Molly Pitt

[dawna]

A Richmond diarist at the time of the Civil War commented about spies as follows:

"The existence of spies had become more than a mere suspicion, but whether from the amiable temper and laxity of our government or the inefficiency of our military police, there were very few apprehended and brought to trial. ... Since the occupation of Richmond by Federal forces, we have been told by their officers that numerous spies were in the city during the entire existence of the Confederacy, and were in constant communication with the enemy. They were, said the officers, generally ladies who occupied enviable positions in society, and were in the regular pay of the Federal government. Suspected persons were, however, extremely rare, and we are inclined to believe the statements of these officers admit of much questioning."

Molly, was born in June, around 1840, in Richmond, Virginia. Her father was Reddick Pitt, supposed to be related to the English Prime Minister, William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham. Reddick settled in Virginia, operated a line of packets up and down the James River. He became substantially well off and was nicknamed "Money Pitt." He went back to England to get a bride named Martha __, married, and returned to Richmond.

Molly was born a beautiful, dark haired, blue eyed, girl. Her mother died when Molly was about 8 years old. Her father then married into the "Green" family, prominent army people. An invalid daughter was born of this marriage. Molly greatly resented her situation and behaved badly. She wouldn't do her lessons, calling the Greek she was supposed to learn "pot hooks and hangers," and would have none of it.

When she was 12, her father was kicked by a horse he was shoeing. This burst his bladder, and he died. Filled with grief, Molly became more obstreperous than ever.

After the death of her father, Molly stayed on at the Green's. Since she had no one to see that she shared in her father's estate, the invalid half sister was the inheritor. The Green's were typical Southern landowners with many slaves. For a long time, Molly stole food from the kitchen, sneaking it out to the slaves. She thought they were not fed enough for the work they did.

Molly was about 21 when the Civil War started. Because of her strong feelings against slavery, she became a spy for the North. She hated Gen. Grant — he was so uncouth and she was accustomed to the Southern gracious manners and hospitality. In contrast, General Robert E. Lee of the Southern army was a wonderfully fine personality whom she greatly admired, but she was whole heartedly anti-slavery.

Molly Pitt would sit at the dinner table at the Green home, listen to discussions between General Green and other leaders of the South, then relay these plans to General Grant. Molly had other ways of obtaining information and she was well paid for her work.

Molly told this story: once, while she was hidden by some bushes and a fence, Gen. Lee and an aide passed by on horses. She heard Gen. Lee remark that if he could find Molly Pitt he would send her across the border into Mexico. He never found her.

At the close of the War Molly returned to Richmond, quarreled with her sweetheart and, in a pique, married William Johnston. At this time he was a widower, old enough to be her father. He, of course, was charmed by the young and beautiful Molly. So he sold his haberdashery business in order to give his last unmarried daughter (one of 8 children - 3 girls and 5 boys) an appropriately elaborate wedding. This accomplished, he was free to start a new life with Molly. They were married and lived in Richmond for a while.

The Johnston's then traveled westward, hoping to establish a new life away from the ruins of the South. But their efforts were not very successful. William Johnston died on a trip to Florida searching for new opportunities. Molly (Pitt) Johnston died a widow in St. Louis, MO, about 1913.