Canadian-born woman who successfully operated behind Confederate lines as a Union spy during the American Civil War. She was probably the only spy in history who was both transvestite and transracial.

Edmonds came to the United States from New Brunswick, Canada, in 1856. When the Civil War began in 1861 she adopted the name Frank Thompson and volunteered to serve as a male nurse for the Union Army. She was present at the first Battle of Bull Run, the first major combat between Union and Confederate troops. After serving as a male nurse for two years, Edmonds volunteered to serve as a spy behind Confederate lines. Disguising herself as a young black man by dyeing her skin and wearing a wig, she managed to cross the front lines near Yorktown, VA.

Although claiming to be a free black when confronted by an overseer, Edmonds was put to work on Confederate fortifications. After a day of backbreaking work, she was able to make a sketch of the fortifications and an accounting of the ordnance being installed. The next day she carried water for the workers and then food to the troops. Although reportedly impressed as a sentry at one point, she was able to defect back to Union lines during a rainy night--carrying her Confederate rifle as a trophy.

Although behind Confederate lines for only three days, Edmonds is said to have brought back useful military information. During the coming months she successfully accomplished 11 more missions behind Confederate lines without being detected. On one occasion she went as an Irish peddler woman, other times she posed as a dry goods clerk, and once she claimed to be the grieving friend of a dead soldier.

Eventually contracting malaria while on a spy mission, she deserted after returning to Union lines, fearing that if she received medical treatment her sex would be discovered.