Female Spies

[John Hartwell]

Period newspapers seemed to carry almost weekly notices about female spies being apprehended, carrying intelligence, letters, stolen documents, and sometimes contraband articles through the lines to the enemy. The majority of these are brave southern women from occupied areas, or non-seceded border states. Here are just a few of such reports from 1862:

[Daily Evansville Journal (IN) Jan. 6]

[Louisville Daily Democrat, July 26]

[Sacramento Daily Union, Aug. 5]​

 

[John Hartwell]

A few Unionist ladies were also apprehended by Confederate authorities. Here's an account of an anonymous but enterprising female spy who's cover was that of a Confederate army nurse. From the Atlanta Commonwealth, April 4, 1862:

Arrest of a Female Spy​

A gentleman connected with the Army of the West, who arrived in this city yesterday evening, on the State train, informs us that previous to his leaving Corinth, a woman ha been brought in, who was arrested while on her way to Nashville, for the purpose of conveying intelligence to the enemy. She had been within the lines for some weeks past, during which she had been very assiduous in ministering to the wants of the sick soldiers; for some reason, however, not explained to us, she fell under the suspicion of the officers, and on her departure from the camp, some days ago, on pretense of a visit to her friends, a small detachment was ordered to follow and watch her.

Her movements soon convinced them that something was wrong, and, keeping up the pursuit, they quickly learned that she was an enemy of the South, in service of the Federals, and that her object within our lines was to obtain a thorough knowledge of the plans and forces of the Confederates, which information she was now attempting to convey to the enemy. Becoming fully satisfied of this fact, the squad arrested her and brought her back to Corinth; here, with what appears to be unaccountable negligence, she was permitted to retire alone to a room, without being searched, and when, a short time afterward, the guard proceeded to her room for the purpose of searching her, they had the mortification to discover themselves forestalled, as all that remained of the written evidence of the treason was the smell of burned paper.
​

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

It was a ' thing '. Rose Greenhow's home in Washington was finally turned into a polite prison, women who'd been caught sharing her confinement. I'm a little sorry the topic tends to become one of patriotism ( to either side ) because what they did gets lost. It took some stuffing.

It's yet another weird area where somehow we girls are divided. Intrepid women spying for the South are still celebrated. Elizabeth Van Lew is still resting under a boulder, the only headstone resistant to vandals. Her contributions as spy resulted in Grant's praise as having given him Richmond.

Must have been awfully common. Harper's included this in one of their spreads about a soldier's life in Washington, I think 1861.

@John Hartwell , some delightful reading can be found in accounts by the poor men tasked with searching these women. OH they hated it, the gentleman in them appalled by the duty. You just know women made it worse by being outraged, and letting them know.

 

[infomanpa]

Ever read this book? I thought that @Equestriangirl93 may enjoy it.

 

[AshleyMel]

Rose Greenhow's home in Washington was finally turned into a polite prison, women who'd been caught sharing her confinement.

Our newest Chapter in California is named after Rose. I attended the dinner for the installation of the new officers and there was a wonderful presentation by our Division historian. I had never heard of "Rebel Rose" before so I learned a brand new thing! Since a few in our Chapter were unable to attend I then, in turn, brought my own presentation to the next meeting. I was fascinated to learn of her capture by Pinkerton! I hope I was able to spark enough interest in and they will look further into the study of these women.

 

[Equestriangirl93]

Ever read this book? I thought that @Equestriangirl93 may enjoy it.
View attachment 212529

Yes, I have!!! First book I read about spies

 

[BlueandGrayl]

There was Belle Boyd one of the most well known Confederate and Civil War spies in history.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Ever read this book? I thought that @Equestriangirl93 may enjoy it.
View attachment 212529

She's a member here although haven't seen her for awhile. It was terrific watching some of her research and more terrific, seeing these women brought to life.

Our newest Chapter in California is named after Rose. I attended the dinner for the installation of the new officers and there was a wonderful presentation by our Division historian. I had never heard of "Rebel Rose" before so I learned a brand new thing! Since a few in our Chapter were unable to attend I then, in turn, brought my own presentation to the next meeting. I was fascinated to learn of her capture by Pinkerton! I hope I was able to spark enough interest in and they will look further into the study of these women.

Threads here on Rose ( probably quite a few ). That woman was afraid of nothing, terrified the officers charged with her imprisonment, was a holy terror for the Lincoln administration because she was so entrenched as a leader of DC society and ensured she didn't suffer alone. That presentation must have been fascinating.

There was Belle Boyd one of the most well known Confederate and Civil War spies in history.

Another pip of a woman! Love Belle Boyd, who seems to have been gifted with so much charm men lost their heads around her. Heck, Union officer assigned to guard her as a prisoner married her. May also have a thread or two on her.....

 

[Equestriangirl93]

@JPK Huson 1863 Yes, I haven't been on here much lately Things have been a little crazy, but I miss everyone on here. And thank you!! I'll be sure to contribute to the Ladies Tea and other forums soon

Belle Boyd is one of the women in the Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy book. And yes, she was certainly very charming and lived life by her own rules; as she would travel without an escort, rode her horse Fleeter into the family dining room when she was eleven (parents told her she was too young to attend the party as it was for adults only.) She said, "well my horse is old enough, isn't he?" Needless to say, her mother was very unhappy and told her to leave! A guest spoke up and told her mother to let her stay. It is said that for the rest of the evening, Belle monopolized everyone's attention. Even as a young girl she was quite charming!

Antonia Ford is another Rebel spy who married her Union captor. Major Joe Willard fell in love with Miss Ford while at Old Capital Prison and tirelessly advocated for her release. There is an oath of loyalty to the Union that supposedly Antonia took, but it is questioned as to wether she actually took it, because the commanding officer's signature on the document is Major Willard's.