Civil War Lingo, Part 11: 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

Confederate candle. A substitute candle made of beeswax and rosin.

Confederate needle. A substitute needle made with a thorn from a hawthorn bush.

Ironclad oath. The stringent oath of office that the United States Congress prescribed in 1862 for civilian and military officeholders. The name was a metaphoric extension of ironclad meaning "sheathed in iron armor," referring to naval vessels so armored during the war. The oath aimed to exclude from office anyone who had participated in the rebellion.

Thanks of Congress. A formal congressional acknowledgment of wartime service. In the North, these tributes focused on army and navy personnel, and only a small number were given. In the South, however, many such resolutions were passed for officers, military and naval units, civilians, and even entire states.

Military Terms

Beardslee Telegraph. A portable telegraph system perfected by George W. Beardslee and used by Union forces during 1862-63. It eliminated the need for Morse code but had a limited range. Full name, Beardslee Patent Magneto-Electric Field Telegraph Machine. It was transported by a Flying Telegraph Train (q.v.).

Flying Telegraph Train. Two mobile wagons loaded with equipment for the Beardslee Telegraph (q.v.).

Lindsay rifle-musket. A muzzle-loading weapon patented by John P. Lindsay in 1860. It fired two shots simultaneously, one loaded on top of the other. The Union used some Lindsays during the war.

Taps. The last call at night, signaling lights out. The word had been used with this meaning since the early 1800s. However, the modern bugle tune known as taps originated in 1862 when the Union general Daniel Butterfield, with help from a bugler, adapted the tattoo (the call signaling soldiers to go to their quarters at night) into a new piece. Previously a French call had been used for lights out.