A STORY BY MY COUSIN ANIRUDH WHO IS DOIN IS HIS 5TH GRADE

My Life as a Spy

I woke up to the sound of gunshots. I wondered "Where am I? Who am I? What am I doing here?" Then I remembered! I am George Lloyd.

I was born in 1754 in Jamestown, Virginia. I moved to Philadelphia when I was three and have been here ever since. I had a fun childhood. I was sent as an apprentice to Benjamin Franklin when I was eight. I learnt the art of printing. In 1769, Benjamin Franklin left for France.

I went back to my parent's house to start a printing press there. I started a newspaper called The Philadelphia Liberty Times. In the Times, there was a section about liberty. There were many complaints and insults about the British. This must have angered the British enough, that on a fateful morning, they broke into our house and killed my father. My family was shattered after the killing. I wanted revenge. I ran away from home, when I bumped into Paul Revere. He told me about a spy system he was organizing against the British. He asked me if I would like to join. This was my chance to get revenge on the British. I quickly enlisted and went into training. I was put in the head squadron to train. Our training included code of conduct, firearms, first aid, and the art of espionage.

After the training was over, we were left on our own, to roam the country and help the American Revolution. I went back to Philadelphia to work as a butler in the home of Lydia Darrah. Lydia Darrah was a famous society lady and her home was often used by British officers to eat and conference. Early in my employment, Lydia had caught me spying on the British and came to know that I belonged to Paul Revere’s organization. But she let me continue working.

In December of 1777, a high ranking official came to Lydia, and told her that they wanted to use her home for a secret meeting, and that everyone in the house needs to be asleep. Lydia and I knew that something was up. We decided to spy. Lydia overheard that the British were planning a secret attack on George Washington’s army camped at White Marsh. I wanted to leave immediately to warn the soldiers at White Marsh, but she made me wait. Next morning, Lydia made up the perfect excuse. I was to go to Frankford to pick up some flour for the house kitchen, for which I needed to cross British lines. After getting the required permit, I set off on this journey hoping to somehow get the word across to the Americans. And I did! I met an American officer, told him this urgent news, and pressed him to take action. I also said I would help in any way required.

That night the British Army attacked the camp. But we were prepared, and we drove the British back. However, I was shot by a stray bullet in the leg and I lost consciousness. That’s how I came to be lying on the battlefield. Once I recovered, I joined the army full time. We still had a long way to go to be a free country. But I still remember the brave woman Lydia Darrah who saved thousands of lives and showed me what it is to be a true patriot. I dream of the day when we see the light, a new day which brings liberty, justice, and freedom for all.