Elizabeth Burgin Goes Into Hiding
Elizabeth Burgin assisted dozens of men on British prison ships in New York Harbor during the Revolutionary War.
Burgin also helped several captives escape, but was found out an sough assistance herself…from George Washington.
Elizabeth Burgin
The early life of Elizabeth Burgin is fairly mysterious.
All we can be sure of is that by 1779 she was a widow with three children.
We also know that she decided to throw in with the Patriots.
Feeding Prisoners
While there is no way to confirm that Elizabeth’s husband was killed fighting with the Revolutionaries, it certainly seems likely.
This is because Burgin, a resident of New York City, began bringing food to Continental Soldiers being held as captives on British prison ships.
Elizabeth soon moved into more dangerous territory, assisting in prison escapes.
Outed
Unfortunately, one of Burgin’s co-conspirators, George Higday, was arrested.
Higday wrote a confession which gave Elizabeth up as a spy.
She was forced to go into hiding for several weeks before bouncing around the greater New York area in an effort to dodge the British.
When she was successfully away, Burgin made her way to Philadelphia to seek the assistance of the Continental Congress.
Friends in High Places
When Elizabeth arrived in Philadelphia, she was treated favorably by the Patriots.
General Washington, who knew of the hundreds of men she helped feed and the several that she led to freedom, gave the now-destitute Burgin (and her children) rations from the Continental Army.
Furthermore, he wrote Congress a glowing recommendation on her behalf. In response, Congress granted Burgin a small, quarterly pension for her contribution to the American Founding which she collected through 1787, when she disappeared from the historical record.
Additionally, Elizabeth received assistance from at least one of the men she helped lead to freedom.
Want to learn about another PATRIOT LADY who assisted soldiers on prison ships?
You’ll love the story of Elizabeth Lewis:
Elizabeth Lewis Stands Confidently Against The British
Want to read more about women of the Revolution?
‘Founding Mothers’ by the late Cokie Roberts is certainly the place to start.
If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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