“John Appleton’s memoir takes readers inside one of the most famous Civil War regiments, the 54th Massachusetts. With meticulous editorial work by James Robbins Jewell and Eugene S. Van Sickle, including a thorough introduction and helpful maps and images, this outstanding book finally brings Appleton’s writing to the public’s attention. It is a must-read for anyone interested in emancipation and the American Civil War.”—Jason Phillips, Eberly Family Professor of Civil War Studies at West Virginia University

“John W. M. Appleton knew he was making history as an officer of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers, and he wrote a steady stream of alert, perceptive, candid letters that provided the basis for a gripping day-to-day chronicle of the regiment’s experience. James Robbins Jewell and Eugene S. Van Sickle perform a great service to Civil War readers by making this fascinating document accessible with an expert editorial framework.”—Thomas J. Brown, professor of history at the University of South Carolina

“Though many people may be familiar with the story of the 54th Massachusetts and its fight at Fort Wagner in July 1863, Captain John Appleton’s memoir—as edited by historians James Robbins Jewell and Eugene S. Van Sickle—takes readers beyond that single battle to a better understanding of activities of the regiment from its inception to its campaigns of 1864. The book captures the spirit of the 54th, documents its struggles during fatigue and siege duty, and provides eyewitness accounts of its battlefield exploits. It also explores the memoir of a man, Captain John Appleton, reflecting on his role in a cause he came to recognize as bigger than himself.”—Doug Dammann, curator and site coordinator for the Civil War Museum in Kenosha, Wisconsin