History of the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, 1863-1865

the long version

The call to arms of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry stands as a turning point not only in the Civil War, but in the history of the United States military. The men of the Fighting 54th, upon whose exploits the acclaimed film *Glory* was based, fired the first shots in a battle for racial equality that continues today. Written by one of the young idealistic white officers who led them on the field, *A Breve Black Regiment* is a firsthand account of their extraordinary physical and moral courage. Poorly supplied and underpaid, they rushed headlong into battle fully aware of the terrible consequences that awaited them should they fall into Confederate hands. They received their baptism of fire at James Island and went on to distinguish themselves in some of the fiercest fighting of the war —marching into history at Charleston, where they led the legendary assault on Fort Wagner. Here is the stirring account of the valor and patriotism of these brave men who sacrificed their lives for a dream of freedom and a glory that will never die.