Marie Boozer: A Southern Belle's Civil War Tale
85Tintype of Mary 'Marie' Boozer
The Southern Belle Marie Boozer's Civil War Life in Columbia
South Carolina's Southern Belle, Mary 'Marie' Boozers involvement in the American Civil War and in particular a period in whats known as 'Sherman's March', is largely unknown outside of buffs and historians. This spirited and extraordinarily beautiful young woman was for a time the mistress of General Sherman's cavalry commander on the campaign.
Outside of her life in South Carolina and the subsequent battle often referred to in history books as 'Kilpatricks Shirt-tail Skedaddle" the documentation seems scarce. However, what is known would not be out of place in the playbook of that fictional Belle, Scarlett O'Hara herself. Thus, we begin her tale.
Daily, the warnings were coming in. The horrible war had only a few months left and the 'Vandal' Yankee hordes with 60,000 battle-hardened men intent on capturing the Capitol of South Carolina were close by. Surprisingly, life for some continued on as if nothing were amiss or out of order.
This was embodied best by the carriage known as the "Beauty Box" seen constantly on the streets and belonging to Columbia's queen Belle, nineteen-year-old Marie Boozer. Marie's beautiful mother Amelia, married four times and currently estranged from her fourth husband, was thought to carry pro- unionist sympathies, but this didn't stop the admiring glances directed the ladies' way whenever out and about.
With gorgeous wheat-colored hair, rosy cheeks, large lustrous hazel eyes and always deliciously attired, Marie was considered the Venus supremo of South Carolina. Said one old General, the reigning authority on the subject, "Marie Boozer was the most beautiful piece of flesh and blood my eyes ever beheld."
Although thought of generally as a good girl, there had been disturbing reports of her seen walking with Federal officers on parole from the city's jail, and she was suspected of frolicking with one of them in her home.
The Capital In Ruins
Columbia Captured and Burned
The commanding general in Columbia, the fiery and talented Wade Hampton, spoke of defending the city to the last extremity, but in reality could do nothing with the weak force of cavalry he had present.
Hampton stubbornly refused to allow the mayor from surrendering the city on the morning of February 17, 1865 when federal shells began to fall and the blue ranks appeared on the riverside; but capitulation was inevitable.
. As Hampton pulled out, the unionists like "a line of blue pouring steadily across a river" marched in. When it was all over three days later, near 1,400 homes, businesses and buildings lay in smoldering ruins.
General Kilpatrick
The Ride North
Marie and her mother were one of around fifty families that went north with the Yankee army. They rode near the head of the civilian column in a striking black carriage. The attentions paid to them by the dashing federal riders made it later on into a South Carolina newspaper;
"Officers before the carriage, officers behind and at each window, were in one continual struggle to be near her, to catch the sound of her voice or even a fleeting smile." Their efforts were in vain however, as Marie had become the special charge of General Kilpatrick who pushed aside all comers, while her mother Amelia looked indulgently on.
The passage of Marie Boozer was noted in the town of Lancaster as Kilpatrick made his headquarters in the home of a Mrs. Brown and daughters. One of them noted that the officers were not alone in their private rooms, "General Kilpatrick occupied a front room in the second story; a woman, handsome and tall, who wore fine clothes, occupied a room opposite his...."
.Another recorded later, "A very insignificant-looking man. He was small, with ugly reddish-looking hair...and a most irritable disposition...He always paid court to the woman who came with him...." Marie and the general must have been busy for she was only spotted once; and that was in the sitting area. The stay lasted a week and Mrs. Brown was outraged at the taking of their blankets and carriage where Kilpatrick bundled and placed Marie.
Close on the heels of the carriage, however, Wheeler's rebel riders were racing into Lancaster, driving the union cavalry rear guard before them, dispersing the bluecoats before they could torch the town. For the first time since he'd left Atlanta, the Confederate generals now had a clear idea of where Sherman was headed; and from here on out, things would not always go the union army's way.
