Waging War for Freedom with the 54th Massachusetts: The Civil War Memoir of John W. M. Appleton

by John W. M. Appleton, James Robbins Jewell (editor), Eugene S. Van Sickle (editor)

The memoir of John W. M. Appleton, a field officer in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, provides the most in-depth account available of the lives of the first regiment of free Black soldiers recruited during the Civil War.

368 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good first person account of one of the Civil War's most famous regiments, this one gets my approval. The author, a member of the 54th Massachusetts regiment, details everyday life as an officer in command of colored troops. The most interesting thing, in my opinion, was the variety of everyday happenings he chronicles in the narrative. Overall, a very satisfying read and well worth the time spent. Reviewer's note: this hardcover edition was of superb manufacture; Potomac books hit it out of the park as far as quality goes. Very good.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I'm biased, as this book is largely the memoir of my fifth great-grandfather, but I thought this was just incredibly well done. Structuring the book to preface what the actual letters contain with historical fact and other perspectives really did a great job rounding out the context of the events taking place. Appleton's own writing also impresses; it is vivid and beautiful but also often comedic despite the horrors of both war and (more often) nature. It feels as if you're seeing through his eyes while he writes his daily entries, pen in one hand, swatting mosquitoes with the other, while the bombs burst endlessly over Charleston Harbor.

Also, if either of the authors/editors see this, I would love to get in touch!

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Appleton’s writing is itself very good, but his remembrances are elevated by the contextual bookmarks provided by the editors.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different look at the Civil War and the impact that the African American soldiers had on the war. Rather than cite facts and figures and brief accounts of the battles, the author chose to follow the unit through the letters being written home. The letters provide an outstanding glimpse into the world of the soldiers and the trials and hardships they faced. The feel of the book was one of being there and witnessing nit first-hand. This was a quick read for me and one I found hard to put down.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Rick Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting tale on the famous 54 Massachusetts. However, because it is a memoir of sorts, be prepared for a great deal of repetition concerning Army life.