Miss Major Pauline Cushman, Union Spy and Scout, Two

Lot of 2 CDVs of Pauline Cushman in formal attire, including studio portrait, and composite image produced to promote her lecture tour. E. & H.T. Anthony: New York, n.d., ca 1866.

Cushman (1833-1897) was an aspiring teenage actress when she became involved in espionage on behalf of the Union. Caught with incriminating information, Cushman was sentenced to be executed as a spy and saved only by the timely arrival of Federal troops at her prison in Shelbyville, TN. Lincoln awarded Cushman an honorary major's commission and she engaged in cloak and dagger work until growing notoriety blew her cover. With the benefit of a populist biography, Cushman toured the country speaking about her wartime exploits and profiting from the sale of CDVs.
Condition Report: Light, even toning to both cartes.

Carte in formal attire, minor soiling, small circular blindstamps in lower right and left corners of photo/mount, some corner and edge wear to mount.

Composite carte, few minor spots. Some corner and edge wear to mount, including creased top right and left corners.