There were quite a few, and, as a whole, they were known as United States Coloured Troops. There was a total of 138 infantry, six Cavalry, 15 heavy artillery, and one light artillery regiment in the US Coloured Troops.
The Massachusetts 54
The Massachusetts 54
The Massachusetts 54
Major General William T. Sherman saw the Union's policies regarding recruiting and promotions as an internal structure problem that hurt the Union's war effort. When a Union regiment for example became depleted due to deaths, desertions or non-reenlistments, Union policy was to raise a new regiment with new colonels and captains. The remnants of the depleted regiment simply withered away. Sherman saw a better approach to this. Instead of raising an entirely new regiment, he believed that the proven soldiers be promoted and lower level positions recruited to fill up spaces left at the bottom of a military unit. He is quoted as saying that 500 new men added to an old experienced unit were a better help to the Union than having 1,000 totally new soldiers forming a new regiment. Promotions would help retain soldiers. In today's terms, he believed that a policy of promoting from within was better than recruiting new soldiers.
The first all-Black regiment of Union soldiers was the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, formed in 1863 during the American Civil War. It was organized in Massachusetts and became famous for its courageous assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina in July 1863. The regiment played a crucial role in demonstrating the bravery and capabilities of Black soldiers in the fight for freedom and equality.
The first all-Black regiment in the Union Army during the American Civil War was the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, formed in 1863. Led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the regiment played a significant role in the assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina, which highlighted the bravery and capability of Black soldiers. Their service helped to change perceptions about Black troops and contributed to the eventual enlistment of nearly 180,000 African American soldiers in the Union Army.
The confederacy used some, but mostly in menial and support jobs. The Union had many more black soldiers, and many of them were fighting soldiers. Moreover, the (white) commander of the first black regiment had forced the Government to put black soldiers on equal pay with the white soldiers.
The assault on Fort Wagner by the 54th Massachusetts Regiment on July 18, 1863, resulted in a strategic failure for the Union forces. Despite their bravery and determination, the regiment faced heavy casualties, with over half of its soldiers killed, wounded, or captured. However, the courageous performance of the 54th helped to change perceptions about African American soldiers and proved their valor in battle, ultimately contributing to the broader fight for emancipation and equality.
Zouave (regiment) - a Union regiment Zouave - the uniform worn by a Union soldier
The Union troops started running toward the regiment with the red badge of courage because they saw them retreating, which sparked a sense of panic and the fear of being left vulnerable on the battlefield. The soldiers likely believed that following the retreating regiment would protect them and provide safety in numbers.
The main purpose of the letter from the 55th Massachusetts Regiment to President Lincoln was to advocate for the equal treatment and recognition of Black soldiers in the Union Army. The regiment sought to address issues such as pay disparities, discrimination, and the valor shown by Black troops in battle, urging the president to ensure that their contributions were acknowledged and respected. Ultimately, the letter aimed to promote justice and equality for African American soldiers fighting for their freedom and the Union.
They went to a Union Army quartermaster for their military stuff which was issued for free. Additional stuff could be purchased from a sutler; like a traveling civilian shopkeeper contracted one to each regiment.