Belle Boyd Quotes

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.

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.

Politically I did not like Mr. Lincoln for in him I saw the destroyer.

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 thank god that I can say on my death bed that I am a virtuous woman.

I only wanted to help my people.

A true woman always loves a real soldier.

I firmly believe that in this fiery ordeal, in this suffering, misery, and woe, the South is but undergoing a purification by fire and steel that will, in good time, and by God's decree, work out her own independence.

What a jolly thing military surveillance is!

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.

The secession of the Southern States, individually or in the aggregate, was the certain consequence of Mr. Lincoln's election.

I hope that when I commence that oath, my tongue may cleave to the roof of my mouth. If I ever sign one line to show allegiance, I hope my arm falls paralyzed to my side....Get out. I'm so disgusted I can't endure your presence any longer.

Fortune has played me a sad trick by letting me live on and on.

As long as it served his purpose, Mr. Lincoln boldly advocated the right of Secession.

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.