Mary Lindley Murray (1720–1782) is remembered for her clever role during the American Revolution. A Quaker living in Manhattan, she famously delayed British General William Howe and his troops after the Battle of Kip's Bay in 1776. By inviting the British officers into her home for tea and refreshments, she stalled them long enough to allow American forces under General Israel Putnam to retreat safely and avoid capture.
Murray's actions have been celebrated as a patriotic gesture, though some historians suggest her motivations may have also been influenced by a desire to maintain her family's social standing with both sides. Her story remains a fascinating example of individual ingenuity during a pivotal moment in history.
