Ann Bates

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.