Richard Thomas (Zarvona) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Thomas Zarvona
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| Birth name | Richard Thomas, Jr. |
| Nickname(s) | The French Lady |
| Born | October 27, 1833 |
| Died | March 17, 1875 (aged 41) |
| Buried |
Deep Falls, Chaptico, Maryland
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| Allegiance |  France and/or  Kingdom of Sardinia Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
French and/or Sardinian Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–63 (CSA) |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 47th Virginia Infantry |
| Commands held | CSS St. Nicholas |
| Battles/wars | Second Italian War of Independence American Civil War |
| Relations | Gov. James Thomas (uncle) |
Richard Thomas Zarvona (born October 27, 1833 – died March 17, 1875) was an American adventurer and soldier. He served as an officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He became famous for his nickname, "the French lady." This nickname came from a time when he dressed up as a woman. He did this to take over a passenger ship during the war.
Early Life and Adventures
Richard Thomas Jr. was born into an important family in Maryland. His father, Richard Thomas Sr., was a speaker in the Maryland House of Delegates. This is like being a leader in the state's government. His uncle, James Thomas, was also a governor of Maryland.
Richard grew up on his family's large farm called "Mattapany." He was a very good athlete and enjoyed sports. He went to two military schools, including Charlotte Hall Military Academy. In 1850, he was accepted into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. However, he left the academy in October 1851.
After leaving West Point, Richard traveled around the world. He fought in the Second Italian War of Independence in Europe. He might have served in the French Army or the Sardinian Army. He learned to speak French very well during this time. He also became very interested in soldiers called Zouaves, who wore special uniforms. It was during these travels that he added "Zarvona" to his name. Family stories say he added it to honor a French woman he loved who had passed away. He came back to America in early 1861.
Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Zarvona wanted to help the Confederacy. He thought about becoming an engineer or working on ships. Soon after, he put together a group of soldiers called Zouaves. This group later became Company H of the 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment.
At the same time, he started planning to take over a ship. The government of Virginia supported his idea. On June 28, he put his plan into action. Thomas dressed up in a disguise, looking like a woman. With a group of helpers, he took control of a passenger ship called the St. Nicholas. His plan was to use this ship to attack a warship named the USS Pawnee.
