Uncommon History

It is becoming more apparent that there is some strange reason that Union religious tracts are a rare find on the internet these days. I know in days past I was able to locate a few, but in my recent attempts to provide tracts from both points of view, Confederate tracts are the easier to find.

As such, this week’s entry will be another Confederate tract. Rest assured, I will remain vigilant in my research to provide solid evindence of the faith that prevailed in both armies.

If you, kind reader, know of an online source of Union Religious tracts, I would be greatly encouraged. Library time is limited, but I will find these elusive literary gems.

No. 104. – WHY DO YOU SWEAR?

BY – REV. J. N. ANDREWS, OF N. C.

FRIEND, permit me to ask you in kindness, if you have well considered the words which I just now heard you utter? As a thoughtful man, you must admit that there should be good reasons for all the acts of life. In all your business transactions, or pleasure-seeking pursuits, do you not consider before hand what will be the probable result? And if you have reason to believe there is a prospect of advantage to you, you go forward; otherwise, you do not. Why do you invest your money? Why do you pursue a profession? Why do you labor with your hands? Why are you a soldier? For all these you have doubtless good and sufficient reasons. My friend, why do you swear? If you have reasons sufficient

to justify you in the practice, certainly you can have no objection to telling me what they are. Come, sit down a while and “let us reason together.” If you can convince me that it is proper and profitable, as a reasonable man, I must withdraw my opposition to it. But if, on the other hand, I shall be able to show that it is highly injurious, and extremely dangerous, will you not cease it forever? We generally speak of men as being possessed of a three-fold nature–the physical, intellectual and moral man. Such a man are you! Now I can understand how certain pursuits can be profitable to your physical man–labor or money-making, for instance. I can see how other pursuits can benefit the intellectual–such as study, reading, conversation,&c. I am convinced that yet other practices can be of advantage to the moral nature–these are the reading of God’s word, prayer to Him, and faith in His Son Jesus. But tell me, does swearing come under any of these heads?

1. As a mere physical creature, how much are you profited by being a profane

man? Have you made more money by being a swearer than you otherwise would have done? Has your labor been easier? Can you march longer, and endure more fatigue and greater hardships because you are a swearer? Have you a better appetite–is your bread sweeter because you swear? Do you rest more quietly, and is your sleep more refreshing because you profane God’s holy name? Are you more exempt from bodily suffering and diseases, and will you live longer because you swear?

Are you a braver man, a better soldier, and more ready to die for your country?–To all these questions you answer like an honest man, NO! Then why do you swear, when, by your own admission there is no bodily profit?

2. But you have a mind, and intellect. Does swearing improve that mind? Are you a wiser man for every oath which you utter? Do you reason more clearly, is your intellect more elevated by reason of profanity? As a rational being you ought to have exalted ideas of the character of God, does swearing produce them, or

otherwise? You ought to revere and honor his laws. Does the swearer do so?–Then why do you swear?

3. But further. You have a moral nature. What say you to the effect of profanity upon it? You are are a better or worse man because of it. There is no neutrality. Dare you say that you are a more pious man because you swear? Do you love God more–do you love your fellow-man whom you curse? Do you love the Bible which condemns the swearer? Do you, can you pray for yourself and others while your mouth is foul with curses? Stop, friend, do not leave so abruptly. ‘Tis because I love you that I speak thus to you. Analyze, for just one minute, your feelings while under the power of this demon of profanity:

First. With reference to your Heavenly Father–honestly answer me. Do you not fell a loss of respect and reverence for His holy name whom you revile? Is not your heart colder and more rebellious toward him? Are you not less inclined to pray to Him? Would you not prefer that His eye should not see, His

ear hear you? Are you not less willing to meet Him at the judgment? Yes!

Secondly. In reference to your fellow-mortal. Do you not love him less or hate him more? After your imprecations, are you not more ready to do him an injury? Yes!

Thirdly, as to yourself. Is not your heart harder because of profanity? Is it not less susceptible of divine impressions? Is it not more gross, beastly, earthly, sensual, devilish? Yes! Have you listened to the voice of conscience in this matter? No! But you have a character–every man has! Has not your character suffered in the eyes of all good and rational men? Yes. Do you respect yourself as you would have done, had you never been a swearer? No.

Can you look into the eyes of that pure woman whom you call mother, wife or sister, and feel that she loves you more because you are a swearer? Would you love her more, were she as profane as you? Look at that innocent child; is it a pleasant thought that he shall become as foul-mouthed as you? No! No!! But

see how he listens, he is now taking his first lesson in profanity from you. Your conscience does not approve it in yourself; you would not recommend it to mother, wife, sister or child. Then why do you swear? Now, if I can convince you that it is highly injurious and extremely dangerous, will you not cease forever to be a swearer?

