Lady Rebel

Wife - Mother - Combat Officer - Confederate Spy. One of the most remarkable figures of the Civil War: Loreta Velazsquez.

Take a Confederate officer who recruits 236 men in four days, who fought in the First Battle of Bull Run, became a spy, fought in the siege of Fort Donelson, was wounded, again served as a spy, fought in the Battle of Shiloh, wounded again, served as a spy again, and finished the war attempting to organize a rebellion of Confederate prisoners of war.

Such a person would be hailed as one of the South's great heros. Well, there was such a person, only he was a she. Her name is Loreta Velazsquez and, disguised as "Lt. Harry T. Buford," did all those things and more. This is her story.

The book is not without controversy, even today. When it was first published Confederate General Jubal Early said the book was an obvious fiction. Modern historians have said the events were so improbable that they can't be true. But the History Channel says the book IS true and did a one-hour TV special on the subject called Full Metal Corset.

You can believe it or not. Take your choice. Either way it's an exciting, informative, read.

A part of the Women Warrior Series