DrummerBoy


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William Bircher was a drummer for the Union Army during the Civil War. Drummers and buglers were very important during the war.
 * Background:**

//**July 1861**// I had made several attempts to get into the regiment but, not being over fifteen years of age and small in size, was rejected. But Captain J.J. Noah, of Company K, seemed to think that I would make a drummer, as the company was in need of one. I was then taken to the office of mustering-office Major Nelson and, after being questioned very carefully in regard to my age, was not accepted until I should get the consent of my parents...
 * ENTRY ONE **

The happiest day of my life, I think, was when I donned my blue uniform and received my new drum. Now, at last, after so many efforts, I was really a full-fledged drummer and going South to do and die for my country if need be...

We made a long march, and at night found ourselves in the wild woods without food or shelter and a long distance in advance of our wagons. Our pickets (guards) were posted within two miles of the enemy. We had a heavy rain the night before, and it had rained at times as we marched.
 * ENTRY TWO **
 * //January 15, 1862//**

We marched 22 miles. I had no shoes. I tore up my shirt to wrap around my feet, which were so sore I could not march without great pain.
 * //April 1862//**

//**January 8, 1862**// Rain, snow, and hail all together made it more interesting. Such weather as this knocked all the enthusiasm out of trying to be a hero, and most of us were about sick of the hero business.

//**October 26, 1864**// It rained most of the time, which kept the boys in their little shelter-tents. Immediately in front of our camp was the headquarters of General Sherman, whom we saw at all hours of the day and night, marching back and forth in front of his tent, with his head bowed, and his arms locked behind him. That night he made the rounds all night with the guard in front of his tent, occasionally stopping in front of the fire a moment to talk with him, then resuming his steady march. I had no doubt but that he was planning some campaign...
 * ENTRY THREE **

[|William Bircher's diary online]
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