21 Facts About Ann Bates

Ann Bates was an American Loyalist spy during the American Revolution.

Ann Bates was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she became a schoolteacher.

Ann Bates went on to become a part of British General Henry Clinton's espionage network and helped them combat American forces on several fronts.

Ann Bates was known for her missions completed at George Washington's base camp in White Plains, New York, and during the Rhode Island campaign or the Battle of Rhode Island.

Ann Bates was born in Philadelphia where she became a schoolteacher.

Ann Bates operated a small store to support herself, and kept bees and sheep.

Ann Bates married Joseph Ann Bates, an artillery engineer who joined Clinton's retreating forces in 1778.

Ann Bates was recruited into espionage by civilian-spy, John Craig, or "Craiggie".

Clinton appointed Major John Andre to oversee intelligence operations, and under his leadership Ann Bates became part of the spy ring.

Ann Bates convinced then General Benedict Arnold that she was leaving to conduct business in New York City, following her husband who had joined Clinton's forces on the same day.

The mission was to identify a disloyal soldier in Washington's camp who could provide the British with intelligence, but Ann Bates was unable to find someone willing.

Ann Bates instead listened in on many conversations and counted artillery pieces on the camp.

Ann Bates recorded intelligence on American movement into Rhode Island.

Ann Bates completed three trips to the camp and relayed information necessary for the British troops to combat American military efforts in the Battle of Rhode Island.

Ann Bates traveled through a series of safe houses that were designed for women spies at the time.

Ann Bates fled directly back to New York and while traveling through New Jersey, she stayed in Tory safe houses throughout the state.

Ann Bates was detained and taken to Scott, who questioned her.

Ann Bates traveled with him there but refrained from taking part in any further spy networking.

Ann Bates took pride in her role after the war was over and wrote a petition for a pension in 1785.

Ann Bates is remembered as an integral spy for the Loyalist army during the American Revolution.

Ann Bates was portrayed by Tina Benko in the AMC TV series, Turn: Washington's Spies.