Robert John Simmons facts for kids
First Sergeant Robert John Simmons was a brave soldier from Bermuda. He served in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War. He was sadly killed in August 1863. This happened because of injuries he got during a battle at Fort Wagner, near Charleston, South Carolina.
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Robert Simmons's Life Story
Robert Simmons used to be a clerk. He likely came from St. George's, Bermuda. He joined the 54th Massachusetts Regiment on March 12, 1863. Many Black and white Bermudians fought for the Union side in the Civil War. Most of them joined the US Navy.
Other Black Bermudians also served in the United States Army. These included Robert Tappin, John Wilson, Joseph Thomas, John Thompson, Wate O. Harris, and George Smith.
Simmons was introduced to Francis George Shaw, who was the father of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. This introduction was made by William Wells Brown. Brown was a famous abolitionist (someone who wanted to end slavery). He was also a writer and a former slave. Brown said Simmons was "a young man of more than ordinary abilities who had learned the science of war in the British Army".
In his book, The Negro in the American Rebellion, Brown wrote that Francis George Shaw thought Simmons would be a "valuable soldier". Colonel Shaw also had a high opinion of him. Simmons likely received military training in Bermuda. The British Army had a presence there to protect a naval base.
The 54th Massachusetts Regiment
The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was a Black regiment. It was formed in March 1863 by the Governor of Massachusetts, John A. Andrew. This happened after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The Emancipation Proclamation declared that many enslaved people in the Confederate states were free.
Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton decided that white officers would lead all "colored" (Black) units. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw was chosen by Governor Andrew to lead the 54th.
The Battle of Fort Wagner
The 54th Regiment became very famous on July 18, 1863. They led a brave attack on Fort Wagner near Charleston, South Carolina. Colonel Shaw was killed in this battle. One hundred and sixteen of his men also died. Another one hundred and fifty-six soldiers were wounded or captured.
In total, 272 soldiers from the 54th were hurt or captured. This was the highest number of casualties for the regiment in one battle. Even though they did not capture the fort, the 54th was praised for its bravery. This event helped more African-American soldiers join the army. President Abraham Lincoln said this was important for winning the war.
First Sergeant Simmons wrote a letter to his wife. He wrote it after another battle and just before the attack on Fort Wagner. This letter was published in a newspaper on December 23, 1863.
Folly Island, South Carolina
July 18, 1863;
We are marching to Fort Wagner, to attack it. We just finished a retreat from James Island. We fought a tough battle there Thursday morning. Three of our companies were on guard duty far ahead of the regiment. We were attacked early in the morning.
I was sent by our Captain to help the left side. Bullets were flying all around us. When I got there, poor soldiers were falling with sad cries. Our guards were only about 250 men. They were attacked by about 900 enemy soldiers. We had to shoot and then retreat back to our camp. One of our Sergeants was shot right next to me. Several others were wounded near me.
God has protected me through this, my first dangerous test. I give Him thanks. My friend Sergeant Peter Vogelsang was shot in the lungs. He is in danger, but the doctor thinks he might live. His company suffered a lot. Brave Sergeant Joseph D. Wilson from his company killed four enemy soldiers with his bayonet. Then he was shot in the head by a fifth one. May his noble spirit rest in peace. The General has praised our Colonel for the bravery of his regiment.
Around the same time, Simmons's seven-year-old nephew was killed in New York. This happened during the race riots that followed July 13, 1863.
First Sergeant Simmons was wounded and captured during the battle for Fort Wagner. A newspaper article from July 28, 1863, described him. It called him a Bermudian sergeant who had lost an arm and might lose a leg. This description made it clear it was Simmons.
Captain Luis F. Emilio of the 54th Massachusetts praised Simmons. He wrote that Simmons was one of the soldiers who deserved special mention for his bravery. Emilio also wrote: First Sergeant Simmons of Company B was the finest-looking soldier in the 54th Mass.--a brave man, and of good education. He was wounded and captured. Taken to Charleston, his [military] bearing impressed even his captors. After suffering amputation of the arm, he died there.
Simmons was also mentioned by Colonel Edward Needles Hallowell, who took over after Colonel Shaw. He even received a special medal. Robert Simmons died from his wounds in August 1863. He was only 26 years old.
Robert Simmons's Legacy
By 1989, Robert Simmons was mostly forgotten in the history of the 54th Massachusetts. The filmmakers who made the movie Glory did not know his story. This film won an Academy Award and told the story of the 54th Regiment.
The movie Glory helped people remember the important role African-American soldiers played in the Civil War. The 54th Regiment is now often called The Glory Regiment. First Sergeant Simmons is mentioned many times in a documentary called The True Story of Glory. This documentary is narrated by actor Morgan Freeman, who was in the movie Glory.
