by Kellea Croft

Created on: August 06, 2008   Last Updated: July 26, 2010

The unlikely Quaker that spoiled the British plans

Lydia Barrington Darrah was a brave woman that took on the British army. She was born in Ireland and came to America with her husband, William Darrah. They were members of the Society of Friends in Philadelphia at the time of British occupation of the town.

Quakers are pacifists, but when Lydia's eldest son, Chris, ran off to join the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment her heart was torn between her child and her duty to God. The opportunities that were afforded her to cross British lines were incredible for a woman of her era, and just as most stories of women in history, very little note is ever given to her brave feats.

General William Howe and the British troops took occupation of Philadelphia in September of 1777. They took over homes of the residents telling them to find other shelters for them and their family. The Darrahs had already sent their two youngest children to stay with distant relatives in another city. They had no other place to go. She asked permission of General Howe to stay in the home, he agreed. He did not see Quakers as threats to his security as they were neut ral in the war.

On the evening of December 2nd, they were asked to retire at 8pm so that a meeting could be held in their home. She listened to the plans that the British were attacking the Continental army at Whitemarsh led by George Washington. She returned to her bed and pretended to sleep, not answering their knocks three times, so that they felt she was a heavy sleeper.

There are conflicting stories as to what happened next. As it was some years after the event and Lydia's death that the event was recorded. Her daughter relayed the story as she remembered being told. Some disbelieve the event with dates being incorrect; others say that even though the facts may be off a day or two, it does not take from the fact that Lydia is a hero to the American people.

Lydia got permission to cross the British line in order to gather flour from the mill. She dropped the bag off and proceeded towards the American line to tell of the events that passed in her home. On the road she met up with Colonel Craig of the Light Horse and told him about the impending attack. He took her to a nearby home to eat and rest before undertaking the journey back.

Elias Boudinot, who was eating at the Rising Sun Tavern said that an elderly woman came and handed him a needle book; that he found a note regarding the impending act. Upon other verification he took the

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