Chapter II: Part 2

“I think I owe to my country the accomplishment of an object so important and so much desired by the commander of her armies, and I know no mode of obtaining the information but by assuming a disguise and passing into the enemy’s camp. I am fully sensible of the consequences of discovery and capture in such a situation. But for a year I have been attached to the army, and have not rendered any material service, while receiving a compensation for which I make no return. Yet I am not influenced by any expectation of promotion or pecuniary reward. I wish to be useful; and every kind of service necessary for the public good becomes honorable by being necessary. If the exigencies of my country demand a peculiar service, its claims to the performance of that service are imperious.”

Knowlton presently conducted Hale to Washington, who delivered instructions concerning his mission. The commander also furnished him with a general order to the owners of all American vessels in Long Island Sound to convey him to any point on Long Island which he might designate.

Asher Wright, his trusty servant, was told to have the horses ready at the earliest moment, and, in company with Stephen Hempstead, they set off that Saturday evening. No hint has been given as to how they reached Norwalk, except that because of the British cruisers in the vicinity they could find no available boat until they got there, which may indicate that they spent a part of Sunday, hunting perhaps at Stamford and other points between there and Rye. Captain Pond, whom Hale knew, happened to be at Norwalk, then in command of the armed sloop Schuyler and arrangements were made to take him across to Huntington on the Long Island shore that night. Hempstead, who accompanied him this far, writing fifty years later, says that he changed his uniform for a plain suit of citizens’ brown clothes, with a round broad-brimmed hat: He does not tell us whether he brought the extra suit with him, but we must presume that Captain Pond furnished it, although Hale charged Hempstead with the care of his army clothes, his commission and public and private papers, and also his silver shoe buckles, saying they would not comport with his character as a schoolmaster. He requested Hempstead to wait at Norwalk until he returned or was heard from.

It was near daylight Monday morning when Hale was landed on the beach at Huntington. No sound save the plash of the waves disturbed the quiet of the approaching day. No sign of human habitation was in sight: no guidepost to indicate the direction to the town; but there were hills not far away and from these a better view might be had. A path was discovered and he rightly surmised it led to the town. Who there entertained this martyr unawares we may never know. Nobody there wanted a teacher just at that time, but everybody was ready to tell him how the Whigs were crossing from Huntington every day in order to escape the British. Foraging parties had already been to Oyster Bay and other towns. Two hundred wagons had been demanded from the farmers of Suffolk County to remove the baggage of the British from New Utrecht to Hellgate, and already three hundred had been sent there. Only the troops were allowed to cross the ferries from Long Island to New York without passes;[10] but the market boats were still in service and doing a good business supplying the British troops with fresh country produce. Their difficulty was to get men to assist in loading and unloading.

We cannot think that Hale would fail to take advantage of this opportunity. Whilst the boats at Huntington were transporting passengers to Connecticut with their household effects, those from Oyster Bay were supplying the New York markets and now were making deliveries directly to the camp kitchens. Without loss of time, Hale must have followed the road from Huntington to Oyster Bay. There it was not necessary for him to diverge from the truth. He found Huntington was already well supplied with teachers, and being willing to work at anything was glad to assist on the market boats. They stopped at Whitestone Landing, at Flushing, and at Hellgate, and it was now his business to inquire how many troops were at each place, how many more were expected, and how long they would remain, and perhaps even where they expected to be the following week. Then, with what was left of the cargo, they crossed to New York and there found ready market.

We know that Nathan Hale upon arrival in the city found that many of the British had already crossed the river, had engaged the men of his own company among others, and were now fortifying their positions in various sections of the city. And undoubtedly he mingled among them until, early on the morning of the 21st of September, the lower portion of the city was discovered to be in flames. We may never know how his time was occupied that day,[11] but it is possible that in spite of his disguise he discovered he had been recognized as one of the officers attached to Washington’s army. It may have startled him when he realized that he was back at the place he started from almost a week before. Back, but now not among friends. Washington had withdrawn and the British were now in possession of the ground between him and the American army. A walk of less than three miles along the shore of Harlem Creek would bring him within the American lines. It may have seemed the easiest way to return, and in fact might have been safely accomplished but for the unusual events of that day. The great curtain of smoke that hung over the city attracted attention for many miles around. Among those who went out of their way to obtain details of its cause was Captain Quarme and the crew of the Halifax. They were off Whitestone Point at the time, but when they had neared Manhattan in the vicinity of Ward’s Island, Quarme, with a few men, went ashore near what is now One Hundred and Eleventh Street. Hale was just reaching the water-front at that point, and noticing the small boat, and the Halifax not being in sight as the trees on Ward’s Island hid the view, concluded it might be a friendly party from Long Island. He had betrayed his anxiety and attracted suspicion before he realized his mistake. By Captain Quarme’s order he was left with the sentinels at the British outposts, who later conducted him to headquarters, and when the men returned they rowed for the Halifax and sailed back to anchorage that night in the vicinity of City Island. Later in the war the Halifax was stationed at Huntington, which may account for the idea that Hale was captured there.

The documents previously quoted show his treatment after reaching the British lines.

