[_See Appendix_] These were the only colored regiments recruited during the year 1862.

The Second South Carolina and the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts followed early in 1863.
This is the way in which I came to the command of this regiment.

One day in November, 1862, I was sitting at dinner with my lieutenants, John Goodell and Luther Bigelow, in the barracks of the Fifty-First Massachusetts, Colonel Sprague, when the following letter was put into my hands: BEAUFORT, S.C., November 5, 1862.
MY DEAR SIR.
I am organizing the First Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers, with every prospect of success.

Your name has been spoken of, in connection with the command of this regiment, by some friends in whose judgment I have confidence.

I take great pleasure in offering you the position of Colonel in it, and hope that you may be induced to accept.