While going through some rosters, I came across a woman who was
mustered in at Camp Moore, Louisiana: Susan Francis of the 13th Louisiana Infantry. She was enrolled as a cantiniere (or vivandiere) and not a soldier. These were women dressed
in quasi-military garb who performed various duties such as providing water and medical
care. Vivandieres had roots that can be traced to
France and Zouave units, which was a theme adopted by some Civil War units, especially those from Louisiana due to the French influence.
That was the case with the 13th LA.
There were two men in the same company whose
last name was Francis. I assume they may have been related. Perhaps
one was a husband. But I haven't been able to make any conclusions or
find any other information on her. Research is ongoing.
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of women disguised themselves as men and served in the Civil War. I present research, both previously published along with new discoveries, to document the lives and trials of these extraordinary women.
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