My argument is simple. What ever fails to benefit the physical intellectual or moral nature must in the end have an opposite effect–that is become injurious. There are few if any points of absolute neutrality in the moral universe and certainly this is not one of them, and you this moment are convinced that it is injurious, and highly so because it carries with it a spirit of rebellion against conscience, society and God which ramifies all your nature. Again. All open and voluntary transgressions of God’s holy law are extremely dangerous, because it puts the creature in direct opposition to the most powerful, wise, holy, and just being in all the universe, who says “I am a jealous God and will not give my glory

to another.” Will He then allow you to detract from His glory with impunity? The most open, daring, and voluntary sin which men commit is swearing. There is no apology for it–no attempt at concealing it– no lust or appetite which calls for it. The murderer commits the deed in the dark. The adulterer in secret.–The extortioner under false pretences. The one for revenge, the other for lust, the third for gain–but you swear publicly and loudly and for–nothing. And now listen to what God says, and may His Holy Spirit impress the solemn words of warning upon your hear. “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Ex. xx: 7. “For thus said He unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side, according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.” Zech. v. 3.

“For the land is full of adulterers: for because of swearing the land mourneth:

the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.” Jer. xxiii: 10.

“By swearing and lying and killing and stealing and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish.” Hos iv: 2–3.

See what a dark catalogue of crimes and you by your profanity have placed yourself in it, made yourself a companion according to Gods word with liars, murderers, thieves, and adulterers. According to the law of Moses a man was executed of cursing the name of God.–And had declared that “whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.” How terrible the responsibility–dare you meet it? And now farewell; perhaps until the judgment, and may God in mercy help you to cease to swear and learn to pray. Amen.

Source: Documenting the American South, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Why Do You Swear.

Introduction

For my first “Uncommon Monday” entry I have chosen a rather neglected subject that I recently discovered. For the vast majority of historians, scholars and readers of the American 1860′s , the primary focus is upon the war between the northern and southern States. The topics of this time period are seemingly endless; causes, racism, religion, battles, officers, leaders, soldiers…the list goes on and on.

In all my research of the religious and spiritual views of this time period, I never considered the attitudes and maneuvering of the pacifist Mennonites and Amish living in the United States at that time. The subject is covered in depth in an aptly titled book, “Mennonites, Amish, and the American Civil War.”

I admit that I have not completed my reading of this fascinating work, but I can tell you it will challenge many of the common thoughts most of us hold concerning the motivations of and backgrounds of these two historical religious groups. I hope you will join me in uncovering these long forgotten truths.  As always, discussion is encouraged!

Book Blurb:

“In the first scholarly treatment of pacifism during the Civil War, two experts in Anabaptist studies explore the important role of sectarian religion in the conflict and the effects of wartime Americanization on these religious communities. James O. Lehman and Steven M. Nolt describe the various strategies used by religious groups who struggled to come to terms with the American mainstream without sacrificing religious values — some opted for greater political engagement, others chose apolitical withdrawal, and some individuals renounced their faith and entered the fight.”

Shortly after I first began this blog, I posted an article about Civil War tracts. I received some great feedback and have come to a decision. As practicable, I will be publishing on this blog a Civil War era tract every Tuesday, Lord willing. So, here is the first weekly tract:

No. 84.

A TRACT FOR THE SOLDIER

BY REV. J. A. PROCTOR

I PRESUME you have a leisure hour. If so, it may be interesting to you to peruse a few thoughts which I purpose to set down in simple language and address to you. Every soldier of our Confederacy is an object of great interest to those for whom he is fighting. Sometimes the soldier is disposed to doubt this. Letters from home come but seldom; his name is not mentioned in the newspaper; he sees himself as only one of a great multitude, “lost like a drop in the boundless main,” and he concludes that he is uncared for and well-nigh forgotten. Soldier, this is not so. There are but few in our whole country who are not anxiously concerned in regard to your condition. Compared with our entire population, there are but few heartless speculators, and there are hardly any whose hearts are in sympathy with the Yankee Government. All the rest of our people feel a constant solicitude for the brave soldiers who are enduring hardships, and fearlessly facing the dangers of the battle-field, in defence of Southern honor and Southern rights. They are concerned for your bodily condition. When they meet around the table to share the food with which a kind Providence has supplied them, they think of your scanty and hard fare, and would joyfully divide their portion with you. When the wintry winds are howling around their dwellings, and the rain pours down in torrents, or the snow is covering the earth and chilling the air, they remember the poor soldiers who are exposed to it all, and would gladly protect them from the storm. To hear that any of our soldiers are without blankets, or clothing or shoes, sends a pang to every true Southron’s heart. Our people know that you have enough to suffer even when best provided for, and I am very greatly mistaken if they will not do all in their power to make your condition as comfortable as your circumstances will admit.

