June 2, 1863 – A Female Soldier and Her Experiences

Cupid in the Leading-Strings of Mars—Some days ago a young woman arrived in Chicago from Louisville, Ky., whose history is thus recorded in the Post of that city:

“She gave her name as Annie Lillybridge of Detroit, and stated that her parents reside in Hamilton, Canada. Last spring she was employed in a dry goods store in Detroit, where she became acquainted with a Lieut. W—— of one of the Michigan regiments, and an intimacy immediately sprang up between them. They corresponded for some time, and became much attached to each other. Some time during last summer Lieut. W—— was appointed to a position in the 21st Michigan infantry, then rendezvouing in lonia county. The thought of parting from the gay lieutenant nearly drove her mad, and she resolved to share his dangers and be near him. No sooner had she resolved upon this course than she proceeded to the act. Purchasing male attire she visited lonia, enlisted in Capt. Kavanagh’s company, 21st regiment. While in camp she managed to keep her secret from all. Not even the object of her attachment, who met her every day, was aware of her presence so near him.