6. “We heard there was a Kansas major coming in that night to look over everybody for bushwhackers.” 142
The term “bushwhacker” has many meanings, but the way it is used here has a lot of historical significance. During the Civil War the term “bushwhacker” was used for confederate guerrillas. Portis uses this old term to give the setting and character authenticity. The fact that Rooster doesn't know what "bushwhacker" means shows what kind of man he is. He is intelligent in many ways, but this is not one of them.
Save, Phone &. "Bushwhacker | Define Bushwhacker at Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com | Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bushwhacker>.
It also shows which side of the conflict he was on, no?
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