Frederick Douglass served as a recruiter for the 54th and for other units in several regions of the country. Here is a letter to him regarding this:
War Department
Adjutant Generals Office
Washington DC Augt 13, 1863Sir,
I am instructed by the Secretary of War to direct you to proceed to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and on your arrival there to report in person to Brig’r General L. Thomas, Adjutant General, U. S. Army, to assist in recruiting colored troops.
Enclosed please find copy of order for your transportation at public expense.
I am Sir,
Very respectfully
Your Ob’t Servant,C.W. Foster
Assist Adjt General
