Context: Sarah is returning to New Windsor, New York and plans to stop along the way at General Washington’s headquarters to cover events. After a soldier named Robert Shurtleff helps Sarah get to safety from an attack by armed Tories, he is wounded and taken to West Point Hospital. It is discovered that Robert is a woman.

A Fuller Story: While in the army, Deborah was part of an elite group of men who were picked for their above average size and physical ability. In her first battle, she took two musket balls (the time periods bullets) in the thigh and her forehead was cut. Deborah’s head wound was treated but she left the hospital before she could receive more treatment. She removed one of the musket balls by herself but could not get to the other one. She was assigned to other jobs and remained in uniform while waiting for the peace treaty. In the summer of 1783, she was discovered by a doctor, Barnabas Binney, who was treating her illness. He took her to his house to treat her and keep her secret. After the signing of the peace treaty, the date for the discharge of soldiers was set. Dr. Binney sent Deborah to General Paterson with a letter revealing her identity. Instead of a reprimand, the General gave her an honorable discharge, an advice note, and money for traveling home.

Consider this:  What possible reasons are there for men wanting or not wanting women in the army?

Clip from Liberty's Kids episode 34 ("Deborah Sampson: Soldier of the Revolution"), January 22, 2003