On December 2, 1777, the British controlled Philadelphia and commandeered part of the Darragh family’s home where they planned a surprise attack on Washington’s Army. Family legend has it that Lydia Darragh took notes and passed these on to to the American troops outside the city. Because of this, Washington’s men at Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania, were prepared. After three days, General Howe had to retreat to Philadelphia. Darragh is considered one of the first spies in American history.
