General Washington's spies on Long Island and in New York

Chapter VIII: Part 8

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“_Dear Sir._--Your favour of the k instant is received--and
observe the contents--In answer to your first question I
again inform you, that I was at New York about the 20th of
last month. I then, with the advice of C. Junr. and others,
transmitted you the most accurate account of the embarkation
under Genl. Mathews that could possibly obtain, and assured
you of their going to Virginia, as also of another embarkation
bound to the Southward, then just in embryo--which were
positively to sail three days ago. said to amount to 1300
men. I then informed you of the severity and watchfulness
of the Enemy. Several of our dear friends were imprisoned,
in particular one that hath been ever serviceable to this
correspondence. This step so dejected the spirits of C. Junr.
that he resolved to leave New York for a time. I earnestly
endeavoured to prevent it but could not, so that I have no
person there now that I can send the Express to that can rely
upon.--In respect to the different corps and numbers that have
embarked and those within these lines, I cannot ascertain,
neither do I think it can possibly be done properly, for this
reason. The Enemy make it a rule to supply every embarcation
almost with draughts from every Regt in their army. The
beforementioned reason, together with some other difficulties
that attend me at this time, prevents me from making the
attempt to give you a return of the enemy, and hope you’ll
excuse my non complyance. Austin Roe returned from New York
two days ago. The Cork Fleet was not then arrived. The Enemy
in great fears about them. I think they must fall into your
hands for the want of provision if the fleet should miscarry.
The last accounts from England say that 23 line of Battle Ships
belonging to the Russians and Danes were at Spithead--What
can this mean. The 17th Dragoons is at Hempstead. The Hessian
Yeagers at Jericho and Oyster Bay. There’s troops at Jamaica
and Flushing, which is all I can say. Last Thursday there was
a hot press in New York to man Admiral Rodney’s Fleet which is
about to sail, said for the West Indies. There’s now 13 sail
of the line besides Frigates Laying in Gardiner’s Bay at the
eastward. There’s a very intelligent person gone to New York
now, on the same account. Have taken the liberty to direct
Brewster to cross again on the 19th instant when shall hope to
hear from you. After that shall make one more appointment, as
I intend to visit every quarter of the enemy if possible, and
write you fully as I expect the winter will soon prevent the
communication and in the Spring if need requires by some means
or other will if possible open it again on a better footing.
Depend my endeavours shall continue, as I hope never to lose
sight of our cause, truly sensible our all is at stake. I
greatly desire to see you but little hope of it at present, and
conclude your affectionate Friend and Humble Servt.

“SAML. CULPER.”

In homely words Brewster modestly records one of his brave exploits on a sheet accompanying the above letter, which reads as follows:

“FAIRFIELD, November 13th, 1780.

“_Dear Sir._ Returned this evening from the Island. I left on
Saturday. Culper was not at home and had to weight till this
morning for him.

“Forrage is at Corum yet in stack where tavern is kept. Their
remains about forty Ruffigeus yet at Mastick on Mr. Smith’s
place. They have no connon, nothing but muskets.

“I took a prize a coming across today. A fine large boat from
New Haven, which had been to carry passengers over. We run up
long side of them and made them believe we came from Lloyd’s
Neck. They enformed me who secreted the persons in New Haven
four weeks and their connections, and I wrote it all down
before they found out their mistake. We up sail and came off
together and they engaged to pilot us to a gard on the west
side of New Haven harbour to take them. We got two thirds
across the Sound before they found out their mistake and I got
them safe under guard. I am Dear Sir, your most obedient humbil
servant,

“C. BREWSTER.”

Major Tallmadge quickly responded to the advice of Culper and Brewster. Indeed, so quickly that Fort St. George was captured sooner than Woodhull expected it would be.(131)

_See page 191._
]

Years afterwards, Major Tallmadge’s account of this expedition was written for his “Memoirs.” Another officer, one of the party, who had accompanied Brewster on several occasions, fresh from the smoke of the battle, wrote in detail to a friend an account of the expedition. As until now his account has never been published, it is here carefully copied:

“FAIRFIELD, November 26, 1780.[55]

“_My dear Friend_--I am at a loss how the account stands
between us respecting letters, but as it is immaterial at
present if I am in debt to you, I now propose to myself the
pleasure of paying it, and if it brings you in debt I am sure
you will take pleasure in discharging it, however as this
is a mere subject of ceremony, will quit it, and tell you a
small story of a tour we have had to St. George’s Manor, on
Long Island. We arrived in this town from North Castle ye
16th Instant. Major Tallmadge, Captain Edgar, myself, and
40 dismounted Dragoons. The weather and want of provisions
detained us here until 21st, when we embarked on board 8 whale
boats, and in a few hours landed at the Old Mans on the Island.
A severe storm prevented our doing any thing until the evening
of the 22d, when we began our march with the addition of about
20 men, boatmen, and at 4 o’clock in the morning of the 23d,
attacked and carried Fort St. George, (on Major Wm. Smith’s
Farm) in a few minutes without the loss of one man.

