Sold For $1,563
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American actress and a spy (1833-1893) for the Union Army during the American Civil War, who is considered one of the most successful Civil War spies. Rare ink signature, “Maj. Pauline Cushman, Union Spy & Scout, Army Cumberland, ‘The Union right or wrong,’” on an off-white 3.25 x 1.75 card. Double-matted and framed with two portraits of Cushman to an overall size of 17.25 x 18.75. In very good to fine condition, with small stains, and old adhesive residue, and associated surface loss, at the corners. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
Recruited as a Union spy in 1863, the struggling Louisville actress Pauline Cushman used her acting skills and natural charm to gain entry into the Confederate social world, as well as several camps throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. Though she had great success obtaining vital military information, she was discovered by General Braxton Bragg in 1864 and sentenced to hang. Just days before her sentence was to be carried out, Union forces attacked Bragg’s camp and drove the Confederate troops out, saving the spy from her death. Given the honorary title of Major for her services, Cushman spent the next several years traveling the country delivering lectures on her role in the war. A scarce signature from one of the Union’s most intriguing heroes.
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