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Mondo Shared Reading Collection • G5 NF • (FPP) page proofs • Batch: 4 Theme: 7 pp05–10 06/10/14 cc

Lydia DarraghColonial Spy

The British marched into Philadelphia in the fall of 1777. General Sir William Howe took up residence in the house across the street from the Darraghs. Even though she was a Quaker, a member of a religious sect who believe in nonviolence, Lydia Darragh spied for George Washington’s army. In late fall, British troops demanded the use of her home for their meetings. Because of her religion and the fact that one of the British troops was a distant relative, the family was able to stay in the house even as the British used it.

On December 2, 1777, the family received orders to stay in their bedrooms. A secret meeting was being held downstairs. Darragh took a chance and snuck out. Hiding in a small closet next to the room where the meeting was happening, she listened as the men made plans for a surprise attack on December 4. When the meeting adjourned, she hurried upstairs.

The next day, she made plans to go get flour. Obtaining a pass from Howe to leave the city, she walked to get 25 pounds of flour. Then she continued walking to an inn where she knew she could find a recipient for her message. She walked many miles, but before coming to the inn, she passed an officer she knew and relayed the news. When Howe attacked that evening, Washington and his troops were ready for battle.

LydiaDarraghColonial Spyby Katherine Young

SRC_NF_G5.7_FPP.indd 10 9/19/14 4:16 PM