Dawn Attack and Rebel Soldiers at Monroe's Crossroads
Kilpatrick's Shirt-Tail Skedaddle
Once in North Carolina, Little Kil's troopers began to skirmish with the Charleston garrison's rear guard, on it's way to meet up with Hoke's veteran, largely North Carolinian division and the still defiant remnants of the Western army trickling in over the disrupted train lines.
In near time, this 20,000 man cobbled together army would ambush and confront the Yankees. With Sherman's three-to-one advantage in soldiers, however, the sanguinary three day conflict proved decisive; with the unionist army left holding the battle-field.
Following closely, General Hampton learned the federal cavalry brigades were separated and began to plan an attack on Kilpatrick's campsite near Monroe's Crossroads(now a restricted area within Fort Bragg, prearranged visits only) with a clear objective of capturing Kilpatrick. A chilly dawn arose that late winter's day.
Fog covered the federal camp and through the haze the first stirrings of life could be seen. In front of the headquarters house where Little Kil and Marie slept, a Northern bugler prepared to sound reveille, but at that same instant, the Confederates own bugler, sounded the charge over the noise of a chilling rebel yell.
Kilpatrick jumped from the bed and ran outside in his nightshirt leaving a terrified Marie behind. A Confederate contingent roared into camp, slashing and firing as they came. " It was the most formidable cavalry charge I ever saw" Kilpatrick was to write later.
A group of horsemen galloped up wearing blue uniforms, "Where's General Kilpatricks quarters?" Little Kil recognized their disguise and pointed, "Down the road about half a mile". One Confederate officer caught a glimpse of Kilpatrick as he bolted for a swamp, " a sorry looking figure in shirt and drawers...."
Captain Pegues of the third Alabama, one of the first to reach Marie's quarters, was amazed to see "a beautiful young Irishwoman, in scanty nightdress," who leaned out a window and asked him for assistance. "Get back" Pegues shouted, "our people won't hurt you."
Marie then disappeared for a moment, but when minie balls and bullets rained down on the house, she emerged "in wild alarm" and ran toward her carriage as if she meant to drive away, but then realized there weren't any horses to drive away with.
Rebel lieutenant Wells took her from the porch amidst heavy firing and hurriedly placed her in a ditch, where the girl crouched during the battle--she raised her head now and then to watch, proof positive, Wells thought, " that female curiosity is stronger even than love of life." The general and Marie survived the battle and continued on their way.
What Became of Marie
The Belle left Little Kil's embraces at Fayetteville, N.C. and boarded a small packet ship north. As she left the army, Marie was on the cusp of a bizarre and romantic life--she was to marry a wealthy Northerner, and after a sensational divorce case would become the wife of a French count and reign as a queen of international society for awhile.
The tragic end of her life is murky: One legend has it that she became the mistress of a Japanese prime minister, who had her decapitated; another avers that she was the concubine of a Chinese warlord, who had her Achilles heels slit to prevent escape, and then fattened her into a four hundred pound love hog.
There's even a legend that her body was brought back and buried in an unmarked church grave in Rock Hill, S.C. No doubt, many of her peers in the war years would have considered any one of those two fates divine retribution. sic gloria mundi.
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Until now, I had only heard vague references to Mary Boozer. Sounds like a very opportunistic young woman who ran out of opportunities. Another great read.
Your reputation precedes you Chuck, appreciate the votes n all. Well said about our perspective on the ordinary folk in history. In the final analysis they really make up the majority of it anyway. Their deeds, and misdeeds, can often be the most interesting to reflect back on as they live through great events.
A great story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Tales of ordinary people and their actions in the midst of what are now considered great events helps to keep things in perspective. Life goes on even in the midst of great historical moments.
Loved the Hub and your writing style and have voted it up.
Mucho appreciated Peggy! Still groovin' on those San Francisco nights of yours, sure would like to visit the Golden City but the next best thing is your hub. Ms. Marie was what i guess we'd would call an opportunist. Dixie was just a song to the beautiful Belle. Those supposed fates are just strange enough to be true- poor poor Marie, to hearth and home she should of stayed- true blue.
Marie Boozer certainly led an interesting early and mid-stage life (due to her reputed beauty) at least up until the latter days when perhaps she lost her head or had her achille's tendons slashed. Ouch! Enjoyed your story telling as usual. Up votes and shared.
