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During the afternoon of the 18th of July last, the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, Col. R. G. Shaw commanding, landed upon Morris Island and reported at about six o'clock P. M. to Brig.-Gen. G. C. Strong. Colonel Shaw's command present consisted of a lieutenant-colonel of the field, a surgeon, adjutant, and quartermaster of the staff, eight captains and eleven subaltern, officers of the line and six hundred enlisted men. General Strong presented himself to the regiment, and informed the men of the contemplated assault upon Fort Wagner, and asked if they would lead it. They answered in the affirmative.
The regiment was then formed in column by wing, at a point upon the beach a short distance in the advance of the Beacon house. Col. R. G. Shaw commanded the right wing, and Lieut.-Col. E. N. Hallowell the left.
In this formation, as the dusk of evening came on, the regiment advanced at quick time, leading the column.
The enemy opened on us a brisk fire, our pace now gradually increasing till it became a run. Soon canister and musketry began to tell on us. With Colonel Shaw leading, the assault was commenced.
Exposed to the direct fire of canister and musketry, and, as the ramparts were mounted, to a like fire on our flanks, the havoc made in our ranks was very great.
Upon leaving the ditch for the parapet, they obstinately contested with the bayonet our advance.
Notwithstanding these difficulties, the men succeeded in driving the enemy from most of their guns, many following the enemy into the fort.
It was here upon the crest of the parapet that Colonel Shaw fell; here fell Captains Russel and Simpkins; here were also most of the officers wounded.
The colors of the regiment reached the crest, and were there fought for by the enemy; the State flag there torn from its staff, but the staff remains with us. Hand grenades were now added to the missiles directed against the men.
The fight raged here for about an hour, when, compelled to
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1894. Boston Book Co. Boston,.
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