Bridget Diver
Much of the literature from the middle of the 19th century is written in an idealized and highly stylized form, conforming to the standards of propriety in that era.
Nonetheless, careful analysis of surviving records show Michigan Bridget to have been a real person, after removing the almost mythological language frequently used to describe her exploits.
[4] [5] At the very end of the war, a letter written by Rebecca Usher to her home in Maine stated that "A few days ago I saw Bridget, who came out with the First Michigan Cavalry, and has been with the regiment ever since.
Mrs. C. E. McKay wrote "March 28 (1865) - Visited in company with Miss Bridget Deavers, two large camps of dismounted cavalrymen lying along the James River, a few miles from City Point.
"[7] In 1890, Mary Livermore authored a book, My story of the war: a woman's narrative of four years personal experience as nurse in the Union army,[8] containing a visual image of Bridget carrying the American flag, and leading cavalrymen into an engagement.
A detailed review of relevant immigration indexes reveals that a "Biddy Diver" arrived in Philadelphia[9] on 14 July 1849 from County Londonderry, Ireland, aboard the ship Afton.
In reference #1 (above), Moore spoke again of Michigan Bridget: "The Battle of Fair Oaks commenced by a vigorous charge of an overwhelming rebel force upon a single division of McClellan's army, which had advanced across the Chickahominy.
As Casey's Division, thus attacked, gave way, there was danger that the panic might spread and infect the troops that were hastening to the support.
Among these was the Seventh Massachusetts, that, having advanced to within range of the rebel artillery, had just received the order 'forward', that would in a few moments plunge them into the heat of the contest.
[10] Divers was known for the level of care and concern she felt for soldiers in her regiment,[11] for rallying the troops, and for having excellent horsemanship skills and enthusiasm.
[1] Divers was reportedly concerned with the moral and spiritual nature of her fellow troops and acted as their chaplain, receiving books and supplies from the Christian Commission.
[13] Bridget's actual combat experience probably ended in 1864 when General Grant banished women from military operations.
A slightly different picture is painted by Minnie Dubbs Millbrook who wrote that "Bridget went out to the western plains with her regiment after the war.
Bridget's prior association with the 104th Pennsylvania Infantry suggests an early and continuing interest in the military, although not necessarily with any particular regiment.
It is tempting to speculate that Colonel Maxwell may have known of Bridget's presence in the Salt Lake City region, and that he was influenced in his decision to move there before 1872.
Bridget learned that the army needed four laundresses per company for the American Indian Wars, generally wives of enlisted men.
[10] Divers reportedly stayed in the army after the Civil War to defend the Western frontier of the United States, potentially with her husband, though other accounts say he died in battle.
