Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 33, § 4B: The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment; organization

Section 4B. The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment shall be organized as the commander-in-chief directs and may retain their name and the right to wear distinctive uniforms; provided, however, that such uniforms shall be provided by the adjutant general. The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment may retain their methods of selecting officers and conducting their internal affairs consistent with the laws of the commonwealth and of the United States. The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment may use land and facilities belonging to the commonwealth for their activities, equipment and exercises, without charge, and may receive from the commonwealth, its departments, divisions or bureaus or the federal government without charge, any surplus equipment, goods or other materials, as are available; provided, that such equipment, goods or other materials shall remain the property of the commonwealth and shall be accounted for as such.