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

[268] temper had invoked. Her sons made frantic efforts to convince others that the success of the Confederates depended upon meeting Sherman there even at the expense of Richmond. The newspapers also assailed their chosen leaders. The Charleston Mercury said on January 12:

‘Let old things pass away. We want no more Jeff. Davis foolery. . . . North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina are in no mood for trifling. . . . South Carolina don't intend to be conquered. She don't intend to be hampered or turned over to the enemy. When she is thus dealt with, there will be reckoning,—a reckoning where there will be no respecter of persons.’

By orders from the War Department received January 17, Lieutenant Swails was permitted to muster, thus ending a struggle waged in his behalf for nearly a year by Colonel Hallowell and Governor Andrew. He was one of the earliest if not the first colored officer mustered; and this decision, persistently solicited and finally granted, must rank high with the moral victories wrung from the general government by the regiment and its founders.

On the 18th the steamer ‘Wyoming’ landed the first supplies for Sherman's army at our wharf. That day news was received of the capture of Fort Fisher, North Carolina, by our old commander, Gen. A. H. Terry, causing great rejoicing. Our horses were returned from Hilton Head on the 19th. Rainy weather seriously interfered with bringing up supplies. Daily details from the Fifty-fourth were sent out repairing roads or to the wharf unloading stores. All the enlisted men and eight officers were employed on the 21st making a corduroy road from the landing. Innumerable wagons of Sherman's army came and went over the roads, carrying supplies from various