Henry Green (1832-1901) of Portland carried this military style side drum in the 10th and 17th Maine Regiments from October 4, 1861 to March 11, 1862, when he was discharged for disability. While in the 17th Maine, Green served as instructor of the regiment’s drum corps.

On the battlefield, drummers provided a visual location for the unit, helping to keep soldiers close together. Drumming at war was dangerous, because the enemy knew that without the drum, commanders lost contact with their troops.