How did Deborah Sampson help the revolutionary cause?

When Deborah heard about the Revolutionary War, she wanted to help in some way. So in October of 1778 she disguised herself as a young man and signed in under the name of Robert Shirtliffe. She served under Captain Nathan Thayer of Massachusetts.

For three years she did various jobs and was wounded twice, once by a sword cut on her head and four months later she was shot through the shoulder.

Her true identity went undetected until she came down with brain fever, which was prevalent in the camp at the time. When the physician, Dr. Binney, discovered her charade, he said nothing. Instead, he took her to his house saying that he could treat her better there. When she was better, General Washington summoned her and gave her a letter and enough money to get home safely.

After the war, Deborah Samson married Benjamin Garrett of Sharon, and they had three children.

During George Washington’s presidency she received a letter inviting Robert Shirtliffe, or rather Mrs. Gannett, to visit Washington. During her stay at the capital a bill was passed granting her a pension, in addition to certain lands, which she was to receive as an acknowledgment for her services to the country as a Revolutionary soldier.

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