and a new turntable; at Boykins' Mills, 54 bales cotton, 3 bales of corn fodder, 1 saw-mill, 1 grist-mill; at Statesburg, 15 locomotives and 5 cars. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. NORTHY HOOPER, Lieut.-Col., Comdg. Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Vols. Lieut. BALDWIN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen. Source: Official Records PAGE 1038-98 OPERATIONS INN. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX. [Series I. Vol. 47. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 98.] Regiment Assignments I Regiment Casualty Analysis Regiment Personnel Listing IRegimental Report List Home Page IDemo IE-mail HOS Historical Data Systems, Inc. P.O. Box 35 Duxbury, MA 023 31 http://www.civilwardata.com/active/hdsquery .dll ?RegimentHistory?966& U 2/27/2018