Newspapers advertisements and posters were used to help encourage black men to join the Massachusetts's Fifty-Fourth Infantry Regiment. Recruiters also expanded their limits and focused their attention on states throughout the North and South, hoping the regiment would increase in numbers. On May 14, 1863, the regiment had been completed and was filled with one thousand enlisted black men, and a number of white officers. Frederick Douglas played a vital role in the makings of the Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth Infantry. Douglas was very well known for his anti-slavery efforts, as well as being a great public speaker. With Douglas sharing a burning passion for black improvements and opportunity, he did a variety of tasks to make sure the regiment would not fail. Douglas first helped the Fifty-Fourth Regiment based on his relationship with President Abraham Lincoln. Douglas and Lincoln had gotten to spend some good time together over the years and Lincoln had developed a sense of trust with Douglas. In talking with Lincoln, Douglas was able to convince him that slaves should however be allowed to serve with the Unions. Douglas also served as a recruiter for the Union's. He worked in a variety of regions, where he would sign up blacks that were interested in fighting. 2In addition, Douglas' sons, Charles and Lewis, both joined the Massachusetts regiment. Douglas was an established leader and his credibility was one of the biggest ways that he was able to affect so many. .
The abolitionist governor of Massachusetts's, John A. Andrew, required that the all-black regiment was to be led by white officers. 3Robert Gould Shaw was recruited by the Governor and was asked to command the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts's Infantry. Shaw was born into a wealthy Boston family. His parents were radical abolitionists and did whatever they could in order to free slaves. The Shaw's different feelings about slavery created tension within the family.