1864-1904
Guide to the Collection
Restrictions on Access
Use of the originals is restricted. This collection is available as digital facsimiles (see links below). Black and white microfilm is also available for use in the library.
Abstract
This collection consists of 2 boxes of records of the Association of Officers of the 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
Historical Sketch
The 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was the 2nd Black regiment raised in Massachusetts during the Civil War.
Collection Description
This collection consists of the records of the Association of Officers of the 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. It contains the manuscript and printed version of the record of the regiment as recorded in the diary of Col. Charles B. Fox. The printed version also contains statistical information and is annotated with biographical information on officers and enlisted men until the end of the 19th century. Also included are invitations and officers' replies to annual meetings (1867-1904); research notes on the history of the regiment compiled from officers' memos and journals, including those of Louis F. Emilio of the 54th Mass. Volunteer Infantry; correspondence regarding the regimental colors, pensions, and requests for help; and biographical information on several of the officers and a few of the Black soldiers.
The morning reports of the regiment from 27 March-14 April 1864 at Palatka are also included. Among the correspondents are Norwood P. Hallowell, Alfred S. Hartwell, Burt G. Wilder, Charles P. Bowditch, and Henry N. Sheldon.
Acquisition Information
Gift of the Allen D. Russell estate through Marjorie R. Aldrich of West Simsbury, Conn., Fall 1988.
Restrictions on Access
Use of the originals is restricted. This collection is available as digital facsimiles (see links below). Black and white microfilm is also available for use in the library.
Other Formats
The collection is also available as color digital facsimiles and on microfilm, P-499, 1 reel.
Detailed Description of the Collection
A. Loose itemsDigital Content
Morning reports (Palatka)Digital Content
27 Mar.-2 Apr. 1864
3-6 Apr. 1864
7 Apr. 1864
8-14 Apr. 1864
Regimental historyDigital Content
Circulars, 1868, 1894
Extracts from officers' journals & memos, 1863
Extracts from officers' journals & memos, 1864
Extracts from officers' journals & memos, 1865
Extracts and notes from officers' memos and journals, 1864-1865
Research notes from officers' memos and journals, 1864-1889
Correspondence, addresses, etc. 1874-1884
Correspondence, addresses, etc. [189-], 1895-1901
Annual meetingsDigital Content
Circulars, 1867-1880
Circulars, 1881-1904
Correspondence, 1877-1887
Correspondence, [189-], 1894-1895
Correspondence, 1896
Correspondence, 1898-1901
Correspondence, 1902-1904
Bills & receipts, 1867-1877
Bills & receipts, 1878-1893
Bills & receipts, 1894-1904
CorrespondenceDigital Content
Regimental colors, 1868-1872
Regarding Charles W. Thompson, 1876
Requests for help, pensions, etc. 1880-1895
Constitution, 1866, rev. 1869
Biographical: Death notices, etc. (officers)
Biographical: Clippings, etc. (Black soldiers), 1897-1901
Writings: Reprints, etc. (W. Symington Brown, H. O. Marcy)
Writings: Burt G. Wilder, 1893-1908
54th Regiment materials, 1883-1891
B. VolumesDigital Content
Records of the 55th Regiment, Vol I
1 volume.Records of the 55th Regiment, Vol II
1 volume.Record of the Service of the Fifty-Fifth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Cambridge, 1868)
1 printed volume.Preferred Citation
Association of Officers of the 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry records, Massachusetts Historical Society.
Access Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in ABIGAIL, the online catalog of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related persons, organizations, or subjects should search the catalog using these headings.