You too Sannel! Hey, I shared your latest Valentine Queen of Love recipes- do you see it?
Wishing you an inspiring Valentin's Day, Alastar!
Mary Marie strikes again! We're fortunate the officer was there to record Marie's curiosity in the ditch aren't we Sannel. Very astute observation on the female gender. Marie was absolutely ahead of her time in the romance department and didn't care about any old gossip, especially considering she wasn't going to be treding on southern soil anymore. A serious displeasure to refute Marie's charm but it does appear she met one of those distasteful ends. But on the other hand you could be right, one should never underestimate a clever and determined woman. Thank you Sannel, and perhaps another Belle can be supplied before too long. Hee haw, we know your going to have a very fine Valentine's!
Hey, what do you know - Some things never change. Female curiosity just remains the same! Lol! This Southern Belle sure sounds feisty. I like her! I just hope none of the legends are true and she died the way it was said. However, apparently Mary was a stunning beauty and used her charm to her advantage. That always works - Then and now! Hehe! so I do believe she charmed her way out on a gruesome death as well.
Fascinating read as always, Alastar. I hope you have more of these spunky and beautiful Southern Belles up your sleeve. I would love to read about them. You're a fabulous writer and your talent never ceases to amaze me.
Hi there John, Marie had quite a story to tell didn't she. Not well known so it was a pleasure to write it up on the HP. Thanks, glad you enjoyed it John.
Enjoyed this hub..."voted up"
John
Marie's story is very entertaining, thank you Frank. Ha-ha, Marie did have quite abit of the low-down to be talked about didn't she. The lady used her beauty well. Its unfortunate that there doesn't seem to be enough positively known about her life after the war for someone to write a detailed bio on her. Oh well, with the way things supposedly ended up maybe its for the best!
Alastar.. your hubs/history.. are so worth the read.. I printed this one out to read during a break.. and I was genuinely entertained.. I know it's history.. but it's riddled with entertainment...you supply all the low-down on a southern belle's Civil war tale.. up and awesome
Thanks Nurse Mar. This one has become quite popular. Marie's story is not as well know as many other historical Belles but certainly should be. What a life this woman had. Yes, happyboomernurse is a super person and hubber. How cool, Mammie Sammie, if you see this where was she from again? Hah-ha! Marie, glad there wasn't any scandal in there. The patriarch Packer came over from Scotland with two lassies he passed off as family even after getting married!
Oh my gosh, Alastar,
I thought I had been following so many of your wonderful historical pieces, yet missed this fabulous one? I am, once again, grateful to happyboomernurse's series... as our friend Gail has led me to so many awesome pieces like this one!
"Marie" reminds me of Mamma Sammie who married my Northern Daddy from PA (without all the scandal you wrote of, however!)... and I know she would have especially loved this lesson in history.
Voted UP and UABI, mar.
Surprised about that,...nope, not here. Freedoms better anyways unless you really gotta eat. Hyphenbird? You walked into the right office my friend. Better close this communique down now bro or new Hubbers might think they're on FB,,,LOL! Appreciate ya Thomas.
Actually...the ads were never placed. I was disabled again halfway through the write-up. I believe piffle is proscribed...anyway...it does afford some narrative freedom. Last Blockade...I do say! I can't wait to read it!
PS...I met Hypenbird...delightful stuff going on in her Hubsville office.
Page Smith sounds familiar ThoughtSandwiches. Easy style is the only way to write ya know. Better leave your title about Hackers like it is or big gaps in your text might open up when your ads get pulled..LOL. Hey, got another Southern ladies' last blockade coming up. Last blockade you say? You'll see. Thanks a mil Thomas~:)
Giggle, snort...I suppose that's true as you have just informed me within 24 hours of said event. Um...can you do my banking, now?
5,000 books read is no secret...it's illustrative of a passion that translates in your writing. Have you read Page Smith? Your easy style reminds me of him.
Nooo...you don't gotta get a room. We want to hook you up to some machines...monitor vitals...you know....doctor stuff...
