Elizabeth F. Ellet

“ Her attachment to General Washington and his family continued through life; and during their residence in Philadelphia, she and Colonel Biddle were always honored guests at their table. She survived her husband many years, living till upwards of seventy, and to the last retaining in all their strength and freshness, the faculties and feelings of her prime. ”

“ When she called in New York on Mr. Galloway, who was supposed to have much influence at headquarters, he advised her to apply to Sir William Howe by memorial, and offered to draw up one for her. In a few minutes he produced what accorded with his ideas on the subject, and read to her what he had written, commencing with--"Whereas Mrs. Graydon has always been a true and faithful subject of His Majesty George the Third; and. whereas her son, an inexperienced youth, has been deluded by the arts of designing men-"
" Oh, sir," -cried the mother-" that will never do! ”

“ Gray don was accompanied by Colonel M'Ilvaine, an old friend, to the head quarters of the American army, where proper measures could be taken for her proceeding within the British lines. After being conducted to the lines, she was committed to the courtesy of some Hessian officers. It happened, during the ceremony of the flag, that a gun was somewhere discharged on the American side. ”

“ Graydon. She was pronounced by one of her acquaintances (Dr. Baird) , who has transmitted the record to posterity, to be "the finest girl in Philadelphia, having the manners of a lady bred at court." Her house was the seat of hospitality, and the resort of numerous guests of distinction, including officers of the British army. ”