Robert Gould Shaw:
Decisions and Motivating Factors
Ryan Noble
Professor
Although not everyone is familiar
with Robert Gould Shaw, this young Civil War General is a fascinating
individual with a lasting, (for the most part) well-documented legacy. I found a wealth of regarding his life as a
general, and even more regarding various activities and accomplishments during
his command of the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts.
This was often the focus of the biographies that I encountered, but I
needed more. I needed to learn about the
character, personality, motivations and background of Shaw. Such information was not quite as easily
accessed.
I discovered a number of book-length
secondary histories that offered a variety of information. The problem was that reviews on such books
were few and far between. I wanted
reassurance that the information being researched was accurate. I did find some reviews to provide a second
opinion, but I also utilized a process of cautious comparison. I compared the secondary histories with web
sites, reference works and journal articles.
If the information fit together logically and chronologically I felt
better about its inclusion. The most
important source of information that I discovered were primary sources,
specifically letters written explicitly by Shaw, as well as others written by
members of the Fifty-Fourth.
It was within such letters that I
was able to attain a better grasp on those influences and beliefs that drove
the ambitious young general. What better
way to get to know the character of an individual than by sifting through
thoughts put on to paper? Many of the
letters that I uncovered were available on line, specifically the ones written
by Shaw himself. Patience was required
to discover primary sources in the form of books available at Ramaker
library. The patience was certainly justified
upon consideration of the contents of letters written more than a century
ago. It was the primary sources, letters
and field casualty recording that best supported and transformed my attempt to
discover the various motivations behind the “heroism” of Shaw and his Regiment.
Although a wide variety of
information is available online, it is helpful to limit sources to well-known
sites such as university pages or governmental documents. Honestly though, even if I didn’t use
information from some of the pages that I visited, I was always writing down
possible sources that were listed. Some
of the most helpful sources, primary and secondary were initially discovered
off of other posted bibliographies. Even
if the sources identified were not available at
From my research efforts, I learned
of the usefulness of primary sources. I also found out that cautious evaluation
of secondary histories is helpful in gaining better comprehension of the topic
at hand. I found out that journal
articles are interpretation, some of it is worthwhile, but the source must be
taken into consideration. For example, I
found multiple reviews on the work of James McPherson. If this is the case, similarities of critique
and praise can be usefully compared and/or evaluated. Some of the difficulties that I encountered
initially proved to be useful in the end.
Whenever more work is required, the final project usually ends up being
more comprehensive. In this case
especially, initial headaches resulted in future satisfaction.
Annotated Bibliography
Burchard, Peter. One
Gallant Rush.
Burchard does a good job of
recapping the story (from beginning to end) of Robert Shaw and his Fifty-Fourth
Regiment. Inclusions of poetry are
intriguing and seek to explain Shaw’s story, and the Civil War in general, on a
different level. On comparison to
similar works, this book is extremely detailed and seeks to explain many of the
motivations behind Shaw’s demanding choices.
[
Burns, Ken. Robert Gould Shaw. 2001. <http://www.pbs.org/civilwar/war/biographies/shaw.html>
(
This brief biography is useful for its summary of Shaw’s fate, as well as the quotation regarding Shaw’s burial. A picture of a stone monument is also available. On the whole, this biography is useful for general information. In comparison to some of the other biographies though, it only scratches the surface.
Carpenter,
Spencer. “Negro Soldier's Contribution
in the Wars of the
Carpenter provides a useful, and often discounted point of view. To consider the war from the perspective of
the Negro soldier is certainly worthwhile.
Carpenter
highlights the willingness, usefulness and achievements of many black soldiers and volunteers. This review provides perspectives and background information that is vital in grasp in full the context of the age. [NWC, JA]
Catton, Bruce. Never Call Retreat.
Catton’s Never Call Retreat provides specific information regarding the assault of Battery Wagner and the legacy left behind by Robert Shaw and his men. A detailed description of the fort is included, which aids the reader’s understanding of the difficulties and dangers encountered by Shaw and his Regiment. Although no book reviews were available (or discovered) for either of Catton’s books, the information provided is detailed, especially with regard to the obstacles that Shaw and the “Fifty-Fourth” encountered. [NWC, SH]
Catton, Bruce. Terrible
Swift Sword.
