Authenticity of Runners

[Sagebrush]

I sometimes participate in reenactments where during the course of a battle they have very young boys acting as "runners" (messengers). Was this a common practice during the Civil War in the midst of battles? It seems to me that the likelihood of placing grade school aged young boys in harm's way like that would not have been typical, if at all.

When I do encounter this portrayal, as a chaplain, I play along with it and do what seems natural, and that is to meet the young runner part of the way in front of our lines, and attempt to screen him from enemy fire. Thus far in my research, I have been unable to find any information on this topic. Therefore, any knowledgeable input on this question would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Republican Blues]

In a word, they aint. one of those necessary evils I guess to get the kids interested, but if your gonna do that get em to learn the bugle, fife or drum.. Most big events do not allow this, and you will NOT see it on the CPH side of things.

 

[johan_steele]

Over the years I've seen a few references to the use of drummer boys as such. Note the term few, less than a dozen to be sure out of better than three thousand is a pretty small few.

IMO the use of children on the field is both misleading and dishonest to history... men don't like their children in harms way.

 

[Joey12thga]

It is not correct. It is a reenactorism like ice angels, kilts, midgets on cannons, and raccoon phallus bones...it is F.A.R.B.

 

[Sagebrush]

Thank you, gentlemen, for confirming what I believe to be dubious, at best. Even apart from hard evidence by way of research, common sense tells me that this would have been highly unlikely.

 

[Bonny Blue Flag]

At the reenactment of the Battle at Jefferson, Tx, last May, I saw several older elementary school-aged boys walk behind the lines of battle and pick up dropped cartridges and percussion caps. They would put them in their haversacks, I would think to save them for later in the battle.

--BBF

 

[Republican Blues]

As far as messengers go, that's whey adjutants and couriers were mounted... how fast do your want your information on the battlefield, especially the real ones of the war period? as fast as a horse can be galloped, or as fast as the short legs of a kid who probably wont remember where he is supposed to deliver the message, and be distracted by something that catches his attention, as is prone to happen with children? Love my kids, and my three year is pretty bright, but still.... give me the dude on a horse

 

[Craig L Barry]

Re-enactorism, add it to the list with all the other foolishness. Most youngsters
stayed home with their mamas while daddy was out fighting the big war. This is as it
should be. There was plenty of work for them on the home front.

You can get trampled pretty easily as an adult out there. I'd keep my loved ones
close at a Civil War (re)enactment, hopefully behind the ropes.

 

[Republican Blues]

Most youngsters
stayed home with their mamas while daddy was out fighting the big war. s.

AMEN and AMEN... can I get another AMEN? Having Been There Done That, I sure as hell wouldnt want my sons running around the places I've been.......