Fortune has played me a sad trick by letting me live on and on.
— Belle Boyd
There are those who maintain that in this world women have no right to interfere in the affairs of state, in politics, in plots and counter-plots. Others that are who, more chivalrous, are willing to admit that women have as much right to act, think, and speak as men.
My memoirs were written, and a portion of them already in the hands of the publishers, when the startling news came which has thrilled all Europe and filled her inhabitants with horror - the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States.
Meanwhile, my residence within the Federal lines, and my acquaintance with so many of the officers, the origin of which I have already mentioned, enabled me to gain much important information as to the position and designs of the enemy.
I only wanted to help my people.
I thank God that I can say on my death bed that I am a virtuous woman.
As long as it served his purpose, Mr. Lincoln boldly advocated the right of Secession.
What a jolly thing military surveillance is!
The secession of the Southern States, individually or in the aggregate, was the certain consequence of Mr. Lincoln's election.
If it is a crime to love the South, its cause and its President, then I am a criminal. I would rather lie down in this prison and die than leave it owing allegiance to a government such as yours.
I do not set myself up as an advocate of the woman's right doctrine, but would rather appear in the character of a quiet lady expressing her sentiments, not so much to the public as to her immediate friends.
Politically I did not like Mr. Lincoln, for in him I saw the destroyer.
Just previous to the birth of my little son, my mind gave way and my child was born in the asylum for the insane at Stockton, Cal. My boy was buried there.
A true woman always loves a real soldier.
