The Women's War in the South: Recollections and Reflections of the American Civil War

This great book tells the often overlooked women's stories from the American Civil War. Even more specific, it focuses entirely on Southern women from that era, who wrote vivid descriptions of life on the homefront during the bloodiest war in American history. From brave spies like Rose Greenhow to nurses like Emily Mason, their stories are all collected here. There's also a chapter on Loreta Velazquez, a Cuban woman who disguised herself as a man "Lieut. Harry T, Buford" and served as a courier for (Confederate) General Barnard Bee during the Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861! After the battle she even asked General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson for a promotion! There are also stories about women during the sieges of Vicksburg and Charleston as well as the infamous Richmond "Bread Riot" in 1863 (not a proud moment for the Southern belles!). There's a short but interesting section on "Stonewall" Jackson's widow, Mary Anna Morrison. Southern women were very passionate about "the Cause" and even in the war's final months many still hoped for a Confederate victory. Without a doubt, they made a huge impact on the morale of the Confederate troops as well as the war effort, with thousands working in factories and hospitals. During the first day of the Battle of Nashville on Dec. 15, 1864, Confederate and Union cavalry were fighting on the Belle Meade mansion's front yard, and throughout the fierce fighting Miss Selene Harding was seen standing on the front porch of the mansion, waving her handkerchief and urging the Southerners to defeat the "Yankees". This is just one example of the devotion felt by virtually all Southern women to the Confederacy. This book is well-written and well-organized, starting with a female witness to John Brown's Raid and ending with the trial of Mrs. Surratt (the Lincoln Assassination). This book is very helpful in understanding more about the Confederate "spirit" and is highly recommended to all Civil War buffs.