FOOTNOTES to “NATHAN HALE”:

[8] In the class of 1773 at Yale College among others were Nathan Hale and his brother Enoch, Benjamin Tallmadge, and William Townsend. William Hull was in the class of 1772. Of all the college mates of Nathan Hale perhaps none had as deep an influence over his decisions as Benjamin Tallmadge, and as may be observed, perhaps none was more responsible for Tallmadge devoting the greater part of his military career to assisting the spies of Washington than Hale. A carefully preserved letter of advice to Hale, written at the time he was contemplating changing the garb of a teacher for that of a soldier reads: “Was I in your condition, notwithstanding the many, I had almost said insuperable, objections against such a resolution, I think the more extensive service would be my choice. Our holy Religion, the honour of our God, a glorious country, & a happy constitution is what we have to defend. Some indeed may say there are others who may supply your place. True there are men who would gladly accept such a proposal but are we certain that they would be likely to answer just as good an end? Could this be certainly known, though we all should be ready to step forth in the common cause, I could think it highly incumbent on you not to change your situation. These hints, thrown together in great haste, proceed from a heart ever devoted to your welfare, and from one who shall esteem it his happiness to promote yours. I hope to hear from you soon & to know your determination; in the mean time I remain your constant friend &c., &c.,

B. Tallmadge.

To Mr. Nathan Hale New London. Wethersfield, July 4, 1775.

[9] Hale knew his mother was not living. It was an incorrect guess that one of the letters was for her.

[10] In a letter from New York we hear that no person is suffered to go out of the town without giving proper notices of their departure to Gen. Howe; nor no person suffered to enter without their being first strictly examined by the general officers commanding the several gates for admittance.--Middlesex Journal, Sept 24, 1776.

[11] Although most of our large cities have had fires equalling that of New York, yet because New York’s happened just at the time Nathan Hale was there there are those who contend that he must have had a hand in it. So insistent were some that an exhaustive study of the subject seemed desirable. For this purpose contemporary charts of the tide and records of the wind on the date of the fire were studied and the route of the men from near Whitestone to 111th Street. The conclusion arrived at is that Hale could have had no part in the fire aside from the possibility of his being an interested eye witness. It must not be forgotten that he was sent over to Long Island--the British had not yet entered New York, and from the spot from which he started on his way to Long Island it was at that time possible to send any man to any part of the city of New York within an hour. It is not possible to believe that any sane man would start on a week’s journey to reach a destination he could arrive at in safety within an hour. Had Hale, discovering the opportunity favorable, turned aside from the work he was given to do, he being sent as a spy to discover and report the intentions of the enemy, he would have deserved the treatment of a deserter at the hands of General Washington and if he had given the British any proof that he had acted the part of an incendiary he would have met death accordingly, and not as alleged “because upon him they discovered notes and documents that proved him to be a spy.” True many favored destroying the city at that time, and it is also a fact that a large quantity of inflammable material was left in the city when the troops under General Washington moved north, and to these were added additional stores that the British brought with them. The area of the fire may have been increased thereby but the contemporary conclusion that its origin was accidental cannot be changed.

GENERAL WASHINGTON’S SPIES

The capture and execution of Nathan Hale made a failure of the attempt to get instant information from within the British lines; but it formed a determination in the General’s mind to establish a Secret Service Bureau that would be more carefully planned and consequently less liable to disappointing results. The man selected to manage the spy system within the city of New York was Robert Townsend, of Oyster Bay, Long Island. Without discovery he furnished General Washington with correct information throughout the war, and at its close, lest harm should come to him, the General determined that his identity should never be revealed. His books, which remained sealed for over a century, now permit positive identification.(101)

Before the war began, Robert Townsend acted as purchasing agent for his father, in importing flax and sugar and molasses, tea and coffee and iron and rum and similar commodities,(102) and there is a suggestion that he may have collected a secret fund for the “Sons of Liberty” in 1772, ’73, and ’74. His first war work commenced when the Provincial Convention resolved unanimously on August 24, 1776, “That Robert Townsend be a commissary to supply Brigadier-General Woodhull’s Brigade with provisions”; but it may have been abruptly ended with the capture of Woodhull and the scattering of his men.(103) Released from other employment he had opportunity and with the gift of a keen observation was able to assist General Scott and later Abraham Woodhull in collecting intelligence. Lack of confidence might have deterred him from making more than verbal reports had they been required but at the moment they were satisfactory, and either Woodhull or Scott embodied his information in the reports to headquarters. Every general was prepared to furnish spies, but the arrangement now being made was of a more permanent nature, General Washington proposing that they should establish headquarters right in the heart of the British camp. General Chas. Scott took particular interest in arranging for this but was called to other service before it was fully organized. Major Benjamin Tallmadge, of the Second Regiment, Light Dragoons, was then selected to carry on the work. Tallmadge was a native of Long Island, born at Brookhaven in Suffolk County on February 25, 1754; and it was, therefore, natural for him to expect to find there those in whom he could place the greatest confidence. In this he was not disappointed. Men there were already anxious to be serviceable to their country’s cause in any capacity. Abraham Woodhull, Caleb Brewster, and Austin Roe, were among the leaders. So important was their work that without them little from New York City could have reached the General.

