19 Comments
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Johnny Baker Jr. MLA's avatar

I definitely didn't know about this! Wow!

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Edward Jones's avatar

Wow! What a great story, one of which I have never heard. Tara Ross you are an amazing person for bringing so many facets of the American History to so many of us. I consider myself blessed that I am one of your recipients. Thank you.

❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

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Patty's avatar

What an interesting account. In the end her efforts did not accomplish her objective, but there’s no doubt she helped the Confederate cause. She strongly supported the southern states to secede and no wonder since her father had been murdered by a slave. That would have been traumatic for a little girl. Our life experiences have an effect on our thoughts and opinions.

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Thomas Landrigan's avatar

Interesting story. Ms. Greenhow was very fortunate that the Union took leniency upon her. Most spies were shot or hanged in those days.

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Tv's avatar

An amazing story. How long before the Rose O'Neal story goes the way of Confederate statues?

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Samuel Vanderburg's avatar

A tremendous story of a patriot of the South. There were many and it was not just that they fought for slavery although it was a major factor in the succession of the Southern states. I cannot ever support that, but this is what happens when you isolate an area or a sector of the population through threats and laws that infringe upon their ability to pursue life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. However, the problem with slavery was ended with legal backing, but the prejudice continued even in the North by those who could not accept slavery. Sadly, this prejudice became institutionalized and was finally dealt several legal blows in court rulings and new laws. While some people still have a problem with other races, there is no substantial reason to continue its practice within any amount of reasoning from a point of view which respects the principles of freedom enshrined in our Constitution and earlier documents.

Thanks you, Mrs. Ross for sharing this interesting bit of history with us. Many died fighting for freedom but in the Confederate Army and Navy. Many did not like or want slavery to continue such as Robert E. Lee, but they fought for their homeland. That should, at least, deserve respect.

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David Brumbaugh's avatar

Now here is a lesson that I had never learned before. Thank you, Tara Ross for providing it.

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Charlie Kendall's avatar

Currently reading “A Short History Of The Civil War” and was just reading about the first battle of Bull Run. Seems like both sides were in the throws of perfecting their logistics and organizing the troops in those early battles. Seems like any edge they could get was helpful. Perhaps Ms. Greenhows information put the Confederates on top in that battle.

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Wally Firkins's avatar

Wow. Another story, new to me, Tara.

Rose O'Neal Greenhow must have been quite the spy. The results of the information she shared with the Confederate Union had to have caused the deaths of many Union soldiers, in just the first battle of Bull Run. Yet, while she and her small daughter were imprisoned and then deported to Virginia, it doesn't appear that she was treated very harshly. Her final demise was due to drowning while escaping from Union forces.

I would imagine that she would have been treated differently, had she been a man. Thank you, Tara.

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John J. Crawford's avatar

I had not heard this story of Rose Greenhow before. There must have been many thousands of instances of individual bravery during those awful years, but the courage that she had to do what she felt was right is amazing. It's surprising that she had her daughter with her in prison, too!

Thanks for another great lesson this morning, Tara!

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Paula's avatar

Very interesting story! I can understand her feelings. She didn’t necessarily want slaves, but perhaps the idea of sovereign states was her goal. In my family history I had relatives on both sides. My Southern relatives just wanted to maintain their rights for independence.

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Bruce Barlond's avatar

Thank you, Tara, for this very interesting story of a spy living within Washington DC during our Civil War!

And then she was caught and deported to Virginia where she became a Confederate representative to country’s in Europe!

Catch and release didn’t even work back then!

Hmmm????

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James M Airesman's avatar

Wow Thank you, Tara.

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Jack Miller's avatar

This was a surprise. A great addition to my knowledge. Thank you Tara.

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Jim's avatar

Amazing how she was so resilient in DC, I'm wondering if she had more friends of the same mindset 🤔 😕! Thank you Tara 😊

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Gregory Keller ⁷'s avatar

Another great story Tara. Thank you!

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