A Boy Soldier in the Civil War

The American Civil War, a tumultuous period in the nation’s history, witnessed extraordinary acts of courage and resilience from individuals of all ages. While the conflict is often associated with seasoned veterans and hardened soldiers, the story of young Johnny McLaughlin, a boy soldier in the Civil War, offers a unique glimpse into the dedication and bravery displayed by even the youngest participants. This account, originally penned by Albert Bushnell Hart in 1896, recounts the remarkable experiences of this boy soldier in the Civil War, who defied his age and circumstances to serve his country.

In the autumn of 1861, as the drums of war echoed across the land, the Tenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment was formed. Among the ranks of eager recruits was a diminutive figure named Johnny McLaughlin. Barely ten years old, Johnny hailed from Lafayette, Indiana, and possessed a youthful enthusiasm that belied the grim realities of the conflict that lay ahead. His role within the regiment was that of a drummer boy, a vital position responsible for maintaining morale and relaying commands on the battlefield. For several months, Johnny marched at the head of the Tenth Indiana, his youthful energy and rhythmic drumming a constant presence amidst the growing tension.

The true test of Johnny’s mettle came at the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, pivotal engagements in the Western Theater of the Civil War. As the roar of cannons and the crackle of musket fire replaced the steady beat of his drum, Johnny faced a daunting choice. Rather than cower in fear, the boy soldier in the Civil War demonstrated a remarkable level of courage. He laid down his drumsticks, picked up a musket and cartridge box from a fallen soldier, and bravely joined the front lines. He fought alongside the adult soldiers, exhibiting a tenacity and spirit that belied his tender age. Remarkably, Johnny emerged from these bloody encounters unscathed, his resolve only strengthened by the experience. He became enamored with the life of a soldier.

Inspired by his experiences, Johnny sought a transfer from the infantry to Colonel Jacob’s Kentucky Cavalry, a mounted unit known for its daring raids and reconnaissance missions. Colonel Jacob, impressed by the boy’s unwavering spirit and enthusiasm, recognized the potential within the young warrior. He granted Johnny’s request and assigned him to his best company, providing him with a good horse and the opportunity to further prove himself. The decision to enlist a boy soldier in the Civil War into the cavalry spoke volumes of Johnny’s exceptional qualities.

The engagement at Richmond, Kentucky, in the summer of 1862, provided Johnny with his next opportunity to demonstrate his valor. Despite his youth, he fought with remarkable composure and skill, wielding a saber, revolver, and revolving rifle with the proficiency of a seasoned veteran. His actions in the thick of battle were a testament to his dedication and his rapid adaptation to the demands of cavalry warfare. The narrative of this boy soldier in the Civil War continues to inspire awe and admiration.

October of the same year brought another trial by fire at the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky. During this fierce engagement, Johnny sustained his first wound, a bullet piercing his leg above the knee. The battle also presented a critical moment for Colonel Jacob and a portion of his command, who found themselves separated from the main regiment and surrounded by a superior Confederate force. As the enemy demanded their surrender, Colonel Jacob hesitated, weighing his options. In a decisive act of bravery, Johnny drew his pistol and shot the Confederate major leading the attack, killing him instantly. The resulting confusion and delay allowed Colonel Jacob and his men to escape capture, a feat directly attributable to the quick thinking and courage of the young soldier. The story of this boy soldier in the Civil War is filled with such instances of extraordinary bravery.

Not long after, Johnny found himself embroiled in a skirmish with Confederate raiders led by the infamous John Morgan. The fighting was intense, and Johnny was soon engaged in a close-quarters struggle with a larger Confederate soldier. He received a severe saber cut to the leg and was knocked from his horse. As another rebel seized him, exclaiming, "We’ve got one little Yankee, anyhow," Johnny refused to surrender. He swiftly drew his pistol and shot his captor dead. Moments later, the Union forces routed the rebels, and Johnny escaped capture once again. The resilience of this boy soldier in the Civil War is truly remarkable.

While recovering from his wound on furlough in Indiana, Johnny encountered a provost guard who demanded his pass. When Johnny explained that his colonel had not provided him with one, he proudly displayed his leg wound, declaring, "Here’s a pass the rebs gave me. Isn’t that good enough for a little fellow like me?" The guard, moved by the boy’s bravery and the evident proof of his service, allowed him to proceed.

Despite his desire to continue serving, Johnny’s wound proved too serious, and his youth became a matter of concern. Much to his disappointment, he received a discharge from the army. Unwilling to return to civilian life while the war raged on, Johnny sought to re-enlist, but the lingering effects of his leg wound prevented him from passing the physical examination.

Undeterred, Johnny sought an audience with President Abraham Lincoln himself. Upon hearing the young veteran’s story, President Lincoln, deeply moved by his unwavering commitment and remarkable service, issued a special order authorizing his re-enlistment. With renewed purpose, Johnny joined the regular army of the United States as a bugler in the cavalry service. He quickly distinguished himself as a fine-looking, neat, and obedient dragoon, embodying the spirit and discipline of a seasoned soldier despite his young age. The dedication of this boy soldier in the Civil War is an inspiring example of patriotism.

The tale of Johnny McLaughlin, the boy soldier in the Civil War, serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals of all ages during this pivotal period in American history. His courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his country exemplify the spirit of the Union cause and offer a unique perspective on the human cost of the conflict. From his initial role as a drummer boy to his daring exploits as a cavalryman, Johnny’s story is a testament to the extraordinary potential that lies within even the youngest of hearts. The legacy of this boy soldier in the Civil War continues to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to one’s beliefs.

Albert Bushnell Hart’s account, while brief, provides a compelling glimpse into the life of this remarkable young man, highlighting his bravery, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to the Union cause. The story of Johnny McLaughlin, a boy soldier in the Civil War, stands as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above adversity and to the extraordinary contributions made by even the youngest participants in the nation’s struggle for unity.

About the Author: Albert Bushnell Hart was a Harvard graduate, American historian, college instructor, and author. He edited the Harvard Graduates’ Magazine for eight years and wrote several books, including The Romance of the Civil War, published in 1896. A Boy Soldier was included in that work, now in the public domain. As it appears here, his article is not verbatim, as it has been edited.