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"
THE TWO SPIES
NATHAN HALE AND
ROBERT TOWNSEND
THIS FIRST EDITION, CONSISTING OF
SEVEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY NUMBERED
COPIES, OF WHICH SEVEN HUNDRED AND
FIFTY ARE FOR SALE, WAS PRINTED AT
THE RIVERSIDE PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, MAS-
SACHUSETTS, U.S.A., IN SEPTEMBER, 1930
THIS IS NUMBER 602
1
*

UNIV
OF
MICH
Nathan Hale
Artistic replica of the statue at the Wadsworth Athenæum
Hartford, Connecticut
I
‍ේම අදින්ම හෝමර් යෙන්ම අල යකඩ අල අර්
අන්
THE TWO SPIES
Chast
NATHAN HALE and
ROBERT TOWNSEND
BY MORTON PENNYPACKER
=
WYTYT
132
BOSTON AND NEW YORK
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY
The Riverside Press Cambridge
1930
COPYRIGHT, 1930, BY FRANK KNOX MORTON PENNYPACKER
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO REPRODUCE
THIS BOOK OR PARTS THEREOF IN ANY FORM
...
***
***
The Riverside Press
CAMBRIDGE · MASSACHUSETTS
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
4
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bandh me I
delive
Wahe
18-30-30
3 3119
PREFATORY NOTE
T IS nearly one hundred and ten years since America's
first great novel was written, it being James Fenimore
Cooper's second book. With 'The Spy' for title, it
was hailed with unprecedented enthusiasm. There can
be no question but what Governor John Jay's recital of
the work of the spies made a deep impression upon
Cooper, but years passed before he attempted to record it per-
manently. Meanwhile, he had many opportunities to con-
verse with others who were more intimately connected with the
Secret Service work than he ever realized. Elizabeth Floyd
was his mother-in-law, and the visits to members of her family
on Long Island were frequent. Two years preceding the pub-
lication of 'The Spy,' he became temporarily a resident of
Sag Harbor, although still retaining his home in Westchester
County. It is not, therefore, surprising to discover that so
much that he has placed in Westchester County actually hap-
pened on Long Island.
To Cooper 'The Spy' must have been a disappointment,
particularly after Enoch Crosby had been exploited. Crosby
did not conform to his ideal, but the spies of Washington did.
When Tallmadge wished to send Long Island assistance in
October, 1780, Townsend's reply, as will be found in these
pages, was, 'I do not choose that the person you mention, or
any other of his character, should call on me.' When Abra-
vi
PREFATORY NOTE
ham Woodhull discovered our country's need for ready money,
he used his own for incidental expenses of the Secret Service,
such as repairs to their four whaleboats and feed for the
horses, and never complained, although more than seven years
of peace passed before our government reimbursed him. It is
inspiring to a greater patriotism to discover the type of men
that these pages reveal.
The story of Nathan Hale will commend itself for brevity.
No statements at the present day known to be incorrect are
even quoted therein. The hitherto unpublished statement
regarding his capture is on the authority of Robert Townsend,
whom General Washington says he found always reliable.
This might have been known seventy years ago had not Henry
Onderdonk added confusing details that discredited it.
An elaborate chapter was in preparation detailing the
scientifically planned investigation that made certain the
identity of Robert Townsend as the 'Culper Junior' of the
American Revolution, when it was observed that the material
collected and here published evinced that beyond comment.
Therefore, no documents are here offered to prove what obvi-
ously is a fact.
Many startling revelations will be discovered by the careful
reader of these pages. Some of them will be observed only
after referring to the secret code printed among the Notes. The
return of Major André after he had been started on his way
to freedom is timely as well as interesting, for we are this fall
celebrating the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of his
execution. A strange hesitancy to-day, as during the life of
Major Tallmadge, may necessitate patient waiting for more
PREFATORY NOTE
vii
intimate details that will be merely stronger confirmation of
this interesting fact.
Where letters from either of the Culpers have been con-
densed for the sake of brevity, a figure within parentheses has
been used to indicate that the same letter will be found in its
entirety among the Notes beginning on page 85. A more
perfect analysis is thus assured to the student of history.
