355 The Women of Washington's Spy Ring

In August of 1779, General Washington's chief spy wrote the following words to his commander: "I intend to visit 727 (New York) before long and think by the assistance of a 355 of my acquaintance, shall be able to outwit them all." Historians have puzzled for centuries as to the identify of this 355, or "lady," in the code of the Culper Ring. 355: A Novel presents three possibilities: Meg Moncrieffe, a British sympathizer who turns to spying after being spurned by Aaron Burr; Elizabeth Burgin, al altruistic young widow who assists American soldiers in escaping the notorious prison ships; and Sally Townsend, the high-spirited sister of a Culper Ring member who listens at the keyholds of British soldiers quartered in her home. Although only one of the operates under the cody name 355, all three women have the same goal: help liberate America or die trying.