What was Pauline Cushman's significance to history during the civil war?

Question

need help on a big history project.

serious answers only pleaseee.

=]

Answer 1

A severely underated 'Spy' who fought for the Union Cause and was dubbed the 'Spy of the Cumberland.'  Sad;y enough her fame would be assured if she had fought for the Confederates, however Americans rarely applaud efforts to oust the evil of Slavery and mostly honor the Confederates (anyone seeing to say that I am 'bogus' regarding this please note the avaerage American can readilly identify two to ten Confederate Generals but rarely more than one or two Union Generals and most all Americans cite Robert E Lee and 'Stonewall' Jackson as true American Heroes).........

Cushman's signifigance was minor, more show than real results though like others she did make a contribution rather than squatting on the sidelines doing nothing.  Mostly her tale is a colorful one demanding greater scrutiny.  See snippets below...

http://www.paulinecushman.com/book.html

""Pauline Cushman, said P. T. Barnum, was the "greatest heroine of the age." An early biographer, Ferdinand Sarmiento, wrote, "The deeds of the Scout of the Cumberland will live as long as American hearts beat." She was, according to historian Elizabeth Leonard, one of the “five women who became best known both during and after the Civil War” as spies. Yet, for all her renown, Cushman’s life story has remained a blend of fact and legend—until now.

In contemporary descriptions, she was “the Heroine of the People” who combined “all the daring of the soldier with the tenderness and modesty of the woman.” By the early twentieth century, she became the stuff of fiction, both in the movies and, later, television. In the late twentieth century, some historians told a darker story, hinting at alcoholism and drug abuse.

In this book, the first full biography, William Christen sorts through the pieces of evidence to draw a more complete and accurate portrait of the woman, placing her within the social setting of the era. Much more than a book about the Civil War, we learn about mid-nineteenth century theater and gender roles in the Wild West, featuring a cast ranging from impresario P. T. Barnum to future president James Garfield.

As one reviewer says, “Christen brings the real woman to life.”

"Christen's diligence shows us a clearer picture of the legend and the person behind the curtain." -- The Journal of Arizona History

"A welcome contribution to scholarship about the historical roles of women, particularly in relation to the Civil War. It also is overdue recognition of a 19th-century personality who served the Union cause and went on to make a name for herself despite societal barriers that existed at the time."--The Washington Times""

http://americancivilwar.com/women/paulin...

""In 1862, Pauline Cushman was a struggling actress employed in a Louisville playhouse. In a play that required her character to give a toast, she was dared on one occasion to toast Jefferson Davis. She agreed, but gained the permission of the federal provost marshal first.

Perceived now as a self-proclaimed Southern sympathizer, Cushman was expelled from the theater. In 1863, a new opportunity presented itself, the chance to spy for the Union. In lace and petticoats, she became a camp follower of the Confederate army in Kentucky and Tennessee. Her allure and beauty aided her in obtaining information that would be of value to the federal army. Yet the frustrated actress soon proved to be wanting in spying as well.

She aroused suspicions and was finally caught with secret papers. General Bragg had her tried, and a military court sentenced her to hang, whereupon her health broke and her sentence was delayed. Yet military operations intervened. Bragg moved his army and left Cushman behind.

Rescued by Yankees at Shelbyville, Tennessee, she traveled north to much acclaim. President Lincoln made her an honorary major, and wearing her new uniform, she lectured about her clandestine adventures behind rebel lines. ""

http://www.civilwarhistory.com/Cushman.h...

""-------------During the spring of 1863, while performing in Louisville, she was approached by the Provost Marshal of the city to information regarding Confederate activity in the area. Accomplishing little in Louisville she was sent to Nashville. She was sent south of Nashville to visit General Bragg’s headquarters. She was captured and sentenced to be hanged as a spy. The rapid retreat of Bragg’s Army of the Tennessee left her free.

Had she ever met Bragg or Morgan or Bedford Forrest? Her early biographers indicate that she did. No official records, diaries or manuscripts provide verification. The only evidence of her being on the Federal payroll is a voucher (approved by James A. Garfield) paying a board bill. In December 1863 she left Nashville wearing a riding habit of military design with the insignia of a cavalry major on it. This is the sole basis of her claimed military rank.

Returning to the stage in 1864 she lectured, sold copies of her autobiography, shared the stage with musicians playin