Lieutenant Loreta Janeta Velazquez was born on June 26, 1842 to a wealthy family in Cuba. When she was 7 she was sent to school in New Orleans, where she lived with her aunt. In 1856, when Loreta was 14, ran away secretly to marry an officer in the Texan army. When Texas seceded from the Union in 1861, her husband joined the Confederate army and Velazquez pleaded with him to allow her to join him. When her husband refused Loreta had a uniform made and disguised herself as a man, using the man Harry T. Buford.
Once she had achieve the self-awarded rank of lieutenant Loreta moved Arkansas, where she proceeded to raise a regiment of volunteers. Locating her husband in Florida, she brought the regiment to him, presenting herself as their commanding
Once she had achieve the self-awarded rank of lieutenant Loreta moved Arkansas, where she proceeded to raise a regiment of volunteers. Locating her husband in Florida, she brought the regiment to him, presenting herself as their commanding