GLOSSARY

abolitionist: A person who wanted to end slavery.

 

artillery: Large guns, including cannons.

 

belfry: A bell tower on the top of a building.

 

Bluebellies: A slang term for Union soldiers, who wore blue uniforms.

 

caisson: A wagon used to hold ammunition.

 

cavalry: Soldiers who fought on horseback.

 

confectionery: A sweet shop, like a candy store or a bakery.

 

Confederate: A supporter of the Southern states, known as the Confederate States of America.

 

Copperheads: During the Civil War, people in the North who wanted to make peace with the Confederates instead of waging war to force them to remain in the Union.

 

crossroads: The intersection of two or more roads.

 

double-quick: A fast march, at double time.

 

field glasses: Binoculars.

 

garret: Attic.

 

greenback: A dollar bill—paper money.

 

inaugurate: To induct, or swear someone into office. When presidents are inaugurated, they often give a speech known as an inaugural address.

 

infantry: Soldiers who fought and marched on foot.

 

Mason-Dixon Line: The invisible line that established the boundaries between Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. It divided the North and the South, the free and the slave states. The line was named after the two men who surveyed the land in a border dispute.

 

muster in: Join the military. Soldiers were said to “muster in” when they enrolled in the army.

 

parole: Release a prisoner. The Rebels paroled their civilian prisoners when they left Gettysburg on June 27, 1863.

 

picket: A soldier in front of the main fighting force who acted as a guard. Picket soldiers were the first to see enemy movements. They were also the targets of sharpshooters.

 

portico: A porch with columns.

 

privy: A bathroom in a small shed outside—an outhouse.

 

proclamation: An official announcement.

 

Rebel: A term people in the North used to describe the Southern soldiers.

 

scout: A soldier sent out ahead of the main fighting force to gather information about the enemy.

 

secede: Withdraw, or leave. The Southern states voted to secede from the Union.

 

sharpshooter: A shooter who had very good aim over long distances. Sharpshooters took positions on hilltops and attics to shoot at the enemy.

 

skirmish: A small battle or military action.

 

valise: A suitcase.