Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography ; v. 142, no. 2
Summary
"This article discusses the 1809 conviction of Susanna Cox for first-degree murder following the death of her newborn son. It uses sources from history and oral tradition in order to examine the case's long- and short-term ramifications for political and social interpretations of capital punishment within Pennsylvania. I explore the impact one case could have on legal history, the treatment of accused and convicted women, issues of linguistic separation within the courtroom, and changing legislative patterns within the commonwealth. These factors contributed to the case's ongoing impact on regional and ethnic social memory."
Includes bibliographical references (pages 247-258) and indexes.
Contents
A peace treaty is signed, the war begins -- British intrigues in Congress -- The British capture of Philadelphia -- Occupied Philadelphia : the British move in -- The Major John Clark Jr. spy ring -- Occupied Philadelphia : the British move out -- Chasing a fox -- Commuter spies : New York and Philadelphia -- Spies along the Susquehanna River : Lancaster, Muncy, and York -- The traitor and the merchant -- Pittsburgh : Pennsylvania's frontier -- European adventures -- More British intrigues in Congress.
Summary
Philadelphia played a key role in the history of spying during the American Revolution because it was the main location for the Continental Congress, was occupied by the British Command, and then returned to Continental control. Philadelphia became a center of spies for the British and Americansas well as double agents. George Washington was a firm believer in reliable military intelligence; after evacuating New York City, he neglected to have a spy network in place: when the British took over Philadelphia, he did not make the same mistake, and Washington was able to keep abreast of British troop strengths and intentions. Likewise, the British used the large Loyalist community around Philadelphia to assess the abilities of their Continental foes, as well as the resolve of Congress. In addition to describing techniques used by spies and specific events, such as the Major Andre episode, Nagy has scoured rare primary source documents to provide new and compelling information about some of the most notable agents of the war, such as Lydia Darragh, a celebrated American spy.An important contribution to Revolutionary War history, Spies in the Continental Capital: Espionage Across Pennsylvania During the American Revolution demonstrates that intelligence operations on both sides emanating from Pennsylvania were vast, well-designed, and critical to understanding the course and outcome of the war.
