"They Fought Like Demons: Women Soldiers in the Civil War" Topic

"Albert Cashier" served three years in the Union Army and passed successfully as a man until 1911 when the aging veteran was revealed to be a woman named Jennie Hodgers. Frances Clayton kept fighting even after her husband was gunned down in front of her at the Battle of Murfreesboro. And more than one soldier astonished "his" comrades-in-arms by giving birth in camp.

This lively and authoritative book opens a hitherto neglected chapter of Civil War history, telling the stories of hundreds of women who adopted male disguise and fought as soldiers. It explores their reasons for enlisting; their experiences in combat, and the way they were seen by their fellow soldiers and the American public. Impeccably researched and narrated with verve and wit, They Fought Like Demons is a major addition to our understanding of the Civil War era"
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Havy anyone read this book?
If the answer is yes, comments please?

Thanks in advance for your guidance.

Amicalement
Armand

Yes, I read it several years ago. Back then, no military physical was required when you joined up, so women could get away with joining. Sometimes they were discovered (frequently when sick or wounded and hospitalized) and sent home, in a few cases they were discovered and stayed around, while others were never discovered.

I know we look back on the American Civil War and think a private's pay was pathetic (about $13 USD a month, as I recall), and a feller could frequently make more as a civilian. This was before modern equal pay for equal work laws (which aren't perfect by any means), and a soldier's pay was significantly more than a woman could usually make.
Then, too, a few women were there for love: their boyfriend, lover, or husband joined up or was drafted, and they joined up to go with him.
Statistically, we don't have a good handle on just how many women joined up because we only know about the ones who were discovered.
My copy has gone into hiding, but I can probably find it if you have any specific questions.

Grelber

Many thanks my friend!.

Amicalement
Armand

AFAIK, there were over 400 _verified_ instances of cross-dressed women serving in uniform. This was as of about 6 years ago; more may have been revealed since. I assisted my wife to crossdress as my "brother", and we served as Asst. Surgeons on and off the field. "Elliot" passed muster quite well, and was never outed by anyone. In fact, my "brother" was respected by all of out troops, many of whom didn't even suspect anything about which gender Elliot was.

My only argument was the stupid title. OK the Subtitle tells us about content, but, having read this cover to cover, there is little evidence that they fought to any "elite" level. I can imagine some did, but it is not shown here.

This is actually a very well researched, but dry, academic-style work. A worthy reference, more than a great read