Hello everyone! Today, I have the new installment of our series on the Soldier's Life. As I said before, it can be hard to dig up information on certain topics of the Civil War and while this may come as a bit of a surprise, Drummers are one of the hardest to access information on. Over many months of reading articles, snippets from books and talking to historians and reenactors who make this their life study, I have compiled what I learned here in one article. I hope other researchers find this helpful. So let's get started!

1. Drummers were not always boys. We have it in our mind that every drummer in the past was your typically adorable little fellow who loved pulling a good joke on his older comrades. While generally this is true, there were many adult drummers as well. I actually have one in my family! Back to the general age, most were between 9 and 17, though 12 was the “accepted age” and most 16-17-year-olds usually went ahead and took up arms with the other soldiers, at least in the South. That being said, I have read of drummers in their 60's and I believe there may have been one older than that come to think of it...
   
2. Who were the drummers? Drummers came from all walks of life, usually tagging along with their father or an older brother (like Nate Bowers in my book, “The Land of Cotton”) or orphaned (like Burdy in my book, “Our Heritage to Save”). Many ran away from home to have an adventure. They no doubt thought of the glory and excitement of battle, only to find it far different from what they expected.
   
3. What did they do? Drummers had to practice daily to get all the drumming calls correct. They had to know reveille, march, charge and retreat, in addition to the various camp calls. There was breakfast call, tattoo (used prior to Taps being written), parade inspection calls and multiple calls to summon different ranks of men at the officer's bidding. But drumming wasn't their only duty. They were given many tasks around camp such as hauling water, stacking wood, running errands, tending horses, helping with the cooking and their unofficial job of pulling pranks!
   
4. Drummers on the Battlefield. There is a lively debate about whether or not drummers actually served on the battlefield. Some go so far as to say that the image of the brave soldier, beating his drum through the smoke, shot and shell is completely false. I do not claim to be a historian by any means, but their argument has holes...big ones. The bugle and drum were not chosen because they seemed more military-like than a guitar and violin. They were chose because...they are loud. Loud enough to be heard over shouting, cannon fire and musketry. They were chosen because they are easily identified in chaos. True, the drummers did not march in the front lines. That would be ridiculous. They'd be shot in an instant. But they did indeed relay pertinent information from the officers to the men. There is no other way the officers could have communicated to their men otherwise. I read in one soldier's account that drummers were pinpointed at times, because if you lose your drummer, you lose your chain of command. But just like in camp, they didn't just drum on the battlefield. Each company had at least one drummer. Their second musician could be another drummer or a bugler. In battle, not as many were needed, so those who were not needed would assist injured men off the battlefield. They had to be pretty strong little fellows! Also, they would carry water and ammunition back and forth as needed.
   
   

And now, for something a little fun. To add some flavor to this article, I decided to have an interview with one of my characters, Meryl “Burdy” Boyles. For those who have read “Our Heritage to Save” I'm sure you are well acquainted with this little sidekick. For those who haven't, well, let this be your introduction and encouragement to read his story:)

Ryana Lynn: Burdy, first off would you mind telling us how you got your nickname?

Burdy: Well, when I came to the 2nd Va. Regiment to try out as a drummer, I knew if I were going to stay, I'd have to make the fellows like me. So I did everything I could to get on their good side. I ran errands, tidied up tents and field desks, tended horses and brought up wood, even when it wasn't my turn to do it. My first friend in the regiment, Sgt. Richard Mason told me one night that I was a burden bearer, like the Bible verse that says “Bear ye one anothers burdens.” They called me Burden Bearer at first, then shortened it to Burdy. Now, I only get called my real name if it's something official...or if I'm in trouble.

Ryana Lynn: Where are you from originally?

Burdy: I was born in Kansas near a place called Osawatomie. After my Pa died, Ma took me back east to Virginia to live with my grandparents.

Ryana Lynn: Do you have any siblings?

Burdy: Nope, I'm an only child, but I feel like I've got a great big family now that I'm with the company...though I would like to have a sister sometimes...

Ryana Lynn: Haha, I'm sure you do! What is your favorite part of being a drummer?

