The drummer boy of Shiloh is a fictional character, based on the real life experiences of John Wesley Dean, who served as a drummer boy during the American Civil War. The real-life Dean was said to have been small for his age and had a “peculiar” face. He was also known for his drumming skills and his ability to keep marching even when wounded.
The drummer boy is one of the few characters in the novel who is not based on a real person, but rather an amalgamation of several different soldiers’ stories. He is described as being small for his age and having a “peculiar” face.
The drummer boy is described as being brave and patriotic, determined to do his duty despite any obstacles that may stand in his way. At one point he even goes so far as to sacrifice himself for his fellow soldiers.
The drummer boy is captured by the enemy at the Battle of Shiloh, but he escapes and rejoins his unit shortly thereafter. He then continues on with them through various battles until he is wounded at Corinth, Mississippi; however, he still plays his drum throughout all these events!
