In January 1863 the Union War Department authorized the creation of "a special corps" composed of "persons of African descent"—the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry; commanded by Col. Robert Gould Shaw. Hundreds of free blacks enlisted. When the 54th Massachusetts spearheaded the suicidal charge against Fort Wagner on July 18; 1863; the regiment was showered with acclaim; but that defining event was not its only illustrious moment. After the devastating repulse at Fort Wagner left all of the unit's ranking officers dead or wounded; Captain Luis F. Emilio (1844–1918) emerged as the 54th's acting commander. A Brave Black Regiment offers an unparalleled; moving; inside view of the entire history of the 54th Massachusetts; from recruitment through disbandment. With a new introduction; rare; previously unpublished photos of Emilio and members of the 54th; the complete regimental roster; and his lengthy appendix concerning Confederate treatment of black prisoners-of-war; this Da Capo Press/Persues Books Group edition is certain to remain definitive for a long time to come.
#10442179 in Books 1996-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 5.75 x .75l; #File Name: 0304332623200 pages
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Movies buffFascinating book