FEARLESS ELIZABETH VAN LEW LINCOLN'S LADY SPYMASTER: How an Abolitionist Southern Belle Infiltrated the Confederacy and Helped Win the Civil War
Richmond's most notorious belle had everything to lose—and chose to risk it all.
Elizabeth Van Lew possessed wealth, status, and the finest mansion on Church Hill. But beneath her silk gowns and gracious manners burned a dangerous secret: she despised everything the Confederacy represented.
So she became their worst nightmare.
Right under the noses of Confederate leadership, Elizabeth transformed from Southern socialite into Lincoln's most valuable spy. Her story reveals the incredible courage of a woman who sacrificed everything for freedom, building an underground network that would help determine the war's outcome.

Her daring exploits included:

Infiltrating the Confederate White House through her agent Mary Jane Richards
Running a sophisticated Underground Railroad from her own mansion
Coordinating prison breakouts that stunned Confederate authorities
Stealing military secrets from Jefferson Davis's inner circle
Providing General Grant with daily intelligence that shaped his final campaign
Elizabeth's network included escaped slaves, Union prisoners, German immigrants, and grief-stricken Confederate mothers—all united by her vision of a nation without slavery. Her agents penetrated the highest levels of Confederate government while she maintained her facade as an eccentric spinster.
The risks were enormous. Discovery meant execution. Neighbors became enemies. Her own family turned against her. Yet Elizabeth persevered, knowing that every secret she stole brought Union victory closer.
From desperate midnight escapes to elaborate social deceptions, Elizabeth's war was fought in drawing rooms and back alleys, Confederate prisons and executive mansions. Her courage helped topple a government and free a people.
Fearless Elizabeth Van Lew resurrects the forgotten heroine who helped save the Union—a woman whose extraordinary bravery reminds us that one person's courage can indeed change the world.
1147799342
FEARLESS ELIZABETH VAN LEW LINCOLN'S LADY SPYMASTER: How an Abolitionist Southern Belle Infiltrated the Confederacy and Helped Win the Civil War
Richmond's most notorious belle had everything to lose—and chose to risk it all.
Elizabeth Van Lew possessed wealth, status, and the finest mansion on Church Hill. But beneath her silk gowns and gracious manners burned a dangerous secret: she despised everything the Confederacy represented.
So she became their worst nightmare.
Right under the noses of Confederate leadership, Elizabeth transformed from Southern socialite into Lincoln's most valuable spy. Her story reveals the incredible courage of a woman who sacrificed everything for freedom, building an underground network that would help determine the war's outcome.

Her daring exploits included:

Infiltrating the Confederate White House through her agent Mary Jane Richards
Running a sophisticated Underground Railroad from her own mansion
Coordinating prison breakouts that stunned Confederate authorities
Stealing military secrets from Jefferson Davis's inner circle
Providing General Grant with daily intelligence that shaped his final campaign
Elizabeth's network included escaped slaves, Union prisoners, German immigrants, and grief-stricken Confederate mothers—all united by her vision of a nation without slavery. Her agents penetrated the highest levels of Confederate government while she maintained her facade as an eccentric spinster.
The risks were enormous. Discovery meant execution. Neighbors became enemies. Her own family turned against her. Yet Elizabeth persevered, knowing that every secret she stole brought Union victory closer.
From desperate midnight escapes to elaborate social deceptions, Elizabeth's war was fought in drawing rooms and back alleys, Confederate prisons and executive mansions. Her courage helped topple a government and free a people.
Fearless Elizabeth Van Lew resurrects the forgotten heroine who helped save the Union—a woman whose extraordinary bravery reminds us that one person's courage can indeed change the world.
7.99 In Stock
FEARLESS ELIZABETH VAN LEW LINCOLN'S LADY SPYMASTER: How an Abolitionist Southern Belle Infiltrated the Confederacy and Helped Win the Civil War

FEARLESS ELIZABETH VAN LEW LINCOLN'S LADY SPYMASTER: How an Abolitionist Southern Belle Infiltrated the Confederacy and Helped Win the Civil War

by Lenore E. Sullivan
FEARLESS ELIZABETH VAN LEW LINCOLN'S LADY SPYMASTER: How an Abolitionist Southern Belle Infiltrated the Confederacy and Helped Win the Civil War

FEARLESS ELIZABETH VAN LEW LINCOLN'S LADY SPYMASTER: How an Abolitionist Southern Belle Infiltrated the Confederacy and Helped Win the Civil War

by Lenore E. Sullivan

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Overview

Richmond's most notorious belle had everything to lose—and chose to risk it all.
Elizabeth Van Lew possessed wealth, status, and the finest mansion on Church Hill. But beneath her silk gowns and gracious manners burned a dangerous secret: she despised everything the Confederacy represented.
So she became their worst nightmare.
Right under the noses of Confederate leadership, Elizabeth transformed from Southern socialite into Lincoln's most valuable spy. Her story reveals the incredible courage of a woman who sacrificed everything for freedom, building an underground network that would help determine the war's outcome.

Her daring exploits included:

Infiltrating the Confederate White House through her agent Mary Jane Richards
Running a sophisticated Underground Railroad from her own mansion
Coordinating prison breakouts that stunned Confederate authorities
Stealing military secrets from Jefferson Davis's inner circle
Providing General Grant with daily intelligence that shaped his final campaign
Elizabeth's network included escaped slaves, Union prisoners, German immigrants, and grief-stricken Confederate mothers—all united by her vision of a nation without slavery. Her agents penetrated the highest levels of Confederate government while she maintained her facade as an eccentric spinster.
The risks were enormous. Discovery meant execution. Neighbors became enemies. Her own family turned against her. Yet Elizabeth persevered, knowing that every secret she stole brought Union victory closer.
From desperate midnight escapes to elaborate social deceptions, Elizabeth's war was fought in drawing rooms and back alleys, Confederate prisons and executive mansions. Her courage helped topple a government and free a people.
Fearless Elizabeth Van Lew resurrects the forgotten heroine who helped save the Union—a woman whose extraordinary bravery reminds us that one person's courage can indeed change the world.

Product Details

BN ID: 2940184611303
Publisher: William A Shatner
Publication date: 07/08/2025
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
File size: 383 KB

About the Author

Lenore E. Sullivan is a passionate historian and storyteller dedicated to bringing forgotten voices from American history to light. With a particular interest in the Civil War era and the remarkable women who shaped our nation's destiny, she combines meticulous research with compelling narrative to make history accessible and engaging for modern readers.

Sullivan's work focuses on uncovering the untold stories of courage, resistance, and sacrifice that traditional histories have overlooked. She believes that understanding our past through the experiences of ordinary people who did extraordinary things provides essential lessons for navigating our present challenges.

When not researching in archives or crafting historical narratives, Sullivan enjoys exploring historic sites, reading primary source documents, and connecting with fellow history enthusiasts. She is committed to ensuring that the voices of those who fought for justice and freedom are never forgotten.

Sullivan lives with her family and is currently working on her next historical project.
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