1st Lieutenant Edward L. Stevens, 54th Massachusetts

1st Lieutenant Edward L. Stevens, 54th Massachusetts Colored Troops, KIA Boykin's Mills, SC, Autographed CDV

CDV of 1st Lieutenant Edward L. Stevens seated, autographed on mount below image as "1st Lieut. Co. H, 54th Mass. Vols." Verso with credit to Black & Case, Boston & Newport, RI.

Edward L. Stevens began his military career at the age of 20, enlisting as a private and mustering into Co. E of the 44th Massachusetts Infantry in September 1862. After mustering out in June 1863, Stevens was commissioned into Co. H of the 54th MA Infantry in April 1864. The 54th MAÂ was the Union's first military unit to include African Americans. Stevens joined the regiment as a 2nd lieutenant less than one year after it sustained the brutal assault on Fort Wagner. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant in March 1865 but was killed in action one month later at Boykin's Mills, SC.
Condition Report: Even toning to print. Few light scattered spots. Signature very good, legible. Previous owner's penciled note on verso reads "Great Uncle Edward Stevens Shaw Monument Boston." Three cent revenue stamp on verso.