14th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery Regiment (Colored)
For African American soldiers, along with honor, sacrifice, and dignity, the flag held an even deeper meaning—it represented their readiness to defend a nation that had yet to fully acknowledge their humanity, and symbolized their commitment to fight for freedom, justice, and full citizenship of all African Americans. In November 1863, as the flag was presented to the 14th Rhode Island Colored Regiment—with approximately 1,150 soldiers in its ranks—the Right Reverend Bishop Clark offered this congratulations: “It is a distinguished honor to belong to such a regiment as this, the 14th in the order of place which has been furnished by Rhode Island to the war, but inferior to none in the standard of physical soundness and ability. You stand in these ranks, not because you have been drafted by the civil authority, but as volunteers, as men who have willingly offered themselves to save and redeem their country. For hereafter this will be your country, as well as ours, and your right to all its privileges and immunities will be amply vindicated.” Bishop Clark continued, his speech with these words “It is not merely the Union of our country that is at stake, it is not merely the question of slavery or freedom that you are to determine; you now go forth to fight the great battle of civilization, to settle the question whether the human race, yours and ours, on this continent shall go backward or forward.” The below was written into the 1895 Rhode Island Adjutant Generals publication Annual Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island, for the Year 1865, v.2. by the Rhode Island Adjutant General’s Office. The below is the introduction to the 14th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery Regiment (Colored) section. 1 --------------------------- Into the idea of raising a regiment of colored men, Governor Smith early entered. He communicated with the authorities at Washington on the subject, and on the 17th of June, 1863, was granted permission to enlist a colored company of heavy artillery. This was so spiritedly done that on the 4th of August the permit was extended to a battalion, and on the 3d of September was again extended to a full regiment. In accomplishing this work many and peculiar difficulties occurred. But these, by the energy and perseverance of the Governor, were successfully overcome. It should perhaps be stated that the officers of this regiment were white men, all of whom had seen previous service. They were commissioned by the President of the United States, after having passed a rigid examination before a military board convened at Washington, of which Major General Silas Casey, United States Army, was president. “Camp Smith” was established on the Dexter Training Ground, in Providence, and on the 28th of August the first company was mustered-in. To Colonel Nelson Viall was assigned the duty of organizing and preparing the regiment for the field. A more judicious selection could not have been made. Colonel Viall had gained large experience in the Mexican War, had proved himself a brave and capable officer in the Army of the Potomac, bad faith, (as many at the time had not,) in the capabilities of the colored man to make an efficient soldier, and entered heartily into the wishes of Governor Smith. He devoted himself untiringly to the work, and under his daily inspection the men made rapid progress in military evolutions. In the course of a few weeks a battalion of four companies was enlisted. In September these companies were transferred to Dutch Island, and established “Camp Bailey,” in compliment to Colonel Charles E. Bailey, Aide-de-Camp and Private Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief, who had shown particular interest in the welfare of the men. The encampment on the Dexter Training Ground was still used to complete company organizations. November 19th, the Governor, accompanied by the Legislature and many other invited guests, visited Dutch Island, reviewed the troops, and presented to the regiment a stand of colors. To the presentation address made by Governor Smith, Colonel Viall, in behalf of his command, returned an appropriate reply. Addresses were also made by Hon. Henry B. Anthony, Senator to Congress from Rhode Island, Rt. Rev. Thomas M. Clark, D. D., Rev. Dr. Edward B. Hall, Rev. Dr. Barnas Sears, President of Brown University, and Rev. Dr. Leonard Swain. The regiment then broke into column and passed in review before the Governor, making a very gratifying appearance. On the 7th of December, the first battalion left the island under Major Joseph J. Comstock, Jr., and went into camp at “Camp Smith,” in Providence, preparatory to proceeding to New Orleans to join General Banks, commanding the Department of the Gulf. Wednesday, December 9th, the colored ladies of Providence, through Mr. John T. Waugh, a colored native of Virginia, presented the battalion with a handsome silk flag, bearing appropriate emblems. Governor Smith, Lieutenant-Governor Padelford, Major- General Robbins, Adjutant-General Mauran, Mayor Knight, and a large concourse of spectators were present at the interesting ceremony. December 19th the battalion left Providence and sailed from Newport on board the transport Cahawba for New Orleans, where it arrived December 30th. Without debarking, it proceeded to Passo Cavallo, Texas, where it arrived January 8, 1864, and was assigned to garrison duty in Fort Esperanza, Matagorda Island. Here it was visited by Major-General Dana, commanding the Union forces in Texas, who expressed himself highly gratified with its appearance. In a letter to Governor Smith, he says: “I took them entirely by surprise by going over in a small boat, but they were ready. The soldier-like conduct of the sentinels on post, and of the main guard at the gate, challenged my admiration. The “Assembly” was sounded, and in five minutes the whole battalion, four hundred strong, was in line, and I have never found a regiment, even on a Sunday morning inspection, in more perfect condition. Excellence is the proper