Boy soldier known as the ‘Drummer Boy of the Rappahannock’ remembered for his reputed heroics at the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. Scarce 2.25 x 4 carte-de-visite portrait of drummer boy Robert Hendershot holding an American flag with his drum at his feet, by Mathew Brady of Washington, circa 1860s. Reverse bears the photographer’s imprint, “Brady’s National Photographic Portrait Galleries, Broadway & Tenth Street, New York & No. 352 Pennsylvania Av. Washington, D.C.” In fine condition. Hendershot claimed to have helped push off the first boat as the 7th Michigan Infantry crossed the Rappahannock River to Fredericksburg, clinging to the gunwale under heavy fire during the voyage. His story was reported nationally and made him famous, earning him a brief stint as a performer at P. T. Barnum’s museum.
