Boys of Wartime: Will at the Battle of Gettysburg (17 page)

Read Boys of Wartime: Will at the Battle of Gettysburg Online

Authors: Laurie Calkhoven

BOOK: Boys of Wartime: Will at the Battle of Gettysburg

7.29Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub

Virginia “Jennie” Wade
was the only civilian killed during the battle. On the morning of July 3, while kneading bread dough for hungry soldiers, she was hit by a stray bullet and died.

Jacob and Sarah Weikert
, Hettie Shriver's parents, saw their farm overrun by soldiers during the battle. Like many of the homes and farms in and around Gettysburg, theirs became a hospital for thousands of wounded.

TIMELINE

The Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War

1860

1861

1862

1863

1864

1865

GLOSSARY

abolitionist:
A person who wanted to end slavery.

artillery:
Large guns, including cannons.

belfry:
A bell tower on the top of a building.

Bluebellies:
A slang term for Union soldiers, who wore blue uniforms.

caisson:
A wagon used to hold ammunition.

cavalry:
Soldiers who fought on horseback.

confectionery:
A sweet shop, like a candy store or a bakery.

Confederate:
A supporter of the Southern states, known as the Confederate States of America.

Copperheads:
During the Civil War, people in the North who wanted to make peace with the Confederates instead of waging war to force them to remain in the Union.

crossroads:
The intersection of two or more roads.

double-quick:
A fast march, at double time.

field glasses:
Binoculars.

garret:
Attic.

greenback:
A dollar billâpaper money.

inaugurate:
To induct, or swear someone into office. When presidents are inaugurated, they often give a speech known as an inaugural address.