“It is a very pretty built strong place. The works was
completed a few days before. They were completely surprised. We
tarried there until about 7 o’clock, when we began the march
back and on the return burned about 300 tons of forage at
Coram, collected for the British Army. We arrived at our boats
about 6 o’clock, and at eleven landed safe at this place, more
fatigued and more pleased than I ever was in my life. In little
more than twenty-four hours we marched 40 miles and crossed the
sound 20 miles wide.

“The Fort is built right west from Mr. Smith’s new house,
about the same distance that the old house is from the new. It
is four square, about ninety feet square. The parapet from the
bottom of the ditch is about 10 feet high, the ditch about 4
feet wide and 3 deep. Besides this is a strong row of Abbatis
entirely around the Fort. From the N. E. corner of the Fort to
ye N. W. corner of the old house to ye N. E. of the new house
and from the S. W. ( ) the new house to the S. E. corner of
the Fort ( ) of the fort is on the east side, and opens under
cover of this strong stockade. Having fully described to you
this post will just mention the mode of attack.

“When we arrived within about three quarters of a mile of the
place, I was ordered to the command of 15 men to gain the front
of the Fort and there lay concealed until the alarm was given
from the other way, by the main body under Major Tallmadge,
Captain Edgar, and Lieut. Brewster. I came very close to the
Abbatis undiscovered and as soon as the alarm was given, pushed
over the Abbatis ditch and parapet, with little opposition,
without the loss of one man and without discharging one musket
on my part, and met Lieut. Brewster just entering the gates.
He came through the entry of the house, followed by the main
body, except a small party which filed off and attacked at the
same time the old house. The poor dogs had not time to rub
their eyes, or gasp before they were obliged to cry Quarters.
A musical sound. Here was a scene my friend, of war my eyes
never beheld nor description cannot equal. The cries of the
wounded in the agonies of death. The screeching of the women
and children while the parent and friend were entreating pity
and compassion, called forth every tender feeling, yet add to
these the shouts of the veterans it gives a pleasing lustre to
the triumphs of a soldier.

“We had one man wounded. The enemy about 7 killed and wounded.
Prisoners: 1 Lt. Coln. and 1 Capt. half pay. One lieutenant and
50 rank and file. Some were paroled and we have about forty,
which I move off to West Point with tomorrow. This tour will
take me 7 or 8 days, soon after which I hope to see you, as it
grows time for winter quarters and very probably we shall come
some where in Connecticut.... You must excuse inaccuracies as I
write in haste. Adieu.

“THOS. TREDWELL JACKSON.”

There was too much transpiring in the fall of 1780 to permit using all the intelligence in its chronological order. It is therefore necessary to return to the closing days of September to examine the rest of the correspondence. On September 27th Woodhull wrote, saying:

“Inclosed you have C. Junr’s Blank, which I trust contains all
that may be known in and about 727. And have only to mention
the departure of the en Dragoons from Smith Town and are now
at Jericho. None but Coll. Ludloe’s Regt, is at Lloyd’s Neck,
nor none except the en Dragoons eastward of Jamaica. A number
of Refugees have built a Block House on Jesse Arthur’s Farm for
the purpose of cutting wood on the lands of Mr. Treddle and
Platt. Queens Rangers is at Jamaica. Let 725 come again 462 the
5. In the interim am yours,

“SAML. CULPER.”

Again on the 8th of October he wrote:

729--462--0th, 1780.

_Sir._ 708--356 of the fi of 616 came to hand, together with
the enclosed blank, the lines of which were easily discovered
and some sentences could be read. The paper being so bad I
judge is the reason. To prevent the like for the future have
forwarded you some good paper which please make use of for that
purpose alone. The 174 return’d last night from 727 but without
a blank from C. Jur. The present commotion that hath risen on
account of that infamous Arnold, together with little or no
intelligence at this time was the reason that he did not write.
That have only to say the Enemies embarcation goes on but slow.
They don’t seem to act with spirit about it. Culper Junr. is
to be with me on the ef instant, if no unforeseen accident
doth prevent. If possible, and think proper, come and see
him. It may be of mutual advantage. There appears nothing in
the way but the dangers of the Seas, and hope this invitation
will come to hand timely for the purpose. Have just heard that
Capt. Cornelius Conklin with a boat’s Crew hath fell into the
hands of the refugees near Treadells Banks with the loss of
Lieut. Ketchak Killd Dead. Their misfortune is owing to Abijah
Tooker of Seatauket. Have nothing further to ad, and am yours
Sincerely,

SAML. CULPER.

Comparatively few letters from this period to the end of the war have survived. The next is Woodhull’s, as follows:

“NEW YORK, December 24, 1780.

“_Sir._ I yesterday returned from New York and shall now
communicate all that have been able to collect. General Arnold
saild on the 20th instant, from Sandy Hook, with a detachment
not exceeding sixteen hundred men, consisting of British,
Germans and volunteers. Arnold is intrusted with the command of
a Military Chest where he may give and take thousands. Coll.
Simcoe with part of his regiment is gone with him. Various are
the conjectures concerning their destination. Some say to the
West Indies, some to the Carolinas, some to the Floridas,
others to Virginia. The latter the most probable, as a very
noted Refugee, (I think by the name of Charles Williams)
formerly an inhabitant of the beforementioned place, is gone
with a large quantity of goods suitable for cloathing negroes.
I am told Arnold’s having the command is displeased many of the
independent gentlemen of the Army, and is called by some the
Rebel Fleet. The enemy have certain accounts of a large fleet
sailing from France, and in consequence thereof, four thousand
Troops may be expected to arrive shortly at New York or to the
Southward.... Admiral Rodney hath sent a considerable number
of prisoners, both masters and seamen, to England, a step
unheard of heretofore, which drew tears from our unfortunate
countrymen. I hope you’ll endeavour to exchange as many as
possible, for the prisoners will suffer more this winter
than ever, as the tender and well disposed inhabitants are
debarred from sending them any assistance without endangering
themselves....

