They Fought Like Demons: Women Soldiers in the American Civil War (Conflicting Worlds: New Dimensions of the American Civil War) Book

More than 240 women soldiers fought in the American Civil War, disguised as men and fighting on both sides of the conflict. Eight such female warriors fought at the battle of Antienam; five were killed. History has not been fair to these women, largely writing their contribution out of the history of the civil war. They Fought Like Demons is the first book to fully explore and explain these women, their experiences as combatants and the controversial issues surrounding their military service. Based on over ten years' research in archives, trawling collections of letters, family memories and personal diaries, They Fought Like Demons reveals that women's reasons for fighting mirrored those of men - patriotism, honour, heritage and a desire for excitement. Some enlisted to be with brothers or husbands, some had dressed and lived as men before the war. Some so enjoyed being freed from women's roles that they continued their disguise well after 1865. Jennie Hodgers, alias Private Albert D.J. Cashier, lived out her life as a man, dying in 1913. Their comrades often did not discover the deception until the 'young boy' in their company was wounded, killed or gave birth. The records of these soldiers are exceptionally vivid, moving and often humorous, recounting the lives of women who turned their back on traditional female occupations and carved out their own destiny.Read More