Harper's Weekly Text
May 14, 1864, p. 315 (3-4)

Synopsis

A Union army soldier tells the story of his encounter with a woman in Tennessee.  While riding with several other men, the soldier met the dark-eyed woman riding on a mule.  The woman pulled out a pistol and demanded a horse, but the men just laughed at her and continued on their way.  Later, the soldier realized that the woman could be dangerous, so he organized a search party to find her.  After the woman – a suspected smuggler and spy – was found and arrested, she admitted that she had been sneaking supplies through the lines for the Confederate troops.  Though detained at the fort where her husband was stationed, the woman, shunned by her spouse, was left to suffer her punishment alone, thereby feeling the particular force of her shame as a female traitor.  Eventually, her husband took custody of their children so that they would be taught to respect the Union.  The woman was sent to prison, and her mule is now being used to haul wood for the fort.

Historical Background:

"Memphis, Tennessee"
March 15, 1862, p. 162 (1)

Military Background:

"Memphis Under the Stars and Stripes"
July 5, 1862, p. 423 (4)

Illustrations:
"Hoisting the Stars and Stripes over the Post-Office at Memphis, Tennessee"
July 5, 1862, p. 420

"The Levee at Memphis, Tenn.—Hauling Sugar and Cotton from their Hiding-Places for Shipment North"
July 5, 1862, p. 417

"Jackson's Monument at Memphis, Tennessee,
Defaced by the Rebels"
July 5, 1862, p. 420

"Colonel Ellet's Ram Fleet on the Mississippi"
July 5, 1862, p. 420

Commentary:

"Pardon of Mrs. Hutchins"
January 7, 1865, p. 2 (4)

Illustrations:

"How to Deal with Female Traitors"
October 12, 1861, p. 656 (1-4)

"Memphis (Tennessee) Before the War"
March 15, 1862, p. 168 (1-4)

"General Stuart’s New Aid"
April 4, 1863, p. 211 (3-4)