Burdy: The campfire! Every night that we can, we gather around the campfire, talk, sing, discuss Bible passages together and just relax. It's times like that that make me really feel like I have a family I can call my own.

Ryana Lynn: What do you dislike the most about being a drummer?

Burdy: Practicing the call for retreat. So far, I've not used it, and I never want to. Besides, Southerners don't even know what that word means!

Ryana Lynn: Quite true! Thank you for your time, Burdy!

Burdy: My pleasure!

Well, that's all for now! Thank you for spending a little bit of your day will us here at Life of Heritage! Have a great weekend!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Hello! Welcome back to my blog! I hope wherever you are today, you are enjoying some winter weather, because we sure are! Already we've gotten nearly 3 inches! This country gal is happy!
Today I have a new kind of post for you: A book review. I’m very new to this, so please bear with me. I hope you enjoy!

Beloved Bride by Bill Potter
(From the Back of the Book)
He called her "my beloved esposa" because Anna was his dearest love on this earth. Ironically, while the great military exploits of General Stonewall Jackson are studied in military schools the world over and his iron will and stern self-discipline have become legendary, little is said about his remarkable marriage. The real Thomas J. Jackson was a humble Christian and loving husband and father. The tender and instructive letters he wrote to his wife Anna are a model of godly leadership and covenantal faithfulness. From their courtship to their final days together, trace the true story of this remarkable couple through the letters of General Jackson to his bride. Even in the midst of the most arduous military campaigns, Stonewall took the time to send home extensive letters of love and devotion. Through all of this, General Jackson proves himself to be a model example for Christian husbands of the twenty-first century -- especially through his dedication to living for God's glory and trusting in His providential care.This special edition book features a foreword by Stephen Lang, the actor who portrays "Stonewall" Jackson in the film, Gods and Generals.

My Review:
This is an Excellent Book! I would recommend it literally to everybody  Civil War/ History Buffs will enjoy it for an up close and personal look into the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. Ladies will enjoy it for the sweet care Jackson had for his wife and the child training advice Jackson had to offer. Guys should read it for some godly wisdom on everyday life and leading a family. It’s just amazing!

Historical Accuracy- This is totally accurate, since the majority of the book is made up of letters between Stonewall and his wife, Anna.

Content- You could hand this to a pre-teen (probably the youngest that would get anything out of it) with no reservation. There is nothing in this book I had to mark out, language or otherwise.

Favorite Scene- Probably the section where Stonewall has a training session with his five month old baby girl. This story is told by Anna and is certainly precious.

Overall- This book is good for anyone seeking a closer walk with God. There is so much to learn and this book will help you! In the back there is a list of maxims that Stonewall tried to govern his life by. Definitely worth reading!

To get the book, click here!

Hope you enjoyed this book review!
God Bless,
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

P.S. Sorry about the poor picture quality. I'm still learning about this stuff, haha! Plus, I couldn't get it to shrink for anything! *shakes head and proclaims that I am a failure at design* :)

Hey Y’all! I just realized I never wrote a post on my blog on how I got started as a writer. So here’s a run-down of my writing journey.

Just after 9-11, my family moved from our North Carolina home in the country to a Maryland town house. I was used to falling asleep to crickets and whippoorwills…now it was airbrakes and jets. Not pleasant sleeping. It was there that I learned what a Yankee was.

I also found out that since I was from the South, I was a Rebel…so, what was all that about? At this point, I’d never heard of the Civil War (War Between the States, War of Northern Aggression, Second War for Independence, etc.).

This does have to do with my writing journey. I’m not getting off topic ;)

When I was in 3rd grade, I studied important Americans, including Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Gen. Robert E. Lee. Grant was first. Oh, he was a good man…after all, a man who treats his horses right has to be a wonderful person, right? Wrong! But I found that out later.

Robert E. Lee was my hero! I loved his story…then I found out that he and Grant had fought each other. What? These two great men fought each other? Why? Wait a minute, you mean Grant fought Lee because Lee believed in freedom just like the patriots? What was so bad about the Southern states leaving the Union…and why did they? Slavery?

I told my mom “I just can’t see a mother sending her son off to war just because she wants to have people working for her.” So the search began, and we found it wasn’t at all like what we’d been told. Slavery? Nope. The issue was States’ Rights for the South; Power, Land and Money for the North.

