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.
Transcription:
I have picked up your album, dear Belle, this bright and beautiful day,
while you are carelessly winning and throwing the hearts of brave Soldiers away
I write a few lines so when memory wanders, and your eyes rest upon these
pages, your thoughts will revert to one who loves you so dearly, Ah! Belle you
a nobly generous hearted girl, Frank, and candid. You are a dear girl to me,
and have the warmest & truest lover of your own dear friend, sister, & cousin
Alice E. Stewart
Front Royal
Citation: Belle Boyd (1844-1900), Album: 1859-1903 [bulk 1862-1900]. AMs 1296/16