| Mexican Joan of Arc
While doing some research, I came across this item from a 19th century Virginia newspaper (althought the events concern Mexico and France). It serves no purpose for my research, but I just had to share it:
RICHMOND [VA] WHIG, March 26, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
A Mexican Joan D'Arc.—Among the Mexican prisoners taken to France is a young Indian woman, only twenty years of age, who was Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment of Zacatecas and who in the course of seven years, rose step by step from the ranks by her courage and talents. She followed her husband to the army, and was soon promoted to the rank of second Lieutenant for her distinguished bravery. The death of her husband, killed in action, afforded her an opportunity of avenging him, and of raising another step. The French defeat at Guadaloupe, on the 5th of May, 1862, obtained for her the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, second in command of a regiment, in which position she again greatly distinguished herself during the siege of Puebla. This singular woman handles the sword like a first class fencing master, and she made herself not only respected but feared by her soldiers, who looked upon her as a supernatural being. After Ortega surrendered at discretion at Puebla, she was brought to Vera Cruz, and lodged on board the Rhone until the vessel sailed for France,.—Her order of embarkation mentioned her rank, and gives her a right to sit at the field officers' table.
She is said to be of agreeable personal appearance, although, as might be expected, rather more masculine in her ways than altogether becomes her sex. | 
Linear Mode
