Loyal Quaker and Brave Slave

Rebecca Wright and Thomas Laws

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 25, 2007

1. Loyal Quaker and Brave Slave Marker

Inscription. In September 1864, U.S. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan heard rumors that Confederate forces had left the Shenandoah Valley to rejoin Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army at Petersburg. Wanting to confirm this information before attacking Gen. Jubal A. Early’s army, Sheridan concocted a dangerous and intriguing scheme. He had learned that a loyal Quaker named Rebecca Wright lived in Winchester on this site. Also, a slave named Thomas Laws often passed through Confederate lines to sell vegetables in town. On September 16, 1864, just three days before the Third Battle of Winchester, Sheridan wrote to Wright, “I learn...that you are a loyal lady and still love the old flag. Can you inform me of the position of Early's forces? Have any more troops arrived from Richmond?” In closing he wrote, “You can trust the bearer.” Laws rolled the note in tin foil and placed it in his mouth. During the Civil War the penalty for spying was death.

Wright wrote in reply, “The division of General [Joseph B.] Kershaw, and [Lt. Col. Wilfred E.] Cutshaw’s artillery, twelve guns and men...have been sent away, and no more are expected.” She added, “the bearer may call again.” She gave the message to Laws, who bravely crossed back to Union lines. Sheridan had the confirmation he needed and days later attacked, routed Early, and forced the Confederates out of Winchester,

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which would remain under Union control through the end of the war.

Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism, and the Virginia Civil War Trails series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 16, 1864.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 11.229′ N, 78° 9.863′ W. Marker was in Winchester, Virginia. It was at the intersection of North Loudoun Street and East Fairfax Lane, on the right when traveling north on North Loudoun Street. Located at the corner of the Loudoun Autopark garage. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 50 E Fairfax Ln, Winchester VA 22601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Dangerous Liaison (here, next to this marker); An African American Family Of Doctors (a few steps from this marker); Photos of Old Town Winchester (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); President William McKinley (about 400 feet away); George Washington Lot (about 400 feet away); Lee Snyder Lovett

Corner of Loudon and Fairfax Lane image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 25, 2007

2. Corner of Loudon and Fairfax Lane

(about 500 feet away); Site of Fort Loudoun (about 500 feet away); Handley Library (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winchester.

More about this marker. Two drawings are displayed. The first depicts, “Gen. Phil Sheridan gives Thomas Laws secret instructions for Rebecca Wright.” The second records, “In Confederate-held Winchester, Thomas Laws delivers his message to Rebecca Wright.”

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New CWT Marker At This Location titled "Dangerous Liaison".

Also see . . .
1. Rebecca McPherson Wright. Wright’s efforts were not well received in the city of Winchester, however Gen. Sheridan ensured she was rewarded for her deeds after the war. (Submitted on September 16, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

2. Rebecca M. "The Loyal Girl of Winchester VA" Wright Bonsal in Find-a-Grave. (Submitted on September 9, 2011, by Robert H. Moore, II of Winchester, Virginia.)

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 28, 2020

3. Loyal Quaker and Brave Slave Marker

The marker has experienced significant weather damage.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,385 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on June 19, 2023, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 16, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on May 28, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.