Civil War Glossary IV

Question 1

Recruit

Answer 1

A soldier who has just signed up to be a soldier and is without battle experience.

Question 2

Rifled musket

Answer 2

The standard infantry weapon used in a war. Usually .58 or .577 caliber, the “rifle” fired a Minie ball through a spiral grooved barrel, spinning the bullet for more velocity and accuracy.

Question 3

Salt pork

Answer 3

The most common meal ration during the war, along with hardtack and coffee. The pork was salted to preserve it.

Question 4

Secede

Answer 4

To withdraw from the union, as 11 southern states did in 1860-1861. During the war, Southerners were frequently called “secesh” by Northerners.

Question 5

Strategy

Answer 5

The art of military command as to an overall plan of war. How to deploy troops and where to deploy are components of strategic planning.

Question 6

Sutler

Answer 6

Dry goods salesman who traveled with the Northern armies. Considered necessary for the provision of extra items for the soldiers, sutlers often cheated and overcharge military customers.

Question 7

Tactics

Answer 7

The art of maneuvering troops on a battlefield.