Hello Civil War Researchers:

The link below will connect you to a photo and description of a drummer boy in the 78th Regiment of the US Colored Troops. My gg grandfather was a drummer in the Corps D'Afrique, 78th Regiment, so this photo is especially compelling. Unfortunately it's not Edouard Wyer.

In his pension files it mentions that Edouard was wounded, but didn't say when or what his injury was from. Prior to his service in the 78th, he was in the 6th Regiment (1863) at Port Hudson, Louisiana.

The original photo source is from the National Archives. I've tried unsuccessfully to search their archives to see if there were additional photos of the 78th. Can anyone suggest a source?

Regarding drummers. Were the drummers in the front of a regiment or in the rear? Were they also trained to fight?

Lastly, are there any detailed descriptions of the 78th? Their officers etc.

Thanks in advance,

K Wyer Lane