Private Robert Shurtleff enlisted in the Continental Army in 1782. He served for over a year, during which time he suffered first a saber wound and later a gunshot wound. He treated both injuries himself, then returned to the fighting. Although surely in great pain, he continued fighting until the musket ball—still inside him—finally made him gravely ill.
So, what made Robert different from the other soldiers?
The simple fact he wasn’t a he at all. Robert was actually Massachusetts native Deborah Sampson, a young woman who wanted to serve her country in American’s war for independence.
A short time after the doctor discovered her deception, she received an honorable discharge by General Henry Knox at West Point. After leaving the army, she married and had three children. However, health problems plagued her for the rest of her life because of that musket ball, which was never removed.
Being a woman, Deborah wasn’t eligible to receive the four-dollar monthly military pension, but that changed with the help of Paul Revere, who successfully petitioned Congress for her in 1804.
Deborah Sampson: December 17, 1760 – April 29, 1827
My heartfelt thanks to all veterans—Revolutionary War to present—who served/serve to keep us free and safe. God Bless America and Happy Veteran’s Day!
–B.L. Unkel
I was not aware of Deborah Sampson before reading your post. Thank you for the research and telling her story.
Your posts are enlightening and entertaining too!
Believe it or not, Eileen, I found her story in an old Highlights for Children magazine. She was a fascinating woman. In 1802 she became one of the first women lecturers, talking about her experiences as a soldier.
Thanks. I’m glad you’re enjoying my Did You Know? posts.