Yep, just heard yesterday they'd called it quits. At least they're going out on a high note with Collapse into Now. Can remember em playing crap joints in Charlotte,N.C. back in the early 80s. Regular news? No need with the great Hp people on the job. The secret? 5,000 history book reads, give or take,(just a guess Thomas,- oodles). 'Scuse me, gotta go check in some where for the night.~:)
Well now...I was going to rename it 'Hacker's in the Toilet' to make it easy. Wait...R.E.M. retired?? I need to stop looking at Hub articles and check out the regular, regular news. So...you read one of my stories twice...that means we are going to need to keep you overnight for observations...you are wearing clean super-hero undies, right? While you are here you can explain to me the secret of such engaging historical writing!
"Hacker's in the Dell." Apolo ThoughtSandwiches. If this keeps up gonna retire like R.E.M.!
Lovely to see you again my friend. That's one of the legends, and so it shall be written. What a bizarre thing to ruminate on though. Wait a minute,...thought, sandwiches, a weighty Marie at the mercy of the warlord,- yeah that works! I went back and read the other 2/3rds of Hackers in the toilet- was that the title?- so 2 reads total. Pretty good for HP. Marie Boozer's tale should be better known than it is, and I was proud to do the article for any interested readers.~:)
300 pound love hog. How am I going to continue my day with that awesome imagery in my head? Oh well...I really didn't have any thing planned today I guess. As mentioned before...you are great my friend! I was unaware of any of this...it would be very sad to lose Marie's story...an unlikely event with you on the job, good sir!
Wouldn't it be great to be able to hear her voice or see some video. Alas, all we have are our imaginations and some old portrait pics to go with the written record. That's very true what you say about ambitious women in history, Cleopatra comes to mind immediately. Glad you liked the story Karen, appreciate the read and comment very much.
Very interesting story, she sounds like a very clever woman. Unfortunately history was not always kind to ambitious women.
As far as Marie's possible fates go, truth truly is stranger than fiction. Oh, she was considered the most beautiful belle in S.C. alright. Her reputation proceeded her with the Northern cavalry officers. Their womanizing commander took first dibs on her though. He already had a couple of lasses dressed up like soldiers when he became Marie's "protector." As to her ultimate fate, the tendon slitted love hog sounds bizarre enough to be real. Lovely she was and thank you lovely HappyBoomerNurse, for the read, great comment, and across the board clicks!~:)
Great read which is proof that truth is stranger than fiction! I loved your physical descriptions of Belle and the way all the men were vying for her attention. You crafted some wonderful scenes that brought this whole story to life and I also liked the ending. Three myths, each one showing a different horrible fate. No happily ever after for this Southern Belle!
Voted up across the board (even funny because of the way the soldiers were making fools of themselves falling all over this lovely lass).
By the time I got to the end of the poem it was obvious this was something special from you. And then it occurred to me that you may have had the history ones in mind. Thank you so very kindly Mr. Epi, and you have an extra fine week-end too. I do so love & enjoy your poems, right along with everyone else that reads them and gets to know you.
...actually I was here at your hallowed hubspace much earlier in the day looking for a hub subject in which I had not made a comment - I gave up - lol - and now I am back and found one - as a footnote - my new one about the locket I had written with you in mine for obvious reasons particularly the postscript - and yes you are Hubpage's finest historian and I love your hubs too on popular culture like movies, personalities and music.
lake erie time ontario canada 5:57pm always thrilled to hear from you - have a great weekend and I will see you once again
Well it was so nice to see your comment before I went to sleep last night...I just needed to say so and share the moment ;.....You are a very kind soul Alastar.....Have a lovely day.....G
You describe a perfect atmosphere G. Beautiful. Thank you.
I shall sleep better now Alastar....A couple of good old fashioned novels on the side table....candles too....Thank you always for your very kind words......