“SAMUEL CULPER.”

A mystery concerning the next letter remains unsolved. It appears to have taken three months to get to Tallmadge. It is an invitation from Arnold, inviting him to become a traitor, like himself. In forwarding a copy of it to General Washington Major Tallmadge says:

WETHERSFIELD, Jan. 28th, 1781.

_Dr. Genl._ Enclosed your Excellency will receive a copy of
a letter from B. Arnold[56] which has this day come to hand.
I am equally a stranger to the channel through which it was
conveyed, the reason why it was so long on its way, or the
motives which induced the Traitor to address himself thus
particularly to me. I have determined to treat the Author with
the contempt his conduct merits, by not answering his letter,
unless Your Excellency should advise a different Measure....

BENJ. TALLMADGE.

Woodhull’s letter of February 8th, 1781(132), predicts success. He thinks it is not far distant, but nevertheless he urges vigilance and activity. He pleads in behalf of Samuel Townsend[57] who as a British prisoner is suffering severely. He calls to mind that all the money General Washington has been able to send him in the last twelve months is 29 Guineas.

Brewster had a letter to accompany this on its way to General Washington.(133) He captured a boat and with it eight persons, whose names he forwarded. They reached Fishkill and from there General Parsons also reported to Headquarters, but mentions only six men instead of eight. He suggests the exchange of two of the leaders of the British crew for Major Brush and Captain Conklin. General Washington from New Windsor, on Feb. 23d, questions Brewster as follows:

“_Sir._ I have recd. yours of the 14th. Your return mentions
the names of eight persons sent to the provost Guard--General
Parsons says(134) only six were committed. You should enquire
of the corporal who had them in charge, how this happened.
You will dispose of the Boat and what you took in her for the
benefit of the captors.”

Culper Senior’s next letter, dated March 18th, 1781,(135) mentions that “C. Junr. is again in New York and entering into business again as heretofore, and you may soon I hope receive his dispatches,” but his letter following(136) on April 23d, states that they have found it necessary to employ another man to collect information. He says that Culper Junior has recently visited him, but that he will not send a letter out of New York on any account. It might have discovered them to put in a letter the reason for this. In fact Robert Townsend preferred the risk of the long trip to putting on paper the information for Woodhull. At that moment the British had information that might lead to their identity. William Heron, otherwise known as “Hiram, the Spy,” clever agent for Sir Henry Clinton, and good friend of our General Parsons, had reported to British Headquarters in a communication dated February 4th, 1781, that “Private dispatches are frequently sent from New York to the Chieftain here (George Washington) by some traitors. They come by the way of Setalket, where a certain Brewster receives them at, or near, a certain womans.” Townsend must have trembled when he discovered that Clinton had this information and perhaps his trip to caution Woodhull was made none too soon.

If the secret service was to be continued money was now badly needed. In another chapter will be explained the efforts General Washington was making to procure it. Doubtless Major Tallmadge explained this to Culper Senior, who thereupon agreed to finance the work. From Newport, Rhode Island, on April 25th, 1781, Major Tallmadge sent this information to General Washington in the following note:

_Sir._ In my late interview with Cr. the matter of a future
Correspondence, to be rendered more regular and advantageous,
was fully discussed. The plan which he has consented to adopt,
on certain conditions, is for him to remain for the most part
on Long Island and C. Junr. whom he thinks might be engaged
again, to reside constantly at New York. That some confidential
person must of course be employed to carry dispatches as it
would cause suspicions which might lead to detection if either
of the Culpers should be frequently passing from New York to
Setauket, &c. they being men of some considerable note. What
he will of course want will be a sufficient sum of money to
defray the contingent expenses which as living at New York
and traveling an Long Island is very dear, the expenses
accruing must be considerable. C. Senior observes that he is
already considerably in advance for the business, which from
its situation and other circumstances he is sorry to believe
has been of but little service to your Excellency the last
campaign. He further observes that if in the present state of
our public affairs it should be found difficult to furnish
money for the purpose, he will advance 100 guineas or more if
needed, receiving your excellency’s assurance that it shall
be refunded by the Public, with reasonable interest, after
the War. This money to be expended and properly accounted for
whenever demanded. These are the outlines of the plan which
Culper proposed, and which I promised him to communicate to
your Excellency. If the whole or any part of it should be
satisfactory, I shall immediately communicate the necessary
instructions....

BENJ. TALLMADGE.

