GUTS FOR GLORY

Posing as a man, a brave young woman became a Civil War soldier.

In 1862, 19-year-old Rosetta Wakeman lived with her family on a farm in upstate New York. Craving excitement, she bound her chest, cut off her braid, dressed in her father’s old clothes, practiced speaking with a deeper voice, and adopted a new first name: Lyons. Thus disguised, Rosetta successfully signed on to a coal barge without arousing suspicion. Several days later, the boat reached the town of Canajoharie, where a new regiment—the 153rd New York State Volunteers—was forming to fight for the Union; Lyons enlisted, adding two years to her age. Luckily, the medical exam was superficial, and her secret remained safe. She and the regiment departed for Virginia, where they drilled daily; at night, she wrote letters—excerpts are included—and sent her much-needed army pay home. Eventually, the regiment moved on to Washington, D.C., then Louisiana. The soldiers’ lives were filled with peril as they faced the enemy, but Lyons proved handy with a rifle. Backmatter reveals that Rosetta/Lyons Wakeman died of dysentery in New Orleans on June 19, 1864, aged 21. This is a fascinating, well-told, close-up glimpse into women’s, military, and Civil War history; Rosetta’s story will inspire. The exceptional scratchboard illustrations, with some color digitally added, resemble wood engravings and beautifully capture period details and settings.

An excellent work that brings history home for readers and will make them ponder: What might I have done?