Daily national Republican. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1862-1866, 1865-06-05
slatiuual arpnblitHu

TuF DRuNMER BoH.-Of ell the classes
which have formed an integral part Of our
grand armies during the war, mono have
been invested with more interest and none
will be 60 heartily welcomed, or more en-
Enthusiastically honored, than the little drum
mer boy. He entered the ranks at an age
too young for fighting, but, impelled by
patr,otIc motives. offered his service In
mat the capacity In which be could be use
full. He accepted q post Of danger, though
m the records Of many a battlefield will
testify, and not unfrequently, the youths
Of this class have found graves on bloody
fislds, or In Southern prisons. His has
been life ofconstAnt excitement. In the
camp he was the fret one aroused TO sound
the reveille and the last one 10 retro after
taps, 70 be suddenly awakened from his
slumbers, perhaps, 10 beat the long roll.
ON the march though one OF the first to
grow weary, his duties compelled him TO
Keen on the alert, and endoavor 10 enllyen
the dropping spirits Of his comrades. But
Il was oflen on the battlefield that hlH true
courage and heroism was called into action.
There his presence was required wherever
the hospital flsg was stationed, but not un
frequently he has been found In the front
ranks, lighting aide by eide with bis elders.
II IL impossible that sueh heroism as
this should not meet recognition among
his fellows. and that they should not learn
10 love him. He became the life OF the
regiment, and could well Claim in ruturn
the protection and care OF his elders. Yet
his lifo In the army has been almost with
a. Ia ~
pride 70 the soldier. He may have per
formed gallant deeds 10 the fearful charge,
bat seldom has bis conduct been made the
subject OF mention In general orders
However much he may have regretted that
his position was socomparatiyely obscure,
none can say Who sees him that he lie not
happy as the happiest and proud rs the
proudest OF his elders. He has seen all
OF life that war opens 10 Wow in tho cam
pAigu; he has been an eye witness Of scenes
such as many would give largely OF tlIeir
wealth 70 surveys hehas acquired knowl-
edge of men and life which years Of study
would not have given himi aud, though
educated In u rough school, he has obtained
that practical knowledge OF his country
and It's Institutions which will b. invaluE-
ble TO him hereafter.
Now he comes bone Helen q hoy, he
returns almost n man, with an intellect
frightened by experience and body hard
ened and strengthened by exposure and
discipline. He " now fitted to battle with
the stern duties and trials Of life, the supc-
rior Of his companions whom he LEFT at
home four years ago. He comes with HE
mind stored With frecollectious Of scencs
each one of which he will make himS elf
the hero OF In It's nariRtiOn. He viii gath
or around him scores Of listeners to hcUT
him fight his "battles over again." and be-
elevated in their estimation into q hero b,
great n the brGvest and when he
shall settle down to tho pursuits OF peace,
after 70 ceiyiDg the welcome and congrat-
Nations Of his friends, he need ask no prou
der name than that he was Union drummer
boy In the war Of the great rebellion.