During the American Civil War, the snare drum was an integral part of army life. For the drummers themselves, their instrument represented a unique avenue of service where zealous – sometimes underaged – patriots could join the war efforts without being directly engaged in active combat. To soldiers in battle, listening to the drum could either inspire nationalism or fear, depending on whether the staccato taps came from their own drummers or those of the enemy. Outside of combat, the drum helped create order in camp and in drill, as well as provide some musical relief from the dullness of a long march or extended periods of time in camp. Here we see one such young Confederate drummer boy advancing with his snare drum.