The United States Colored Troops

The President did not authorize the use of African Americans into combat until the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.The 55th Massachusetts Infantry was mustered in June 22, 1863. Five companies were mustered in May 31, two more on June 15, and the remaining tree June 22nd. Lieutenant Colonel Norwood P. Hallowell of the 54th was commissioned colonel and Capt. A. S. Hartwell of the same regiment, lieutenant colonel. The 55th was variously engaged on the islands of Charleston until July 2, when it was heavily engaged at James Island, losing 11 killed and 18 wounded. On November 30th, the 55th was engaged with then enemy at Honey Hill, losing Captain Crane, Lieut. Boynton and 31 men killed and Colonel Hartwell and 108 officers and men wounded, several mortally, the heaviest loss of the regiment in any one action. It retired to Boyd’s Neck where it remained until January 11, 1865. On June 15th, as part of Holman’s Brigade it participated in the advance toward Petersburg, being engaged with the enemy at Baylor’s Farm, where it lost three men killed and 19 officers and men wounded, among the latter being Colonel Russell, Major Adams and Captain H.E.W. Clark. On June 30th, the regiment moved to Point Lookout, Maryland to guard Confederate prisoners where it remained for the balance of the year 1864. The regiment was ordered to Texas and duty at Clarksville till October and mustered out October 31, 1865. During service, the Regiment lost 7 enlisted men killed and 116 enlisted men by disease. Discovery and excavation of a burial site for soldiers from the 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The site was found near Charleston, SC. The 55th Massachusetts was the sister regiment to the 54th Massachusetts that was portrayed in the movie “Glory.”

James D Ruffin