f their strength while fighting and their curly black hair.
             Even though it was illegal for a woman to be in the Army; with no means to support herself and not wanting to depend on others, Cathy would disguise herself as a man, and change her name to William Cathay. Then on Nov. 15, 1866, she went to the Jefferson Barracks to enlist. Cathy was 5'9, slim, and muscular looking which helped to disguise her sex. She may have also worn baggy clothes to hide her female features. The recruiters were not suspicious because many ex-slaves came to enlist. Plus they didn't mind not having to go out to look for a recruit. She also was joining an infantry regiment where there was more of a chance to hide her sex.
             Army Surgeon, C.M. Powers, the appointed surgeon of the 38th Infantry Regiment, failed to realize she was a woman. He did not do a thorough exam. She wasn't physically deformed and was muscular so he deemed her "fit for duty." Cathy fooled the surgeon and recruiters. She became the first woman and bl
             ...