Edward W. Kinsley papers, 1862-1865

"Marching on!", the 55th Mass. singing John Brown's March

Library of Congress,

Prints and Photographs Division

Letter of Charles W. Lenox, 1864

Courtesy of Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Howard University

Location: Howard University, Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (Washington, D.C.)
Background: Edward W. Kinsley (born 1829) was an abolitionist, merchant, and agent for the state of Massachusetts.
Contents: Correspondence, military passes, financial receipts, announcements, and biographical notes relating chiefly to Kinsley's role in recruiting African Americans as members of volunteer companies during the Civil War. Correspondence includes material relating to the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantry regiments, especially a letter from Charles W. Lenox discussing the 54th and Col. R.G. Shaw.
Quotation: "...The Fifty-Fourth fought bravely [,] being the last to leave the Field[.] Our forces were beaten before we reached the Ground. Our new Lieut Colonel proved himself to be a Splendid Officer. Our Colonel and the other Officers Valor was well known before your Friend Lieut Holman's (who I hope will soon be Captain) was in the Thickest of it."