Child Soldiers In The Civil War Essay

Child soldiers are an element of the Civil War that rarely gets discussed. Most people associate the Civil War with men fighting for their beliefs and do not realize that boys or children fought as well. Children were as much a part of the war as adults; the reason for this is they too have to live with the results of the war. Children under eighteen years of age were not allowed to fight in the war but took up other positions to aid the war. These children of the Civil War supported and fought during it for a variety of reasons; these reasons include their patriotism and eagerness to fight and prove themselves. Child soldiers played an important part in the war. Most of these children were drummer boys, however, some were soldiers. Some of the child soldiers mentioned in the documents are

Playing the drums is not the only thing drummer boys did, they sent commands to all the soldiers as it was confusing on the battlefields and spoken commands went unheard. The drummer boys have as much right to be proud of the work they do as their soldier counterparts. The letters sent by the children soldiers depict how proud they are to be helping and fighting in the war. James K. Newton, a drummer boy, wrote about how they captured the Spanish Fort and his enthusiasm is apparent, “Spanish Fort is ours at last! Last evening a charge was made by the 3rd Brig. On our right which was entirely successful.” He is proud of what is regiment is capable of and another child soldier who should be proud of his accomplishments is Johnny Clem. Clem is regarded as a national hero. He enlisted in the war as a soldier and was giving a musket cut down to his size and when commanded to surrender by a Confederate soldier he proceeded to shoot him. He was also promoted to sergeant and freed during a prisoner exchange. Being a national hero, others were proud of his efforts as well as