But, soldier, your people at home are not merely concerned for your bodily condition, they are concerned for your moral and spiritual welfare. Not all, it is true, who are interested in your physical well-being are careful of your religious condition, but there are thousands at home who feel the deepest interest in this subject, while they are not forgetful of the former. There are mothers here who, in the fear of God and in the faith of the Gospel, are sending up earnest prayers to heaven for the sons whom God has given them. They are praying not only that God may protect their boys in the day of battle and from the diseases of the camp, but that He will preserve them from the vices of the army, and make them upright, honorable, high-minded Christian men. Soldier, have you a mother? There are fathers and sisters here, who have brothers and sons in the field, believe in God, that daily and fervently pray for God’s spiritual blessings on their brothers and sons in the army; and the Church of Christ, in all its branches, feels this solicitude pressing on its great heart a mighty weight of responsibility. From every congregation in the land, fervent supplications for blessings on the army are sent up every Sabbath; and in the stillness of the closet, at morning, noon and evening of every day, the prayers of the Sabbath are earnestly repeated. Societies have been organized for the especial purpose of promoting the religious interests of the soldier; holy, God-fearing men have been employed to act as colporteurs, and thousands of religious tracts are being daily distributed in the hospitals and in the camps. It is a matter of devout thanksgiving to Almighty God that all this interest has not been manifested in vain. Cheering accounts of religious revivals come in from almost every department of the army. It is not extravagant to say that thousands of soldiers, who were unconcerned before, have been converted to God since this war began. Some of those are now living to adorn the doctrines of the Saviour, and some of them are filling soldiers’ graves; but they died in the triumphs of a Saviour’s love.

Soldier, you have witnessed this interest in your spiritual welfare. You have seen the colporteur in his daily rounds, and you have read some of the tracts; but let me ask you how has the exhibition of this interest on the part of your friends at home affected you?

The writer of these lines is to you, soldier, an unknown stranger. Your eyes and his, it is probable, never met. You may never see him until the conflicts and storms of worldly life are over. But as he writes these lines he feels the sympathies of a common kindred, and his heart moves within him in strong desire to do you good. Come, then, and let us reason together, for a little season, on this most important concern that relates to man. I shall ask you one question, which I hope you will patiently consider. I can not hear your answer; but God is ever near you; His eyes behold you, and his ears understand the voiceless language of your heart.

Are you a Christian? Perhaps you answer, yes.– You look back to the time when your soul first felt the peace of God. It was a happy day. If I were with you to-day it would give me pleasure to hear you recount the comforts of that blest occasion. It is well to speak often of the time of our conversion. If we have no hearers who will take an interest in the story, we should at least meditate upon it in our own hearts. If you have been in God’s service long, you have no doubt often felt refreshed by singing that sweet hymn of Dr. Doddridge, beginning:

Oh, happy day that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Saviour and my God.
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.

It must be especially pleasant to the soldier who was converted at home to call up the memory of that day. He goes back to the church where his fathers worshipped–”forms and faces” of dearly loved ones, which perhaps “he shall see no more,” stand up before him, and crowd around him–and for a moment he imagines that the war is ended and the endearing associations of former life returned. But my friend let me call you away from this pleasing meditation, to remind you that you have had many strong temptations and many terrible struggles with [the] enemy of souls since you first became a Christian, and to assure you that, in all probability, if you live much longer, you will have many more. Oh, be strong for the coming conflicts. Prepare yourself by reading God’s holy word, frequent meditations and earnest prayers.

The boatman’s oar may pause upon the galley,
The soldier sleep beneath his plumed crest,
And peace may fold her wing o’er hill and valley,
But thou, oh, Christian, must not take thy rest.

As a good soldier, in your country’s service, you “endure hardness”–sometimes advancing, sometimes retreating, sometimes without food and sometimes exposed storm and cold, sometimes in health and sometimes sick–but always, with unconquered will, your watchword is “liberty or death.” So likewise, as the soldier of Jesus Christ, you must be firm and strong. Hold fast to your profession, maintain your integrity, trust in the living God. If you fall, be not utterly cast down, but rise up, and in the name of Jesus, who lives in Heaven to intercede for his tempted followers, determine to try again. May God help you, Christian soldier, to “fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life!”

