Soldier to sutler, 1861
A number of biological women entered the service during the Civil War—and even more tried to. Canny recruiters often had recruits physically examined, but, especially at the beginning of the War, enthusiastic female-bodied volunteers managed to enter the army. Some were discovered; some weren’t.
While many of these soldiers were simply discharged from service, others were given a different job with the army: as a vivandiere, or sutler, providing extra provisions to soldiers. Charley/ Charlie Marshal was one, becoming “Charley the Vivandiere” after being recognized as biologically female. Interestingly, Marshal exhibits a number of what were evidently considered typically female personality traits: modesty, shyness, a willingness to please. Were the quirks of personality apparent before the revelation? or were they grafted onto the description afterward—along with the statement that Marshal was “rather good-looking”?
[Note: Colonel Townsend was Frederick Townsend.]
“An Exceedingly Romantic Maiden—She Resolves to Be a ‘Bold Soger Boy’ .” Times Union [Brooklyn, New York] 5 June 1861; p. 3.
A story is in circulation throughout the 14th and 15th wards, which, if true—and there are many vouchers for it—makes out an exceedingly romantic incident of the war. It is said that about six or seven weeks ago, just when the young men of these two wards were at fever heat under the stirring call of Capt. Abel Smith for a company of volunteers, a young lady living in North 2d street, Maggie Wilson by name, and about 18 years of age, was suddenly missing. Her friends and relatives—she was an orphan—made search for her in every possible manner, but finally gave her up as drowned or spirited away. Capt. Smith succeeded in raising his company, as every one knows, and after a short stay in this city took them to Albany, where they were mustered into the 3d Regiment, under command of Col. Townsend. In the company was one Charley Marshal, a fair-haired, delicate young man, who talked less, eat [sic] less, played less, and was more retiring generally, than any of the company. His modest manner won him the esteem of the whole company, and particularly ingratiated him in his commander’s good graces. But, the story goes, this delicate young man was discovered by Capt. Smith a few days since to be a young lady in disguise. How the revelation was made the story states not; but the Capt. and other officers were much surprised thereat and at first did not know exactly what step to take in the matter. It was thought proper to send “Charley” home; but this it was decided not to do upon his urgent and tearful protestations to be allowed to accompany them in any capacity. It was finally concluded to attach her to the regiment as a Vivandiere, and as such she is with them now. A letter from one of the company has been handed to us written on Monday before they left the Battery, from which we make the following extract, relative to this matter:
“Perhaps you remember a young fellow in our Company who went by the name of Charley Marshal, a shy and rather good-looking chap, who seemed to be made of finer stuff than the rest of us fellows. But he worked into the good graces of Capt. Abel, without getting any of the boys down on him, so we let him have his way. Well this chap turns out to be a girl named Maggie Wilson, who was missed about the time our company was formed. How the discovery of sex was made I have not been able to learn; but yesterday I know she was doing duty in the ranks in the same clothes as I was, and in a manner equal to the best of us. And this morning, in a different raiment, (and a much prettier one), she was introduced to the regiment as Charley the Vivandiere, and we were asked if we would adopt her. You can bet there was no dissenting voice, and we all like “Charley” in her new character much better than we did before. How the thing has been managed since she commenced “sogering,” I can’t say, but will endeavor to find out, and let you know more about it at some future time.”
We give the story as it is given to us. No doubt it will be considered fishy, for there are a few improbabilities about it; but as it is so strongly authenticated from reliable quarters we give our readers the benefit of it.
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