1. Lydia Darragh was an Irishwoman said to have crossed the lines during the British occupation of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the American Revolutionary War, delivering information to George Washington and the Continental Army that warned them of a pending British attack.
Lydia Darragh gave birth to nine children, but sadly, four of them died at birth: Hunter, Connor, Caira, and Nora.
Lydia Darragh eavesdropped on their meeting, learning of their plan to go after Washington's army at Whitemarsh.
Lydia Darragh passed the information of the impending British attack through him, got her flour, and headed back to Philadelphia.
Lydia Darragh began regularly providing her son Charles with information regarding the enemy's plans, gathered by eavesdropping in her home and around town.
Lydia Darragh told them that they had already sent away their two youngest children to live with relatives in another city, but that they had nowhere else to go and would like to stay in their home.
Lydia Darragh protested and went straight to Howe's residence across the street from her home.
Lydia Darragh was immediately taken aback by his Irish brogue and his name Barrington, which was her maiden name.
Lydia Darragh told her that he was from Dublin and in the course of the conversation, she discovered that he was her second cousin.
Lydia Darragh explained to him the situation and he stated that he would take up her case with Howe immediately.
Lydia Darragh was told that she would be awakened when the soldiers were finished so she could let them out.
Lydia Darragh pretended to go to sleep, but instead listened to the soldiers through the door.
Lydia Darragh snuck back to bed and pretended to be asleep until the officer, Major John Andre, knocked three times at her door to awaken her to follow them out and extinguish the candles.
Lydia Darragh decided not to share this information with her husband.
Lydia Darragh dropped off her empty bag at the mill and then headed toward the American camp.
Lydia Darragh denied any knowledge of this and was not further questioned.