Perhaps your answer is, I was once a Christian. Poor backslider! While battling with carnal weapons against the enemy of your country, you have been unmindful of the secret stratagems of the great adversary of souls. You are to-day “led captive by Satan at his will.”The “strong man armed” has bound you, and you feel powerless and helpless. I do not reproach you. If you ever reflect on the past, you have enough to oppress you without any word from man.

You remember the day of your conversion, the consolation you found in religion, the peace which passeth understanding, and the joy which is unspeakable. You remember the joy of your friends when you told them that God was gracious, and the solemn vows and promises you then made to your Heavenly Father. But what a change since then! Your vows are broken, your friends have been disappointed, the joy of your heart has ceased, and you are without hope and without God. But what will you do? It must be a hard lot to lead the life of a backslidden Christian. You cannot forget the past; your hopes of Heaven and your fears of Hell conscience–is ever at work, bringing all these things to your remembrance. What will you do? Soldier, let me lead you back to the Saviour! Like Peter, you have denied the blessed Jesus, but He looks on you to-day and says gently “come back.” He is able to save you[.]

He is stronger than “the strong man armed.” He has saved thousands as bad as you. He is willing to save you. He died on the cross to manifest his love. David, and Peter, and thousands like them, departed from God, but coming to Jesus found him a precious Saviour still. This world can not satisfy you; it will soon be gone.– Oh, why not come back to God, so that when your flesh and heart shall fail, He may be the strength of your heart and your portion forever. If you continue as you are, your life must be miserable, and dying, you will have no hope. Oh, that our merciful God may help you to return!

But it may be, soldier, that you answer my question with this language: “I am not a Christian.” What are you then? A mariner on a stormy ocean, without a compass and without a star; a pilgrim in a dreary wilderness, without a father and without a home; a sinner born to die, and without a Saviour! Why are you not a Christian? Perhaps you have never tried to answer that question. That you are not a Christian is not because it is not to your advantage to be one, not because you have not been invited; not because you have not had opportunity, nor because you have never felt the necessity of being Christian. Why, then, let me ask, are you not a Christian? I will answer this question for you, and I pray God that the truth which I shall now tell you may be sanctified to your good! It is because you have been lulled into a deathlike slumber by the enemy of souls. As the ship-master came to Jonah, so come I to you! “What meanest thou, oh, sleeper? Arise, call upon thy God!” It is passing strange that you should have lived so long in this land of Gospel light, without being greatly concerned for your soul’s salvation. The earth beneath and around you, and the sky above you, have told you of God; your soul is conscious of its own existence and of its immortality, and the Bible tells you that your future eternal destiny depends upon your acceptance or rejection of the terms of the Gospel. “How is it that you have no faith?”

Soldier! let me invite you to become a Christian. You doubtless remember that you have heard this invitation before now. In the church, at home, your minister has often urged you to give your heart to God. Perhaps a fond Mother has wept over her wandering boy, and urged the same request. Sisters, fair and gentle,–oh, how you would love to hear their voices to-day! –have entreated you to be reconciled to God. You have not yielded. You are still sleeping–sinning still. Oh, put off your return to God no longer. By the shortness of time and the uncertainty of life, I urge you to repent. Many years of your time are already past, and your heart, in its throbbings, is beating your funeral march to the grave. At best you can expect the years of your pilgrimage to be only “three score years and ten.” How few live out the full measure of their days! But these are times of violence. Hundreds have fallen on your right hand and on your left. You have seen them die. Neither youth nor strength could save them. The enemy still threatens. He is cruel as the grave.– Other fields must be made red with human gore, Soldier, you may fall. Oh, be prepared; and then, living, you will be brave–and dying, you will fall a blessed martyr! But I urge you to repent on other grounds. The love of Jesus should induce you to be religious. He loved you and gave himself for you. On the cross he suffered a bitter agony and died to redeem your soul. Will you let him die in vain? He loves you still, and is now interceding for you in Heaven. How matchless is this love, –pleading love for rebellious man! Oh, soldier, believe that he loves you! it will restrain you from sin, it will bind you to the cross, it will soothe your aching heart. I might say more to you on this interesting subject, but perhaps I have already taxed you long enough. I now commend you “to God and the word of his grace which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among the saints in light.” If you are willing to become a Christian, be not afraid that Christ will cast you off. “Whoso cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out,” is the blessed promise which he makes to every sinner. Come to him by forsaking your sins, by believing his word and trusting in it, and by earnest prayer for his atoning mercy. Now; as you read, you may give up your poor heart to God. Would you know how to approach Him? Let this be your language:

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bid’st me come to thee,
Oh, Lamb of God, I come!

