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Description
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw Portrayed in the movie Glory by Matthew Broderick

Colonel Robert Gould Shaw
Photograph shows a three-quarter length portrait of Colonel Robert G. Shaw. Shaw, Robert Gould,—1837-1863—Military service.

No known restrictions on publication. Principal subject of the 1989 film Glory, where he is portrayed by Matthew Broderick. 25 year-old Robert Gould Shaw, led the 54th, Massachusetts all black infantry whose contingent of troops included two of Frederick Douglass’ sons. He was shot through the heart on the beach at Fort Wagner, in Charleston Harbor. Angered by the use of black soldiers, the Confederates stripped Shaw’s body and buried it with his men believing that it would humiliate his memory. After attempts by Gillmore to recover Shaw’s body failed, Francis Shaw asked him to stop, believing his son would prefer to rest with his men.

Roberts 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!”

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA

Description
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw Portrayed in the movie Glory by Matthew Broderick

Colonel Robert Gould Shaw
Photograph shows a three-quarter length portrait of Colonel Robert G. Shaw. Shaw, Robert Gould,—1837-1863—Military service.

No known restrictions on publication. Principal subject of the 1989 film Glory, where he is portrayed by Matthew Broderick. 25 year-old Robert Gould Shaw, led the 54th, Massachusetts all black infantry whose contingent of troops included two of Frederick Douglass’ sons. He was shot through the heart on the beach at Fort Wagner, in Charleston Harbor. Angered by the use of black soldiers, the Confederates stripped Shaw’s body and buried it with his men believing that it would humiliate his memory. After attempts by Gillmore to recover Shaw’s body failed, Francis Shaw asked him to stop, believing his son would prefer to rest with his men.

Roberts 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!”

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA