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

[188] and torches. A foot-bridge over the marshes connected it with the main post. Stores had to be brought in rowboats. Much vegetation covered the ground, rendering it altogether a pleasanter spot than Morris Island. Some twenty-five men were detailed daily for guards and pickets. A non-commissioned officer and five men in each of two boats were sent at night to guard the water-ways toward James Island. Sergt. Joseph Sulsey of Company E was appointed acting sergeant-major. A detail of twenty-three non-commissioned officers and men was placed under instruction until proficiency was attained in artillery practice.

Colonel Hallowell assumed command of Morris Island on the 20th, relieving Colonel Davis, who, with the Fifty-second and One Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania, departed for Hilton Head. The next day Colonel Montgomery arrived and relieved Colonel Hallowell. He brought the Thirty-fourth United States Colored Troops (formerly the Second South Carolina) and the Twenty-first United States Colored Troops. Col. William Gurney, with his regiment, the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York, came on the 23d, and in turn relieved Montgomery. In consequence of these frequent changes of postcom-mander some of the Fifty-fourth companies were as often shifted from one duty to another. On the 23d Companies B and G were made the provost-guard at Morris Island; but Company B was relieved therefrom in two or three days. Companies A, I, and K, under Lieutenant Leonard, were detailed for a few days as boat infantry. Captain Jones, with Company D, relieved a company of the Thirtyfourth United States Colored Troops as the garrison of Fort Shaw.