Source:  UNC University, Documenting the American South, http://docsouth.unc.edu/imls/proctor/menu.html

As a lay historian, writer, speaker, semi-retired reenactor and avid book consumer of all things Civil War, era-appropriate language has always been an interest of mine. Being neck deep in my own Civil War historical fiction project, I am becoming increasingly depended upon (and interested in) slang words used by the soldiers at the time.

During my most active reenactor years, while the internet was still in its infancy, I relied heavily upon the advice and information from other seasoned reenactors in order to develop my own first person characterization. Over time, I began to question the authenticity of such slang and continue to question what I find on various spindles on the web.

Some some slang words have very distinctive Southern overtones, yet many Federal reenactors would use these terms in first person events. I was rarely convinced that a Federal soldier would have used the word, or at least as often or in that specific context.

As such, I am using this space to compile my own online index of Civil War slang words. Over time I hope to better fine-tune the definitions as well as determine the origins and history of the terms as well as whether the words were used exclusively by one side or the other, or by both simultaneously. I welcome any input such historians would enjoy submitting to me in the aid of this research.

• A.W.O.L.: Absent With Out Leave
• Absquatulate: to take leave, to disappear
• Acknowledge the Corn: to admit the truth, to confess a lie, or acknowledge an obvious personal shortcoming
• Arkansas Toothpick: a long, sharp knife
• Artillery: Camp kettles, stoves, posts, tubs, iron foundries
• Bad Egg: bad person, good for nothing
• Balderdash: nonsense
• Bark Juice, Tar Water, Kokum Stiff, Old Red Eye, O Be Joyful: Liquor
• Barrel shirt: Barrel worn by thieves for punishment
• Beat the Dutch: if that don’t beat all
• Been Through the Mill: been through a lot, seen it all, bad day
• Beehive : Knapsack
• Bellyache: complain
• Big Bugs: big wigs, important people
• Bite the Bullet: face up to a challenge or something unpleasant
• Bivouac: to camp without formal shelter or in temporary circumstances
• Blowhard: A big shot or braggart
• Bluebellies: Union soldiers
• Blue Mass: refers to men on sick call; named after blue pill
• Bluff: trick or deceive, cheater
• Bombproofs: provost guards/commissaries due to soft life
• Bragg’s Body Guard: lice
• Bread Bag: haversack
• Bread Basket: stomach
• Bull Pit: Under-arrest confinement area
• Bully: exclamation meaning, & ‘terrific!’ or ‘hurrah!’
• Bully for You: good for you
• Bumblebee: Sound of flying bullets
• Bummer: malingerer, someone who deliberately lags behind to forage or steal on his own shrift
• Bummer’s Cap: regulation army cap with a high/deep crown, so-called because it could be filled with gathered foodstuffs
• Bust Head / Pop Skull: cheap whiskey
• Buttermilk Cavalry: Term infantry had for cavalry
• Camp canard: tall tale circulating around camp as gossip
• Cashier: to dismiss from the army dishonorably
• Chicken Guts: gold braid used to denote officer ranks
• Chief Cook and Bottle Washer: person in charge, or someone who can do anything
• Company Q: fictitious unit designation for the sick list
• Conniption Fit: hysterics, temper tantrum
• Contraband: escaped slaves who sought refuge behind Union lines
• Coosh or Cush: cooked beef fried with bacon grease and cornmeal
• Copperhead: Northern person with Southern, anti-Union sympathies
• Cracker Line: supply line for troops on the move
• Deadbeat: useless person, malingerer
• Desecrated Vegetables: dehydrated (desiccated) vegetables formed into yellowish squares
• Dog Collar: cravat issued with uniforms, usually discarded
• Dog Robber: soldier detailed from the ranks to act as cook
• Duds: clothing
• Embalmed Beef: canned meat
• Essence of Coffee: early instant coffee, found in paste form
• Fairy Fleet: Boats carrying trade between sides at Fredricksburg
• Fighting under the black flag: Soldiers killing lice
• Fit as a fiddle: in good shape
• Fit to be tied: angry
• Forage: to hunt for food, live off the land; also came to mean plundering enemy property for sustenance
• Forty Dead Men: a full cartridge box, which usually held forty rounds
• French Leave: to go absent without leave
