What Is The Most Likely Explanation For The Discrepancy Between Deborah Sampson's Own Account Of Her Time As A Soldier In The Continental Army, As Recorded By Her Lawyer In Her 1792 Pension Appeal, And The Contradictory Testimony Of Her Former Comrades, Which Has Led Some Historians To Question The Extent Of Her Involvement In Espionage Activities During The Revolutionary War?

The discrepancy between Deborah Sampson's account and her comrades' testimony likely stems from her need to secure a pension. She or her lawyer may have embellished her role, including espionage claims, to strengthen her case. Without corroborating evidence, her assertions are harder to verify, leading historians to question their validity. This combination of potential exaggeration and lack of supporting testimony underpins the doubts about her involvement in espionage.