Promptly before the end of the month came orders to Major Tallmadge to re-engage the Culpers. From Headquarters at New Windsor General Washington wrote:

Your two favors of the 24th and 25th have been duly received.
Fully impressed with the idea of the utility of early, regular
and accurate communications of the kind in contemplation,
I shall make no difficulty in acceding to the proposal
contained in your private letter from New Port of the 25th.
But at the same time I am engaging in behalf of the United
States a liberal reward for the services of the C----s, (of
whose fidelity and ability I entertain a high opinion) it is
certainly but reasonable, from patriotism and every other
principle, that their exertions should be proportionately
great, to subserve essentially the interest of the Public. All
the interior and minute arrangements of the Correspondence,
I request you will settle with them as expeditiously and
as advantageously as may be: and especially that you will
urge, in very forcible terms, the necessity of having the
communications as circumstantial, frequent and expeditious, as
possible. The great object of information you are very well
acquainted with--such as, Arrivals, Embarkations, Preparations
for Movements, alterations of Positions, situation of Posts,
Fortifications, Garrisons, strength or weakness of each,
distribution and strength of Corps, and in general every
thing which can be interesting and important for us to know.
Besides these, you are also sensible there are many things,
upon a smaller scale, which are necessary to be reported: and
that whatever intelligence is communicated ought to be not in
general terms, but in detail, and with the greatest precision.

At present I am anxious to know (for the reports have been very
numerous vague and uncertain) whether another embarkation is
preparing, and if so to what amount, and where destined. What
the present force of the Enemy is; particularly on Long Island,
in New York and at King’s Bridge. What Corps are at the latter
place, how strong, and where posted exactly--and indeed what
the situation, prospect, and designs of the enemy are, so far
as they can be penetrated into.

The need of this information was anticipated both by Major Tallmadge and by the Culpers. Therefore much of it was in the intelligence forwarded by Culper Senior on May 8th.(137) That trip was quickly followed by another, from which he returned on May 19th, and wrote:

SIR. Your very pressing letter of the 3d inst. came to hand.
And it is a matter of grief to me that I cannot completely
execute your request. When at New York myself, together with
Culper Junior almost racked our invention to point out a proper
person and made several attempts but failed--no person will
write. The enemy have got some hint of me for when passing
at Brooklyn Ferry was strictly examined and told some vilian
supported a correspondence from this place. I do assure you
am greatly alarmed--and wished to be relieved from my present
anxiety. I shall not think it safe for me to go to New York
very soon--and can only supply you with verbal accounts as hath
been the case for some time. If that will answer let me know
as shall continue as heretofore until I hear from you. Austin
Roe came from New York yesterday, who saith, Culper Junior
informed as is the following.--Admiral Arbuthnot together with
the troops mentioned in my last, sailed on Sunday last supposed
to stop up the Delaware. And is something expected that
Admiral Arbuthnot will soon appear at Block Island. The enemy
have impressed 300 of your prisoners and put them on board
of the ships of war--this is fact--Nothing material from any
other quarter except a late arrival from Europe, and brings a
prospect of peace. See the paper, and private accounts declare
that the Russian Ambassador hath left the Court of Britain. I
believe this is fact. I intended to have wrote you a very long
letter but have not time now, but have neglected nothing that
is of importance. Capt. Hazard with a party of refugees are
about to take up their quarters again at Fort St. George. In
haste am Yours Sincerely,

SAML. CULPER.

The above was followed by his letters of May 27th(138) and June 4th(139) and then on the 27th of June he wrote, saying:

Your letter of the 23d instant was handed me yesterday by Mr.
S. and observe the contents. Sorry it had not arrived one
day earlier, that might have directed Austin Roe, agreeable
thereto. I cannot think I would be safe in going to New York
for reasons mentioned heretofore and the most can do in
complyance with your very urgent request, is, have engaged a
faithful and capable friend to report to me agreeable to your
queries, on the 4th of July. Sooner could not obtain it.

Below is the report of Austin Roe this moment returned from
New York and communicated to him by our late correspondents. A
Cork Fleet just arrived at the Hook, numbers and particulars
unknown--Arbuthnot’s Fleet cruising off the Hook. Accounts
from the South favorable. Coll. Ludlow’s and the Jersey
volunteers have left Lloyd’s Neck and are now at Jamaica. The
Yeagers and Anspach Regiment amounting to about 800 men crossed
Hell Gate yesterday on to York Island. The 17th Dragoons and
mounted Yeagers are about Islip South. The enemy expect an
attack and are contracting their lines, and collecting in force
at the Bridge. There appears a greater number of Transports in
full view about New York now than some time past but no Ships
of force. Inclosed you have the papers, and believe me to be
yours Sincerely,

SAML. CULPER.

N.B. The Enemy have no more than six sail of the line.

It would be possible to name several who were at this time trying to commit to paper the intelligence the Culpers found it too dangerous to attempt. Probably not more than three or four letters from any one of these individuals was written, and that mostly from information furnished verbally by the Culpers. Little appears to have survived of that which must have reached Headquarters during the Yorktown Campaign. Among the shortest and most welcome intelligence was a note inspired by verbal information furnished by Robert Townsend with the preliminary announcement of peace. This reads:

May 5th, 1782.

_Sir._ Your correspondent being absent which occasions my
writing you the news here, which is as follows, just come to
hand through the first channel. A cessation of arms is ordered,
to take place within these lines both by Land and Sea--and
terms of peace are given to Congress, but the conditions is
here unknown, but generally supposed Independence is offered.
The Enemy still continue to fortify, nevertheless, both on
York and on Long Island. I have nothing further to inform you
of but hope soon to have peace in our land--And am yours, &c.