Looking forward to reading more......Night G
Checked in for a quick look before slumber time and was very happy you commented GPage. Knew you were a great West Coast lady and can now call you a Southern lady too! Marvelous. You were certainly brought up proper ma'am and that's a fact.The lesser known is exactly what I like to write about and "frolicked" is a delicate & old-fashioned way of stating a ..ahem, situation. And the Belle had her share of them. Equal opportunity writer here and I'll keep the eye out for any intriguing stories with a lead role for the fairer sex. Thank you G for checking this out and I'm very pleased you enjoyed it. You've got a very fine way of putting what needs to be said and yourself through when you write that is a true delight.
WOW! Alastar....I really enjoyed this! The title sparked my "curiosity!" My mother's side of the family were all from the South and I grew up with many Southern Belle's. I always love to hear more about women in history that were not completely known or have left some sort of mystery on the trail!.....I laughed when you wrote the word "frolicked." So old fashioned.....LOVE IT! I am also a big fan of stories and movies with very interesting female characters.....One of my favorite characters in a novel is the lead lady in Paulo Coelho's "Eleven Minutes" and also the lead character in "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins.....Thank you for this great hub!!!!....Best, G
Thanks, Alastar ~ I'll have a think :)
PS. I love that song!
Then this would be a perfect subject for you Trish! Once knew a very fine older gentleman who when we would be driving back from one of his drive-in movies would start singing "My Bonnie lies over the ocean..." It was his favorite song & I'd join in with him. Trish, I've looked and can't find anything recent on Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Rebellion. Go for it!
When I was a young girl, I was completely fascinated by Bonnie Prince Charlie. Maybe I should write about him :)
Hi Trish! Hope your doing 'ell. You do love history and to be frank I think that's great! Most persons of the female- not all mind you- persuasion aren't all that into it. You my lady, have a passion and talent for it. One item of many in English history I'd love to know more about would be the Jacobite rebellion. Cheers Trish!
Yes, indeed! I love the subject!
Hi Trish_M, yes and particularly one that isn't well known. I kinda liked it too and enjoyed writing it. Thank you for reading and commenting. We both are into history.:D
Hi :)
It's always the personal stories ~ like this one ~ that make history particularly interesting, I find :)
Hi there Ms. Kathy. Hope things are on an even keel for you today. I'm in the middle of a controversial big cats hub but checked back in for a few. Marie was rather wanton for her day and definitely had the spirit for high adventure. The latter of which you have my lady. Human nature in and of itself doesn't really change that much over time, just the way it's presented perhaps. Your so correct; war is a destroyer of the material and the potential of the immaterial. Very happy, the spirit is up now- knowing you got something out of this story. Oh and yes, eagerly awaiting part two from you.
Whew! Alastar! This is fantastic! History I had no idea of. Well written and full of all kinds of little personal twists and trysts. Really; I am astounded at the wanton nature of Marie's behavior "back in the day." Or else, all those historical records and movies which paint women of the era as being chaste are, simply, not necessarily so! What great adventures beautiful looks allow those who possess them! And, I have always lamented the destruction of so much history/beautiful structures, edifaces, testaments to our creative and colorful history. War ruins so much of who we are on so many levels. this is an extremely informative and interesting hub, Alastar...I have thoroughly enjoyed reading!! thank you. UP Awesome and Beautiful in it's tragedy!
Good morn Spirit, or is it noon time on the Isle- that's a killer line: "...even in the heat of battle men are ruled by appendages down south!" I saw a tintype once that really showed how gorgeous this southern colleen was but couldn't find it on the net.The one on the hub of her in profile isn't bad though. You know a few people hit the funny button on this one; I guess because of her possible fate at the hands of the warlord but that's one of the legends. In any case thanky Spirit- as some of the old-timers would say- for the read and great comment.
An Irish colleen no less! A great story and shows how hypnotising a beautiful woman can be even in the heat of battle men are ruled by appendages down south!
I'd love to know what happened to her but if any of the reports you give were true I think I would rather not know. No woman as feisty as her deserves a cruel death or to be dominated by any man. Thank you for another great story.
It certainly is GB and thanks for the read and comment. Got to thinking many on the west coast would of course have roots from back east but we poor easterners probably don't have too many from the west...lol. A fun trivia fact: the Atlanta metro area has more people than the entire state of Alabama!
Southern History is FASCINATING!
