Tintype of Indian Wars Boy Soldier with American Flag Cockade

Indian Wars period Tintype of boy soldier with an American flag “cockade”. I am not certain what the symbols on his kepi mean but he certainly is dressed to the nines. He also appears to have a damaged or false eye. Too young I would believe to get in battle but I would not rule it completely out?  I state this as he likely would have never been accepted enlistment under such preexisting conditions.  2 x 3 inches