Analysis: Behind The Lines Of Civil War Spies

Behind the Lines of Civil War Spies The American Civil War was one of the greatest battles in our nation’s history. This war lasted from 1861 to 1865, resulting in more than one million deaths. Not only were there soldiers who died, but among them were women, children, slaves and families. The Civil War is considered to be one of the bloodiest events to ever take place on American Soil, and the effects of this war would forever alter our nation’s history. There are many individuals today that argue that this war was among the most horrific tragedies throughout American history because it resulted in being a brother killing brother tactic. The whole United States was separated because of slavery, having the northern states call themselves …show more content…
Rose was a mother of four kids and a widow. But, she was also a very powerful figure in Washington D.C at that time. She became super close with the former President, James Buchanan as well as many other senators, representatives, diplomats, judges and military figures. Rose had a mind for details, which made her such a great spy. She was able to remember exact amount of supplies, shortages and specific details. She was also amazing at gathering valuable information. Some of the information she soon learned to discover proved of some use to the Confederate leadership. She worked hard with her ring of Confederate sympathizers to collect information and send it south as well. Rose had been under constant suspicion from the beginning of the war, and was put under immediate watch by the head of General McClellan 's secret service, Allen Pinkerton. This was not unknown to Rose, but she didn’t let it deter her from continuing her espionage. She continued on going on many more missions, and was eventually put under arrest in her own home, where she was later moved to the capital. Within the capital she is said, to have still been sending information to the South. Finally in May 1862, Rose and her daughter were released from prison. And then they were shortly after visited by President Davis who asked here to carry some important dispatches to Europe, excided she jumped on the opportunity to serve. …show more content…
At the beginning of the war, Webster was sent to go and gather information in the Confederate states of Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Kentucky. While in these locations, he was able to develop valuable relationships with several prominent individuals in those states. He also used his time in the area to learn all he could about what the Confederates were doing to prepare for war. He was successful in obtaining valuable information regarding the movements of the people in the West and Southwest regions. Webster soon managed to attract the attention of Confederate Secretary of War, Judah P. Benjamin who recruited him to be courier for the Confederate 's "secret line" between Washington, Baltimore, and Richmond. Meaning the Webster was acting as a double agent. He would carry messages to and from Confederate spies in the north, thereby he was able to inform Pinkerton of enemy agents in and around Washington. He would also be able to open and copy many secret letters he carried and delivered for important Confederates. This information was also forwarded to Pinkerton. Unfortunately, in February 1862, Webster became ill and was unable to travel and deliver his information. Concerned, Pinkerton sent two other detectives, John Scully and Pryce Lewis, to Richmond to see what had become of him. At this point, a major mistake was made by officials in Washington. Three Washington ladies (including Rose O 'Neil Greenhow)