The Civil War’s Child Soldiers: “Danny Boy“

Historians’ put the number of children under age 15 who fought for the Union at 100,000. Not drummer boys, not buglers, but front line soldiers and sailors. Soldier Studies Web site states that “in the Union Army it is estimated that 100,000 soldiers were less than 15 years old.“ you can see it far too often in the Liljenquist Family Collection online at the Library of Congress. The Civil War News notes that both governments gave military recruiters roughly the same instructions for underage recruits. “If minors present themselves, they are to be treated with great candor. ....The names and residences of their parents or guardians ... must be ascertained, and these will be informed of the minor’s wish to enlist, that they may make their objections or give their consent.“