I Spy, You Spy, She Spied Virtual Cache

For 50 years the burial place of a noted female Confederate spy rested untouched in the peaceful Virginia countryside. Then civilization intruded upon this area and bit by bit claimed all but this one remaining grave of a family burial ground. There was a time when this beautiful young lady made a striking appearance as she rode the countryside overseeing the responsibilities of the family farm. Today, this local heroine lies in a small, protected plot surrounded by townhouses, shopping malls and the hustle and bustle of city life.

(1836 -1923) Laura Ratcliffe befriended General JEB Stuart in the winter of 1861 when she and her sister visited his camp to nurse wounded soldiers. A romantic, yet chaste relationship ensued, in which Stuart wrote poems to her and gave her a photo album and his pocket watch. Stuart introduced her to his protege Col. John Singleton Mosby, whom she assisted as a spy and confidante. She walked miles over wet, muddy ground to alert Mosby to a planned Union ambush, probably saving his life. Her home, near Frying Pan in western Fairfax County was a "safe house" for Mosby's men. A large rock outcropping on her family's property, dubbed "Mosby's Rock" was an important message drop and rendezvous point for the command. Once he trusted her with the safekeeping of thousands of federal dollars his command had captured from Union troops. Although it was obvious that her home was the center of Confederate activity, she was never arrested or formally charged for her activities. After the war, she married a Virginian, Milton Hannah, who had served in the Union Army. She was an extremely private person and never published memoirs or letters, no doubt leading to her being less well known than other women spies of similar achievements.
Interesting fact: she is the 6th cousin of General Robert E. Lee.

**TO CLAIM THIS CACHE----You are looking for a large head stone enclosed in a 20' X 20' fenced burial plot. There is an emblem on the gate guarding the plot. What is written on the gates emblem? E-mail me the answer. Please do not put it in your log.

Please be respectful of the area and do not go beyond the gate. I travel to this place 4 times a year and will be inspecting the site to make sure the area has not been negatively impacted. There is a path to the gravesite, but you must look very carefully, as it is not obvious. Enjoy the hunt!