By Kayla
Although army drummers were usually adult males, young boys were trained to take their place—some even starting as young as eight years old.
These boys were responsible for memorizing up to 40 beats to communicate to the troops. Some of the boys were carried on the shoulders of fellow soldiers, protected and endeared by their older companions. These young drummers were not intentionally put near dangerous areas of battles, but it wasn’t rare for them to receive injury as they marched with the troops to fight.
William Black is believed to be the youngest soldier wounded in the Civil War. When he was twelve years old, his left arm and hand were severely injured by an exploding shell as he marched.
From: spotlights.fold3.
Learn more about children in the Civil War at www.CivilWarRx.com.
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