Confederate Trivia (Campaigning) Quiz

Answer: Impressing

The proper name for seizing civilian goods was impressing. If possible, the owner was paid in Confederate script or money. In the states that were not in rebellion, this money or any promisory note was worthless.

Answer: Cornbread and salt pork

While campaigning in the Shenandoah Valley, Jackson's men lived primarily on salt pork and cornbread. They covered 648 miles in 47 days on this diet.

Answer: Thieves and cowards

Early in the war, stragglers were considered nothing less than thieves who were looking for plunder and cowards attempting to avoid the fighting. It was a problem on both sides but magnified on the Southern end because every man was needed. The only instance in which it was 'tolerated' was during the Antietam Campaign.

Answer: A knapsack

Most Confederate soldiers preferred the blanket roll instead of the cumbersome knapsack. It was lighter and more comfortable. As the war went on, the Union soldier saw the wisdom of carrying the blanket roll as well.

Answer: The lack of uniformity

When civilians saw confederate soldiers on the march the very first thing that stood out was the lack of uniformity. No two were dressed alike. Some wore gray, others butternut. The second thing one could not help to notice was their ragged and filthy appearance.

Answer: Get them from dead Yankees

The most practical way to acquire footware and replacement clothing as well as equipment was to take what you needed from slain Union soldiers. A grim example of this practice was seen at Marye's Heights during the Battle of Fredericksburg.

Answer: There was no soap

Confederate uniforms wore out quickly because there was a shortage of soap to clean them. The constant wear and tear and exposure to the elements without cleaning or washing took their toll.

Answer: Rely on home remedies

The men prefered to rely on home remedies than see the the regimental surgeon whom many regarded as no better than a butcher or an incompetent quack. If the rustic remedy failed, then there was always one cure all: whisky.

Answer: The cavalry

The cavalry served as the eyes and ears of a large infantry fomation. This task included long range reconnaissance, screening, and appraising intelligence. Without their services, an army is literally blind. The best example of this kind of blindess would be Gettysburg.

Answer: By its desertion rate

During the Civil War, nothing told the tale of a unit's morale other than its desertion rate. Whether on the march or in camp, deserters lowered an outfit's efficiency as well as its morale because those who stayed began to question the wisdom of their staying.