Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Regiment recruitment rally is held.

February 16, 1863

Recruits subsequently come from 15 northern states, four borders states, five Confederate states, Canada, and the West Indies. More than 137 (approximately 40% of the city’s eligible black male population) come from Boston. [27 from Boston and more than 200 runaway slaves] [78 & 1,364-BGL]. The new regiment immediately begins training.

Sources
  • Buehrens Greenidge, Kerri K.