Photograph of an unidentified cavalry bugler.

Commands in the cavalry were transmitted by bugle, so it was important for officers to be able to readily distinguish the buglers in the smoke and confusion of battle. A bugler’s uniform jacket was trimmed with yellow worsted herringbone braid, and buglers usually rode grey horses to further help officers to quickly locate a musician.

Besides buglers, other musicians, such as drummers and fifers, were used in the Union and Confederate armies. It was their responsibility to keep cadence, sound various duty and battlefield calls, and provide music for dress parades and ceremonies.

Carte-de-Visite by C.D. Lesher, Sedalia, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31658