Rebel Rose Greenhow: Spy, diplomat, fund raiser and despatch carrier

Accounts of the female spies of the American Civil War who served their causes on both sides of the conflict continue to fascinate modern readers. The principal account in this book is an autobiographical account by a notable Confederate spy, Rose O'Neal Greenhow. Her position as a socialite in pre-war Washington DC put her in a perfect position to be acquainted with high- ranking Union military men and politicians. In the first months of 1861 she was effectively in control of the spy network in the Federal capital and Jefferson Davis, the Confederate president went so far as to credit her with significantly influencing the early Confederate victory at First Bull Run in July, 1861. Rose was, however, caught and imprisoned before being deported to the Confederacy. Becoming a diplomat for the southern cause, she ran the maritime blockade, sailing to Europe visiting France and Britain between 1863-4. This account was, in fact, first published in London to considerable acclaim. Rose returned to America in 1864, but her vessel was intercepted by a Union gun-boat close to the North Carolina shore. Taking to a rowing boat to escape capture with $2,000 dollars of gold sewn into her undergarments and about her neck, she was drowned when a wave over turned the boat. Rose was given the honour of a military funeral. Her autobiographical account is accompanied in this edition by a short biographical vignette by W. G. Beymer.