I have some family roots in Georgia. Great Hub!!
Thank you Auntie D. Marie kinda wrote her own story; its unfortunate we don't know positively. She lived her life as her beauty & fate dictated. It may well be her final days were happy but the travelers reports from Asia suggest a different result. As far as I know a histories mystery for sure. :)
You've written a very interesting story that I think Marie would approve. Mystery at the end... she was smart lady and hopefully her life ended happily.
She is basically an unknown woman. If some researcher/writer could get hold of family letters and such plus do some very deep investigating this would no doubt make an awesome bio/drama. there was a fiction based on her written in the 50s or60s.. the two legends about her time in Asia are pretty wild but they're the only ones we have so far as I know.. and your right; she did have all kinds of men after her stuff; but apparently, at least for a time, she knew how to use her stuff well. Appreciate & thank you kitty.
Wow, I have never even heard a whisper of this woman's life. How intriguing! Thanks so much for sharing this story with us, Alastar. What ever became of her? I would guess it was an end a lot less far-fetched than some of the crazy legends of Asian love affairs...but who knows? If she was truly that gorgeous, she must have had all sorts of men from different countries and races after her booty! :) Forgive my french.
Thank you Polly, Marie was a unique woman with quite a story. There's not a lot of info on her later life which makes all the legends that more intriguing. You write some great historical hubs on women so its very pleasing you liked this. :D
Wow now I like this, I wish this was more of what hubs was about. Very good and I will be back.
Polly
Appreciate that Monica and yes, shes not a well known figure but should be. Her mother was a lot like her and knew how to use her beauty to advance herself. That's were Marie learned it from. No really knows M's end but the warlord putting the lbs. on her is so wild it may be the right one. :D
I voted up and all the above on this one because you made history much more enjoyable to learn by adding the story about Marie. I'm sure most people don't know about her. She was quite a character but seems like she learned it from her mother. Wonder what really, really happened to her
Big Lee, appreciate my friend. That Marie had some life,hey. Thumbs up double on your mag piece. AP
Alastar, dude that was a very well written story on the war and "miss Marie"! History is my specialty and I give you thumbs up on this one.
Your too kind to say that Eiddwen but thank you. Jones, Edwards--all Welsh surnames on my side of the family and relations so we will be sharing for a awhile...including hubs. :D
Learned some from Shoalin masters like yourself and James Watkins JY. Practice makes..a little better. I've been fascinated by Marie for a long time; only wish there was more firm documentation on her life after she left America; it'd make an excellent bio. Thanks my friend, got to read your Poltergeist curse one today, heard but never read anything on it much.
Only one word needed here Alaster; Brilliant !!!!
Take care and I look forward to sharing our hubs for a long time to come.
Take care
Eiddwen.
Very well done my friend...I'm impressed!
Mary sure was a controller and used her charms well: Until the end of her life's journey if any of the legends are correct . That little General had a real cupcake on his hands, didn't he Hyph. If you ever win big on anything you learn from me I'll take the dinner...and any green you can spare. Merci Ms. B.
Miss Mary is a gal after my own heart. In a time where women were manipulated and used, she took control of her life. She was privy to much planning and execution of war secrets indeed...Gives a whole new perspective to pillow talk.
And thanks for the history lesson Alastar. I love to learn new items of interest about our past warriors. One never knows when this bit of trivia might win on a game show. When I use your Hubs to dazzle the judges, I am taking you to dinner!
Another great and interesting Hub, may be your best yet.
Many will be waiting for those promised knock-outs gg.-freakier than fiction-good-bye stranger, yeah! Great titles to start on and when writing true life story's we must protect the innocent...but only just enough. Best to ya "Woof".
No Alastar- you're writing is worthy of praise :) happy to read papers such as this.
As for my writing about those days @ AU I'm afraid i haven't got much, although i promise to knock some out in the future.
here are a couple of shorts i did write though...
I had protect the innocent mind you, but truth is indeed- sometimes freakier than fiction. (i of course took liberties but i like these two.
titles...
