This is the transcript of a letter ordering the 54th to relieve soldiers from another regiment who were accused of treating freedmen poorly. The letter, written after the war ended, instructs the 54th to see that the prisoners are treated fairly. Some capitalization and punctuation has been changed to make the letters easier to read. Some illegible words have been omitted.
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MA 54TH REGIMENT DOCUMENT TRANSCRIPTION
M1659 ROLL 2 RECORDS OF THE 54TH MASS INF. REGT. (COLORED) 1863-1865
Head Quarters
City of Charleston Charleston, SC
July 18, 1865
Major Geo Pope 54th Mass Vols
Major
You will send your Company of thee 54th Mass Vols with as little delay as possible to relieve the Company of Genl Real’s command at McClellanville. The officers will be instructed to see that the freedmen are treated with kindness.
Herewith be informed that charges have been made against the present Command of allowing the freedmen to be cruelly treated. The following named men have been authorized to return to the Plantation of Mr. Dear from which they have been driven through fear of ill treatment.
The Company will go via Mount Pleasant.
By Order of Brig. Genl W.B.. Rennett Commdg Post
Charles G. C?
Capt. 54th Mass Vols
Citation
Charles G.C., Charles G.C. to Major Geo Pope (July 18, 1865). M1659 Roll 2, Records of the 54th Mass Inf. Regt. (Colored) 1863-1865. Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston, MA.
Using Essex History 
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