Civil War Lingo, Part 3: More Words and Phrases

This sequel to "Civil War Lingo: Birth of a New Language" presents more of the richly inventive expressions of the American Civil War (1861-65). The words and phrases fall into three broad categories: general language of the era, military terms, and soldiers' lingo.

General Language of the Era

All quiet along the Potomac. A common saying among Northerners early in the war, ridiculing General McClellan's policy of delay and his telegrams repeatedly stating that "all is quiet tonight." Ethel Lynn Beers adopted the catchphrase and used it (as "All quiet along the Potomac" and "All quiet along the Potomac to-night") in her poem "The Picket Guard," published by Harper's Weekly late in 1861.

Cartridge class. A group, usually a women's organization, engaged in making cartridges for soldiers.

Essence of coffee. An extract of coffee mixed with sugar and milk, a kind of Civil War version of instant coffee. It was issued in the field to Northern soldiers, who hated it. The pasty stuff was soon discontinued.

Faith paper. Paper currency not redeemable in gold or silver. A sarcastic term used by people accustomed to hard money. The Civil War caused both sides, Union and Confederate, to expose many Americans to "faith paper" for the first time.

Income tax. A tax on incomes. Before the Civil War, some states had an income tax. But it was the war that caused the United States Congress to establish the first federal income tax in 1861. Later the Confederacy set up a similar tax.

Military Terms

Flying battery. A group of two or more horse-drawn cannons quickly moving through a battlefield and firing from different positions.

Medal of Honor. The highest decoration for valor in the United States Army and Navy. Congress authorized the award for naval enlisted personnel in December 1861, army enlisted personnel in July 1862, and army officers in March 1863 (naval officers had to wait till 1915). Later usually called the Congressional Medal of Honor.