Monday, February 2, 2009

Vicksburg: Freedom from Imprisonment

July 31st, 1863

While spying in Tennessee, I was caught with important papers that I had intentions of passing on to the Union, and they sentenced me to hang in ten days time. Thankfully the Union troops came three days before my due time and rescued me from that dreadful place. The taking of Tennessee couldn't have been more well timed.

As such, I was promoted to Miss Major Cushman by the President himself and am planning on writing a memoir to journal my experiences in the South and with spying. I might even tour..

-Pauline


War of the Rebellion: The Official Records of the Union and the Confederate Armies
Life of Pauline Cushman the Celebrated Union Spy and Scout

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Off in Hiding: Before Chancellorsville and After

May 25, 1863


At last! I am able to work, to help my country!

In late March, I was performing in Louisville, Kentucky. Before the play began, Col. Moore approached me and asked me to toast the Confederates! I feared for my life I told him, why would I attempt such a foolish thing? Then he asked me, "Miss Cushman, do you love your country?" I decided to do the exact thing that would brand me a traitor amongst my peers, I would toast the the rebels success.

Thus, I did! What a marvelous thing it was too!

The audience stiffened and my fellow actors stared. However, the colonel was ecstatic. Upon congratulating me, he revealed to me what I now had to do, enter the secret service of the United States and pass information to the Union.

A Spy!!!


I was no where near the battle of Chancellorsville, but I do know that my Union lost. May our troops not give up hope and may we continue to have victories greater than our losses!! Long live the Union!


-Pauline



War of the Rebellion: The Official Records of the Union and the Confederate Armies
Life of Pauline Cushman the Celebrated Union Spy and Scout

Monday, January 26, 2009

Gettysburg

July 26, 1863

As I continue to wile my way among the men here in Kentucky and Tennessee behind enemy lines, I still hear from the degenerate rebels the stories of the Union's victories.

Like at Gettysburg recently, when the Union troops managed to drive off the rebel forces and win the battle! The union is heading towards victory, despite all the loses in lives.


-Pauline



The Life of Pauline Cushman: Celebrated Spy and Scout
http://americancivilwar.com/getty.html
http://www.factasy.com/civil_war/2008/05/06/pauline_cushman_0

Freedom to All: Emancipation Proclamation


Joyous cries are heard around the world as Abraham Lincoln has freed all the slaves from their masters!

The Union it seems is prevailing.
However, I cannot say I support the war any longer. My dear husband Charles passed away while fighting on the front lines, and now my children and I are alone in this world living as I feared on just an actress's salary.

I want to end this war. I do not know how but I will find a way.

-Pauline


War of the Rebellion: The Official Records of the Union and the Confederate Armies
Life of Pauline Cushman the Celebrated Union Spy and Scout

Friday, January 23, 2009

Antietam's Bloody Massacre

September 23, 1862,

Over 23,000 dead...

So many lives lost, so much blood shed. This war just might not be worth the outcome. If we continue to lose lives like this, how will we return to our daily homes after? Wives will have to continue living without their beloveds...

I fear for my Charles, who is now fighting in the war for the Union. Thankfully he was not in the battle. Our children, Charles and recently born Ida, might end up growing up without their father. On the salary of an actress? That will not last them more than three months.

As the President has assured us all, we must believe in our country, in him, and in our people to get us through these troubled times.

-Pauline

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Bull Run Assault

July 24, 1861

So war has now truly begun.
Not long after we celebrate the birth of our nation, the Union army has launched an assault on the Confederates at Manassas, Virginia. The war creeps closer to New York.

During last weeks performance of 'Uncle Sam's Magic Lantern' Mr. Donough tried to keep me quiet when I spoke in favor of the Union, but I refused. I believe that my theater career is starting to depend upon my ability to keep quiet about my ideals and my support of the Union.

What can I do? How can I support my country?


-Pauline

Life of Pauline Cushman the Celebrated Union Spy and Scout

http://www.civilwarhistory.com/Cushman.htm
http://www.civilwarhome.com/1manassas.htm
War of the Rebellion: The Official Records of the Union and the Confederate Armies

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Sparks Begin to Light the Fire: Fort Sumter

April 15, 1861

Barely after President Lincoln has taken office, the Southern rebels launched an assault on Fort Sumter. The union men, though under supplied and malnourished, held out long enough to keep the Confederate rebels at bay. They are going to tear the nation apart.

How can they bear to destroy the beautiful ideals that our ancestors laid down for our country by attacking their brothers and sisters? As I see it, the Union fights for all of America, but the rebels fight for themselves.

My child, just born should not be subject to these horrible times, and yet i can only stand by and continue to act. The upcoming performance with Mr. Donough should prove to be a trial. I doubt the lout will want me to keep silent on my opinions...yet I act for the public, not him. It is my audience who supports me in all my endeavors.


-Pauline

http://www.us-civilwar.com/sumter.htm
Life of Pauline Cushman the Celebrated Union Spy and Scout
http://www.civilwarhistory.com/Cushman.htm