LYDIA DARRAGH

EARLY LIFE

• Born in Dublin, Ireland
• Married the family tutor
• Moved to Philadelphia
• Was a Quaker

SHE...

... USED CODES

• British General Howe lived across the street
• She eavesdropped in his house for info
• Passed it on in coded notes to her son
• Her son informed the Continental army

... EAVESDROPPED

• As a Quaker, she wasn't beleived to be a threat
• Quakers were generally unsupportive of war
• Instead of going to sleep, she eavesdropped
• Heard about a surprise attack on the colonists

... LIED

• General Howe let her cross British lines to get flour
• Instead, she went to an American camp
• She told them of the British plans
• She was questioned once, but denied involvement
• British spymaster said "the walls must have ears"