William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 1

‘ [409] ardent, faithful, and true republicans and friends of liberty would recognize in him a scion from a tree whose fruit and leaves have always contributed to the strength and healing of our generation.’ Mr. Shaw was willing that his son should serve; and Captain Shaw was shortly afterwards relieved from his command, and came to Boston to superintend the recruitment of the regiment. The Governor also fixed upon Captain Edward N. Hallowell, a captain in the Twentieth Regiment, as lieutenant-colonel. He was a son of Morris L. Hallowell, a Quaker gentleman of Philadelphia, whose house in that city had been a hospital and home for Massachusetts officers all through the war. When the organization of the Fifty-fourth was completed, many gentlemen in New York, who favored the enlistment of colored troops, desired to have the regiment pass through that city on its way to the front. They wanted to have it march down Broadway, that the people might see it, and the State might imitate the example of Massachusetts in regard to colored regiments. But others, equally friendly to raising colored troops, counselled against it. They feared the regiment might be insulted by vicious men in that city, and that a tumult might ensue. These prudent counsels prevailed.

The regiment was ordered to South Carolina. It came to Boston on the twenty-eighth day of May, and embarked on board the United-States steam transport De Molay. It was reviewed on the Common by the Governor. Thousands of citizens came in from the country to witness the march of the regiment through the streets of Boston. The sidewalks were crowded with people; flags were displayed everywhere. The regiment was cheered the whole route. It was one of the most splendid ovations ever seen in Boston. The men kept close rank; not a man left his place; not a straggler was seen. The embarkation was orderly and complete. Two sons of Frederick Douglass, the colored orator, were in the ranks; the father himself was present to witness the departure of his sons. About eight o'clock in the evening, the transport left the wharf. The Adjutant-General, Mr. Douglass, and a few other friends of the regiment, were on board. The evening was beautiful; the moon was at its full. A small Government steamer accompanied