Each company of foot had two drummers on its creation. Their duties included using drumbeats to convey order or signals during drill, battles or while the regiment was on the march. Contrary to popular legends drummers were grown men not boys, as they were expected to carry messages to the enemy and to act as spies in the process – this could lead to them being subject to rough handling at the hands of the enemy.
Here we can see the Drummer is armed with a sword.
