The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1865-05-03
THE DRUHMER-BoY.


Adolph Kepler was a drummer-boy,
attached to Kentuckey regiment, one
Of the first raised for the Union service.
He had joined the regiment short time
after il was orgapixed. A Kentucky boy,
named Charley Ellis, who had formerly
drummed for the regiment, had been se-
riously wounded in battle, and was in
hospital, awaiting his discharge. Both
men and officers were anxious TO supply
his place, ~ they felt the need Of the in
spiriting tones Of the drum to cheer them
on, by rattling out at the head Of the
column those lovely old airs, by which the
weary march is beguiled. The fifer was
very well in his way, but his fife was not
Of much use without the accompanying
drum; and the fifer seemed to feel il more
severely than his companions; for there
was always q touch Of melancholy in bis
merriest marches.
While moving toward The Cumberland,
the regiment encamped for the night at
small village near the Tennessee line,
where, to their great JOY, they found
Adolph Kepler. He was living with his
sister, bright, fair-haired girl, in a little
log cabin by the roadside, and the two
came into camp towards evening, attract
ed by curiosity. They were Of German
descent, and had lately come from East
Tennessee. When asked about their pa
rents, they said they had none but their
father, and that they did not know what
had become Of him, as he left them one
morning, and had never returned. The
girl, Bella, supported them by sewing and
other work which she got in the village.
Adolph was about sixteen, but small Of
bis age, and fair complexion and girl
ish face. As he was sauntering about
the camp with bis sister, be saw the un-
used drum Of Charley Ellis hanging up
on one Of the army-wagons. He pointed
il out to his sister, aud exclaimed with
childish eagerness:
"Oh, Bella there is drum! l wish l
could have it for little while. How l
would play tune! 1t seems so long
since ] have drummed."
The Sergeant-Major of the regiment,
Old Buts, happened to be passing, and
heard the remark of the lad. He in
slantly stopped and questioned him.
"Do you say you can drum, little
oner'
"Yes, sir: aud if could get hold of
that drum, | would soon show you."
"Then you shall have il" and the Ser
geant-Major Immediately got into the
wagon aud handed it out
The boy seized it joyfully, frightened it
up in an artistic manner, placed the band
around his neck, and commenced to dash
off Yankee Doodle, "with the spirit and
the understanding ALSO" putting in all
sorts of "curlicues in the way Of varia-
tions.
Old Butz was astonished, and fairly
danced with delight.
When the boy had finished this brilliant
version Of our national fandango, he dart
ed into medley, which speedily attracted
to the spot the fifer, Long Jim Allen
Jim was tall, slim, and silent lad, Of a
melancholy turn, and was noted for never
seeming excited or surprised. But this
time be came up as fast as his long legs
could carry him, with his mouth and eyes
wide open with wonder.
The boy continued TO drum, and soon
nearly half the regiment had collected
around him, all listening, all amazed, and
all delighted.
When the performance was ended, the
boy was asked hundred eager questions
BY the excited bystanders, Of which the
chief and most important was, whether
be would be willing to join the regiment
as drummer.
He eagerly replied that he would be
glad TO do so, and would like nothing bet.
ter.
"You are going to fight for the Union,
amt your he asked.
"Yes, indeed and we would be glad
to take you with us, if your sister will lei
you GO"
Adolph looked anxlously at Bella, wno
hesitated but little as she scanned the
kind faces around her brother, and then
gave her consent If they would "promise
10 bring him back"
Or course the promise was made, as
many such have been, and she was fur.
thsr assured that Adolph would be treat
ed very kindly and taken care Of 10 the
best possible manper
So The boy was duly installed and mus
tered in rs drummer Of the - Kentucky
and the next morning took up the line oi
march, he was at the head of the column