The exact date when the service of systematically transmitting intelligence commenced cannot be ascertained. In his “Memoir,” Colonel Tallmadge merely records:

“This year [1778] I opened a private correspondence with some persons in New York [for Gen. Washington] which lasted through the war. How beneficial it was to the Commander-in-Chief is evidenced by his continuing the same to the close of the war. I kept one or more boats constantly employed in crossing the Sound on this business.... My station was in the county of Westchester, and occasionally along the shores of the Sound.”

A letter from Major Tallmadge addressed to General Scott, dated Bedford, October 29, 1778, reads:

“I have this moment received a letter from a gentleman direct from Long Island, by the very gentleman whom I made mention to you the other day to serve as a conveyance for Samuel Culper’s letters. I doubt not it is authentic.”

Samuel Culper was the name assumed by those who furnished the secret intelligence. At first without distinction, but later Abraham Woodhull signed “Samuel Culper, Sr.,” and Robert Townsend, “Samuel Culper, Jr.” Sometimes in error they would write “Culper Samuel,” and Townsend sometimes forgot to add the “Jr.”

Abraham Woodhull’s letter of October 31, 1778, indicates the hazard of the work in New York City, and mentions finding a faithful friend who will assist him. His letter reads:

“Since my last have explored Long Island, City of New York
and island unto the ten mile stone to Tryons Quarters where
I received his threats for comeing their that made me almost
tremble knowing my situation and business but blessed be God
have been prosperd and particularly successful in ingaging a
faithful friend and one of the first characters in the City
to make it his business and keep his eyes upon every movement
and assist me in all respects and meet and consult weekly in
or near the city. I have the most sanguine hopes of great
advantage will acrue by his assistance.... If bad weather doth
not prevent you will hear from me weekly. I have to request
that you will destroy every letter instantly after reading
for fear of some unforseen accident that may befall you and the
letters get into the enemies hands and probably find me out
and take me before I have any warning. I desire you will be
particularly cairfull. Hopeing this may arrive safe and be able
to serve you better in my next is the earnest desire of your
most obedient Hbl. Servt.

“SAMUEL CULPER.”

1. Generals Philip Schuyler, 2. Marquis de LaFayette, 3. Nathaniel Greene, 4. George Clinton, 5. Robert Howe, 6. Israel Putnam, 7. John Lamb, 8. William Heath.]

Before the end of the next month Culper’s letters were delayed, which caused Major Tallmadge to address the General with the letter which follows:

BEDFORD, Novr. 19th, 1778.

Your Excellency’s favr. of yesterday has this moment
arrived--The queries therein contained shall be immediately
transmitted for solution.

I have been hourly waiting, for more than two days, for a
letter from Culper, and I am confident the failure must be
attributed to those employed in crossing the Sound for such
despatches, as his punctuality heretofore in fulfilling all
appointments with his Post, leaves no room to doubt in the
present case. I am further induced to impute it to this
cause inasmuch as I was lately informed that the men who
had been employed with Lt. Brewster on this business, had
not yet returned to their former duty. I could wish that no
difficulties of this nature might prevent his letters coming in
season, as it may be of the utmost importance that his letters
should be immediately forwarded to Headquarters. To the end
that your instructions may be duly transmitted and to make some
little inquiries into the causes of the aforementioned delay, I
determine to ride immediately to Fairfield, where Brewster has
made his Post for some time.

When Genl. Scott was about leaving this Post he proposed
a plan for the regular conveyance of Cr’s letters to your
Excellency, which he intended to lay before your Excellency on
his arrival at Head Quarters. I hope before the General removes
from Fredericksburgh his pleasure may be known, that Cr. may
not be at a loss how to convey his letters with certainty
and expedition. His extreme cautiousness and even timidity,
in his present undertaking, would not admit of having his
business made known to any Persons who are not at present his
confidants--so that, as Genl. Scott observed before he left
us, if it was communicated to any other persons he would most
probably leave his present employment immediately--I mention
this, not fearing that his letters or business will be made
public at camp, but lest some persons in this quarter should be
made acquainted with his present situation, which, as I before
observed, would make him extremely unhappy, and as he assured
when he embarked in the business, he should leave the Island
immediately. I am with all due Respect, &c.

BENJ. TALLMADGE.

To this General Washington replied:

_Headquarters_, 20th. Nov. 1778.

_Sir._ I was favored with your letter of Yesterday. You will be
pleased to observe the strictest silence with respect to C----
As you are to be the only person entrusted with the knowledge
or conveyance of his letters.

The 23d of November found another long letter of Abraham Woodhull’s on its way to Headquarters, the first page of which may be read among the Notes.(104) Continuing he says:

“I am firmly of opinion that a sudden attack of ten-thousand
men would take the City and put an end to the war, and save
the stores and Long Island from devastation. All the best of
their troops are on Long Island. There is about 300, most of
them Hessians, at Brooklyn Ferry. 350 New Town, British; 1500
British Jamaica; 800 Yeagers, Flushing; 200 Jerico, most of
them Dragoons; 400 foot, 70 Dragoons Oyster Bay; 150 Lloyd’s
Neck, N. Leveys; 400 Hempstead, Dragoons; Stripping Barns and
out houses for boards to build huts for Winter. 40 wagons
100 troops this day at Smith Town collecting cattle, sheep,
Boards, &c. They make no distinction between Whig and Tory,
abuse all to a great degree, and no redress can be obtained.
Count d’Estaing’s dispatches for France are taken and brought
to town but are Cypher prepared so they cannot be found out. I
will note to you that much provision is brought to town from
the Jerseys privately; flour, beef, &c. I saw a gentleman of
my acquaintance, lately from England, where he hath been three
years; he saith Independence will certainly be granted this
session of Parliament. My business is expensive; so dangerous
traveling that I am obliged to give my assistants high wages,
but am as sparing as possible. I have drawn on you for fifty
Pounds in Specie, York Money, which please accept. I should
be glad to have given you a better account but it cannot be
obtained their movements are so strange that causes every one
to admire. Hoping this may be of some service I remain Your
most Obedt. Hbl. Servt,

“SAMUEL CULPER.”

In a letter enclosing the preceding to Headquarters Major Tallmadge adds:

“It may not be amiss to observe, in addition to Culper’s
letter, that the gentleman mentioned by him to have lately
arrived from England, is one Doctr. Nicoll, a gentleman of
my acquaintance, on the varacity of whose report I have been
persuaded I might safely depend--Your Excellency will perceive
by the enclosed that C---- has drawn for 26 or 27 Guineas. In
addition to this he has forwarded an order for the payment of
sd. money to his friend. If your Excellency should see fit to
transmit any money, it may be safely entrusted to the Bearer,
on whose integrity I could depend in matters of much greater
importance.”

As will later be observed, General Washington was now in receipt of a secret formula for their correspondence, which he wished to put to use. Therefore he answered Major Tallmadge saying: “I should be glad to have an interview with Culper myself, in which I would put the mode of corresponding upon such a footing that even if his letters were to fall into the enemy’s hands, he would have nothing to fear, on that account.” However in his letter following the above he says: “When I desired an interview with him I did not know his peculiar situation. I now see the danger that so long an absence would incur and I must leave it entirely to you to manage the correspondence in such a manner as will most probably insure safety to him and answer the desired end.”

* * * * *

Major Tallmadge answered this on December 23d, saying: “Since your Excellency judges it improper to have an interview with C----, any private instructions which you may wish to transmit him, not so proper for me to transcribe, may be very safely conveyed to him, as from the regularity of his dispatches and the characters of the persons who I know are entrusted with their conveyance from N. Y. to Brook Haven, I dare venture to say there is not the least probability, and I had almost said hardly a possibility of a discovery.”

* * * * *

From Philadelphia on January 2d, 1779, came instructions for Major Tallmadge to forward his letters through General Putnam. “There are regular Expresses established between Danbury and the Head Quarters of the Army,” it reads. “And you therefore need not in future send a special messenger the whole way. Send your letters to General Putnam at or near Danbury, letting him know that they are to be forwarded with dispatch. I shall get them sooner than by a single express.”

* * * * *

Culper’s next letter, dated Feb. 26, is one of great length,(105) detailing the strength and position of all the troops of the enemy. In the closing paragraph he says: “Coll. Floyd returned on his Parole the 16. I earnestly wrote you for his discharge. I repeat it again, I anxiously desire you would not forget. I am very likely to stand in need of his services. I desire you will send me one hundred pounds, by the next appointment without fail, as I have spent already forty pounds more than I have received from you. Board is £3 per week in New York besides other necessary expenses postage and etcetra.”

“SAMUEL CULPER.”

* * * * *

An enclosure from Brewster accompanied the above letter. His in full is as follows:

FAIRFIELD, Feb. 26th, 1779.

_Dear Sir._ I have returned from the Island this day. Genl.
Erskine remains yet at Southampton. He has been reinforced
to the number of 2500. They have three redoubts at South
and East Hampton and are heaving up works at Canoe Place at
a narrow pass before you get into South Hampton. They are
building a number of flat bottom boats. There went a number of
carpenters down last week to South Hampton. It is thought by
the inhabitants that they will cross over to New London after
the Continental Frigates. Col. Hewlet remains yet on Lloyd’s
Neck with 350, wood cutters included. Col. Simcoe remains at
Oyster bay with 300 Foot and Light Horse. There is no troops
from Oyster Bay till you come to Jamaica. There is one Regt.
of Highlanders and some at Flushing and Newtown, the numbers I
cannot tell, but not a regiment at both places. The most of the
shipping of force has left New York. There is one 50, one old
East India man, one 20 that is repairing at the ship yard, the
Scorpion at N. City Island, one old India man at Huntington,
40 guns, the Halifax Brig at Oyster Bay, one sloop of ten guns
they are repairing all their flat bottom boats in New York and
building a number at the ship yard. This intelligence is as
late out of New York as the 20th of the month. The inhabitants
is fitting a number of Privateers out in the City. There was
one French ship brought in with 500 hogsheads of Sugar last
week. I am with respect, Yours, &c.

CALEB BREWSTER.