SAMUEL CULPER.

Written on the same day of the month two months later a long letter of Abraham Woodhull’s clears what has been a mystery to some members of the Townsend family.(140) With all his ingenuity Dr. Peter Townsend, the nephew of Robert, never succeeded in getting from him a syllable as to the part he played in the struggle for American Independence. It was common for him to relate experiences of others but his own were never mentioned. One day during his lifetime the young folks discovered among his effects a uniform looking suspiciously British. They knew him to be in sentiment a Whig and an uncompromising Federalist, and in amazement they questioned him as to the uniform. He admitted that at one period during the war he was obliged to stand on duty in the front doorway of British officers headquarters. Frequently thereafter the family would tease him by referring to this but although it appeared to greatly embarrass him he never gave them further enlightenment on the subject. Woodhull in this letter says: “Carlton’s called a Tyrant at New York by the inhabitants in general and makes them do Soldiers duty in the city without distinction. The first Gentlemen in the City stand at Officer’s doors Soldier like.”

* * * * *

From Newburgh on August 10, 1782, General Washington addressed Major Tallmadge as follows:

“I wish you without delay to open again, or at least to renew
effectually, the channel of intelligence through the C..s. I
know your correspondents have heretofore, in general, been
well informed and that the only great difficulty has been in
the circuitous route of communication.”

The answer to this is dated Newtown, August 18, 1782.

“_Sir_: I have had the honor to receive your Excellency’s
letter of the 10th inst. in consequence of which I immediately
repaired to Fairfield, and effected an interview with S. G. to
whom I communicated the purport of Your Excellency’s letter.
At the same time I forwarded, by him, similar instructions to
S. C. Senior and Junr. The absence of Capt. Brewster on a short
cruise to the eastward, may perhaps occasion some delay, but I
cannot but believe my correspondents will exert themselves on
this occasion, as I have wrote pressingly on the subject.

“From some intimations I have reason to believe that a certain
Character, in great repute among the Refugees and very
particularly intimate with Col. Upham A.D.C. to Genl. Clinton,
would be happy in an opportunity to render important services
to the State and army. His character is by no means notorious,
but very sagatious. I have ventured to write him on the subject
of intelligence, and have great hopes from his services.

“I must again repeat to Your Excellency the necessity of having
a sum of money, as well as a little stain, forwarded for the
use of this Communication--to the want of both these articles I
presume may be attributed in some measure, the declination of
this correspondence.

“I have the Honor to be, With the highest esteem and regard,
Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient servant,

“BENJ. TALLMADGE.”

Repeated requests that his letters be destroyed was now probably complied with, for with one exception only stain letters can be found and they cannot now be deciphered.

This last of the Culper Junior letters to survive contained welcome news for weary soldiers: It was carried by Robert Townsend into Westchester County, where he met Major Tallmadge, who forwarded it to Washington. Dated September 19, 1782, it reads as follows:

“The last packet, so far from bringing better news to the
loyalists, has indeed brought the clearest and unequivocal
Proofs that the independence of America is unconditionally to
be acknowledged, nor will there be any conditions insisted on
for those who have joined the King’s Standard.

“It is said that an Expedition is now forming at N.Y. and by
many conjectured to be against the French Fleet &c. at Boston;
a number of British Troops were embarking when I left the city
on the 14th and 15th inst. But I conversed fully with one of
Carleton’s Aides on this subject, who told me that I might
depend they were bound to the W. Indies or Halifax. For my own
part I have no expectation that they think of any offensive
movements. The above gentleman, with whom I am most intimately
connected, informed me that it is now under consideration to
send all the B. Troops to the West Indies and to garrison the
City with the jagers and new raised corps for the present.

“A fleet is now taking in water at Staten Island and another at
White Stone--various conjectures about their destination. It is
a fact that a fleet is going to Charlestown to bring off that
Garrison.

“A packet is just about sailing for England and another will
follow very shortly, and Sir Guy himself says that he thinks
it not improbable that the next Packet may bring orders for an
evacuation of N. York.

“A fleet is getting ready to sail for the Bay of Fundy about
the first of October to transport a large number of Refugees to
that Quarter. The Aide above referred to informs us that he
thinks it probable he shall go there himself. Indeed, I never
saw such general distress and dissatisfaction in my life as is
painted in the countenance of every Tory at N.Y.

“The Beef Contractors had orders a few days past to cease
purchasing any more for the Navy and from the appearance of
things the whole fleet are getting ready for a movement.

“I am myself uncertain when the Troops will leave N.Y. but I
must confess I rather believe if the King’s Magazines can be
removed, that they will leave us this fall.

“The King’s wood yards are tolerably supply’d but they have no
Magazines of forage.”

Major Tallmadge confirmed Townsend’s statement in his letter of March 31, 1783, and asked to be permitted to be one of the first to enter New York.(141)

At the request of the General, he sent from Litchfield on August 16, 1783, an account of the incidental expenses that had been incurred in the Secret Service work, which account is missing. One that Culper Senior submitted on July 5th, and which formed a part of it, is still preserved.