Now to the writing part.

I wrote my first “story” when I was six or seven. Here it is. “A long time ago, there was a Civil War. There was war, then peace, then war again.” (I didn’t understand the idea of breaking the fighting for the winter…)

I continued to study history and play around with writing. In 2010, I was complaining to my sister Gera that I wished there were decent Historical Fiction novels to read, and true accounts of the Civil War. She said, “Write your own.” I was stunned. Why hadn’t I thought of that before? I set to work. At that time, I had no intentions of publishing. This story was solely for my enjoyment.

After several failed attempts at a beginning, I figured out what I wanted. So in January of 2011, I began writing, The Land of Cotton.

During this time my mom encouraged me not to just write for fun and myself, but to give my hobby to the Lord and attempt publishing. I was scared, but I agreed. Later, the Lord used a man at the church I grew up in to bless me by buying me a laptop, printer and all the extras! My writing and typing took on new meaning then.

In December of 2011, The Land of Cotton was completed!...or so I thought. Well, I revamped my book, had Gera and others read it, corrected errors, made more changes, etc. I continued writing The Battle for Heritage Series.

I went on to finish the series in 2014, five books in all. That year I got up the courage to have mom read my first book. She liked it but knew it needed more work. We had no idea how much work it would need! More editing, eliminating, adding, proofing, reading, researching, praying, typing, long nights, cups of hot chocolate and talking went into this book. At last, we added the final polishing touches.

Off to the proofers! My grandfather, Wayne Miller, is a retired English teacher and he agreed to look over my book without grandfatherly bias and proof it for grammatical errors. So if you find something, I guess it’s his fault, lol :) At the same time, my cousin, Travis Stevens, a historical reenactor and “walking 1860’s history encyclopedia,” edited my book for historical accuracy.

Then to the printers! Hard to believe that was two years ago this month! And now, I’m multi-published! It’s been a long journey, but it’s so rewarding. And having people return and tell me how much they enjoyed my books and how much they had learned just makes my day! I’m so glad that Gera and Mom pushed me to do what I didn’t think I could and that God blessed it. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything!

Something to think about: What about you? Have you ever gotten a preconceived idea about something, only to find out you were very wrong? (Like me about Gen. Grant?) How did you respond when you found out the truth? Share your experience with others. You never know how sharing a bit of truth can change things...it might even lead to a novel!

That’s all for now,
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

I literally just heard about this a couple of minutes ago. If you see a policeman or other law enforcement officer, take a moment and thank them for their service :) They do so much for us and you have no idea how much a simple thank you means to them.

Until next time, 
Ryana Lynn 
Jude 22 

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! It’s amazing to see one year pass and another begin! Thank you for joining me here at Life of Heritage for another year of blogging, writing and publishing. I hope you enjoy this devotion that has sort of become my theme for 2018!

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

Who doesn’t like the warmth of a nice glowing fireplace (a real one, that is)? Last month while working at the Denton Farm Park, I had multiple opportunities not only to enjoy them but also to start the fires! An amazing experience!

I’m also infatuated with candles (scented preferably). I love the flickering light and  the scent of anything that smells woodsy.

My third “light love” is lanterns. Ahh! They are so old fashioned and cozy…*sigh*
Just recently I’ve been thinking about lights a lot. (My house is covered in them :) ) But seriously, it got me to thinking not only about THE LIGHT, but the light that we are supposed to be to others around us.

With 2018 now upon us, many are making New Years Resolutions. One of mine is to let my light shine. Fellow Christians, we are to be a light, shining the way to Salvation, telling others about our Lord and letting them watch our lives for an example. In a world full of darkness, we need to be that one candle that penetrates the gloom and points others to Hope in Jesus Christ!

The verse above makes a point in saying that “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Our job as Christians is to live in such a way that we bring Glory to our Creator and Heavenly Father!

How can you be a light, guiding others to Christ?

1. First and foremost, you must be saved.
2. Pursue a close relationship with God.
3. Put your Bible study to practice (if He says do it, do it; if He says don’t, don’t!)
4. Be a witness! Talk to people, pass out tracts! Take every opportunity to be a light for the Cause of Christ!