Existing comment:
Pauline Cushman (1833-1893)
Born New Orleans, Louisiana
In 1862, Pauline Cushman was a struggling actress in a Louisville playhouse. A new opportunity soon presented itself, however; the chance to be a Union spy and infiltrate the rebels in Kentucky and Tennessee. Her allure and beauty aided her in obtaining information of value to the Federal army. Yet the frustrated actress soon proved to be wanting as a spy as well, generating suspicions and finally getting caught with secret papers. Confederate General Braxton Bragg had her tried, and a military court sentenced her to hang. Her sentence was delayed when her health broke, and then military operations intervened. Bragg moved his army, leaving Cushman behind. Rescued by Yankees at Shelbyville, Tennessee, she traveled north to much acclaim. President Lincoln made her an honorary major, and in her new uniform, she lectured about her clandestine adventures behind enemy lines. |