Ann Bates

Ann Bates, a Pennsylvania native, was a Philadelphia schoolteacher who married Joseph Bates, a British army soldier. He is also famous for being one of the most interesting people from the American Revolution. In 1778, she was one of the numerous loyalists who fled Philadelphia. Ann enrolled under Henry Clinton, the British Commander-in-Chief, during this time. Ann worked as a British spy for Major Duncan Drummond. She embarked on her maiden mission in 1778. Under the alias "Mrs. Barnes," she went to General George Washington's camp in White Plains, New York. Bates listened in on many talks and counted artillery units while at the camp. When she arrived in New York City, she informed Drummond of the tremendous amount of information she had gathered. She went to Washington's camp three times to gather information. She provided crucial information about the Rhode Island Campaign's planning, among other things.

Bates was discovered by a British soldier who had defected during her final assignment and promptly departed the American camp. At an American headquarters, she was discovered and questioned. She was, however, able to maintain her composure and was released. Bates' spying efforts were halted as a result of these instances. Ann Bates and her husband set a ship for England on March 6, 1781. She prepared a petition for pension after her divorce in 1785, which she was able to obtain thanks to Major Drummond's files and her good recall. Ann Bates was noted for her intelligence, attentiveness, and ability to remain calm under duress. During the American Revolution, she was one of the most significant British spies.

Lifespan: 1748 – 1801

Nationality: American