• Fresh Fish: new recruits
• Gallinippers: Insects, mosquitoes
• Ginned Cotton: Flower bread
• Giving the vermin a parole: Throwing away clothing infected with lice
• Go Boil Your Shirt: take a hike, get lost, bug off
• Goober Grabbers: Good natured term for Georgia troops
• Goobers: peanuts
• Grab a Root: eat a meal, especially a potato
• Greenbacks, Rocks, Spondulix: Money
• Greenhorn, Bugger:
• Grey Backs: lice, also derogatory term for Confederate soldiers
• Grit: courage, toughness
• Hanker: a strong wish or want
• Hard Case: tough guy
• Hard Knocks: hard times, ill use
• Hardtack: – unleavened bread in the form of ¼ inch thick crackers issued by the army
• Haversack: – canvas bag slung over the shoulder used to carry a soldier’s rations
• Here’s your mule: Nonsense expression akin to the modern “Kilroy was here”
• High-falutin: highbrow, fancy
• Horse Sense: common sense, good judgement
• Hospital Rat: someone who fakes illness to get out of duty
• Housewife: sewing kit
• Huffy, In a Huff: angry, irritated
• Humbug: nonsense, a sham, a hoax
• Hunkey Dorey: very good, all is well
• Iron Clad Possum: An armadillo dinner
• “I.W.”: In For the War
• Jailbird: criminal
• Jawing: talking
• Jeff Davis’ Pets: Rebel western troops’ term for A.N.V.
• John Barleycorn: beer
• Jonah: someone who is or brings bad luck
• Knock into a Cocked Hat: to knock someone senseless or thoroughly shock him
• Let Drive: go ahead, do it
• Let ‘er Rip: let it happen, bring it on
• Light Out: leave in haste
• Likely: serviceable, able-bodied
• Little Coot: Confederate slang for a yankee
• Long Sweetening: Molasses
• Lucifer: Match
• Mealy-mouthed: someone who is hard to talks but doesn’t get to the point
• Muggins: a scoundrel
• Mule: meat, especially if of dubious quality
• Mustered Out: wry term meaning killed in action
• Night blindness, Gravel: Condition caused by lack of green veggies.
• No Account: worthless
• Not By a Jug Full: not by any means, no way
• On His Own Hook: on one’s own shrift, without orders
• Opening the Ball: starting the battle
• Opine: be of the opinion
• Patent Bureau: Knapsack
• Peacock About: strut around
• Peaked: pronounced peak-ed; weak or sickly
• Peas on a trencher: Breakfast call
• PepperBox: Pistol
• Picket: sentries posted around a camp or bivouac to guard approaches
• Pie Eater: country boy, a rustic
• Pig Sticker: knife or bayonet
• Play Old Soldier: pretend sickness to avoid combat
• Played Out: worn out, exhausted
• Pumpkin Rinds: Grumpy term for lieutenants due to their gold lieutenant’s bars
• Quartermaster Hunter: shot or shell that goes long over the lines and into the rear
• Quick Step, Flux,  Tennesse Quick Step, Virginia Quick Step: Diarrhea
• Rio: Coffee
• Roast Beef: Noon Meal
• Robber’s Row: the place where sutlers set up to do business
• Row: a fight
• Salt Horse: salted meat
• Sand Happers: Good natured term for South Carolina troops.
• Sardine Box: cap box
• Sawbones: Surgeon
• Scarce as Hen’s Teeth: exceedingly rare or hard to find
• Skillygallee: fried pork fat with crumbled hardtack
• Secesh: derogatory term for Confederates and Southerners: secessionists
• See The Elephant: experience combat or other worldly events
• Shakes: malaria
• Sham Fight: Mock Battle
• Shanks Mare: on foot
• Sheet Iron Crackers: hard tack
• Shoddy: an inferior weave of wool used to make uniforms early in the war; later came to mean any clothing or equipment of substandard quality
• Sing Out: call out, yell
• Skedaddle: run away, escape
• Skunk: Officer
• Slouch Hat: a wide-brimmed felt hat
• Smoked Yanks: Union soldiers cooking over a fire
• Snug as a Bug: very comfortable
• Somebody’s Darling: comment when observing a dead soldier
• Sound on the Goose:
• Sparking: courting a girl, kissing
• Sunday Soldiers / Parlor Soldiers: derogatory terms for unsuitable soldiers
• Take an Image: have a photograph taken
• Tight / Wallpapered: drunk
• Toe the Mark: do as told, follow orders
• Top Rail: first class, top quality
• Traps: equipment, belongings
• Tuckered Out: exhausted
• Uppity: arrogant
• Vidette: a sentry same as Picket but usually on horseback
• Web Feet: Term cavalry had for infantry
• Whipped: beaten
• Who wouldn’t be a soldier?: “Who cares?”
• Worth a Goober: Something that amounts to a lot
• Wrathy: angry
• Yellow Hammers: Good natured term for Alabama troops
• Zu Zu: Zouaves

