Dear Diary, July 22, 1863

We assaulted Fort Wagner, North Carolina 3 days ago. We are the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the first African American regiments lead under white officers. The fort has many mortars and other guns and we were not able to take the fort. They say that this fort will be very crucial in the war because of its big guns. The attack began at 7:45 PM and was called off at 10:00 PM. We lost more than 50% of our regiment including Colonel Shaw. William H. Carney received a medal of honor after the battle, he was the first African American to achieve one. We have received word that the recruitment of African Americans into the Union army has significantly increased because of our bravery. We killed 174 confederate soldiers and injured or captured around 1,800 soldiers. We lost 1,515 soldiers and around 5,000 were captured or injured. I survived without a scratch. I was in the back of the assault so it was easy for me to retreat.

Many of us are happy, but many are sad. We lost more than half of our regiment and many are mourning the ones we lost. Many are proud that we are getting some recognition for our hard work. We are also sad about our losses, but we know that the Confederates won’t be able to hold the fort for long. We might be able to avenge our fallen friends. I managed to escape the assault without injury, but I am tired and hungry. Even with a few days’ rest, I am still anxious about the next assault. I just want to go back to my wife and children.

Many people miss their loved ones back home. Some pray that they are safe and healthy. We are all hungry and cold so we usually huddle around the fire singing songs. Hopefully, we will be called back and another regiment can take our place. The wind is very strong at times and keeping the fire under control is a challenge. I miss my loved ones and would do anything to be able to go back to them. I have made many friends and that’s the only thing keeping me going in this dreadful situation.

I think this war will be very important in the coming years. We didn’t have many ways to try and reason with the south so we were forced to go to war. The United States can’t let slaves be a part of its future. We also can’t let states just leave the US, after all, we are the United States. This war in particular will be remembered for centuries because of its importance, even if we lose. I think that this war was for the best and that our leader Abe Lincoln is strong. Without him, everything would be different. This war will change everything in the southern states, many people will be outraged but later on, they will realize it’s for the best. 

William