I am a newbie here & on the Civil War. Would like to ask anyone here a question about a Mrs. Baker, who reportedly worked for the Pinkerton agency, circa 1860-61.

According to a story i read, she visited a family friend in Richmond in Dec. of 1861. This family friend had a son who was a Capt. in the CSA. One night he invited everyone out to the James River to see a demonstration of a submarine.

Supposedly, Mrs. Baker went back to her room and made detailed notes & drawings of what she saw. She left her friend's home and reported to Washington about the sub, which was to launch an attack on US ships on the James River shortly. because of her intell, the US military was able to attack the sub (clamping off the air hose and suffocating the crew).

I have tried searching for more info on her and this piece os spy work, to no avail. Does anyone here even know if this is a true story, or just some fancy tall-tale?

Thanking you in advance,
Michael F. Blake