[CIVIL WAR]. EMILIO, Luis F. (1844-1918). History of the Fifty-Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, 1863-1865. Boston: The Boston Book Company, 1891.

8vo. 20 plates including frontispiece, 7 maps and plans, 2 folding maps. (Toned, spotting.) Publisher's original dark blue-green cloth gilt (rear hinge separated, light rubbing to extremities).

FIRST EDITION of “A Brave Black Regiment,” the history of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry which had the distinction of being the first black regiment raised in the north during the Civil War. Famous for its role in the assault on Battery Wagner, its recruits included two of Frederick Douglass’ sons and William Carney, the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor. The volume includes a complete roster and over 80 photographic plates of officers and enlisted men.

Luis Emilio initially served in Company F of the 23rd Massachusetts, enlisting at the beginning of the War, even lying about his age in order to serve. He saw action at the Battle of Roanoke Island and was promoted to sergeant. Upon the creation of the 54th Massachusetts following the Emancipation Proclamation, Emilio was offered a commission as a 2nd lieutenant thanks to his previous experience and his family's abolitionist sentiments. Commissioned on 30 March 1863, he was promoted to 1st lieutenant of Company E by May. Due to heavy casualties during the assault on Fort Wagner, Emilio served as the acting commander by the end of the battle.