"Tommy" or Thomas

Recently while conducting research I found a reference to a soldier that turned out to be a female. Apparently the soldier was captured during the Battle at Philadelphia, Tennessee, 20 October 1863. She was in the 45th Ohio (Mounted Infantry). The account is given in "Wild Riders of the First Kentucky Cavalry." Both of these regiments were part of Wolford's Independent Cavalry Brigade. James E. King of Company A tells of his captivity at Bell Isle Prison and how she was found out.

"Many of our men remember the beautiful supposed boy, "Tommy," who was with the Forty-Fifth Ohio Mounted Infantry. The question of Tommy's sex was always a matter of speculation among the officers and men of the First Kentucky Cavalry. Tommy was sent to Belle Isle with the rest, and messed with his regiment and the First Kentucky. Early in February 1864, Tommy was taken very sick, and was compelled to disclose his sex. Tommy proved to be a female, and was reported to Lieut. Boisseux, who had him or her removed, and what became of the handsome supposed boy I would like to know."

I would like to know too. I do not have access right now to the 45th's muster roll. If you do can you see if a "Tommy" or Thomas is present and if one was reported captured at Philadelphia, Tennessee.

History's Mysteries!

Thanks for your help,

Gerald D. Hodge, Jr.
Niota, Tennessee
E-Mail: rebel6@usit.net