Description:

Rufus Saxton
Beaufort, SC, July 27, 1853
Rare War-Date Handbill in Memoriam to Robert Gould Shaw, Col. 54th Mass. Colored Regt.
DS
A rare war-date handbill signed in text by Rufus Saxton, one page, 5.25" x 8", Beaufort, South Carolina, July 27, 1863. Written upon the death of Robert Gould Shaw, Colonel of the 54 Massachusetts Volunteers, who was killed in action along with 63 of his men in the attack on Fort Wagner. One insignificant hole at top left margin, otherwise near fine condition.

The text reads, in part: "…It is fitting that you should pay a last tribute of respect to the late Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, Colonel of the 54th Regt. of Massachusetts Volunteers. He commanded the first regiment of colored soldiers from a free State ever mustered into the United States service. He fell at the head of his Regiment, while leading a storming party against a rebel stronghold. You should cherish in your inmost hearts the memory of one who did not hesitate to sacrifice all the attractions of a high social position, wealth and home, and his own noble life, for the sake of humanity…On the spot where he fell, by the ditch into which his mangled and bleeding body was thrown, on the South of South Carolina, I trust that you will honor yourselves and his glorious memory by appropriating the first proceeds of your labor as freemen towards erecting an enduring monument to the hero, soldier, martyr…".

Robert Gould Shaw (1837-1863) was Colonel of the first all-black regiment, the 54th Massachusetts. During the Second Battle of Fort Wagner, Shaw was shot and killed while leading his men to the parapet of the Confederate fort. His leadership became legendary and inspired numerous more African Americans to enlist for the Union.

Confederate General Johnson Hagood refused to return Shaw's body to the Union army, and to show contempt for the officer who led black troops, Hagood had Shaw's body buried in a common trench with his men. However, this insult would prove to fail, as Shaw's father directed that hi son's body be left with those of his soldiers, stating: "We would not have his body removed from where it lies surrounded by his brave and devoted soldiers....We can imagine no holier place than that in which he lies, among his brave and devoted followers, nor wish for him better company – what a body-guard he has!"

Rufus Saxton (1824-1908) was a Union Army brigadier general in the American Civil War who received the Medal of Honor for his actions defending Harpers Ferry during Confederate General Jackson's Valley Campaign. After the war, he would serve as assistant commissioner of the Freedman's Bureau, which was tasked with assisting freedmen in the South during Reconstruction. A notable abolitionist, Saxton would also openly advocate in Congress for the civil liberties of African Americans, including their Second Amendment rights.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5.25" x 8"
  • Medium: DS

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