Acknowledgment is due for assistance to so many, particu-
larly among the heads of the larger public libraries and his-
torical societies, that it becomes impracticable to name them
individually. They have shown a uniform enthusiasm and
untiring effort that makes the present publication possible.
MORTON PENNYPACKER
Kew Gardens, L.I.
September, 1930
CONTENTS
NATHAN HALE
ROBERT TOWNSEND
SECRET SERVICE SECRETS
TOWNSEND'S PERSONALITY
SPIES AND SPIES
NOTES
I
13
32
53
64
85
ILLUSTRATIONS
NATHAN HALE: ARTISTIC REPLICA OF THE STATUE AT
THE WADSWORTH ATHENÆUM, HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
ROBERT TOWNSEND
From a silhouette
BENJAMIN TALLMADGE
From an engraving after a pencil sketch by John Trumbull
Frontispiece
MAJOR JOHN ANDRÉ
From an engraving by W. G. Jackman supposed to copy a sketch made
by André himself
PASSES IN HANDWRITING OF BENEDICT ARNOLD
CARRIED BY MAJOR ANDRÉ UNTIL HIS CAP-
TURE
THE CAPTURE OF MAJOR ANDRÉ
From an engraving after a painting by A. B. Durand
14
32
64
68
72
NN NN MA IN AN AA NA MA
THE TWO SPIES
NATHAN HALE
L
ATE IN the evening of September 22, 1776, Captain
John Montressor, of the British Engineers,
who was serving as aide-de-camp to Lord
Howe, appeared under flag of truce at
the American outposts on Harlem Plains,
New York. He bore a letter to General
Washington respecting the exchange of prisoners. General
Putnam, Captain Alexander Hamilton, and Captain Wil-
liam Hull were among those who met him. To them Mon-
tressor verbally gave the information that an American
officer, one Captain Hale, had been executed that morning
as a spy. It was startling news, and to Hull it came like a
shock, for Nathan Hale had been his chum at college* and
confided to him details of the dangerous mission he had
undertaken. A week later, the sad news reached the home
of Hale, and one of his brothers, Enoch, started for the en-
* In the class of 1773 at Yale College among others were Nathan
Hale and his brother Enoch, Benjamin Tallmadge, and William Town-
send. William Hull was in the class of 1772.
(
?
2
THE TWO SPIES
campment of Washington's army. There Lieutenant-
Colonel Webb was induced to visit the British headquar-
ters under a flag, and he returned with information that en-
abled Enoch to record that 'Nathan, being suspected by
his movements that he wanted to get out of New York,
was taken up and examined by the general, and, some
minutes being found with him, orders were immediately
given that he should be hanged. When at the gallows, he
spoke and told that he was a captain in the Continental
army, by name Nathan Hale.'
Enoch carried this news home, and later his brother John
made entry in the town records of Coventry which reads as
follows: 'Capt. Nathan Hale, the son of Deacon Richard
Hale, was taken in the City of New York by the Britons
and Executed as a spie some time in the month of Septem-
ber, A.D. 1776.'
Tench Tilghman, in a letter to William Duer, written ten
days after the announcement of Hale's execution, betrays
the feeling in the American army. "The General is deter-
mined, if he can bring some in his hands under the de-
nomination of spies, to execute them,' he writes: 'General
Howe hanged a Captain of ours belonging to Knowlton's
Rangers who went into New York to make discoveries. I
don't see why we should not make retaliation.'
Another letter, written by an American officer in camp
at Harlem, is dated September 26, 1776, and reads: 'One
Hale, in N.Y. on suspicion of being a spy, was taken up
and dragged without ceremony to the Execution Post and
hung up.' 'Yesterday we hanged an officer of the Provin-
NATHAN HALE
3
cials who came as a spy,' writes a British officer to friends
at home; and James Drewett, on board the British frigate
Mercury at New York, writes: 'On the 22d we hung a man
who was sent as spy by Gen. Washington.'
It was almost five months later when the newspapers
began publishing garbled accounts. The 'Conquest of
Canaan,' an epic poem, by Timothy Dwight, probably the
first book to mention Hale, was not published until nearly
nine years after his execution, although, strangely enough,
its author had early in 1776 solicited Hale to get subscrib-
ers to it for him. The lines referring to Hale read:
"Thus, while fond Virtue wish'd in vain to save,
Hale, bright and generous, found a hapless grave.
