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

January 24 was cold but clear, after several days of rain. In accordance with orders received to move when favorable weather came, Colonel Hallowell that day transferred his command to Devaux's Neck. The Fifty-fourth moved at 8.30 A. M., and crossing the river on lighters, camp was established in a large field near the hospital. While in this location the regiment received clothing and camp supplies, long sadly needed.

Sherman was now ready for his ‘great next,’ and Hatch's Coast Division was ordered to Pocotaligo to relieve Gen. Giles S. Smith's division of the Seventeenth Corps. With the Second Brigade the Fifty-fourth moved at 8 A. M., on the 28th, through the old intrenchments to the State road, and along it to Pocotaligo. We passed through the Rebel fort there, and by the Seventeenth Corps, noting the immense train of wagons, ambulances, and pontoons parked thereabout. Keeping on to the extreme right front, after a march of some ten miles we halted at a point a mile and a quarter from Salkehatchie Creek. Brigade line was formed with the Fifty-fourth, Thirty-third, Thirtyfourth, and One Hundred and Second United States Colored Troops and the artillery, in the near vicinity of some of Sherman's men. In a good position with low ground in front, the Fifty-fourth being in the woods, a rifle trench was made, shelters were pitched, and we camped.

Here we had a brief opportunity of seeing the Western troops. They were a seasoned, hardy set of men. They wore the army hat, instead of the forage-caps affected by most of our regiments. Their line-officers were generally clad in government clothes, with only shoulder-straps and