Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War

In January, Martinsburg was controlled by the Confederacy. Belle rode her horse through town, excited for the spring, when the war would start again. Frustrated, Lincoln called a meeting of his council and confessed to considering replacing McClellan.

Belle crossed into Union territory, approaching two Union pickets, and implored them to escort her back home. Falling for her charm, they followed her across the border to the Confederacy. Confederate soldiers quickly detained them.

During the pause in fighting, Stonewall Jackson continued to prepare his army for his Valley Campaign. He had his men destroy railroad tracks and depots. Belle’s father shared a story about how the general slept outside in a sleet storm along with the rest of troops, endearing himself to the men. Belle idolized Jackson, thinking of him as a father figure and a love interest. When Belle first met him, she was struck by his presence and determined to make sure, in 1862, that he would notice her.

Rose waited to receive a fruitcake concealing her escape plan. When a guard finally brought her one, she was disappointed to find he had replaced the original, as there were so many unusual ingredients. Rose and Little Rose were sent to Old Capitol Prison.