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

A telegram from Charleston of the departure of the regiment was sent to the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts. Upon its receipt the friends of the officers and men arranged for their proper reception in Boston. The newspapers made announcement of the event, indicated the route, and requested the display of the national colors and that refreshments be served on the march.

September 2, the Fifty-fourth at 9 A. M. landed at Commercial Wharf from the tugs ‘Uncle Sam,’ ‘William H. Stroud,’ and another. There it was received by the Fourteenth Unattached Company Massachusetts Volunteer Militia (Shaw Guards, colored), Capt. Lewis Gaul; the Hallowell Union Association, A. M. Hewlett, marshal; a delegation from the Rev. William Grimes's Twelfth Baptist Society; and many citizens, accompanied by Gilmore's Band, —all under direction of J. J. Smith, chief marshal. The Boston Brigade Band was also provided for the Fifty-fourth.

After the regiment had landed and passed the escort, the column moved from Commercial to State Street. This thoroughfare was thronged with people, who greeted the veterans with repeated cheers. Great enthusiasm was displayed; and the passing of the colors was especially honored. As the Fifty-fourth moved through Washington, Franklin, Devonshire, Summer, and Winter streets, similar plaudits greeted it from every side. Entering Tremont Street from Winter, an incident of the occasion was the display in the window of Childs and Jenks's establishment of a portrait of Lieutenant Webster, deceased, of the Fifty-fourth, draped in mourning. In passing, appropriate