Tweet
The term "musician" applies to those assigned to a regiment's field music or band. According to regulation (and the duties prescribed in manuals) they were non-combatant, "special enlistees " whose pay, entitlements, equipment, and duties varied from the Soldiers on the line. By virtue of their non-combatant role they were not issued arms, other than a musicians sword, but that does not mean they didn't procure them one way or another (for whatever reason).
Kautz' Customs of Service for Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers (1864)
SPECIAL ENLISTMENTS.
205. There are a number of special appointments or positions, for which men are enlisted in the service, that differ in their duties from those of soldiers of the line, viz.:—
Veterinary Surgeon.
Medical Cadet.
Drum-Major, Principal or Chief Musician, Chief Trumpeter, Trumpeter
Musician.
Saddler Sergeant and Saddler
Ordnance Sergeant.
Hospital Steward.
Furrier, Blacksmith, and Artificer
Wagoner
African Under-Cook.
206. When men are enlisted for any of the above positions, and mustered into service as such, they cannot be reduced to private soldiers. If they have been enlisted as soldiers and promoted to these positions, they may by sentence of court-martial be reduced.
207. Men enlisted as above, although subject to the Rules and Articles of War, and to obedience to orders and regulations, cannot be assigned to other than their legitimate duties, except in cases of manifest necessity, or when unemployed at their legitimate duties for necessary reasons. Some are part of the legal organization of regiments, whilst others exist only by special enactment of Congress. A brief summary of their duties will be given.
234. MUSICIANS — Each company of infantry, artillery, and engineers is allowed two musicians, — a drummer and a fifer; and in cavalry, two trumpeters. These are independent of the musicians allowed to the band. They are on the footing of privates with respect to pay, clothing, and rations. They are instructed by the drum-major or principal musician.
236. Musicians of infantry, artillery, and engineers have no arms, except a musician’s sword, issued to them. The trumpeters have sabers and pistols. They take charge of the instruments used by them, and are responsible for them. They are not put on the ordinary duty of soldiers, but are liable for fatigue duties and are used as orderlies.
Written and photographic sources indicate that most musicians were generally unarmed aside from a few swords here and there.
Field Music
Band
Eric P. Emde
www.2mdfd.org
Kautz' Customs of Service for Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers (1864)
SPECIAL ENLISTMENTS.
205. There are a number of special appointments or positions, for which men are enlisted in the service, that differ in their duties from those of soldiers of the line, viz.:—
Veterinary Surgeon.
Medical Cadet.
Drum-Major, Principal or Chief Musician, Chief Trumpeter, Trumpeter
Musician.
Saddler Sergeant and Saddler
Ordnance Sergeant.
Hospital Steward.
Furrier, Blacksmith, and Artificer
Wagoner
African Under-Cook.
206. When men are enlisted for any of the above positions, and mustered into service as such, they cannot be reduced to private soldiers. If they have been enlisted as soldiers and promoted to these positions, they may by sentence of court-martial be reduced.
207. Men enlisted as above, although subject to the Rules and Articles of War, and to obedience to orders and regulations, cannot be assigned to other than their legitimate duties, except in cases of manifest necessity, or when unemployed at their legitimate duties for necessary reasons. Some are part of the legal organization of regiments, whilst others exist only by special enactment of Congress. A brief summary of their duties will be given.
234. MUSICIANS — Each company of infantry, artillery, and engineers is allowed two musicians, — a drummer and a fifer; and in cavalry, two trumpeters. These are independent of the musicians allowed to the band. They are on the footing of privates with respect to pay, clothing, and rations. They are instructed by the drum-major or principal musician.
236. Musicians of infantry, artillery, and engineers have no arms, except a musician’s sword, issued to them. The trumpeters have sabers and pistols. They take charge of the instruments used by them, and are responsible for them. They are not put on the ordinary duty of soldiers, but are liable for fatigue duties and are used as orderlies.
Written and photographic sources indicate that most musicians were generally unarmed aside from a few swords here and there.
Field Music
Band
Eric P. Emde
www.2mdfd.org
Comment