The woman whose idol was Joan of Arc and her choice (7 photos)

Almost everything that historians know about Loretta Jeannette Velazquez is taken from her book “Woman in Combat.” And although some of the events described in the work have been confirmed, many facts still remain in question.





It is known that Velazquez was born in Cuba on June 26, 1842 into a wealthy family. In 1849, her parents sent their daughter to a Catholic school in New Orleans, where she lived with her aunt.



"Woman in Fight", 1876 Loretta Jeanette Velazquez in different images

It must be said that from a young age the girl had a strong character and dreamed of exploits and accomplishments. No wonder the object of Loretta’s sincere admiration was Joan of Arc.

At the age of 14, she met a young officer named William. The family did not approve of their daughter's choice. And she ran away with her chosen one. During their short life together, the couple had three children, but none, unfortunately, survived.



Loretta as Henry T. Buford in a Memphis bar

When Texas seceded from the Union in 1861, her husband joined the Confederate Army, and Velázquez begged him to let her join him. Of course, the man refused to take his 18-year-old wife to war. Ignoring the ban, Velazquez sewed a uniform, got a wig, a false mustache and transformed into a man - an officer named Harry T. Buford.



Loretta in battle

Velasquez moved to Arkansas, where she began forming a volunteer regiment. Having found her husband in Florida, the young woman led the regiment to him, introducing herself as the commander. Her husband's reaction is not recorded in history as he died in an accident just a few days later. The grief-stricken young widow traveled north and took part in the Battle of Ball's Bluff in disguise.



Battle of Ball's Bluff

After that, for some time the woman was engaged in espionage activities - she obtained information for the southerners in Washington, but in the form of a woman. But such activities apparently did not appeal to Loretta. The woman reincarnated as Buford. But fearing exposure during a medical examination after being wounded at the Battle of Fort Donelson, Velazquez fled home to New Orleans. Where she was immediately arrested on suspicion of espionage.



Battle of Fort Donelson

Having been freed, the adventurer again takes part in the Battle of Chaillot, but is wounded. And the regimental doctor reveals her spicy secret. Loretta runs home again. And he is engaged in espionage activities for the Confederates. In between, she manages to get married three times and give birth to a child, with whom she travels to several states and writes that very book - “A Woman in Battle.”



The uncontrollable lady died in 1897 in Nevada. And to everyone who, for obvious reasons, tried to criticize her lifestyle and choices, Velasquez left a message. Which basically means that she lived as she saw fit and did what she thought was right. It’s hard to argue, especially since the woman managed to live such a bright and eventful life in such a difficult time.