George Spencer: Spy
A re-enactment demonstrates how Grenville Dodge's spies tricked Confederates out of valuable information during the Civil War, 1861-1865.
Transcript
(drums and instrument)
Captain George Spencer, one of Dodge’s agents, crossed enemy lines while still in Union Uniform. He carried a white flag and explained to Confederates that he carried messages regarding the exchange of prisoners. While he traveled through enemy territory, he picked up Southern newspapers and returned to the Union camp with valuable information.
Good morning.
Hey Yank, where you going?
I’ve got important papers for the General. Nice day.
He’s got a lot of nerve, don’t he.
Many of Dodge’s spies were captured by the South, but none betrayed the Union.
Pathways
When discussing the causes of the Civil War, the raid at Harpers Ferry has sometimes been referred to as "the spark that ignited the powder keg." What do you think is meant by this reference?
Media Artifacts
Reading Tip: Reading for Meaning
Can you list all of the cases of the Civil War that were listed in this article? If not, reread the article and make a list of the causes.