Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1862-02-28
LITTLE EDDIE-FRE DRUM
MER

LITTLE EDDIE--THE DRUM
MER.
a correspondent of Chicago Tribune, writ
ing from Benton Barracks, St. Louis. gives c
very touching story Of drummer boy:
A few DAYS before our regiment received or.
ders to join Gen. Lyon, on his march to VIII
sons Greek, the drummer Of our company wa:
taken sick and conveyed to the hospital, and or
the evening preceding the day that We were tC
march, negro was arrested within the lines
Of the camp and brought before our Captain
who asked him what business he had within
the lines" lie replied: Il know drummer
that would like to enlist in your company, and
have come to tell you of it." He was imme-
diately requested to inform the drummer that
if he would enlist for our short term of service,
he would be allowed extra pay. and TO do this
he must be upon the ground early in the morn
ing. The negro was then passed beyond the
guard.
On the following morning there appeared
before the Captains quarters, during the beat
ing Of the rcveille, good looking middle-aged
woman, dressed in deep mourning, leading by
the hand sharp, sprightlv looking boy, ap-
parently about twelve or thirteen years old
His story was soon told. She was from East
Tennessee, where her husband had been killed
by the rebels, and all their property destroyed
She had come TO st. Louis in search Of her
sister, but not finding her, and being destitute
of money, she thought if she could procure q
situation for her boy as drummer for the short
time that we had to remain in service she
could find employment for herself, and perhaps
find her sister by the time we were discharg-
cd.
During the rehearsal of her story the little
fellow kept his eyes intently fixed upon the
countenance of the Captain, who was about to
express determination not to take so small
boy, when be spoke out, Saying: Don't be
afraid, Captain, can drum" This was spo-
kcd with so much confidence that the Captain
Immediately observed with smile: well,
well, Sergeant, bring the drum, and order our
ffer to come forward" In few minutes the
drum was produced, and our ffer made his ap-
pearance, tall, round shouldered, good ma
tured fellow from the Dubuque mines, who
stood, when erect, something over six feet in
height.
Upon being introduced to his new comrade,
he stopped downward, with his hands resting
upon upon his knees that were thrown forward
into an acute angle, and after peering into the
little fellows face moment, he observed: My
little man, can you drum?" Yes, Sir" he re-
piled, Il drummed for Captain Hill in Tennes-
see" Our fFer Immediately commenced
Strengthening himself upward, until all the an
giles in his person had disappeared, when he
placed his fife to his mouth and played the
Flower of marlborough" one of the most
difficult tunes to follow with the drum that
could have been selected, but nObly did the
little fellow follow him, showing him to be
master Of the drum. When the music ceased,
our Captain turned to the mother aDd observ-
ed: Madam, l will take your boy. What is
his name?" Edward Lee" she replied; then
placing her hand upon the Captains arm, she
continues: Captain, if he is not killed"
here her maternal feelings ovcrcame her utter
ance, and she bent down over her boy and
kissed him on the forehead. As she arose, she
observed: Captain, you will bring him back
with you, won't your" "Ycs, yes" lie re-
piled, I'VE will be certain to bring him back
with US. We shall be discharged in six
weeks"
In an hour aftcr, our company led the Iowa
First out of camp, our drum and fife playing
The girl l left behind me-" Eddie. as We called
him, soon became great flvorite with the
company. When any Of the boys had return
ed from horticultural excursion, Eddie's share
of the peaches and melons was the first point
cd out. During our heavy fatiguiDg march
from Rolla to Springfield, it was often amusing
to see our lOngleggcd fGer wading through the
mud with our little drummer mouted upon his
back-and always in that position when ford
ing streams.