Only an estimate can be made of how many women died while serving their country during the Civil War. The authorities say that there were some 400 who can be proved to have died from illness, wounds, and some even of old age while serving as nurses, soldiers, vivandieres, and spies.
All though some of the women who were caught an proven to be spies were jailed and sentenced to death, none were executed by either government. Some did die while incarcerated, from illness or age, but none were hung or shot, though men and even boys in the same position were dealt with without mercy.
My next post will be a list of resources, books and sites, where you can read more of the interesting stories of these brave women.
Tags: nurses, soldiers, spies, vivandieres
