411
●
(MILITARY—CIVIL WAR.) FIFTY-FOURTH AND FIFTY-FIFTH REGI-
MENTS, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER
General Orders 58 “it is ordered that
there shall be inscribed upon the Colors, or Guidons of the Following
Regiments serving in this Department . . . the names of the battles in which
they have borne a meritorious part.”
Single sheet of fine wove paper, folded to four
pages, printed on three sides. (WGC)
Headquarters, Department of South Carolina, Hilton Head, Nov 4, 1865
[800/1,200]
THIS RARE GENERAL ORDER NO
. 58,
ISSUED BY MAJOR GENERAL Q
.
A
.
GILLMORE
,
ALLOWED THE REGIMENTS CITED THE RIGHT TO DISPLAY THE BATTLES IN WHICH
THEY HAD FOUGHT ON THEIR PARADE FLAGS
.
While this represented an extremely impor-
tant issue of pride to all veterans, it was of special significance to the veterans of black regiments.
Later, when marching in GAR reunions, the 54th Massachusetts would be able to inscribe the
Assault on Battery Wagner, as well as that of James Island, Olustee, Honey Hill, Boykins
Mills, and Deveaux Neck. They were mustered out on August 20, 1865. Over 1500 black
troops lost their lives at the assault on Battery Wagner alone.
