Ann Bates - Spy - A Klos Family Project - Revolutionary War
American Tory who spied for the British during the Revolutionary
War. A Philadelphia schoolteacher, who was a British Army wife she joined
the British troops evacuating Philadelphia and marching to New York City in
1778. Posing as an ardent Patriot, she easily passed through the American lines
around Philadelphia and traveled to New York. In where she became a spy
for Maj. John André using the cover name "Mrs.
Barnes" she spied on American troops.
Andre sent to her to the Continental Army's headquarters in
White Plains, NY. Bates pretended she was a peddler
and sold her goods to the American army while she spied. See: August 15, 1781 --
Baron Ottendorf Undated/Unsigned Letter from the Clinton
Collection:
It is reported that she not only listened in on
conversations and checked out gun emplacements but managed to walk into the
headquarters of Gen. George Washington.
She wrote:
"I had the Opportunity of going through their whole
Army Remarking at the same time the strength & Situation of each Brigade,
& the Number of Cannon with their Situation and Weight of Ball each Cannon
was Charged with,"
She also instrumental in ushering other spies to safe
houses while they made their way back to British-held territory.
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