Emilio, Luis F., History of the Fifty-Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry , 1863-1865

[315] with Company K, on July 31, was ordered to Fort Johnson to dismount guns on James Island for transportation elsewhere. This work was prosecuted until the company was relieved on August 16. Orders were received from General Gillmore directing that the commanding officers of the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Massachusetts, Twenty-sixth, Thirty-second, and One Hundred and Second United States Colored Troops, about to be mustered out, should nominate such officers of their regiments as were desirous of appointments in other colored organizations. No assurances were given of their receiving a higher grade than second lieutenancies. It is not known whether any nominations were made from the Fifty-fourth.

During the interval of time between the arrival of the regiment and its muster-out, many changes of rank and duties occurred. Commissions were received for Quartermaster-Sergeant Vogelsang and First Sergeant Welch, of Company F, as second lieutenants, May 22. Applications being made for their muster, they were returned ‘disapproved,’ and the commissions for some reason destroyed. Colonel Hallowell, determined that the precedent established in the case of Lieutenant Swails should be followed, appealed to higher authority, sending for new commissions. These colored men were finally mustered as officers, and ultimately promoted to first lieutenancies. Commissions were also issued to First Sergeant George E. Stephens, of Company B, and First Sergeant Albert D. Thompson, of Company D, but they were not mustered under them.

George Cranch, John H. Conant, and William McDermott, newly appointed, reported and ultimately became first lieutenants. Joshua B. Treadwell reported for duty as assistant-surgeon. Colonel Hallowell was brevetted brigadier-general.