Lot 829
Black Massachusetts 54th Enlistment Document. Partly-printed document, being an Enlistment and Bounty Agent Payment Certificate detailing Stephen Warren Morehouse joining Company E, of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, at "Head Quarters U.S. Forces Lighthouse Inlet," at Folly Island, South Carolina, 2pp, 7¾ x 9¾ in., 28 May 1864. Accompanied by a docket page, dated 11 Aug.1864, serving as proof for receiving his payment of the $50.00 Enlistment Bounty. There are confirmation signatures across the front written in blue, red and brown ink, approving the document. Morehouse was paid the sum of fifty dollars at the time of his enlistment. The upper portion of the document states: "No. 363. Fort Green May 28th, 1864. I hereby Certify on honor, That Private Stephen W. Morehouse of Mealone N.Y. has been enlisted into Company E, 54th Regiment Mass. Vols., and duly mustered into the service of the United States." Signed by Colonel E.N. Hallowell and Lieutenant Colonel H. Worthy Hooper of the 54th Regiment, Massachusetts.
Edward N. Hallowell took over as the Colonel of the 54th regiment after the death of Col. Robert Gould Shaw--who died in July 1863 during the ill-fated attack on Fort Wagner in South Carolina. Hallowell, in contrast to the fallen Shaw, treated his soldiers badly. Black regiments were always headed by white officers. We assume that Morehouse was white, because he was paid $50, when men were generally paid $25, black or white. This was also before Congress passed the equal pay law for African American soldiers later that year.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
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