Rare partly-printed DS, signed “N. P. Hallowell Col.,” one page, 14.75 x 10, June 24, 1863. Commission for a black officer in the "the Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers," signed at the conclusion by the unit's commander, Norwood Penrose Hallowell. In part: "That reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of William J. Stidum, I do hereby appoint him a Sergeant in Company I of the 55th Regiment of Massachusetts Vols., in the service of the United States." Affixed to a slightly larger board and in very good condition, with intersecting folds, and some staining, heaviest to the upper right.
The 55th Massachusetts was the sister regiment of the renowned 54th Massachusetts Volunteers, comprised of free men of color and newly liberated slaves. As the ranks of the 54th filled up, the 55th was created for the overflow of black volunteers, eager to fight for freedom against the rebel South. Born in 1836, William J. Stidum enlisted in the 55th Massachusetts on June 9, 1863, and mustered into service on June 22, 1863, at Camp Meigs in Readville, Massachusetts. The regiment skirmished throughout South Carolina and Florida throughout the year, culminating in a heavy battle on July 2, 1864, on Charleston's James Island. By the end of the day, the 55th suffered 18 wounded and 11 killed, with William J. Stidum among the dead. A rare commission for a black sergeant in one of the Civil War's storied regiments. The only black NCO commission seen in 40 years by a major Civil War autograph dealer.
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