* * * * *

Accompanying this was the following letter, dated:

BROOKHAVEN, July 5th, 1783.

_Dr. Sir._ Your favour of the 14th June was handed me this
day--and agreeable to your request have enclosed my account
for your inspection. I am unable to particularize dates for I
only kept the most simple account that I possibly could,[58]
for fear it should betray me, but I trust it is a just one--and
I do assure you I have been as frugal as possibly could. I
desire you would explain to the Genl. the circumstances that
attended this lengthy correspondence that he may be satisfied
that we have not been extravagant....

SAML. CULPER.

It is worthy of note that both the Culpers lived for over fifty years after the war began. Some day someone may wish to put in type the story of those interesting years.

(Original in the William L. Clements Library,
by whose permission it is used.)

Masked letter sent by Sir Henry Clinton inform Burgoyne that there would be no British army to meet him at Albany.

_See page 215._
]

FOOTNOTES to “AFTERMATH”:

[53] 1778 it is written, but undoubtedly in error. Major Tallmadge must have had something else on his mind. He plainly meant to write 1780.

[54] Regard is repeated in the original, as above.

[55] This letter is in the Long Island Collection at East Hampton.

[56] Major Tallmadge, _Dear Sir_: As I know you to be a man of sense, I am convinced you are by this time fully of opinion that the real interest and happiness of America consists in a reunion with Great Britain. To effect which happy purpose I have taken a commission in the British Army, and invite you to join me with as many men as you can bring over with you. If you think proper to embrace my offer, you shall have the same rank you now hold, in the Cavalry I am about to raise. I shall make use of no arguments to convince you, or to induce you to take a step which I think right. Your own good sense will suggest everything I can say on the subject. I will only add that the English Fleet has just arrived with a very large reinforcement of Troops. I am, Sir, Your Hmbl. Servt.

B. ARNOLD.

N. YORK, Oct. 25th, 1780.

[57] This is the other Samuel Townsend. Not Culper Junior’s father, although both lived in the same community. Both had John Townsend 1st. for common ancestor, but Culper Junior’s ancestors were John, James, Jacob, and Samuel, as will be found on another page; while this man’s ancestors were George who married Mary Hawxhurst, then George who married Rosanah Coles, then Squire George who married Rosanah Youngs, the last named being his parents. He was 36 years of age at the time and was married since 1773 to Sarah Horton.

[58] This book is now in the collection at East Hampton, Long Island, where it may be examined by historians.

CODES AND CAMOUFLAGE

The necessity of transmitting information in a private manner taxed the ingenuity of many during the Revolutionary War. Clever ideas were experimented with, but none were more practical than those used by General Washington’s spies. True, when they first realized the necessity of secrecy a very crude method was adopted, originating with Abraham Woodhull and used first in his letter of April 10th, 1779. This was the use of the figures 10 for New York, 30 and 40 for Post Riders and 20 for Setauket. By July of that year Major Tallmadge had prepared pocket dictionaries for the General, the Culpers, and himself. These consisted of closely written columns of figures and words, arranged on a double sheet of foolscap paper. The words were those they would be most apt to need, extracted from a copy of Entick’s Dictionary and written in columns in alphabetical order. Then opposite each word was placed a number and this number was thereafter used to designate the word. Then there were proper names, beginning with General Washington 711, General Clinton 712, Tryon 713, Erskine 714, Vaughan 715, Robinson 716, Brown 717, General Garth 718, Lord North 719, Germain 720, John Bolton 721, Sami. Culper 722, Culper Junr. 723, Austin Roe 724, C. Brewster 725, Rivington 726. Then 37 places have numbers assigned them, and there is an alphabet for words not listed and letters for numerals. These tables were used to the close of the war.

Much more important to the Secret Service of General Washington was the use of an invisible stain which required developing with another chemical before the writing became visible. It reached the Culpers about the time the above dictionary was prepared but was first proposed to General Washington in a letter from John Jay, a facsimile of which is opposite page 52. In another chapter his brother, James Jay, tells how he invented this stain, and its practical use. It was an important factor in the success of the service and it is regrettable that no one ever sufficiently thanked the Jays for it. The Culpers were frequently asking for more of it, and General Washington, low in funds, had to depend upon James Jay to furnish it. Becoming a tax upon his resources he found it necessary to explain the situation to General Washington in the following letter:

FISHKILL, Septr. 19, 1780.

_Dear Sir_: I am extremely sorry it has not been in my power to
supply you sooner with the medicine. The disagreeable situation
which I have hithertoo been in, owing to a very considerable
loss I am likely to sustain by the new System of Finance,
deprived me of that pleasure; for I am always happy to have
an opportunity of showing that I am, with great esteem and
respect, Dear Sir, Your most Obt. & hemble Servt.

JAMES JAY.

At times, because of lack of funds to purchase it the Culpers were without the Counterpart to develop the letters from Headquarters, and sometimes they had no stain with which to write their intelligence. They guarded well its discovery, in fact so well that the matter was never mentioned historically until now although several incorrect guesses were made as to the method they used to convey their messages.

