Civil War and Reconstruction
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Punishment explanation
Riding a rail or put “on a wooden horse” involved the soldier sitting on a log or rail for a long period of time. This position became uncomfortable after a short time.
Bucking and gagging consisted of tying a soldier’s hands and wrist, putting his hands over his knees and placing a rifle or stick under the knees and over the elbows. Another stick was tied in the soldier’s mouth. It was a severe punishment especially if the soldier stayed in this position for a long time. John Casler told his captain if he “was bucked again for straggling it would be the last time; that I would never shoulder my musket again for a cause that would treat soldiers in that manner.”
Picture Credits:
- Photograph titled "Riding the sawbuck at the Vicksburg guard-house," This scene was probably staged for the photographer. New York Public Library Digital Gallery
- Print of a sketch of a "punishment drill in the Federal camp." New York Public Library Digital Gallery
Civil War and Reconstruction >> Civil War >> Soldiers Life >> Camp Life
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