After the American Revolution, George Washington's victorious field force quickly disbanded, and the military establishment in the Colonies fell prey to political and philosophical differences in the new country. Even after the creation of the United States, some years later, the young nation's fighting force remained small and relatively insignificant, often struggling for its very existence. In fact, the United States Army, from its origins in the late eighteenth century until its emergence as a major power during the First World War, experienced a checkered history. The threat of conflict with Britain, Mexico, the South and Spain periodically swelled the ranks and brought funds as well as an interest in the martial sector, but, for the most part, the men in uniform operated on the fringe of the national mainstream and, indeed, spent much of their time in service as a frontier constabulary at the cutting edge of the westward advance. With the regiments came Army brands, to provide the martial music for parades and ceremonies. Their role and their achievements were out of all proportion to their number however - for they were to bring music, culture and the first trappings of civilization to the west. Between the end of the Civil War and the turn of the century, these groups of musicians did much to foster relations between the soldiers and the civilians, entertaining the people at dances and concerts as well as carrying out their normal regimental duties. this is an aspect of US military history that has hitherto received scant attention. Now tow young military historians have gathered together a unique collection of photographs and have researched deep into primary sources to provide a perceptive and authoritative study of this fascinating subject. The text and appendices present analyses of the music that the bands played - with an invaluable discography for the collector of military music - plus notes on uniforms, instruments and the composition of the various bands -- Book jacket.

Distant drums -- Keep step with the Union -- Sound off -- The illustrations -- Appendices: I: The music: Patriotic tunes; Marches and quicksteps; Popular songs; Religious songs; Dance tunes; Orchestral and classical transcriptions; Miscellaneous ; II: Instrumentation: Table 2: Suggested instrumentations for military bands; Table 3: Instrumentations for specified military bands -- Notes.