One of the most compelling reasons I read and write about the US Civil War aka War-Between-The-States is that no matter how much is written or discusses, there is always some intriguing aspect left to be uncovered. There remains today, great emotion and heat-felt belief in certain personal figures, battles, weapons,and the like. I find all of these very interesting, but to me, the most compelling story is that of the civilians trying to lead out their lives in the midst of such chaos and turmoil.

When I began researching this period in American history, I admit that I was drawn first to the biggest battles and the larger-than-life generals in control of the armies. Perhaps this is because the vast majority of information written focuses on these facts. As I exhausted some of the more popular research works, I delved deeper into the library. There I found myself stuck for many years, reading about a facet of the war I had rarely, if ever, considered; civilian life.

While soldiers marched and battles raged, mothers and fathers, wives and daughters, holed up back home trying to make the best of it. Fields needed tending, homes needed mending and food cellar supplies grew shorter and shorter. I became increasingly curious as to just how the average man or woman struggled to make ends meet. As I read more about those brave people who suffered through terrible hardships, it also gave me a better outlook on the life we all have today.

Yes, the stock market has been treacherous as of late, and yes gas prices have all given us food for thought, but imagine having to pay more than a month’s wages for a loaf of bread!

Anyway, as a reenactor at the time, I spent much time trying to develop a first-person persona that I could apply at events. I would write letters home as most soldiers did, but I found myself unsure just what to write about. Then, while I was perusing the shelves at a book store, I came across an interesting find. It was a very tall two-volume set of Civil War era newspapers. I tried to move on to other items, but the handsomely bound books  kept calling my attention. Eventually I gave in, purchased the books and took them home.

I set Volume One on my dining room table and opened to the first page. Before I knew it, the sky outside had gone dark and I needed to turn on a light to continue reading. I nearly fell asleep that evening right there at the table. The local stories of commerce dotted with reports from the war, as well as adds for house maids and even slave auctions lit up my imagination.

I continue to scan through these great collections from time-to-time and am never dismayed at the content. I learned many years ago that in Civil War research, primary sources are king. These two books are a treasure trove of primary sources, and they are fascinating to boot. If you are in any way interested in learning more about the lives of ordinary citizens during the US Civil War, these books are a must read.

No, I didn’t ignore my spell-checker on this one. Before I delve a little deeper, please note that my intended use for this blog is rarely, if ever, to publish intrinsically researched facts and opinions. From day-to-day I experience a myriad of thoughts and ideas and sometimes my eyes come across things that either surprise or intrigue me. Such items are kindling for further study, but in the meantime, such incomplete thoughts and ideas are placed upon this medium for others to comment upon and consider. Now to today’s entry.

Recently I was asked to put together a short radio drama skit portraying a Civil War soldier’s celebration of Easter. The challenge seemed simple enough so I began perusing my usual research nooks. A few hours later I had become rather frustrated with the fact that I had come up with nothing, nada, zilch!

In frustration I turned to my good friend Google, who can sometimes point me towards information that is at least suspectedly credible. What happened next was akin to an archaeologist digging to expect Roman artifacts, but instead finds items of the Mayan culture.

One of the first internet hits I came across was a posting from 2005 that gave a brief history of Easter Traditions. I have been aware for many years that many of the Christian holidays coincided with pagan holidays for a multitude of reasons. Therefore, most of what I read on this page was not as spectacular. However, when I came across the name of the pagan festival, “Eastre,” my breath stopped for a split second. I stared at that page for several minutes trying to decide whether to continue this rabbit trail or not. I continued and my jaw felt loose in its socket.

I did a little more Google mining and each hit confirmed what I had just read. I felt in some way violated. I grew up with Easter eggs and Easter bunnies and all that comes along with the traditional Easter celebration. Like most everyone else though, I was taught that these were Christian symbols of new birth and celebration. I was never taught that the origins of these things were pagan symbols whose use was in the worship and reverence of a pagan goddess named Eostre.

