Assignment Active
Identifying the Central Idea
What is the central idea of this passage?
Albel
Armed with invisible ink, a cipher system, and a passion
to end the war and preserve the Union, Elizabeth Van
Lew became Butler's eyes and ears in the Confederate
capital city. Truth be told, however, she became much
more than that. She became a spymaster, the person
responsible for running a network of agents, couriers,
and safe houses that was very active during the war. In
addition to the spying, Elizabeth Van Lew continued to
maintain her Church Hill home as a safe house and
something of a local Union spy headquarters.
- The Dark Game,
Paul Janeczko
Van Lew's home was used as a safe house, which
was critical to the Confederacy.
O Van Lew had a passion to end the war and preserve
the Union.
Van Lew was a spymaster, a leading force in the
espionage activities for the Union.
Van Lew did not enjoy working for General Butler.