Experience the American dream with today’s Patriots of the Past interview. I’m your host, John Gillespie.
It’s December 3, 1777. I’m in Philadelphia at the Golden Fleece Tavern. I’m talking with devout Quaker Lydia Darragh.
JG: “Lydia, what is a religious lady like you doing hanging around in this seedy pub?”
LD: “John, the British have taken over my house until Christmas and sometimes they meet there to discuss their military plans. I listen in and give the information to General Washington.”
At the risk of her life, Lydia gave the Continental Army key information. Her courage provided enemy plans that helped allow Philadelphians to soon celebrate Christmas and freedom.
Read General Boudinot’s journal entry where he gives an account of Lydia conveying the enemy plans to him.
John and Jan Gillespie are the founders of the Rawhide Boys’ Ranch; they have fostered 351 teenagers and wrote the book Our 351 Sons; they have also assisted numerous churches in developing youth programs and expanding their total church ministries. After running for U.S. Senate, John founded 1776 American Dream, which exists to demonstrate the vision of our founding fathers and help our generation of youth passionately embrace those values.
