“Largely a forgotten figure, through the writings of Velazquez and the commentary of academics and historians such as Gary Gallagher we learn the story of a woman who could be considered a tragic figure who was ahead of her time.”
Confederate Book Review
Book reviews and other American Civil War related news. Despite being from a “Confederate” state reviews are as unbiased as possible.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Video Review–Rebel presented by Voces on PBS
Premiering on the PBS show Voces, May 24, 2013 is the hour long documentary titled Rebel.
Romi Dias stars as Loreta Janeta Velazquez.
Photo: Gerard Gaskin
Rebel recounts the story of Loreta Velazquez, a Cuban born woman who
becomes a Confederate soldier before turning Union spy. This work, directed by
Maria Agui Carter, is based upon Velasquez’s post war memoir titled The
Woman in Battle: The Civil War Narrative of Loreta Janeta Velazquez, Cuban
Woman and Confederate Soldier (Wisconsin Studies in Autobiography).
Largely a forgotten figure, through the writings of Velazquez and the
commentary of academics and historians such as Gary Gallagher we learn the
story of a woman who could be considered a tragic figure who was ahead of her
time.
Loreta was born to a well off family in Cuba who in 1849 sent her to New
Orleans. Here her spiritedness began to show as she refused what appears to
have been a prepared marriage. She eventually marries a white man (i.e. not
Hispanic or black) who appears to only be known by the name William. They
quickly have two children with a third on the way when William is sent by the
army to Indian Territory. Loretta and her children move to St. Louis where her
infant child dies days after birth and soon after her other two children die from a
fever epidemic that sweeps through St. Louis.
As the political situation worsens war becomes apparent. William resigns his
army commission and joins the Confederacy with his home state (I assume this
to be a Texas regiment and not the United States Army but this is unclear in the
documentary). He is sent to Pensacola, FL where he is killed though it is called
an accident.
With no family, no home, and seemingly no country Loreta transforms herself
into a Confederate soldier by the name of Harry T. Buford. As Buford she fights
at Bull Run, Shiloh, and other locations being injured several times. While
serving as a Confederate she acquires a slave by the name of Bob. Bob serves
her well until escaping to apparent freedom at Shiloh. It is unclear the
relationship with Bob and if he knew Loreta’s/Harry’s secret.
In July 1863 it is discovered that Harry is a woman and Loreta is considered to
possibly by a Union spy. This charge could mean death. General John Winder
however frees her several days later now using her in the Secret Service Corps.
Shortly there after she goes to work in Baltimore for the Union Secret Service.
In 1875 she and her book ran afoul of Jubal Early, he of the Lost Cause. Early,
who is portrayed harshly in Rebel with a wild eyed and untamed look, refuses to
believe her story and essentially calls her a female camp follower; or prostitute.
For the most part she disappears though she does show in printed records until
1902. According to the documentary her burial location is unknown.
While seemingly short on detail this is still a worthwhile program to view. In the
filmmakers defense there really is little detail about Velazquez available. The
filmmakers have used her own limited writings for much of the dialogue. During
this story we learn of the race issues common in the south during this period.
We also see that Velazquez sees a changing in the role of money and finances
as the war drags on. Where strongest however is where we learn about the
overall role of women in the time period. It is estimated that maybe 500-1,000
served in the war. The role of a woman was not questioned in the mid 19th
century. The clothing and appearance of a woman was not open for debate or
interpretation. Sexual roles were firm and not to be changed. Society was not
ready for women such as Loreta Velazquez.
Cast
Loreta Velazquez–Romi Dias
Filmmakers
Maria Agui Carter–writer, producer, director
Calvin Lindsay, Jr.–producer
Academics and Historians
Catherine Clinton
Renee Sentilles
Kirsten Silva Gruesz
Christina Vella
Jesse Aleman
Vicki L. Ruiz
DeAnne Blanton
Elizabeth D. Leonard
Richard Hall
Carman Cumming
Gary W. Gallagher
Thank you to CaraMar Publicity for sending a preview copy of Rebel!