More clever than those written between the lines were their letters addressed to prominent Tories. These could be sent with fair assurance of safety. The messenger knew of course that they were not to be delivered to the party addressed and discovery of them in his possession would only have disarmed suspicion. Their only rival in cleverness was the British Headquarters, where André and DeLancey exerted themselves. Like the early attempts on the American side those used by the British were sometimes more ingenious than efficient, as exemplified in the silver bullets which were used to convey messages between Generals Burgoyne,[59] Clinton, and Howe. Experiences of several of these messengers are historically recorded. One courier being cautioned that upon no account was the message to be delivered to anyone besides General Burgoyne unless it was General Clinton himself, suspecting that he was in territory occupied by the British, was surprised when challenged, but declared himself to be a friend of General Clinton’s and asked to be taken to him. He had no knowledge that there was a Clinton on both sides and not until he found himself in the presence of General George Clinton did he discover his mistake. Then he swallowed the silver bullet, but it was too late. His action had been observed and he was immediately taken into custody, when being interrogated as to what business he had with General Clinton, and discovering some embarrassment in his answer, it was proposed to administer an emetic, to ascertain what he had swallowed with such precipitation. The idea was adopted, and the consequence was that he threw up the silver ball; which being unscrewed was found to contain important intelligence. The courier was of course hung as a spy.

General Washington believed more could be accomplished by strategy than by bullets. He was careful to conceal his plans during the war but when peace came he permitted to be published in the “Columbian Centinal” a letter which he wrote from Mount Vernon, dated July 31, 1788.[60] The following extracts from this letter give an interesting angle to the campaign around New York:

“It was determined by me, nearly twelve months before hand,
at all hazards, to give out, and cause it to be believed by
the highest military as well as civil officers, that New York
was the destined place of attack, for the important purpose
of inducing the eastern and middle States to make greater
exertions in furnishing specific supplies, than they otherwise
would have done, as well as for the interesting purpose of
rendering the enemy less prepared elsewhere. It never was in
contemplation to attack New York, unless the Garrison should
first have been so far degarnished to carry on the southern
operations as to render our success in the siege of that place,
as infallible as any future military event can ever be made....
That much trouble was taken and finesse used to misguide and
bewilder Sir Henry Clinton, in regard to the real object, by
fictitious communications, as well as by making a deceptive
provision of ovens, forage, and boats, in the neighborhood, is
certain: Nor were less pains taken to deceive our own army;
for I had always conceived, where the imposition does not
completely take place at home, it would never sufficiently
succeed abroad.... Your desire of obtaining truth, is very
laudable; I wish I had more leisure to gratify it as I am
equally solicitious the undisguised verity should be known.
Many circumstances will unavoidably be misconceived, and
misrepresented. Notwithstanding most of the papers, which may
properly be deemed official, are preserved; yet the knowledge
of innumerable things, of a more delicate and secret nature
is confined to the perishable remembrance of some few of the
present generation. With esteem, I am, Sir, your most obedient
humble servant.

“GO. WASHINGTON.”

Many deceptive letters were forwarded by General Washington, and of extreme interest were the experiences of those who carried them. The almost instantaneous success of those he prepared in July 1780 is mentioned in the chapter on Secret Service Secrets. Another that was equally successful Mrs. Elizabeth Oakes Smith, one time of Patchogue, Long Island, recalls in her book “Hugo.” This little work was written after a visit to the Iron Furnaces in northern New Jersey and New York, owned and operated by Peter Townsend whose daughter married the brother of Culper Junior. Mrs. Smith says:

“It was here, adown these glens, that the intercepted messenger
of Washington passed with dispatches meant to delude Sir Henry
Clinton into the belief that New York was the point of attack
designed by the combined French and American forces. At the
moment these intercepted documents were published in New York
and the city put into careful state of defence, the whole
forces of Washington were rapidly and silently on their route
to Yorktown. This politic stroke of Washington’s is told with
much spirit by many of the older inhabitants of the valley.
The author heard it from the lips of Mr. Pierson, a gentleman
of eighty-seven, with a mind still clear and vigorous, who had
the incident from Montaigne, himself the intercepted messenger.
When Washington gave him the package he carefully pointed
out the route designed for him to take, and then resumed his
writing, for the great man was busily employed at a small
table. Montaigne saw at once the way would lead him directly
under a battery of the enemy, who at that time held what is
called the Clove or Ramapo Pass. He remained at the door,
hesitating to obey, and fearful to explain the difficulty.
Washington lifted up his head--‘What, not gone, sir!’ he cried.
Montaigne then said: ‘Why, General, I shall be taken, if I go
through the Clove!’ Washington bent his eyes sternly upon him,
and brought his foot down heavily upon the floor--‘Your duty,
sir, is not to talk, but to obey.’”

The _Political Magazine_ in London printed the sequel to the above on page 343 of their June, 1781, issue. It is copied from the New York _Gazette_ of April 4, and reads: “On Saturday another rebel mail was brought to this city taken last Thursday with Montaigne the post rider, who was in person brought to town by the captors. It contains a great number of letters.”[61] Several are published in full, including Washington’s, in which it is hinted that he is preparing to attack New York.