Catton’s Terrible Swift Sword summarizes Robert Shaw’s opinion related to the
Emancipation Proclamation, and reveals further information of the general’s character. Shaw believed that the proclamation would not free slaves in places where the army doesn’t go. He fails to see much practical good in it. Shaw sees the abolition of slavery as an important aspect of the Civil War. This is an observation that is not specifically mentioned in all of the other sources that pertain to Robert Gould Shaw. [NWC, SH]
Dragoon, 1st. Life Stories of Civil War Heroes. 2001. <http://www.geocities.com/1stDragoon/files/rgs1.html>
(
This biography provides a complete background of both Robert Shaw and his Fifty-Fourth Regiment. The site depicts Shaw as a selfless leader and admirable hero. Discussion of Shaw’s upbringing and personal development provides the reader with a look into the character of the Civil War general. The books that are listed in the “bibliography” are also worthy of consideration. This is one of the top biographies of Shaw that I have encountered. The detail, context and motivational factors that are included are commendable.
Durrill, Wayne. Review of Blue-Eyed Child of Fortune, by Russell Duncan. Journal of Southern History 61, no.1 (1995).
Located on microfilm, Durrill’s
book review is useful for its interpretation of Shaw’s developing relationship
with the soldiers of whom he commanded.
Letter reviews, a book review and movie review (Glory) are
included. The transformation of Shaw,
from a “conventional upper-class
Emilio, Louis. A
Brave Black Regiment.
I found the map that is included in the back of this book helpful for understanding the area of operations for the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Regiment. Other useful information regarding the development of Shaw’s leadership skills and general experience is also worthy of notation. Emilio includes many of Shaw’s letters that outline his respect for the mission he has undertaken. Specifically the task of proving that colored Americans can be useful soldiers, of supreme character, and worthy of respect. Emilio utilizes a variety of aids (maps, letters, pictures) to explain the story of the unique Fifty-Fourth. Few other texts are as well supported and researched. [NWC, SH]
Fasulo,
Thomas. Fifty-Fourth
Fasulo does a good job of discussing both the heroism and legacy of the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Regiment. Interesting detail regarding Shaw’s death is included and instantly captures the interest of the reader. Problems and discrimination encountered by Blacks in the Civil War provide useful insight into the context of the war. The legacy of the Regiment is something that Fasulo has included and many other sources fail to mention.
Garraty, John,
and Mark Carnes. American National
Biography.
The biographical excerpt included in the reference is most useful for integrated information of Shaw’s pre-military setbacks, failures and disappointments. While many sources highlight the achievements of the general, this reference book includes many of the obstacles that Shaw had to overcome in the process. Significant general background information is also included, similar to what was presented in the Encyclopedia of the American Civil War. [NWC, RW]
Gooding,
James. On the Altar of Freedom.
Provided in Gooding’s book are letters from a Black member of the Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth Regiment. From pre-action training to actual combat Gooding recaps the actions of the Fifty-Fourth. Especially noteworthy is his mention of the injustices and racism that was experienced by many Black enlistees. James McPherson has written reviews of praise regarding this collection of letters. Especially useful for students researching Shaw is Gooding’s impression of the young white captain. Letters such as these are rare and valuable; context and circumstances of the Civil War should not be discounted. [NWC, PS]
Heidelberg,
Kenneth.
This focus
of this site is on the history of Black enlistment, specifically Black
Bostonians. Information regarding the
need of Black enlistment is included, and general achievements are also
discussed. The role of Frederick
Douglass is significant, his tow sons served under Shaw’s command. In comparison to other sources,
Heidler,
David. Encyclopedia of the American
Civil War. Vol. 5.
This
encyclopedia entry provides useful and dependable information on the background
and action of the
McPherson, James. Drawn
With the Sword.
McPherson’s work, while providing
useful analysis of the Civil War, was most useful for its critique of the film Glory. One must always be cautious while utilizing
works of
This
primary source, located online through governmental archival records provides
casualty lists for the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry. Information is also provided regarding the
monument constructed for Shaw and his Regiment.
These records help show the sacrifice that was made by these courageous
Black soldiers and their general. It is
useful to view names and rank of those involved in the
NGA. Saint-Gardens’ Memorial to Shaw and the
Fifty-Fourth. 2003. <http://www.nga.gov/feature/shaw/s3200.htm>(
Although it is a unique source of information, the NGA presents a “slide-show” of sorts that rivals many other attempts of summarization. Shaw’s background, family influences, motivation, ambition and legacy are well-developed topics of examination. Quotes about Robert from his family members provide readers with a glimpse of his sense of duty and fervor. Respect was developed for Shaw from his troops and vice-versa. Although this site does not provide an extensive amount of information, that which is included is worthy of examination. [MS]
Noe, Kenneth. Review of Drawn With the Sword, by James McPherson. Historian (1998).
