Letter regarding 54th Massachusetts, U.S. Colored Troops

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A handwritten letter concerning the actions of the 54th Massachusetts during the Civil War, written on both sides of a single sheet of paper, folded to form four pages. This letter is addressed to "cousin" but remains unsigned. The writer gives a brief description of his circumstances after his recent arrival in Darien, GA with his regiment, claiming he's gotten "fat and sassy" since joining the army. He discusses the actions of the 54th Massachusetts, U.S. Colored troops in the town, describing a scene of general destruction and absent town dwellers. The first three pages are written in a steady, consistent hand; the last page is written by the same author but in a very cramped, tiny script. Near the top of the center fold separating the pages is an embossed, slightly raised symbol of an American shield.

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