I am still sometimes surprised by the ways in which the movie Glory has shaped my understanding of Robert Gould Shaw and the men in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
The relationship of Shaw to his men seems to stand in apparent contrast to that of Thomas Wentworth Higginson. As you know, Higginson came to write a series of sympathetic essays about the black soldiers in his regiment, which he later gathered into a book. I wonder if the example of Higginson, who remained a significant figure until his death in 1911, influenced how Shaw was remembered?
I suspect your assessment of Shaw’s relationship with his soldiers is correct, especially when it come to oversight of or participation in training. And, I doubt that it was a great deal different from the relationship other Colonels had with their regiments in the United States Army of the period. When it came to training the individual soldier or even the company that was the job of the sergeant or lieutenant, or captain.
That’s right, but the amount of time Shaw spent away from camp is absolutely essential to gauging his relationship with these men. Thanks for the response.
I really am enjoying your posts about your research on Robert Gould Shaw. It is funny, his story is not that uncommon. I am really looking forward to reading all of this when your book is done. I really enjoy the biography of these Civil War Leaders. They tell a back story to their battlefield experiences that enriches their story. I did. that in my Gettysburg Staff Ride Text so my students would get to know the people, not just the battle. Thank you.
The relationship of Shaw to his men seems to stand in apparent contrast to that of Thomas Wentworth Higginson. As you know, Higginson came to write a series of sympathetic essays about the black soldiers in his regiment, which he later gathered into a book. I wonder if the example of Higginson, who remained a significant figure until his death in 1911, influenced how Shaw was remembered?
You are absolutely right. Higginson was the real deal and provides a very helpful comparison with Shaw.
Great question re: Higginson. He may have, but I get the sense that Shaw’s mother took the lead in shaping how her son wound be remembered
That’s an excellent question - I hope there’s an answer somewhere.
I suspect your assessment of Shaw’s relationship with his soldiers is correct, especially when it come to oversight of or participation in training. And, I doubt that it was a great deal different from the relationship other Colonels had with their regiments in the United States Army of the period. When it came to training the individual soldier or even the company that was the job of the sergeant or lieutenant, or captain.
That’s right, but the amount of time Shaw spent away from camp is absolutely essential to gauging his relationship with these men. Thanks for the response.
Kevin,
I really am enjoying your posts about your research on Robert Gould Shaw. It is funny, his story is not that uncommon. I am really looking forward to reading all of this when your book is done. I really enjoy the biography of these Civil War Leaders. They tell a back story to their battlefield experiences that enriches their story. I did. that in my Gettysburg Staff Ride Text so my students would get to know the people, not just the battle. Thank you.
Peace,
Steve
Thanks for the positive feedback, Steven. These posts often function as a form of note taking, but also provide a little input from the community.