A reader asks:
I am researching Jordan B. Noble, the famous New Orleans drummer boy at the Battle of New Orleans and in subsequent wars and battles.
He is said to have played a drum reveille. Was that a standard drum call routine? Are there recordings of how it might have been played. Did the drum reveille remain constant over the years in the 19th century or did the style of playing it change.
Was there a drum charge or was that reserved for brass instruments?
Were drummer boys given immunity from being shot at? It seems they might have been targets since there drumm tattoos inspired and coordinated the soldiers.
Thank you for any help you can give me.
Please post answers by way of comments to this blog post.
