Mrs. Peter Thorn, of Gettysburg, lived in the house at the entrance
of the borough cemetery. The house was used as headquarters by
General O. O. Howard. Mrs. Thorn’s husband was away from home at that
time (serving in the 148th regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers, and
stationed in Virginia), leaving her with two quite young children.
During the first day of the fight General Howard wanted some one to
show him and tell about different roads leading from Gettysburg, and
asked a number of men and boys who were in the cellar of the house to
go with him and point them out. But these persons were all fearful and
refused to go. Then Mrs. Thorn showed her courage and patriotism by
voluntarily offering to show the roads. This offer was at first refused
by General Howard, who said he did not wish a woman to do what a man
had not the courage to do. Mrs. Thorn persisted in her offer, saying:
“Somebody must show you, and I can do it; I was born and brought up
here, and know the roads as well as anybody.” Her offer was accepted,
and with the general and his horse between her and the fire of the
enemy, Mrs. Thorn went from one spot to another pointing out the
different roads. When passing along the line of troops the general was
greeted with: “Why do you take a woman for a guide? This is no place
for her.” “I know it,” said the officer, “but I could not get a man to
come; they were all afraid.” This answer to them started cheers for
Mrs. Thorn, which lasted several minutes and showed that our soldiers
admired the courage shown at such a time.