From General Washington at Middlebrook dated March 21st, 1779, came a long letter of instructions, most of which will be found in another chapter. To Tallmadge he says: “With this letter you will receive fifty guineas for S. C. which you will cause to be delivered as soon as possible, with an earnest exhortation to use them with all possible econemy, as I find it very difficult to obtain hard money.... As all great movements and the fountain of all intelligence must originate at, and proceed from the Head Quarters of the enemy’s army, C. had better reside at New York--mix with and put on the airs of a tory, to cover his real character and avoid suspicion.... The temper and expectation of the tories and refugees, is worthy of consideration; as much may be gathered from their expectations and prospects. For this end an intimacy with some well informed refugee may be political and advantageous--Highly so will it be to contract an acquaintance with a person in the Naval Department, who may either be engaged in the business of procuring transports for the embarkation of the troops, or in victualling them.”

* * * * *

An unusual line heads Samuel Culper’s next letter. It reads:

“_Sir._ No. 10 10 April 10 1779.

It is the forerunner of their use of a code. Without alteration his letter follows just as it was originally written.

“Whenever I sit down I always feel and know my Inability to
write a good Letter. As my calling in life never required
it--Nor led to consider how necessary a qualification it was
for a man--and much less did I think it would ever fall to my
lot to serve in such publick and important business as this,
and my letters perused by one of the worthiest men on earth.
But I trust he will overlook any imperfections he may discover
in the dress of my words, and rest assured that I indevour to
collect and convey the most accurate and explicit intelligence
that I possibly can; and hope it may be of some service toward
alleviating the misery of our distressed Country, nothing
but that could have induced me to undertake it, for you must
readily think it is a life of anxiety to be within (on such
business) the lines of a cruel and mistrustful Enemy and that
I most ardently wish and impatiently wait for their departure.
I sincerely congratulate you on the miscarriage of the Enemies
intended expedition up the Sound. I can discover no movement
on foot at present. Their excursions are always very sudden and
seldom begin to move before dark, and it will be ten to one
if ever it will be in my power to give you early intelligence
of their sudden excursions, as I can only write at times. All
I can say you must be every where upon your guard, and be
more assiduous than ever in order to defeat the designs of
our Enemies. Within and without their lines I am confident
that they are using every art to distract your army and to
divide the Country. It is a matter of surprise to me to see
such numbers of deserters come in since the General’s pardon,
published in the News Paper. But it is some releaf to find
that they are mostly those that deserted from them heretofore.
On the 25 Last Month 7 Sail Transports with about one hundred
and seventy Scotch Troops of the Duke of Athol’s Regiment
arrived from Halifax under convoy of the Rainbow of 44 Guns,
Sir George Collier, who is come to succeed Admiral Gambier.
On the 26th, 23 Sail arrived from England (which place they
left the 2th Jany.) under convoy of the Romulus of 44 guns.
They were chiefly loaded with stores and provisions for the
Army. Very few goods came in the fleet. They say they have a
large supply of money come in the Romulus. I have conversed
with several gentlemen of different sentiments that came in
the fleet and those that have a desire in favor of the Crown
cannot give me a sufficient reason to think that any troops
will come out this Spring, or that Great Britain will certainly
continue to act against America. And those on the contrary say
they will withdraw their force and give us Peace. On the 4th
April arrived 7 Sail of Transports from Cork with provisions.
The enemy now have a very large supply of Provisions and Stores
indeed I think enough for three months without any addition.
On the 6th Admiral Gambir sailed for England in the Ardent of
64 guns together with a number of transports, how many I am
not able to ascertain nor think it very material--and this day
sails another small fleet under convoy of the Rose, of 20 guns.
All transports laying in the East or North River are completely
victualed and waterd for sixty five days for their compliment
of troops that they were accustomed to transport. The number of
Ships, Brigs and Snows in the Harbour differeth not much from
two hundred, out of which thers two sloops of war, four Frigets
and two forty four guns ships and an old Indiaman with their
usual number of guns for their defense, and an old 74 Store
Ship, with only her upper teer of guns in. It is currently
reported that Admiral Gambier met an express soon after he
sailed from the Hook, from the West Indies and turned him back
and now lays at the Hook. We expect every day to hear important
news from England. The Enemy seem to be in high spirits, and
say now Great Britain is Roused and will support them and carry
on the war at all events and appear to be more sanguine than
ever. But I dont wonder at it for they are kept as ignorant as
possible and believe every report that is in their favour. The
Torys say they have not the least doubt but that they shall
succeed and enjoy their possessions yet.

“N. B.--
No. 10 represents N. York
20 Setauket
30 and 40 2 Post Riders.”

Another letter also marked No. 10 and dated April 12, addressed to John Bolton is signed only with the initials S. C. It begins: “Your No. 6 came to hand, together with a Vial for a purpose that gives me great satisfaction, and twenty guineas. It is a great satisfaction to me to hear that his ---- is well pleased with my letters.” The rest of the two sheets is a repetition of his letter of the 10th and may be a rough draft of it. It at least puzzled Major Tallmadge and he promptly started across the Sound for Setauket. There he found Abraham Woodhull suffering from the greatest fright of his life. It was only one of a series soon to follow, and was perhaps the least serious of them all. It would be hard to imagine that when Alexander Hamilton read this from Tallmadge to General Washington his usual calm countenance was not convulsed in smiles. The full letter will be found among the notes.(106) Here is the extract:

“I must now relate an anecdote respecting the Vial which I
forwarded Culper. Much pleased with the curious ink or stain,
and after making some experiments with the same, he was set
down to answer my letter which accompanied it. He had finished
the enclosed when very suddenly two persons broke into the
room (his private apartment). The consideration of having
several officers quartered in the next Chamber, added to his
constant fear of detection and its certain consequences made
him rationally conclude that he was suspected and that those
steps were taken by said officers for discovery. Startled by
so sudden and violent an obtrusion he sprang from his seat,
snatched up his papers, overset his table and broke his Vial.
This step so totally discomposed him that he knew not who they
were or even to which sex they belonged--for in fact they
were two ladies who, living in the house with him, entered
his chamber in this way on purpose to surprise him. Such an
excessive fright and so great a turbulence of passions so
wrought on poor Culper that he has hardly been in tolerable
health since. The above relation I had from his own mouth. He
is much pleased with the Ink and wishes if any more can be
spared to have a little sent him. By this he thinks he could
frequently communicate intelligence by persons permitted to
pass the lines. Some pieces of useful intelligence respecting
the movement of the Enemy in this late intended Expedition to
New London; and which I have reason to believe in a great
measure defeated their intentions, have been communicated by
Culper.”

In the same letter Major Tallmadge incidentally states: “Culper
was the other day robbed of all his money near Huntington, and
was glad to escape with his life.”

Culper’s next letter was dated from New York, April 29th. It was a “Stain” letter and only a poor copy of it has survived. Letters of importance were already on their way to Headquarters when from Smith’s tavern in the Clove, on June 13th, 1779, General Washington addressed Major Tallmadge as follows:

“Your letter of yesterday with the enclosures from Culper
came duly to hand. Should suspicions of him rise so high as
to render it unsafe to continue in New York I should wish
him by all means to employ some person of whose attachment
and abilities he entertains the best opinion, to act in his
place, with a request to be critical in his observations rather
than a mere retailer of vulgar reports--To combine the best
information he can get with attentive observation will prove
the most likely means to obtain useful knowledge--a mode of
conveying it quickly is of the utmost importance and claims
much attention. When I can procure more of the liquid Culper
writes for, it shall be sent, at present I can not say when
this may happen--I thank you for the information respecting
Long Island--The letter to Mr. Deane shall be sent.”

Two letters, both dated June 5th, and numbered 13, were the next received from Abraham Woodhull. In them he relates his narrowest escape from capture.(107)(108) Colonel Simcoe and his Rangers hastened to Setauket in April, 1779, upon information furnished by John Wolsey against him. Fortunately, he was with Robert Townsend in New York at the time; but they fell upon his father and plundered him in a most shocking manner.[12] Hardly was it thought possible that Woodhull would be able to pay the price of satisfaction, but through a friend he accomplished it.

Woodhull’s next letter is worthy of study. Two features of it are here emphasized. In full it will be found among the notes.

“No. 14. 20 June 20, 1779.

“Your No. 8, on the 16th, found me at 20, anxiously concerned
for our interest, and unwilling it should be neglected, and
some reason to fear that by delay the door might be shut
and out of my power to performe what I proposed in my No.
13, which I have concluded would be your desire. I thought
proper to detain 40 until I went to 10 to endeavour to gain
the best intelligence I could, and settle the plan proposed.
I returned on the 19, and my success hath exceeded my most
sanguine expectations.(109) I have communicated my business
to an intimate friend, and disclosed every secret, and laid
before him every instruction that hath been handed to me. It
was with great difficulty I gained his complyance, checked by
fear. He is a person that hath the interest of our Country at
heart and of good reputation, character and family as any of
my acquaintance. I am under the most solomn obligations never
to disclose his name to any but the Post, who unavoidably must
know it. I have reason to think his advantages for serving
you and abilities are far superior to mine. I must call on
you for ten guineas which will about defray my charges with
what I have received. If what I have done is disapproved of
it can be dropped, but if mine was worth attention this will
not certainly be of less value. You will receive a letter
from him in a short time beginning at No. 1. He will expect an
ample support at the same time he will be frugal; as long as
I am here shall be an assistant and do all that I can. In the
Interim I remain

“Your most Obt. Huml. Servt.,
“SAMUEL CULPER.”

General Washington received through Major Tallmadge on June 26th, the news of Simcoe’s raid, and the next day answered in a long letter with which he sent ten guineas for Culper and mentioned one George Higday, who had attempted to get him information from New York.(110)

Entire direction of the Secret Service within the City of New York having now been placed in the care of Robert Townsend, his first letter(111) must have been looked forward to with anxiety by Abraham Woodhull, who announced its receipt in his No. 15, which is incorrectly dated June 31, 1779:

“Enclosed you have Mr. Saml. Culper Junr’s letter, which is
but short but hope it may be of some service. He hath wrote in
the stile of Loyalty, I think through fear like me at first
unaccustomed to the business and filled with fear but the
longer one continues in the business if unsuspected of more
real service can he be. I have appointed to see him on the
8th inst. and shall repeat again to him those instructions
that I have received from time to time from you, and use my
utmost endeavor to acquaint him with the steps I used to take
and circumstances necessary to judge from, that a person
unaccustomed would not readily conceive of. My greatest
desire is that he may be useful and answer your most sanguine
expectations. He wishes that the ink or stain might be
forwarded. He hath hinted to you the prospect of their making
excursions in to Connecticut very soon. Very probably the war
will be carried on in that manner, as free liberty is granted
to the Refugees to plunder as much as they can. You must keep
a very good look out or your shores will be destroyed. It is
a pity that company could not be destroyed at Lloyd’s Neck.
Their refugee boats are continually coasting along and much
endanger 40. They entirely disown the defeat of their troops
in Carolina, and I confess I am not fully satisfied about
it. Have not yet seen nor heard of its being published by
authority. Just received the enclosed and the boat awaiting
have not had time to write as I would. Please excuse hast and
any imperfections you may discover, and am your humble servant,

“SAMUEL CULPER.”