'Fishing Rednecks, Sexy Southern Belles and Farm Boys in Alabama'
'Dirt Poor in Alabama... etc'
both could probably use revision but i have so much here - i need to weed out half of my work.
peace bro- enjoy and gave the family your well wishes.
"Woof!"
I'm unworthy of these kind of accolades my friend but I do thank you. You were a history major at Auburn in Alabama! Awesome. That's triple AAA bro! So glad this took you back there some Greg...will go a little deeper and see if you've written anything on those days. If you haven't, think about it. Respectively Yours for sure and say hello to your better half and Elliot for me.
We sure do and there's plenty of it for the interested. Thank you for the positive review and its no surprise your married to a Southern Belle. As much as we love em they absolutely can be 'Hell en Wheels'. Appreciate the read and comment very much Frog.
Hi Canook! Happy you liked this and thanks for your compliment. Here's a little something more on the little General: he was a proliferate womanizer who also had a couple of other girls stashed away in male clothing on his campaign with Sherman's March...he just preferred Marie for awhile because of her willingness and beauty. In addition he had no qualms sacrificing his soldiers for personal advancement...they called him Kill-Patrick! Neat history hey. :D
UP and AWESOME my friend. I could not have done a better job myself. great job and fine writing/research.
My sympathies have always fell to the South.
Living in Alabama and attending a southern college(Auburn) as a history major- cleared up many misconceptions about that fascinatingly dreadful war.
My research and concentration was Southern history where time was well spent. I worked at the capitol at the dept of archives and history- a stones throw from Jeff Davis's first white house.great years of my life... you brought them back Alastar if only for a moment.
Thanks for this beauty Alastar- i knew little of Marie Boozer's role and playing both sides against the middle but you have refined my inquisition.
Professionally done my friend- presented well and scholarly.
peace bro- greg
Thank you jt, the lesser known is sometimes more interesting. Depending on one's inclination you could imagine Marie ending her days in happiness or as the slitted tendon's love hog. Apparently no one really knows. :D
Here in Carolina we do have both our history and traditions. Excellent walk down the path of history. I am married to one of these "Southern Belles" and she can be hell on wheels.
Good work.
The Frog
Hi! Wow what a story! I like the photos, the one I like the best is of General Kilpatrick.
'Canook' Excellent Hub!
enjoyed this story a lot alastar-you have a way of making history even more interesting because of the inside stories that you write about! wonder what really did happen to Marie!
Hi resspenser, Happy Birthday! Its fine to hear you may start reading more history. You've already wrote on it some, like with your great article on the Klan's comeuppance from the Catawba/Lumbee. There's only three places I know on info about Boozer; a Burke non-fic, a 60s fiction and Mary Chestnut's wartime diary's. \Knew you'd be pleased with Lancaster being in the Hub. Thanks my friend.
Hello Mel Jay, its always nice to hear from down under. Apparently no one knows for sure what did finally become of her. Marie certainly took advantage of her beauty and perhaps did do well in the end...kinda like Scarlett, huh. I'll hold off on any personal animus-being a southerner-and assume that's so. Thank you Mel & will have to update on things from beautiful Australia. :D
You've got it all in this story then Gail. Thank you for the accolades and following. I'm happy this was a good read for you. Romance and scandal rule! Appreciate you G
I have lived in Lancaster all my life (tomorrow will be sixty years) and I have never heard this story. I have never been a history buff but you are changing that! Excellent and where the heck do you get this stuff?
What a fascinating story, would love to know what really happened to her. I bet she did ok in the end despite the all the conjecture about her ultimate demise. She sounds like she knew how to land on her feet! There must be lots of stories from those years of people taking what opportunities they could to get ahead. I really enjoyed this, it was funny and really well written, up and awesome from me - Cheers, Mel
Alastar, this is definitely one of your best stories! I love history with a little romance and scandal mixed! Also, the pictures were awesome! thanks Alastar for a good read at the end of the day. keep it up!
Alastar Packer Hub Author 2 weeks ago
She's not well known, and that's a fact. Should be though, with all her exploits dishing out her womanly charms. Consort of generals, nabobs and warlords. Thank s Hubert and yes, her opportunities do appear to have come to a dead end.