I had a protracted and interesting interview to-day with a gaudily
dressed and rather diminutive lieutenant, who applied for a passport to the
Mississippi River, via Chattanooga, and insisted upon my giving him
transportation also. This demand led to interrogatories, and it appeared that
he was not going under special orders of the adjutant-general. It was unusual
for officers, on leave, to apply for transportation, and my curiosity was
excited. I asked to see his furlough. This was refused; but he told me to what
company he belonged, and I knew there was such a company in Bishop or Gen.
Polk's command. Finally he escaped further interrogatories by snatching up the
passport I had signed and departing hastily. But instead of the usual military
salute at parting, he courtesied. This, when I reflected on the fineness
of his speech, the fullness of his breast, his attitudes and his short steps,
led me to believe the person was a woman instead of a lieutenant. Gen. Winder
coming in shortly after, upon hearing my description of the stranger, said he
would ascertain all about the sex.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 94
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