The Detroit Free Press of 150 years ago was dominated by articles about the Civil War, including accounts of mishaps and victories around the country. The Drummer-Boy of Marblehead recounts the exploits of a young lad who met his maker on Roanoke Island, N.C. And as the editors assert, we have assurances that this story is literally true!
MARY MOORE.: THE DRUMMER-BOY OF. [PDF] Detroit Free Press, March 29, 1862, p.4.
Note : The Main Library now provides the MSU community online access to the historical Detroit Free Press from 1858 through 1922.