I Spy - Espionage During the American Revolution; Journal of an 11 Year Old Spy

June 2nd, 17771

I’ve done all I can do. Sons of Liberty have asked me to help spy on the Redcoats. I do this not only because I want to serve my country, but because I feel it is also my duty, for I am the granddaughter of Dr. Thomas Young, one of the greatest Sons in history. However, what I am doing is difficult. You see, my older brother has married a true Englishwoman, and is now a Redcoat. But, my family still remains devoted to the Patriots. My Father and other brother has also remained devoted, and is fighting on the battlefield. His service has been delayed though, for he is sick on the battlefield with smallpox, and the doctors and nurses say he may not make it. We cannot deliver supplies, for the fighting is to crude. We are at a bloody war with the English.2

June 24th, 17773

Grandpa has died, and the Sons and the family are all in mourning. With my brothers and father on the battlefield, my sister sick with Scarlet Fever, and Grandpa gone, I am their only hope. They want me to deliver an important message in a packet of gunpowder to James Forten. I must cross through the meadow into the battlefield. I must then find Molly Pitcher. She’ll send me safely in the hands of one of her trusted soliders to Sir Forten’s camp. Before three dawns break, I should be at camp, and deliver the message. These are my orders. My heart is pounding a hundred miles a minute. This will happen when I turn 11 in a week.4

July 1st, 17835

I’ll start at the beginning before I explain anything. I always keep this journal, a pen, and ink with me so I can write during hard times.6

I successfully reached Molly, but we had complications. The British had found out about our plan It turns out, my Loyalist brother had stopped by and spied on our home while Mother and I were discussing my mission. He told them everything he knew.7

Molly and I heard gunshots firing. We saw Redcoats in the clearing.8

“Run! ” Molly screamed. She urged me along with a solider, and we ran and ran.. After about three days of hiding, we arrived at camp. The solider introduced me to James Forten. We met, and shook hands. I handed him the gunpowder. He said I deserved to know what the message was about because I had carried it safely across the battlefield, out of the hands of the Redcoats. He told me that the gunpowder contained a written plan that will help free all the Patriots imprisoned by King George. 9

As Sir Forten finished talking, we heard and saw a bomb heading for our camp I struggled to escape as a group of Redcoats ambushed us. Before I could run, those Englishmen tied a blindfold around my eyes ,gagged me, and put something over my face that caused me to black out.10

That is how I ended up in this English prison. They have questioned me, have held me captive for 6 years, but. I refuse to say anything. In 4 years, I will face the drop. These times are for our people, but I know some things for sure. I know that the Patriot prisoners will soon be free, and we will soon overcome the Redcoats. I know I’m Ellen Young, granddaughter of the great Dr. Thomas Young .I’m sure he is smiling.11