A young drummer of the 51st New York Infantry stands in full uniform during the Civil War, his drum suspended by a shoulder strap and held ready at his side. Musicians like him played a critical role in Union armies, using drumbeats to relay orders across the chaos of battle and to regulate the daily routines of camp life. The distinctive zouave-style uniform reflects a popular mid-19th century military fashion inspired by French units, adopted by several American regiments for its striking appearance.