THE SECRET SOLDIER: The Story of Deborah Sampson

McGovern doesn't say but this is doubtless based on the first person writings and lectures in which Deborah Sampson publicized her successful career as Robert Shurtliff, Continental soldier. Here we move deliberately from Deborah's trials as a poor orphan determined to get an education, through some bulletins on the progress of the war, and on to Deborah's army stint which ended (after discovery by a doctor) with her appearing before General Paterson in lace and ribbons--""This lovely young lady in her pink gown? Robert Shurtliff, the young soldier?"" The dialogue throughout is more tedious than revealing--""Why aren't you thinking about getting married, child, like girls are supposed to do?"" On the sluggish side, but an adequate, thorough testimonial to one of the most appealing heroines of the Revolution.