Because of Bowser's intelligence and photographic memory, Van Lew decided to make Bowser a spy to infiltrate the confederacy. In
order to get access to top-secret information, Bowser became "Ellen Bond", a
slow-thinking, but able, servant. Van Lew, through the help of friends of the
Union, was able to have "Ellen Bond" work at functions held by Varina
Davis, the wife of the Confederate President, Jefferson Davis. Bowser was eventually hired full-time and worked in the Davis household
until just before the end of the war. At the Davis house Bowser worked as a
servant, cleaning and serving meals. Because of the racism that existed then,
the slaves were trained to act and seem invisible. Usually not noticed at all.
Bowser was able to get incredible amounts of information simply by doing her
work. The assumption was that slaves could not read or write, nor understand the
complex political conversations being held. However, due to Bowser's education
and keen perception, she was able to read and remember any papers that were left
around. Wiki.
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