National Women's History Museum Spies Exhibition

Not all colonial women were daughters of the revolution; many were actually recruited into British loyalist spy networks. General Henry Clinton of His Majesty’s military, like General Washington, relied heavily on his espionage networks for information.

Ann Bates

Loyalist recruited for intelligence gathering in the New York area in 1778.
Because of her marriage to a cannon repairman, was extremely knowledgeable about military weaponry; reports included vital information concerning equipment and strategic planning.
Highly successful in infiltrating Washington’s headquarters in White Plains, New York, twice.
Reconnaissance work led American and French armies to withdraw from Newport on August 31, 1778.

“Miss Jenny”

Member of General Henry Clinton’s spy network.
Cover story was insufficient; American and French officials did not completely trust her.
Based on her reporting—and other information supplied by Clinton’s spy network—General Clinton held his position in New York.
Resulted in a critical lack of support for General Cornwallis’s troops situated in Yorktown, leading to the end of the Revolution.
Read one of her letters and learn more about her at the Clements Library.

Undated Ann Bates Letter

Photo Credit:
William L. Clements Library
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That a woman whom Craig / has trusted often ? came to town / last night ? She is well acquainted / with many of the R. A. ? 2 particular / known to Chabmers ? one who / C.B. transacted a great deal of / business with ? it is proposed to / send her out under the Idea / of selling little Matters in the / R.C. she will converse with / Chambers: I will return whenever / she may have learned any thing / that shall be desired to be known.

Page 1 of the "Deposition of Miss Jenny."
Read the full letter HERE.

Photo Credit: William L. Clements Library
Click on image for larger view

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