ABSTRACT
Following English tradition, the drum was used by the colonials to set the cadence and transmit orders. A fife would often accompany the drum with various melodies. The soldier’s day was regulated by the various beats of the drum that indicated to him the passage of time as well as the action that was expected of him. In addition, actions that were not regulated by the clock or did not apply to the army as a whole were directed by signals. All these beats and signals, referred to as the camp duties, were to be given by the drum, and the soldiers were expected to learn them and instantly obey them. Chapter 21 of von Steuben’s Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States, “Of the Different Beats of the Drum,” listed the various beats and signals ordered into use for the Continental Army and described their functions. This chapter also describes the ceremonies of “Drumming out of Camp,” the Retreat parade, and the military funeral.
