Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-03-26
LITTLE EDDIE, THE DRUMMER BOY


CAMP BENroN, Mo-, Dec. 20 lS6l.-A few
days before our regiment received orders to
join Gen. Lyon, on his march TO Wlson y
Greek, the drummer Of our company was tax en-
sick and conveyed to the hospital, and on the
evening preceding the day we were to march, ,
negro was arrested within the limits OF the
camp, and Brought before our captain, who
asked hita .'what business he had within the
lines I" He replied, IL know drummer that
would like TO enlist in your company, and
have come to tell yea of it," lie was immedi.
Ately requested to inform the Grummer that il
ne would enlist for our short term of service
he would be allowed extra pay, and to do this
lie must be on the ground early ia the morn
ing. The negro was then passed beyord the
guard.
On the following morning there appeared
before the Captain 5 quarters, during the beat
E1g of the reYeille, a good locking, middle
sged woman, dressed in deep mourning, lead
ing by The hand sharp, sprightly looking
boy, apparently about twelve or thirteen years
Of age. Her story Was soon told. She was
from East Tennessee, where her husband had
been killed by the rebels, and ali their prop
erty destroyed. She had come to ST. Louis
in search OF her sitter, but not finding her, and
being destitute of money, she thought that if
shc could procure a situation for her boy as
drummer for the short term that We had to re-
main In the service, she could find emp 10y
by The time we were discharged.
Drring the reherSal of her story the little
fellow kept his eyes intently fixed upon the
cOuutenance of the Captain, who was about to
express Il determination net TO take so SIN all a
hoy, wheL he spoke out. 'sDon't be afraid
CaL ain, can drum.'' This was spoke en- with
much confidence that the Captain immedi
aisi% observed with smile, /" W ell, well, Ser
geant, bring the drum, and order our tifer to
come forward In few moments the drum
was Produced, and our ffer, tall, round
shouldered good natured fellow from the Du-
buque mines, who stood when erect something
over six feet in height.
Upon being introduced to his new comrade
he stopped down, with his hands resting upon
his knees, that were thrown forward into an
acute angle, and after peering into the little
fellows lace moment, he observed, ssMy lit
lie man, you drum 2" eyes, sir" he re-
Piled al drummed for Captain Hill in Ten
nessee.' Our tfer Immediately commenced
Strengthening himself upward until a III the an
ses in his person had disappeared when he
placed his fife IN bis mouth and played the
Flowers of Edcubnrg, :" one of the most diff
hcrt tunes to follow with the drum that could
nave been selected, and nobly did the little
fellow follow him, showing himself TO be a
master Of the drum. When the music ceased
our Captain turned to the mother ard nbsery-
ed Madam, | will take your boy. What is
then Ilacing her hand upon the Captain s arm.
she continued, .'Captain il he is not Killed"
here her maternal feelings overcome her utter
ance, and she bent down over her boy and
kissed him upon the forhead. AS she arose,
she observed, Captain, you will tring him
Oack with you, won't you 2" Eyes yes" he
replied, awe will be certain to bring him back
With us. We shall be discharged in six weeks.
In an hour after, our company led the Iowa
Isl out OF camp, our drum and fife playing
The girl left behind me.'' Eddie. as we
called him, soon became great favorite with
a. az The men in the company. When any of
Tue boys had returned from horticultural ex-
chrson Eddie's share OF the peaches and mel
ons was first apportioned out. During our
neavy AID fatiguing march from Rolla to
springfield, il was often amusing to onr
'ong-eg 5ed ffer wading through the mud
WIN our Little drummer mounted upon his
n1cR-and always in that position when ford
ing streams.
Dniing tletfight at Wilson's Creek, 1 was
stationed with part OF our company ON thu
''ght OF / 1tten's battery, while the balance of
''' company, with part of the Illinois regi-
.ueht, Wls ordered down in deep timbered
idlne upon our left, in which it known
portion of the enemy concealed, with
,Hpn they we're soon engaged. The contest
= 'he rarine continuing for some time, Tot
.1 suddenly wheeled his battery upon the
.5emy 10 that quarter. when they soon retreat
81 10 the high ground behind their lines. In
ass'iban twenty minutes after lotion had
s'Nen the enemy from the ravine, the word
tI''eu IRON man to man throughout the army,
Lyon is killed. ard soon after, hestiities
ta'Ihg Ceased upon both sides, the order came
s L our main forces to fall back to Spring !
Ss su' whiie'a part of the Iowa 1st and two
cnpanies of the Missouri regiment were to |
up upon the ground and cover the retreat
50 N morning. That night I was detailed for
M. lu duty, my turn Of guard closing With the |