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:
For Miss Belle Boyd
I wish for thee the Boon is rare
the mercies Heaven bestows
A friend to share they every care
To suffer all thy woes
J.M. Hadley
Apl-[illeg] 4th N.[J?] Troops
June 29th 1862
Citation: Belle Boyd (1844-1900), Album: 1859-1903 [bulk 1862-1900]. AMs 1296/16