term to apply to its condition and soldierly bearing. The drill was also most creditable. Such discipline and order reflect great credit on the company officers, and especially on the Major in command.” On the 8th of January, 1864, the second battalion under the command of Captain Nelson Kenyon, sailed in the transport Daniel Webster for New Orleans, where it arrived February 3d, and Captain Kenyon went on shore to report to General Banks. In the course of the day he was ordered to report to General J. J. Reynolds, commanding the defences of New Orleans. On account of the measles which prevailed to some extent in the command, the battalion was ordered into camp at English Turn, where, March 7th, Major Richard G. Shaw assumed the command. From English Turn the battalion removed to Plaquemine, 160 miles above New Orleans, where Major Shaw became post commander, and Captain Kenyon resumed the immediate command of the battalion. Here it was engaged in putting the fort, which had been commenced by a former garrison, in a state of defence, and in guarding the town by a long line of pickets. A detachment from the battalion under command of an officer, also picketed the country a short distance on the other side of the river opposite the town. Frequent skirmishes occurred between the battalion and the guerrillas under the notorious Captain Scott of Plaquemine Parish. At one time they dashed upon the outposts and captured several men, the cavalry picket, (from the Third Rhode Island Cavalry,) and the infantry picket, composed of three men, from the second battalion of the Fourteenth. The white soldiers were retained as prisoners of war, but the colored soldiers, after they had surrendered, were inhumanly murdered as the enemy retreated through Indian Village. The color borne by this battalion was procured by the means of funds raised by the officers and men of the battalion. Colonel Viall was appointed by the President, Lieutenant-Colonel, January 15, 1864, and it had been intended that the third battalion should follow the first and second in February. For that purpose, the United States transport Daniel Webster was sent to Dutch Island to convey it to New Orleans; but simultaneously with its arrival, February 24th, the small pox broke out among the troops, and they were detained until April 3d, when Lieutenant-Colonel Viall, with the battalion, sailed in the transport America for New Orleans, which place it reached on the 15th, and was ordered to Camp Parapet. Here Lieutenant-Colonel Viall assumed command of the post, and the immediate command of the battalion devolved on Captain Samuel Farnum. Immediately after encamping at Fort Parapet, fatigue parties were organized to work on the fortification, and for the next two months the battalion furnished details for the swamp and slashing on the right. In March, while the battalion was still at Fort Esperanza, Companies A, C and D were under arrest for refusing to accept the pay at that time offered by the government to the colored soldiers, viz.: ten dollars per month, three dollars of which might be in clothing. Enlisting as they did, with the understanding that their pay was to be the same as that of white troops, it is not surprising that they manifested indignation, and became technically insubordinate. In view of all the facts, their case warranted charitable judgment. The ringleaders in the trouble were tried by general court-martial, and sent to Fort Jefferson, Florida. During the month of April, the battalion, company A excepted, remained at Fort Esperanza. On the 16th of the month this company, under Captain Thomas W. Fry, moved to Aranzas Pass. The whole regiment being now in the Department of the Gulf, its designation was changed by general order, April 19th, to the Eleventh United Stutes Heavy Artillery, (Colored). On the 19th of May Major Comstock received orders to evacuate Fort Esperanza, first destroying what he could not bring away, and return to New Orleans. He accordingly dismantled the works, shipped the heavy ordnance, and embarking his men on board the transport steamer Clinton, reached New Orleans May 23d. The next day he reported to Lieutenant-Colonel Viall at Fort Parapet, where the first and third battalions were consolidated, and Lieutenant Joseph C. Whiting, Jr., was appointed Post Adjutant. At Parapet Lieutenant-Colonel Viall, with the aid of sympathetic friends, established a school for the men under his command, which was placed in charge of Lieutenant Martin S. Smith and Quartermaster-Sergeant Hamblin, a colored man, who had passed a successful examination before a military board sitting at Morganzia, for the position of second lieutenant. The men showed a great desire to learn, and zealously improved the opportunity. June 30th, Lieutenant-Colonel Viall was placed in immediate command of the fortifications on both sides of the river. This field work was commenced by the Confederates early in the rebellion, a tax of two millions of dollars having been levied upon the principal merchants of New Orleans for the defences of the city. The first installment was paid and expended upon the Parapet running from the Mississippi river to the marshes of Lake Ponchartrain. It was abandoned on the occupation of New Orleans by General Butler, and the gun carriages and magazines were destroyed by fire. In this condition Lieutenant-Colonel Viall found the works when assigned to the command of them. The magazines were re-built, and thirty heavy guns were mounted by his regiment. The line of works was over two miles in length, and required constant labor to keep it in repair. Aside from the drill and fatigue duty, a very rigid system of guard duty was required of Lieutenant-Colonel Viall. All boats, luggers and sailing craft bound up or down the river were brought to at Fort Banks and inspected, to prevent contraband of war passing within the enemy’s lines. A record of the same was required to be kept, as also of every team and its contents passing up on both sides of the river; and of all these a report was to be made and forwarded to headquarters of the defences of New Orleans, with the