A Black Spy in the Civil War

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African Americans played a vital role during the Civil War. A notable figure during that time was a freed slave who provided valuable intelligence about Confederate order of battle, status of supplies and troop morale. He was recruited by Allan Pinkerton himself in 1861. This freed slave’s efforts helped pave the way for future African American military officers. What was his name?

“ _______ in particular, was a cool-headed, vigilant detective who easily duped the Confederates around him by assuming the character of the light-hearted, happy darkey.” – Allan Pinkerton

1861-1865 —Allan Pinkerton recruits the first African-American Union Intelligence Agent, John Scobell, recruited in the fall of 1861. Scobell had been a slave in Mississippi but had been well educated by his owner, a Scotsman who subsequently freed him. He was quick-witted and an accomplished role player, which permitted him to function in several different identities on various missions, including food vendor, cook, or laborer. He often worked with other Pinkerton agents, sometimes playing the role of their servant while in the South. He worked with Timothy Webster, perhaps Pinkerton’s best agent, on missions into Virginia and also with Mrs. Hattie Lawton, Pinkerton’s best female operative. He worked for Pinkerton from late 1861 until the intelligence chief closed down his operations in November 1862. | Source: The Life of John Scobell

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