I am level-headed enough to know that our Christian leaders are not worshipping ?ostre and that kids love egg hunts and little chocolate bunnies. I also firmly believe that doing so certainly does not place one’s salvation and/or soul in jeopardy. However, as the very resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the crux upon which Christianity stands separate from every other religion, I am somewhat dismayed that we name that most holy of days after a pagan goddess. WHY!

Just like the birth of Christ has been taken over by Wal-Mart and Toys-R-Us, the rebirth of Christ has been taken over by Cadbury and well, Wal-Mart. Since this discovery, my whole body twinges at the mere mention of the word Easter.

It would be my hope that we of the Christian faith could muster enough courage to break ties with tradition and begin taking back our most holy of celebrations, starting with its name. In fact, there are countries and ethnicities who have never given into the taking of a pagan name for the resurrection of Christ.

The following names refer to passover, but recently I am more inclined to maintain the name passover than Easter.

Greek/Latin: Pascha
Arabic: Pesach
Spanish: la Pascua
Italian: Pasqua
Portugese: Páscoa

Actually, from what I have found so far, the Macedonians, Ukrainians and Bulgarians are among the few who got it right. Their names for this celebration are defined as “Great Day.”

Macedonian: Velykden
Ukrainian: Velikden
Bulgarian: Vyalikdzyen

I know there are plenty of readers out there that would label me a literalist or a fundamentalist for this reformed thinking. They may even think I am absurd for wanting to move away from the word Easter, but in my way of thinking, words have meanings and definitions. The true meaning and definition of the word Easter points to a pagan godess and a pagan celebration. The apostles would have never associated the name Easter with their risen savior, so why should I; why should you?

Think of the pagans who roll on the floors of their homes while they see Christians rolling colored eggs and biting the heads off of chocolate bunnies in celebration of their godess.

This is why I have been unable to find any information regarding the celebration of Easter by Civil War soldiers. It was not until AFTER the Civil War that more European influences and traditions began to be practiced in the United States. I tend to think it is because there was so much religious tension before and during the Civil War over the interpretation of biblical slavery, that the population had grown weary of scripture battles. Rather than continue to fight for purity and righteousness, they let the sleeping dog lay. Unfortunately, when they turned the corner, that sleeping dog got up, found a mate and multiplied.

In conclusion, from this point forward, the celebration of our risen Savior will no longer be referred by me as Easter. Instead, at the very least, this will be Resurrection Day!

The Thomas Nast illustration to the left was published in the April 2, 1864 issue of Harper’s Weekly. (Click the picture for a larger image)

The images represented include:

1) Women wearing mustaches and beards visiting an older man.

2)  Civil War Soldiers playing April Fool’s tricks on each another. (One holding his kepi in front of a shipmate trying to look through a telescope, another similar prank involved a soldier holding his hand in front of his comrade’s binoculars.

3) A young girl not noticing the fact that a boy has just tied a string onto her dress.

4) A teacher wearing a sign on his back that reads “Old Fool.”

It is refreshing to know that even in the midst of the seriousness of a nation in war, there was some evidence of laughter. The soldiers themselves of course had hours and hours available to them over the course of the war to spend in jocularity. One of my favorite such stories involves a company of the 53d Illinois Infantry while in winter quarters, 1862:

The company officers had square tents and they had fire places built up in one end of the tent with stick and mud chimneys. The Captain of the company was a little old Irishman. He had been an officer of the War of 1812. His company in the Fifty-third was all Irish, and a good lot of men they were too. Old Captain got blowed out that
time. He came out one way and the chimney went out the other. Some of the
boys, to have a little fun, threw some powder down the chimney in the fire
and it exploded, and so did the fire place, and the Captain exploded after he
got his breath. That was all in the good it did, as no one knew who did it.

Smithsonian curator, Rhonda Nelson, PHD, announced today the discovery of a Presidential document that could indeed change history as we know it.

Over the past few months, the Obama family has been moving and settling into their new home. As Abraham Lincoln is one of President Obama’s predecesors, they and their team have been pouring over numerous artifacts, paintings and furniture pertaining to the Lincoln Presidency.

On Saturday, a decorator was reviewing several paintings that had adorned the Lincoln White House and uncovered a previously unknown document. The fragile, yellow paper was immediately turned over to the Smithsonian Institution for validation.

Today they have announced that indeed the paper is authentic and was written by the hand of President Lincoln himself. The official document signaled a repeal of the Emancipation Proclomation. According to official records however, the repeal was never delivered into the hands of legislators as an executive order.

Ms. Nelson was in disblelief at the find and was overheard in duscussion with her collegues as stating, “What was he thinking?”