Return to The Mexican War Experiences of Albert Pike and the "Mounted Devils" of Arkansas

M

melee- a large uncontrolled group, where people are going in all different directions.

militia- a local fighting force, not full-time soldiers, they usually have other jobs when not needed.

mustered- to gather together in preparation for fighting.

P

purgatory- a place to which Roman Catholics believe that the spirits of dead people go and suffer for the evil acts that they did while they were alive, before they are able to go to heaven.

R

reconnaissance- to send out a small group of soldiers to get information about the enemy.

reconnoitering- to obtain information about an area or enemy forces.

redoubt- a small building where soldiers can hide while fighting.

Regimental officers- the leaders of the large group of soldiers.

rendezvous- a place where a group of people meet. The men were to meet in Washington, Arkansas before going to Shreveport, Louisiana.

reiterated- to say something again, to make sure it is understood.

retaliation- to hurt someone because they have done something to you first.