With genius' living flame his bosom glow'd,
And science charm'd him to her sweet abode:
In worth's fair path his feet adventur'd far;
The pride of peace, the rising grace of war;
In duty firm, in danger calm as even,
To friends unchanging, and sincere to heaven.
How short his course, the prize how early won!
While weeping friendship mourns her favourite gone.'
Hannah Adams was in fact the first historian to record a
concise account of Hale, and her 'History of New England,'
in which it appears, was not published until 1799, nearly
twenty-three years after the event. The story in her book
reads as follows:
"The retreat from Long Island left the British in full
possession. What would be their future operations re-
mained uncertain. To obtain information of their situa-
4
THE TWO SPIES
tion, their strength and future movements, was of high im-
portance. For this purpose, general Washington applied to
Colonel Knowlton, who commanded a regiment of light
infantry, which formed the van of the American army,
and desired him to adopt some mode of gaining the neces-
sary information. Colonel Knowlton communicated this
request to Captain Nathan Hale, of Connecticut, who was
then a captain in his regiment.
"This young officer, animated by a sense of duty, and
considering that an opportunity presented itself, by which
he might be useful to his country, at once offered himself a
volunteer for this hazardous service. He passed in disguise
to Long Island, examined every part of the British
army,
and obtained the best possible information respecting their
situation and future operations.
'In his attempt to return he was apprehended, carried
before Sir William Howe, and the proof of his object was so
clear, that he frankly acknowledged who he was, and what
were his views.
'Sir William Howe at once gave an order to the provost
marshal to execute him the next morning. This order was
accordingly executed, in a most unfeeling manner, and by
as great a savage as ever disgraced humanity. A clergy-
man, whose attendance was desired, was refused him; a
bible for a few moments devotion was not procured, al-
though he requested it. Letters, which, on the morning of
his execution, he wrote to his mother * and other friends,
* Hale knew his mother was not living. It was an incorrect guess that
one of the letters was for her.
NATHAN HALE
5
were destroyed; and this very extraordinary reason given
by the provost marshal, "that the rebels should not know
they had a man in their army who could die with so much
"""
firmness.
'Unknown to all around him, without a single friend to
offer him the least consolation, thus fell as amiable and as
worthy a young man as America could boast, with this as
his dying observation, “that he only lamented, that he had
but one life to lose for his country."... To see such a char-
acter, in the flower of youth, cheerfully treading in the most
hazardous paths, influenced by the purest intentions, and
only emulous to do good to his country, without the impu-
tation of a crime, fall a victim to policy, must have been
wounding to the feelings, even of his enemies. So far [1799]
Hale has remained unnoticed, and, it is scarcely known such
a character ever existed...."
Fifty years after Hale's execution the 'Long Island Star'
published (April 2, 1827) extracts from a letter of Stephen
Hempstead, Sen., aged sixty-nine, which Hempstead had
published in the 'Missouri Republican.' Another ten years
went by before the first printed address appeared, and
thereafter memoirs and biographies followed at frequent
intervals to the present time. Attempts have been made
to trace every step in his career, but there is much that still
puzzles the historians. Nobody has been able to prove how
he got to New York, and no one can say positively where
he was captured. From all that has been gathered on the
subject, we have arrived at the following conclusions:
The retreat of the American army from Long Island had
6
THE TWO SPIES
been satisfactorily accomplished, but the officers found
themselves in a most perilous condition when on Septem-
ber 7, 1776, Washington called a council of war to consider
the important question: Should they defend or abandon
New York? At another council on the 12th, it was decided
to move to a position on Harlem Heights, leaving a guard
of four thousand men under General Putnam in the city,
with orders to follow if necessary. On the 14th, Washing-
ton made his headquarters at the house of Robert Murray,
father of Lindley Murray the grammarian. From there he
wrote to General Heath, then stationed at Kingsbridge:
Sakala
‘As everything, in a manner, depends upon obtaining in-
telligence of the enemy's motions, I do most earnestly en-
treat you and General Clinton to exert yourselves to ac-
complish this most desirable end. Leave no stone unturned,
nor do not stick at expense, to bring this to pass, as I was
never more uneasy than on account of my want of know-
ledge on this score....'
