A dramatic twist is added to the finale of American Drummer Boy, the idea taken from the exploits of young Kentucky Confederate soldier Asa Lewis. Although not a drummer boy, young Lewis enlisted at the beginning of the war for only twelve months, but remained with his regiment, the 6th Kentucky, when it was reorganized. Sometime following his enlistment, his father died, leaving his mother and three sisters dependent on him for their welfare. He requested a furlough from his brigade to return home to plant the crops, and when denied, did so anyway. Lewis intended to return to his unit after putting in the crops for his starving family. He was brought back, charged with desertion, found guillty, and sentenced to death. Though the officers of his unit pleaded with their commander General Bragg, he refused to repeal the sentence, stating that the desertion rate was growing and an example had to be set. Asa Lewis marched out before the brigade and in front of the 6th Kentucky, was executed.