One of the most effective female Confederate spies , Rose O'Neal Greenhow continued her activities even during her imprisonment.Rose O'Neal Greenbow ![]()
Rose O'Neal Greenbow with daughter Rose,
also confined to prison with her Mother.
Married in 1835 to a prominet physician and historian, Robert Greehow, Born in Port Tobacco, Maryland, Mrs. Greenhow was a well-connected Washington political hostess, counting in her circle of friends John C. Calhoun and James Buchanan.A staunch Southern supporter, she backed Calhoun's call for separation of the states. By the time of the Civil War she was a widow and one of the most traveled women in the capital. Working for the Confederate espionage system she was able to supply much information gleaned from her admirers. She is credited with providing Richmond with the intelligence of McDowell's advance in time to provide for the uniting of Johnson and Beauregard for the
victory at 1st Bull Run.
Allen Pinkerton arrested her in August 1861. She was confined to her home from which she continued to send information South. Even when she was moved to the Old Capital Prison she sent her messages to the Confederates. Finally in May she was sent into the Confederate lines along with her young daughter Rose, who had also been confined. She was greeted as a heronie and rewarded by President Jefferson Davis.In August 1863 she was sent to England and France to plead the Confederacy's cause.
From Abroad she published "My Imprisonment and the First Year of Abolition Rule at Washington." She was presented at the British and French Courts and reportly courted by Lord Granville.Returning aboard the "Condor"( her mission a failure) she was at her own request placed in a small craft in order to land when they arrived off Wilmington, North Carolina. On October 1, 1864, in
the midst of a raging storm her vessel swamped and the weight of the gold she was carrying for the cause forced her under. She was given a military funeral and her grave is decorated on Confederate Memorial Day.
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