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In today’s landscape of instant fame and fleeting recognition, the notion of heroism has become muddled. Individuals are often celebrated as heroes for seemingly trivial acts, while the true essence of bravery risks being overshadowed. This was particularly evident to me when I began researching Elizabeth Van Lew, a remarkable figure from the Civil War era, as I penned my book “Lincoln’s Lady Spymaster”.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a backdrop for my exploration, a time when many experienced feelings of isolation and uncertainty. For young women who worked in New York City, the pandemic exacerbated loneliness, with some grappling with anxiety as they navigated a world turned upside down. It was a stark reminder that many women in American history have faced far graver challenges than the temporary hardships of a lockdown.
With this context, I felt compelled to seek out a woman from the past who not only endured significant trials but also left an indelible mark on history. I envisioned a narrative of courage—someone who acted not for recognition, but out of a deep sense of purpose.
My search led me to Elizabeth Van Lew, discovered through a simple online query. While historians sometimes include her among lesser-known Civil War spies, her role as a spymaster for President Abraham Lincoln’s administration piqued my curiosity. Van Lew, a Southern belle, chose to align herself with the Union while operating a covert spy network out of Richmond, the Confederate capital, under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant.
Initially, I believed I was well-acquainted with the key figures of the Civil War. However, Van Lew’s story was largely absent from popular literature. Prominent historians glossed over her contributions, with her name notably absent from James McPherson’s acclaimed work “Battle Cry of Freedom”.
Through my investigation, I unearthed Van Lew’s diary, a window into her thoughts and feelings throughout the war. I set out to craft her narrative as one of perseverance against societal constraints. Yet, the deeper I delved, the more complicated her character revealed itself. Unlike many other spies, she shunned public attention. She avoided memoirs and rarely gave interviews in the years following the war.
As my research unraveled, I discovered a woman unafraid to navigate moral ambivalence. Van Lew made tough choices, often resorting to deception, bribery, and subterfuge to acquire vital intelligence for the Union. While she espoused abolitionist ideals, her family’s slaveholding past complicated her legacy.
Her moral complexity came into sharper focus during the war’s latter stages when frustration over slow Union progress led her to propose extreme measures to military planners, including the abduction of Confederate leaders. Van Lew epitomized the duality of a woman who could effortlessly host social gatherings while also risking her life on the battlefield of espionage. Her actions provided invaluable intelligence that would ultimately contribute to Union victories during the war.
As I began writing about Van Lew, I reflected on my own experiences, particularly the moment I disclosed my battle with Stage 3 breast cancer. While friends labeled me a hero, I felt an inherent self-interest in my struggle, contrasting sharply with Van Lew’s selfless sacrifices.
What struck me most about Van Lew was her commitment to placing others above herself, continuously facing daunting risks. Unlike the instinctual bravery we often admire in modern contexts, her heroism was a sustained effort rooted in deep convictions. In a time when we often crave clear archetypes of courage, her story stands as an essential reminder of the diverse forms bravery can take.
This year marks a significant milestone—the 160th anniversary of the Civil War’s conclusion and Lincoln’s assassination. As we reflect on this pivotal period in American history, we must pay homage to the heroes who emerged from its chaos, many of whom remain obscured by time. Van Lew was not alone; thousands of women contributed to the war effort, whether by following loved ones to the front lines or managing homes and businesses in their absence.
Elizabeth Van Lew’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the core values of heroism: unwavering moral conviction, selfless altruism, and the courage to challenge societal norms. In an era where the term hero often feels diluted, let her legacy inspire a renewed understanding of what it truly means to be brave. Authentic heroes may lie in the shadows, quietly dedicating themselves to ideals of justice, equality, and humanity.
