Robert Hendershot: Military Experiences

Civil War drummer boy

Figure 1.-- This portrait we think from 1865 was probably taken in 1865, perhaps after the War. Robert wears seargeant's checrons. It was taken in Matyjew Brady's studio. Robert may have been there as the Grand Armyb of the Republic marched down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Robert after enlisting remained with Company "C", which was posted at the Murfreesboro courthouse as provost guards. Robert was in Murfreesboro when Confederate Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest conducted a pre-dawn raid on the town (July 13, 1862). Robert claimed that he fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire, which was apparently the case. It was substantiated by several 9th Michigan soldiers. Robert became known as 'the Drummer Boy of the Rappahannock.' He was a drummer boy for the Eighth Michigan. His regiment was stationed close to the Seventh Michigan during the Battle of Fredricksburg, Virginia. The Seventh was trying to cross the Rappahannock River under fire (December 11, 1862). Robert answered a call for volunteers and ran to help push the boats. He had crossed the river when a shell fragment hit his drum and broke it into pieces, so he picked up a musket. He encountered a Confederate soldier and, taking him as prisoner, brought him back to the Seventh Michigan. The story of a boy capturing a man made him a hero.






HBC





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Created: 7:35 AM 12/1/2007
Last edited: 7:35 AM 12/1/2007