These letters, with those significant words, “You must keep a very good look out,” were on their way, but had not had time to reach Major Tallmadge when he was surprised by a night attack. Lord Rawdon, with nearly all of the British light horse, accompanied by a body of light infantry, had come upon them under cover of the darkness and compelled them to fight, principally with the broadsword, until Colonel Sheldon found it necessary to order their retreat. Tallmadge lost in the affray a fine horse, most of his field baggage, and the money and letters that General Washington had sent him for the Culpers. Upon receipt of this information at Headquarters, General Washington replied to Major Tallmadge on July 5th, as follows:

“_Sir_: I have just received your letter of the 3d. The loss
of your papers was certainly a most unlucky accident and shows
how dangerous it is to keep papers of any consequence at an
advanced post. I beg you will take care to guard against the
like in future. If you will send me a trusty person I will
replace the guineas.

“I observe yourself and other officers have lost some
cloathing. Though I have not given an order of the kind
before, yet in this particular exigence I am ready to give one
on the Clothier to those officers who have been the sufferers
for such articles as are absolutely necessary. You will be
pleased to communicate this to Col. Sheldon and request him to
send the Pay Master with a proper return to Head Quarters.

“The person who is most indangered by the acquisition of your
letter is one Higday, who lives not far from the Bowery, on
the Island of New York. I wish you could endeavour to give
him the speediest notice of what has happened. My anxiety on
his account is great. If he is really the man he has been
represented to be, he will in all probability fall a sacrifice.
I am, etc.”

Nine days later, Samuel Culper’s seventeenth letter, dated July 9th, was forwarded to Major Tallmadge. He begins by saying it is a long time since he has heard from him and cannot tell if he wants him to continue the correspondence, and continues, saying: “I yesterday had an opportunity of seeing Mr. Culper, Junr. and repeated again all my instructions ever received from you. I have kept no secret from him and have consulted every thing and he’s determined to pursue every step that he may judge for advantage and is determined as soon as I can communicate to him your authority for my engaging him he will disengage himself from every other business which at present affords him a handsome living--He’s allowed to be a person of good sense and judgment and his firmness and friendship towards our Country I do assure you need not doubt. I have known him several years and confident he is a sincere friend, and will be frugal of all moneys he may receive, and hath undertaken it solely for to be some advantage to our distressed Country, and have determined to forward you for the future weekly intelligence if possible, as I have concluded to remain here as long as I possibly can (although I look upon myself all the time in danger) for the sole purpose of advantage to our correspondence.

“Below is what intelligence I could gain from C. Junr. It is
but trifling but he assured theres nothing more worthy of
notice. On the 4th, 10 sail arrived from Halifax under Convoy
of the Romulus of 44 guns with about one hundred of the new
raised Scotch, believe the Duke of Athol’s. Same day 10 Sail
sailed for Cork. On the 6th, 10 sail of Merchantmen from the
West Indies, but brought nothing new, only that Admiral Byron
was cruising for a reinforcement that was expected to join
Count d’Estaing. On the 4th, a Packet from Georgia with an
account of Genl. Provost being with his army 16 miles south of
C. Town, on St. John’s Island. Hardly any thing is said about
the enemy in that quarter. He tells me the spirits of the enemy
in general are much lower than heretofore and that he heard a
very noted refugee say there would certainly be a peace or a
Spanish war in four weeks. The times grows worse within the
Enemy’s lines and Protection for those called rebels is almost
banished, in fact Refugees are let loose to plunder within and
without their lines. Parties of them are hiding in the woods
and laying wait for the unwary and ignorant to deceive them,
putting on the character of people from your shore, and have
succeeded in their design too well. Carried off 10 or 12 men
and stripped their houses lately from about 20. The roads from
here to 10 is infested by them, and likewise the shores. It
makes our correspondence very dangerous and requires great care
and a strict observance of the before mentioned characters and
circumstances. Sincerely,

“SAMUEL CULPER.

“N.B.: Culper Junr. should now be furnished with some money. I
gave him 4 half Joes on the 8th. instant.”

Meanwhile, General Washington had prepared instructions for the Culpers, a copy of which is still preserved among the papers of Colonel Tallmadge, as follows:

“INSTRUCTIONS

“C---- Junr, to remain in the City, to collect all the useful
information he can--to do this he should mix as much as
possible among the officers and Refugees, visit the Coffee
Houses, and all public places. He is to pay particular
attention to the movements by land and water in and about the
city especially.

