The Drummer Boy's War (1892)

By George T. Ulmer | Retelling by A.C. Clark
95 pages

"The Drummer Boy's War: My Story of the Civil War" offers a unique and intimate glimpse into one of America's most defining conflicts through the eyes of George T. Ulmer, a remarkably young and determined soldier. This isn't a dry history textbook; it's a modern translation of Ulmer's original 1892 memoir, preserving every vivid detail, harrowing experience, and heartfelt observation exactly as he told it.

From the thunderous bombardment of Fort Sumter that ignited his patriotic "fire" as a barefoot newsboy in bustling New York City, to the back-breaking work on a rugged Maine farm, George's path to the Union Army was anything but ordinary. Despite being a "midget of a boy" at just fourteen years old, his relentless spirit pushed him through countless rejections until he finally enlisted as a drummer boy.

Readers will march alongside George as he experiences a "baptism by fire" at Fort Powhatan, endures the overwhelming chaos of Cold Harbor, and navigates the grueling Siege of Petersburg. They'll witness his incredible resourcefulness as he forages for his comrades, bringing them comfort and cheer amidst hardship. Beyond the battles, George's story is one of profound personal growth, unexpected friendships—like with a "profane" drummer boy and even Confederate President Jefferson Davis—and the enduring bonds of brotherhood.

More than just a tale of war, this is an adventure of courage, resilience, and unwavering duty. Ulmer's plain, rugged language brings to life the day-to-day realities of a Union soldier, revealing the profound human cost of conflict and the transformative power of perseverance. Join George on his extraordinary journey from a starry-eyed boy to a seasoned young veteran, fighting not just for his country, but for survival, camaraderie, and a place in history.