Custom House permits allowing the same. Similar duties were required of the first battalion at Fort Jackson. Every steamer and sailing craft from above or below was brought to, and its papers were inspected before it was allowed to pass the forts. Before the first battalion arrived at Camp Parapet, Company I, of the third battalion, had been detached for duty on the Jackson and New Orleans Railroad. July 3d, General T. W. Sherman ordered the first battalion to Fort Jackson, below New Orleans, to do garrison duty, and the regiment remained thus divided until mustered out of service. July 5th, Colonel Jacob Hale Sypher, of the United States Army, was appointed by the President to the command of the regiment, and made his headquarters with the second battalion at Plaquemine. He was much of the time engaged on a military commission in New Orleans. In August, the second battalion was visited at Plaquemine by the Inspector-General of the Department of New Orleans, who reported to General Banks as follows: “I landed in camp about noon, and no one knew of my coming. The call was sounded, and notice sent to turn out for inspection. In five minutes lines were formed in their streets. I found every man fit for duty (not on guard or picket) at inspection ; also all of the officers. The arms and equipments were all in the very best of order. From this they marched up to the guns in double-quick time, and every man knew his place.” August 16th, General Banks addressed a complimentary letter to Major Shaw, commending the officers and men of his command for the good preservation of their arms, their excellent discipline and prompt execution of orders. October 24th, Lieutenant-Colonel Viall received from the Rhode Island Relief Association a box of hospital stores for the use of his command. December 1st, Colonel Sypher was in command of the Camp of Instruction, at Greenville, Lieutenant-Colonel Viall was serving on general court-martial at New Orleans, Major Fitzwater was engaged on Military Board of Inspection, and Captain Henry K. Southwick was still on duty as Acting Inspector General of the District. Early in January, 1865, the Allotment Commissioner, Major Amsbury, visited the second battalion at Plaquemine, and paid the troops to August 1st, preceding the first payment received by the men since their enlistment. Up to the opening of the new year, little had occurred at the post to vary the usual routine of garrison duty. February 16th, the entire regiment numbered 1,452 men. The effects of the climate had seriously diminished its ranks. Up to the date last named, upwards of 300 men had died of disease. From July 1st, previous, 70 men had died at Fort Jackson. Experience proved that while black men made good and faithful soldiers, their power of endurance was not equal to that of the whites. In April, the station of the first battalion was transferred from Fort Jackson to Brashear City. In June, the second battalion removed to Donaldsonville, La., where it performed garrison duty until ordered to Camp Parapet, where it rejoined the other battalions of the Regiment. The duties of the Regiment at the several posts possessed few of the charms that give attraction and excitement to the movements of the field. The work was laborious and often disagreeable, but without the inspiration of glory, was always patiently and faithfully performed. For this, impartial history will award just praise. From this last date until the following October, little occurred in the Regiment requiring notice. At this time the war had closed, a reduction of the military force of the Union was almost daily taking place, and the further services of the Regiment being unnecessary, it was mustered out at Camp Parapet, October 2d, 1865. On the 7th, it embarked on board the steamship Worth Stur, for New York, where it arrived on the 15th. On landing, the Regiment marched up Broadway preceded by a brass band and drum corps organized from its ranks, presenting one of the most imposing scenes that had been witnessed by the citizens of New York since the commencement of the return of soldiers from the field of war. Along the entire route, loud and enthusiastic exclamations of welcome and admiration went up from the crowds thronging the way. The ovation was complete. Leaving New York in the propeller Doris, the Regiment reached Portsmouth Grove at eight and a half o’clock, A. M., October 18th, and was received with a national salute fired by a detachment of the Newport Artillery under Colonel John Hare Powel. Saturday morning, October 21st, the Regiment made a visit to Providence. A salute was fired by the Marine Artillery. On landing, the column was formed on South Main street, and marched to City Hall, where, under the direction of Acting Adjutant-General Crandall, L. H. Humphreys had prepared a handsome and bountiful collation. As the men filed in, keeping step to “Tramp, Tramp, Tramp,” as pealed forth by the band of Morris Brothers, Pell & Trowbridge’s minstrels, and took their stand at the tables, the spectacle was exciting and inspiring. After the men had refreshed themselves, the column was reformed and marched to Exchange Place, where a dress parade took place in the presence of Governor Smith and staff and an immense concourse of spectators. This ended, the Regiment broke into column of companies, and marching up Westminster street in review by the Governor at headquarters, and thence through several other principal streets, it embarked for the rendezvous at Portsmouth Grove. A few days after, the Regiment was disbanded and the men were scattered to their homes, having by their general good conduct as soldiers honored the State whose name they bore upon their regimental colors, and paying in this manner a gratifying tribute to the untiring energy and sound judgment of the Chief Executive by whom they were called into service. Photo credit: 2Source Soldier Guarding Heavy Artillery – 14th RI. Library of Congress. City Point, Virginia. Negro soldier guarding 12-pdr. Napoleon. Model 1857. United States, 1865. https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2018670840/ |
