The Pibroch of Southern Fealty by Monte Akers One of the enduring legends of the War Between the States is that of the Rebel Yell. Various primary and secondary sources declare that the sound made by victorious Confederate soldiers was so singularly unique, so unforgettable, so commanding, that some federal units became demoralized and fled when they first heard it. Other, equally romantic accounts speak of Southern units competing to be the best yelling regiment in their brigade, or of becoming known as a good yelling unit. Douglass Southall Freeman, biographer of Lee and author of Lee s Lieutenants once described it as the pibroch of Southern fealty. A pibroch is a musical piece, usually for the bagpipe, usually martial.
Fealty refers to absolute loyalty, as that of a vassal to a feudal lord.
The Yell was best known as being shouted by Confederates when they charged or were winning a fight, but it had other uses. It is said that units would often ake up the Yell while they were on the march, passing it from unit to unit down the road. When anyone in the pre-Chancellorsville Second Corps heard it from afar, soldiers would supposedly declare It s Jackson, or a rabbit. On one occasion during the Valley Campaign, while the Stonewall Brigade was in camp, one of its five regiments began yelling. Soon another regiment took it up, and then another, and another, until every member of the entire brigade was delivering the Yell at the top of his lungs.