Albumen CDV portrait of Robert H. Hendershot, the "Drummer boy of the Rappahannock." Utica, [New York]: J.B. Smith. Period pencil inscription identifies the subject. A further pencil inscription provides further information on Hendershott.

A lovely image of Robert Henry Hendershot, the "Drummer Boy of Rappahannock." He poses next to his drum with his forage cap resting on top. His arm rests on Harvey G. Eastman who granted Hendershot a scholarship at Eastman Business College for his bravery.

Prior to the War, Robert Henry Hendershot (?-1925) drilled with the Jackson County Rifles volunteer militia unit which became Company C of the 9th Michigan Infantry. Hendershot did not enlist but the enthusiastic youngster followed the regiment to its first encampment before he joined with Company B of the regiment as a musician. He was captured when a cavalry brigade under Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked the courthouse on 13 July 1862 during the First Battle of Murfreesboro. He was discharged for disability in short order as he suffered from epileptic seizures. Despite his ailment, the ardent teenager arrived at a recruitment office in Detroit, Michigan in September 1862, and was mustered into Company B of the 8th Michigan Infantry on 19 September 1862. His condition became known, however, and was slated for another discharge. While awaiting the discharge, he was in the camp of the Army of the Potomac at Fredericksburg when the camp came under attack from Robert E. Lee's forces. While at the riverbank, Hendershot helped push off boats for the troops, and according to himself, he slipped when trying to board and made the voyage across clinging to the gunwale. After the battle, he was finally discharged and received nationwide attention for his exploits, receiving a silver drum from Horace Greeley, appearing at P.T. Barnum's museum, and dining with President Lincoln. He also spent several weeks in Poughkeepsie, New York at the Eastman Business College where he was awarded a scholarship.

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