“How their transports are secured against attempt to destroy
them--whether by armed vessels upon the flanks, or by chains,
Booms, or any contrivances to keep off fire Rafts.

“The number of men destined for the defence of the City and
Environs, endeavoring to designate the particular corps, and
where each is posted.

“To be particular in describing the place where the works cross
the Island in the Rear of the City--how many Redoubts are upon
the line from River to River, how many Cannon in each, and of
what weight and whether the Redoubts are closed or open next
the city.

“Whether there are any Works upon the Island of New York
between those near the City and the works at Fort Knyphausen or
Washington, and if any, whereabouts and of what kind.

“To be very particular to find out whether any works are thrown
up on Harlem River, near Harlem Town, and whether Horn’s Hook
is fortifyed. If so, how many men are kept at each place, and
what number and what sized Cannon are in those works.

“To enquire whether they have dug Pits within and in front of
the lines and Works in general, three or four feet deep, in
which sharp pointed stakes are fixed. These are intended to
receive and wound men who attempt a surprise at night.

“The state of the provisions, Forage and Fuel to be attended
to, as also the Health and Spirits of the Army, Navy and City.

“These are the principal matters to be observed within the
Island and about the City of New York. Many more may occur
to a person of C. Junr’s penetration which he will note and
communicate.

“C---- Senior’s station to be upon Long Island to receive and
transmit the intelligence of C---- Junior.

“As it is imagined that the only post of consequence which the
enemy will attempt to hold upon Long Island in case of attack
will be at Brooklyn, I would recommend that some inhabitant in
the neighborhood of that place, and seemingly in the interest
of the enemy, should be procured, who might probably gain daily
admission into the Garrison by carrying on marketing, and from
him intelligence might be gained every day or two of what was
passing within, as the strength of the Garrison, the number and
size of the Cannon, &c.

“Proper persons to be procured at convenient distances along
the Sound from Brooklyn to Newton whose business it shall be to
observe and report what is passing upon the water, as whether
any Vessels or Boats with troops are moving, their number and
which way they seem bound.

“There can be scarcely any need of recommending the greatest
Caution and secrecy in a Business so critical and dangerous.
The following seem to be the best general rules:

“To intrust none but the persons fixed upon to transmit the
Business.

“To deliver the dispatches to none upon our side but those who
shall be pitched upon for the purpose of receiving them and to
transmit them and any intelligence that may be obtained to no
one but the Commander-in-Chief.”

Robert Townsend acknowledges receipt of the above instructions in his second letter, dated July 15th,(112) and in transmitting it Samuel Culper added the following:

“Mr. C. Junr. informed me at our interview that Christopher
Duychenik, Sail Maker of 10, formerly Chairman of the Committee
of Mechanics, is amongst you and is positively an agent for
David Mathews, Mayor of 10, under the direction of Tryon he
assisted Mathews, John Rome and others in affecting their
escape. Mr. C. Jr. wishes for some of that Ink or Stain that he
may paint out his character to you. Don’t fail to forward it
immediately, and when you receive the History of his conduct
be very caucious how you handle it for if it should get to
the above mentioned persons ears C. Jr. tells me they would
immediately suspect him. In the mean time I would advise and
is approved on by Culper, Junr. Obtain the Mayor’s signature
and let a letter be wrote suitable for deception, and let it
be handed him by some person of good address, praying his
assistance to escape from the tyranny of Congress, which is the
term used by the Mayor--or something like this plan I do not
doubt will have the desired effect. John Rome is Secretary to
M. Genl. Jones. It is not in my power to favour you with the
Mayor’s signature at present. I am your &c.

“SAMUEL CULPER.”

General Washington forwarded the ink as requested, together with the following letter, dated West Point, July 25, 1779.

“_Sir_: All the white Ink I now have (indeed all that there is
any prospect of getting soon)[13] is sent in phial No. 1 by
Col. Webb. The liquid in No. 2 is the counterpart which renders
the other visible by wetting the paper with a fine brush after
the first has been used and is dry. You will send these to
C----r, Junr., as soon as possible, and I beg that no mention
may ever be made of your having received such liquids from me
or any one else. In all cases and at all times this procedure
and circumspection is necessary, but it is indispensably so now
as I am informed that Govr. Tryon has a preparation of the same
acid or something similar to it, which may lead to a detection
if it is ever known that a matter of this sort has passed from
me.”

_See page 51._
]

It is not surprising that General Washington so frequently expressed satisfaction with the intelligence that Robert Townsend was now furnishing. His third letter as well as those that follow is a good example. No. 3 is dated 10 July 29, 1779:

“_Sir_, Since my last the number of the Enemy within these
lines have not been augmented by any arrivals. The Romelus,
Daphne and Delaware did not sail as I advised you, owing,
I believe, to the unexpected account of your taking the
Garrison at Stony Point. The account was truly alarming
to the Torys--However, like true Philosophers, they soon
reconciled themselves to it by saying that it would tend to
their advantage in the end, as it would tend to rouse the
British Troops, which in their opinion is all thats wanted
to put a final end to the war. General Clinton, I am told,
was much alarmed. He left New York the next evening attended
with all the Horse (himself mounted on the lowest and meanest
amongst them) which was then in Town, and it is said, declared
that he wou’d make W. pay for it.--