Robert Gould Shaw
by Clelia from Gondecourt
I'm writing this letter to talk about my hero, Robert Gould Shaw. He was born on 10th October 1838 in Boston, Massachusetts and he died in Fort Wagner, in Charleston, South Carolina, aged only 25, with his regiment. He grew up in an abolitionist family and he got married to Anna Hagerty.
It all started with the American Civil War,
between the South and the North. On 31th March 1862 he became the major
of the 54th regiment of infantry, and its colonel on 17th April 1862. He
led the first all black regiment. He wanted to show the world that
blacks knew how to fight, they were brave. He got involved in Antietam
Creek, the most bloodthirsty day of America's history, on 15th September
1861. They won this battle, it was the first victory of the 54th
regiment of infantry. Robert was fearless, devoted, selfless. He was also a war hero and a human rights fighter because he imposed an equal pay for his black regiment and he denounced war crimes. He died in Fort Wagner, during a terrible battle, but although outnumbered they didn't let the enemies move forward. Nobody managed to make a move forward. He was buried in a mass grave with many of his black men. The Confederates intended this to be seen as as an insult. His father said: "We would not have his body removed from where it lies surrounded by his brave and devoted soldiers... We can imagine no holier place than that in which he lies, among his brave and devoted followers, nor wish for him better company. What a body-guard he has !"
He won the respect of people and a Robert Gould Shaw Memorial was erected with a sculpture by Auguste Saint-Gaudens, of him and his brave infantry which followed him. I selected him because he fought against racism to show what blacks could do, to show that they could be valorous people. He was the most caring colonel, and he achieved his goals with honour. He gave one of the best example of human devotion to a good cause, for humankind.
Page created on 4/29/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last edited 4/29/2016 12:00:00 AM
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