Noe praises
McPherson’s developing themes, as well as the general unity that is provided
from essay to essay. He sympathizes with
the interpretation that the South did not lose the war; rather, the
Rees, John, Review of Drawn With Sword, by James McPherson. Socialist Review, no. 211 (1997).
John Rees, in his review of Drawn With the Sword, provides readers with a reason and/or motivation to consider McPherson’s work. Although little mention of Shaw is included, Rees does praise McPherson for his essay about the movie Glory; an essay that he labels a “model of cultural historical writing”. McPherson is praised for his discussion of political and economic influences and circumstances of the war. While Shaw is not the center of discussion, Ree’s review is certainly reassuring for those who choose to utilize McPherson’s book as a source of research. [NWC, JA, BR]
Rogers, Michael. Review of One Gallant Rush, by Peter Burchard. Library Journal (1989).
Roger’s reminds readers that the involvement of Shaw in the attack on Battery Wagner “inspired Northern Blacks to join the army and help to crush the Confederates.” This focus is certainly noteworthy, for Black enlistments were vital toward the assistance of the Union Cause. Reviews of Burchard’s book were hard to come by, so even though this review is brief, it is still a recommendation of confidence for the use of One Gallant Rush. [NWC, JA, BR]
Shaw, Robert Gould. “I Have Undertaken This Work.” Writing 25 (2003).
These letters written by Robert Gould Shaw describe the challenges faced by his unique regiment, as well as his own personal feelings about being its leader. Shaw commends his troops, but is frustrated with those men who are quicker to criticize than to take up their own patriotic duty. The letters provide firsthand information regarding various successes and setbacks of the regiment. Such information provides foundation that second hand interpretations cannot supply. [NWC, PS]
Simpson, Brooks. Review of The Civil War Letters by Robert Gould Shaw, by Russell Duncan. Journal of American History 80 (1994).
Simpson recognizes the value of symbolism with regard to Shaw’s death. He proposes that his uncommon burial serves a reminder of the “revolutionary nature” of the Civil War. Shaw’s legacy should not be forgotten, but Simpson claims that is has been. He attributes the film Glory for its reintroduction into the national consciousness. Simpson provides a unique interpretation of events, one that includes topics not touched upon by other authors. [NWC Microfilm, JA, BR, MS]
Woodson, Carter. The
Mind of a Negro.
Woodson’s inclusion of letters from Lewis Douglass to his wife is most useful to those researching Robert Shaw. Douglass is not only willing to die for his cause and is general, he is proud of the reputation that his Regiment has developed. “If we had a hundred thousand colored troops we would put an end to this war.” Shaw’s troops were confident of their abilities and looked forward to fulfillment of the cause at hand. Content of letters are comparable to that of Henry Gooding, but on the whole less detailed. [NWC, PS]
[
[NWC] – Northwestern College
[RW] – Reference Work
[PS] – Primary Source
[SH] – Secondary History
[BR] – Book Review
[JA] – Journal Article
[MS] – Miscellaneous/Unique Sources
Introduction: Robert Gould
Shaw
Historically, Robert Gould Shaw is probably best
remembered as the white commander of the “all-black” 54th
Massachusetts Regiment that launched the “fearless charge at
Personal growth and internal realizations helped Shaw
effectively fulfill the countless leadership duties and responsibilities on and
beyond the battlefield. Respect for his
soldiers as men would grow over time, and helped to erode the stereotypes of the
age. One of the first black units assembled in the North, the Fifty-Fourth was
the focus of significant attention and curiosity. The performance of Shaw’s regiment would
serve as an indication of the worth and efficacy of blacks as armed Union
soldiers. Shaw recognized the importance
of his leadership. There was much at
stake, and although his parents had planted the seeds of his ideology as
abolitionists, Shaw chose to take the mission of his beliefs to another level.
Despite their willingness, and due to the context of
the times with regard to racial stereotyping and discrimination, countless
African Americans were initially denied the right to gather arms of behalf on
of the
The story itself is one of substantial historical significance. At a time in American history when many
difficult questions were confronted, few individuals arose to the occasion as
Robert Gould Shaw did. What was the
Civil War all about? What will be gained
from it? Robert Shaw struggled with
questions of equality among races. He
recognized the character, abilities and desires of his fellow Black Americans
and decided to bring about just action.
The transformation of Shaw from an upper-class citizen of
There has been a memorial dedicated to Shaw and the Massachusetts
Fifty-Fourth constructed in
While the assault on
The example of the 54th Regiment did much to transform
thoughts of an experiment into groundbreaking policy. Drawing upon his own sense of duty and
devotion to the cause of which he was a part of, Shaw not only acted on behalf
of the