America's First Woman Warrior: The Courage of Deborah Sampson

by Lucy Freeman, Alma H. Bond

One of the most extraordinary tales of the Revolutionary War, as seen for the first time in our nation's history from a woman's perspective. In 1782, after enlisting in the 4th Massachusetts regime as Robert Shurtleff, Deborah Sampson became the first American woman soldier. 10 illustrations.

Genres: History, Biography

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Lucy Greenbaum Freeman was a reporter and an author. Her early coverage of psychiatry and mental health for The New York Times led to wider reporting on the subject. Ms. Freeman persuaded editors to allow coverage of the growth of psychiatry and the preservation of Sigmund Freud's private papers.

She graduated from Vermont's Bennington College with a B.A. in 1938 and was hired by The New York Times in 1940.

Her nonfiction books, ranging from detailed studies of Freud to those exploring sources of anger and anxiety, helped familiarize a popular audience with what had long been a hush-hush practice.

Ms. Freeman's first book, Fight Against Fears, recounted her own experience as a psychoanalysis patient who struggled to overcome her shy, whispery voice and social fears. Published in 1951, the book was in print for 47 years.

Her work earned the Writers Award from the American Psychiatric Association in 1976 and the National Media Award from the Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis in 1986. Ms. Freeman also wrote 77 other books, including mystery novels and memoirs.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to read this book about Deborah, the 1st woman in America to receive a pension for her militaary service during the Revolutionary War.
Deborah was a descendant from Priscilla and John Alden.
she is born in Plympton, Mass in 1760
She walks 150 miles to Boston at the age of 22 in 1782 to enlist in the army under her brother's name Robert Shurtliff.
She joined the 4th Massechusetts regiment of the Continental Army.
From West Point to Albany, New York City and Pennsylvania, Deborah marched with her fellow soldiers not knowing she was a woman. She returned to West Point after peace is declared in 1783 and dresses as a woman and meets all her fellow soldiers who are surprised and very supportive and honored by the bravery of this woman.

[Sara Evraets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about Deborah Sampson and this book not only documented the facts well, but also told the story as true as they could be. Very entertaining and I applaud the work and detail put into keeping this heroic and inspiring story alive.