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

[311] and 9th, taking post at the intrenchments. The Twentyfirst United States Colored Troops was stationed on James Island and Mount Pleasant. Orders being received for the right wing to join the left, on the 14th it marched from the Neck, crossed the river, and camped at St. Andrew's Parish, thus reuniting the regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel Hooper. He retained command until the 29th, when, having received leave of absence, he departed for the North, leaving Major Pope in charge of the regiment.

In accordance with Department orders issued May 29, Colonel Hallowell, Colonel Gurney, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York, and Major Willoughby, Twentyfirst United States Colored Troops, were constituted a board for the examination of volunteer officers in the Northern District, with a view to their retention in the military service. All the officers of the Fifty-fourth appeared before this board.

Captain Tucker with twenty-five men, on June 2, was sent on a ‘tin-clad’ steamer to the Santee River. On the 7th the men welcomed back to the regiment eleven of their comrades who had been prisoners of war. Two others had previously reported. These men were paroled near Wilmington, N. C., on March 4. Colonel Hallowell's command was broken up June 5; the Fifty-fourth was ordered to Charleston; the One Hundred and Seventh Ohio and Twenty-first United States Colored Troops remaining brigaded under Colonel Hallowell until the 10th. Our regiment was ordered to relieve the Thirty-fifth United States Colored Troops, forming part of the garrison. On the 8th four companies crossed the Ashley in small boats, taking post at the Citadel. They were joined by five other companies on the 10th, Company I remaining at St. Andrew's