Bushwhackers were a type of Confederate guerrilla fighter during the American Civil War. They were known for their surprise attacks on Union forces, often using unconventional tactics and weapons. The term 'bushwhacker' is derived from the TOOL they used to ambush their enemies: an axe or hatchet. An ASSAILANT is someone who attacks another person or group, usually with the intent to cause harm. In this case, the bushwhacker was an ASSAILANT, using their TOOL to launch surprise attacks on Union forces.