* * * * *

Masks were also used by British Headquarters to disguise the contents of important intelligence. These required two sheets of blank paper through each of which an oblong opening was cut. One of these sheets was deposited with the recipient and the other kept by the sender. A letter was then so written that the message to be conveyed could be read through the opening when the mask or cut out sheet of paper was laid over the letter. Without the mask the letter was so worded as to convey an altogether different meaning. On another page is illustrated the masked letter sent by General Clinton to inform Burgoyne that there would be no British army to meet him at Albany. Another illustration shows a code letter that Moody, the British spy, assisted Benedict Arnold in preparing. It is addressed to John Anderson (Major André), advising the British commander that he (Arnold) has accepted the command at West Point and will betray it. The full text of this letter will be found on page 127.

* * * * *

Besides the Stain, John Jay had a code that General Washington was familiar with, but it appears not to have been used by the Culpers. In a letter to a friend he explains its use briefly, as follows:

“I cannot omit this opportunity of giving you a cypher, Viz.
Entick’s New Spelling Dictionary, printed at London in 1775,
which you will easily find at Philadelphia. I bought mine at
Bell’s book-store. Add twenty to the number of the page, and
ten to that of the word you use. Distinguish the first column
by a dot over the first figure, and the second column by a dot
over the second figure. For instance, the word duration is the
first word in the first column of the 139th page, and must
be thus written, 159 11. Again, the word beauty is the tenth
word in the second column of the 60th page, and must be thus
written, 80 20. But as it may often happen that you may want to
write names or words which you will not find in the dictionary,
use the following alphabet in such cases:

“a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
n m l k i h f i e d c b a l y v x t u r p w s z o y

“The design of this alphabet is obvious; use n for a, m for b,
&c.”

_See page 216._
]

The code letter that may have given General Washington the greatest thrill required still another dictionary to translate it. It was that used by Robert Morris, the financier of the Revolution. On another page the closing half of one of his letters is illustrated. Historians tell us how Washington had appealed to Morris for funds to conduct the war. Sometimes he was fortunate in raising a sufficiency but at a critical period it seemed to Robert Morris that his only prospect was to obtain the needed sums from a wealthy Quaker. “How can I, friend Robert, who am a man of peace, lend thee money for the purpose of war? Friend George is, I believe, a good man and fighting in a good cause; but I am opposed to fighting of any sort.” This was the Quaker’s plea, but Morris recalled that Washington had also mentioned the urgency of funds for the secret service. That appealed to the Quaker. “The gold was dug up from his garden and handed over to Morris to forward to General Washington. His adopted son Custis says: ‘Its application to the secret service produced the happiest effects upon the cause of the Revolution in that critical period of our destiny.’”[62]

The code used by the Culpers covers too much space for reproduction here. However some of the words most frequently used have been collected and will be found on the page following, and a section of the original code prepared by Major Tallmadge for General Washington is reproduced on page 218.

This is part of the secret code used by General Washington,
Benjamin Tallmadge, Robert Townsend, and Abraham Woodhull,
during the Revolutionary War.

FOOTNOTES to “CODES AND CAMOUFLAGE”:

[59] Of ten messengers sent out by different routes to Howe, not one returned to Burgoyne.--Winsor’s Narrative and Critical History of America, Vol. VI, p. 312.

[60] In full a copy of the letter from which the above extracts are taken may be examined in the collection at East Hampton, L. I.

[61] The boldness with which some of the English magazines mentioned affairs in America during the Revolution is surprising. How many of these were inspired by Robert Townsend it would be interesting to know. In fact even Rivington might have been surprised had he discovered how often among the news items he had troubled Townsend to prepare and mail for him to the English magazines there were extra items written by Townsend that he had never seen. One that was published after the surrender of Cornwallis, calculated to destroy the morale of the troops, appears on page 676 in the December, 1781, issue of the same London magazine. It reads: “By only showing themselves one morning for a few hours near Kingsbridge, and sending the French baker boys round, to make a rattling among the broken bricks and rubbish, at the mouth of the Rariton. This was enough for him (Clinton). He instantly sent off express upon express, demanding assistance ... from Lord Cornwallis, who, at that very instant was besieged, at the distance of nearly 500 miles from New York, by that very army which still kept him in such alarm.”

[62] See Recollections of Washington by G. W. P. Custis, p. 294.

A CREW THAT DOUBLE CROSSED

The spies were never safe; to them sometimes friends were as dangerous as foes. The British and Americans upon several occasions captured their own men, but perhaps only once was the same whale boat captured by both sides. The discovery that they were detaining their own men certainly embarrassed the British officers in this particular instance. It was no less than William Heron who by capture they were not only detaining but from him their own men had taken the boat and outfit and it was necessary for them to get his things together again. William Heron’s home was in Reading, Connecticut, and he was at the time a member of the state legislature.

Hiram he called himself in correspondence with British Headquarters, and as Hiram he was known to Washington’s secret service. Perhaps none, aside from General Parsons, knew that Heron was their most active spy, even Governor Trumbull being deceived into giving him a commission as a privateersman. His trips across the Sound with messages for British Headquarters were frequent and he was most active particularly during the weeks of Arnold’s treason. When he visited West Point he was entertained by Arnold and slept under his roof. Parsons gave him a letter of introduction in which he vouches for him and Arnold trusted him with letters he wished to reach British Headquarters.

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General Washington's spies on Long Island and in New YorkChapter VIII: Part 8

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