Elizabeth Burgin (before 1760 – after 1790) was an American patriot during the

American Revolutionary War The American Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783), also known as the Revolutionary War or American War of Independence, was a major war of the American Revolution. Widely considered as the war that secured the independence of ...

who helped over 200

prisoners of war A prisoner of war (POW) is a person who is held Captivity, captive by a belligerent power during or immediately after an armed conflict. The earliest recorded usage of the phrase "prisoner of war" dates back to 1610. Belligerents hold priso ...

escape British

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Life

Not much is known of Elizabeth Burgin's early life. She was a mother of three and probably a war widow.

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2017, p. 144 Burgin brought food for prisoners of war housed on British

in New York. Frank 2013, p. 112 In 1779, she was approached by George Higday, a member of the

Culper Spy Ring The Culper Ring was a network of spies active during the American Revolutionary War, organized by Major Benjamin Tallmadge and General George Washington in 1778 during the British occupation of New York City. The name "Culper" was suggested by ...

, to help prisoners of war escape the prison ships. Some time later, the British intercepted a letter sent from

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to Benjamin Tallmadge, which talked about Higday's espionage. On July 13, 1779, Higday's home was raided by the British and arrested him. Higday's wife, in order to help her husband, told the British about Burgin's help. As a result, British authorities attempted to locate her and placed a bounty of £200 (£ or $ in 2016). Burgin hid for two weeks before moving to Long Island. After hiding for another five weeks, she moved to Connecticut and finally Philadelphia. In October 1779, Burgin received a flag of truce from the

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in order for her to get her children from New York back to Philadelphia. However she was not allowed to take her clothes or furniture. Since she was left with essentially nothing, Burgin petitioned to Washington in November 1779 for assistance. On December 25, 1779 George Washington allowed her to receive rations. Burgin received an annuity starting from 1781 and claimed the funds at least through 1787. Frank 2013, p. 113

Notes

References

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Burgin, Elizabeth People of New York (state) in the American Revolution Women in the American Revolution Year of death missing Place of birth missing Year of birth uncertain