Mary E. Bowser: The Flame For Freedom

Around the late 1700’s there was an American Revolution that ignited the flame for freedom. Many abolitionists began to share their revolutionary ideas around the early 1800’s after being inspired by the ideals of the American Revolution. Many abolitionists wrote books, poems, and newspaper articles in hopes that their moral suasion would inspire slave owners to emancipate their slaves. Other abolitionists didn’t share the sentiment that inaction and words would do the cause justice. Therefore, they took a more direct approach such as stealing “contraband” (slaves), raiding plantations, etc. Some enslaved and formerly enslaved African Americans would also contribute to abolition. These activists would help free other slaves, form black communities, participate in the Underground Railroad, rebel against there master, or perform espionage.
. The story of Mary E. Bowser, a former slave, turned Union spy, is remarkable. Mary Elizabeth Richards-Bowser was born into slavery in the 1830’s. She was born on a plantation in Virginia. Bowser’s master was named John Van Lew. Mary E. Bowser had a very close relationship with the family. She was especially …show more content…
Bowser would work at the Confederate White House on a daily basis. Bowser would gather information when cleaning and serving by reading confidential documents, looking at battle plans, remembering maps, etc. Bowser would make sure that she gathered as much information as she could, and then she would relay the information to Elizabeth Van Lew, using baker Thomas McNiven as a messenger. “Miss Van Lew was my best source. She had contacts everywhere. Her colored girl Mary [Elizabeth Bowser] was the best as she was working right in Davis’ home and had a photographic mind. Everything she saw on the Rebel President’s desk she could repeat word for word. Unlike most colored, she could read and write. She made the point of always coming out to my wagon when I made deliveries at the Davis’ home to drop information”