This autograph book/scrapbook belonged to Belle Boyd, a Confederate spy. Only 17 years old at the start of the war, Boyd used her looks and charm to gain information from Union troops stationed near her Virginia home. Her most significant action was providing information to Turner Ashby and Stonewall Jackson about Union activities in Front Royal during the 1862 Valley campaign. Boyd was arrested multiple times and was held in Union prisons from July 29, 1862 to August 28, 1862 and again from August to December 1863.
Transcript:
To Miss Belle
In after years as thou perchance
‘Midst other scenes should cast a glance
Along these pages should thine eyes
Rest on this tribute—think of me
Think kindly, as I shall think of thee
Front Royal, Va.
June 10th 1862
Will
Aide de Camp
& Shanghai [added in pencil]
Citation: Belle Boyd (1844-1900), Album: 1859-1903 [bulk 1862-1900]. AMs 1296/16