Diary of Private Theodore Reichardt, Thursday, August 15, 1861

Witnessed the drumming out of a soldier of the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania for stealing from his comrades.

SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 17

Private Daniel L. Ambrose: June 29, 1861

To-day a member of Company F is “drummed out of the regiment” per verdict of Court Martial. Two single lines were formed facing inward, with a space between of about thirty feet. The disgraced soldier was marched along between the two lines, accompanied by two drummers, who kept up a terribly discordant drumming, while the men kept up a hooting and hissing.

SOURCES: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 9

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: September 15, 1863

Reveille early and all ready to march at 5 but no orders. After remaining saddled two or three hours "Re-call" blew. Ordered to be ready at noon. At 4:30 orders came and we saddled and went to town and witnessed the drumming out of a thief — whole Div. — sad sight. Pitied the man. Drunk and stole a horse. After dark marched out on Strawberry Plains road. Camped at 2 A. M. Quite tired and sleepy.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 88

Diary of Major Rutherford B. Hayes: Sunday, September 1, 1861

Drummed three men (youngsters) out of Captain Drake's company, by [the] colonel's order. The men all approve it but it makes me sick. The boys all probably confirmed thieves before they joined the army, but it makes me sick. Also sent back a waggon-master and drivers. This pleased me. The rascals refused to drive further unless certain conditions were complied with. Sent off, all right! Took the mutinous waggon-master off his horse.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 83