Ann Bates

Ann Bates (1748 – 1801) was an American Loyalist spy during the American Revolution. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she became a schoolteacher. She went on to become a part of British General Henry Clinton's espionage network and helped them combat American forces on several fronts. Known as "Mrs. Bates" to affiliates in spy networks, she reportedly took part in various clandestine spy missions between 1778 and 1780. Bates was known for her missions completed at George Washington's base camp in White Plains, New York, and during the Rhode Island campaign or the Battle of Rhode Island.

Early life Bates was born in Philadelphia where she became a schoolteacher. She operated a small store to support herself, and also kept bees and sheep. Bates married Joseph Bates, an artillery engineer who joined Clinton's retreating forces in 1778. Disguised as a peddler, she traveled freely amongst the soldiers.

Entering the spy ring Bates was recruited into espionage by civilian-spy, John Craig, or "Craiggie".

The decision to include Bates in Andre's network was prompted by reports of an alliance forming between France and the United States. With the shifting political landscape, Bates, like many loyalists, departed Philadelphia alongside the British Army. She convinced then General Benedict Arnold that she was leaving to conduct business in New York City, following her husband who had joined Clinton's forces on the same day.

Upon reaching New York City, Bates encountered a surprise when she met Duncan Drummond, a key figure in Clinton's spy operations, instead of Craig. They persuaded Bates to join the British spy network. Drummond wrote of their meeting, "A woman whom Craig has trusted often came to town last night. She is well acquainted with many of the R.A. (Royal Army)... It is proposed to send her out under the idea of selling little matters." She traveled through a series of safe houses that were designed for women spies at the time. She later wrote, "I had the opportunity of going through their whole army remarking at the same time the strength and situation of each brigade, and the number of cannon with their situation and weight of ball each cannon was charged with." In April 1780, her husband, Joseph Bates,