The involvement of these women typifies the West Virginia attitude of resistance and resentment of its occupation by Union loyalists during the Civil War. Supporting Arguments

I

West Virginia's History of Resistance in the Civil War

A. In 1861 West Virginia succumbs to Union loyalists and fosters resentment to the North and solidifies its allegiance to the Confederacy.

B. The efforts of Stonewall Jackson in Western Virginia and Virginia proper are considerably supported by women supporters, properly detailed below.

II

Nancy Hart

A. Hart became involved with the Mocassin Rangers until 1862 as a spy, scout and guide who saved the lives of several Confederate soldiers.

B. Hart was actively sought after and imprisoned for her success with the Confederacy.

C. Hart escaped prison and killed a guard to resume her martial activities with the Confederacy.

III

Isabelle "Belle" Boyd

A. Boyd came from a long...

Boyd encoded Union war secrets which were delivered to Stonewall Jackson during his Shenandoah campaign.
C. Boyd was imprisoned upwards of six times for charges of espionage and continued to spy and disseminate information while in prison.

Bibliography

Lady, Claudia L. "Five Tri-State Women During The Civil War." West Virginia History. Volume 43, Number 3 pp.189-226 and Volume 43, Number 4 pp. 303-321, 1982

Stutler, Boyd B. West Virginia in the Civil War, Charleston, Education Foundation, Inc., pp. 43-48, 1963.

"Roane County Girl Served as Confederate Spy, Scout," Charleston Daily Mail, 4-18- 1963.

Boyd, Belle. Belle Boyd in Camp and in Prison. Introduction by George Augusta Sala. New York: Blelock & Company, 1865

Scarborough, Ruth. Belle Boyd: Siren of the South. Macon, Ga.: Mercer University Press, 1983