Belle Boyd In Camp And Prison. With An Introduction By A Friend Of The South

by Mrs. Belle Boyd Hardinge

Belle Boyd In Camp And Prison. With An Introduction By A Friend Of The South is the memoir of Belle Boyd, a Virginian Confederate heroine who recounts her life from childhood in Martinsburg to her Civil War experiences as a self-styled spy and participant in the Confederate struggle. The narrative follows her early days in Washington, Harper's Ferry, and the Shenandoah Valley, her involvement with Confederate soldiers, and her capture and imprisonment in the Old Capitol Prison and later Fort Delaware. It includes dramatic episodes—escapes, covert communications with Confederate commanders, and episodes of confinement under harsh Federal authority—interwoven with the experiences of war and motherhood during exile. The Introduction by a Friend of the South contextualizes her actions as courageous and patriotic. The work ends with her later life in Europe, including her marriage to Lieutenant Henry Hardinge and the couple’s return to England. The book provides a first-person, morale-tinged portrait of Civil War life from a Southern woman’s perspective.

Genres: Civil War, History, Nonfiction, Memoir

480 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Bethanne Bruninga-Socolar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating first-hand account of the American Civil War by a pretty extraordinary woman. Reads more like a diary than a memoir.
The foreword and introduction are excellent but are too detailed before reading Boyd's words. Most of the introduction content would be more easily understandable after having read the memoir.

[Ashley Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a brave woman! Her and her husband were both held in prison as rebels for many months. Belle Boyd was controversial at the time during the civil. She was seen as a rebel, but others saw her as a hero, same with her husband. Those two should be given more credit for their bravery and dealing with Yankees. If anyone enjoys America’s civil war, I recommend to get this book and read it. Thank you!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle Boyd is definatly one of my new hero's. She endured prison,for her country.It was the ultimate show of commitment she had for what she belived in.I will be recommending this book to all.