To quote a paragraph from Lossing: "The vital questions
pressing for answer were, Will they make a direct attack
upon the city? Will they land upon the island, above the
city, or at Morrisania beyond the Harlem River? Will they
attempt to cut off our communications with the main, by
seizing the region along the Harlem River or at Kings-
bridge, by landing forces on the shores of the East and
Hudson Rivers, at Turtle Bay, or at Bloomingdale, and,
stretching a cordon of armed men from river to river, cut
off the four thousand troops left in the city?'
Washington in his perplexity, called another council of
NATHAN HALE
7
war at Murray's. He told his officers that he could not pro-
cure the least information concerning the intentions of the
enemy, and again asked, What shall be done? It was re-
solved to send a competent person, in disguise, into the
British camps on Long Island to unveil the momentous
secret. It needed one skilled in military and scientific
knowledge; a man possessed of a quick eye, a cool head,
unflinching courage; tact, caution, and sagacity a man
on whose judgment and fidelity implicit reliance might
be placed.
Washington sent for Lieutenant-Colonel Knowlton and
asked him to find a man for the service. Knowlton sum-
moned a number of officers to a conference at his quarters
and after explaining the service required called for volun-
teers. Late in the conference, when it seemed he would not
find a man competent and willing to undertake the perilous
mission, ‘a young officer appeared, pale from the effects of
recent severe sickness. Knowlton repeated the invitation,
when, almost immediately, the voice of the young soldier
was heard uttering the momentous words, "I will under-
take it!" It was the voice of Captain Nathan Hale.'
Everybody was astonished. The whole company knew
Hale. They loved and admired him. After the meeting
his friends tried to dissuade him from his decision, setting
forth the risk of sacrificing all his good prospects in life
and the fond hopes of his family and friends. Hull em-
ployed all the force of friendship and the arts of persuasion
to bend him from his purpose, but in vain. With warmth
and decision Hale said:
8
THE TWO SPIES
'I think I owe to my country the accomplishment of an
object so important and so much desired by the com-
mander 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 conse-
quences 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 Sun-
day, hunting perhaps at Stamford and other points be-
NATHAN HALE
9
tween 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 Cap-
tain 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 Nor-
walk 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 guide-
post 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
{
IO
THE TWO SPIES
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; but the market boats
were still in service and doing a good business supply-
ing 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 house-
hold 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
NATHAN HALE
II
I
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, but it is possible that in spite of his disguise he
discovered he had been recognised 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
12
THE TWO SPIES
was left with the sentinels at the British outposts, who
later conducted him to headquarters, and when his 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.
way yo
Heyate Houyou
D DAD R 200
Da D
350
WWW.
ܢܟܢܡܪ ܕܚܡ
ROBERT TOWNSEND
Bo
T
HE 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 determina-
tion in the General's mind to establish a
Secret Service Bureau that would be
more carefully planned and consequently less liable to dis-
appointing results. The man selected to manage the spy
system within the city of New York was Robert Town-
send, 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.(1)
Before the war began, Robert Townsend acted as pur-
chasing agent for his father, in importing flax and sugar
and molasses, tea and coffee and iron and rum and similar
commodities, (2) and there is a suggestion that he may have
collected a secret fund for the 'Sons of Liberty' in 1772,
14
THE TWO SPIES
'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 pro-
visions'; but it may have been abruptly ended with the
capture of Woodhull and the scattering of his men. (3)
Among the men of the Provincial Congress who voted for
him as commissary to Nathaniel Woodhull was John
Morin Scott, now a general himself under Washington.
Scott had the confidence of the Commander-in-Chief and
it was proposed that he should establish this Secret
Service Bureau. His plans were progressing satisfactorily
when a greater work for the State* called him from the
federal service, but before leaving, he had made advances
toward interesting Townsend in the work.
Upon receipt of Scott's resignation, General Washington
called Major Benjamin Tallmadge, of the Second Regi-
ment, Light Dragoons, to the service. 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, Austin Roe, and
Nathaniel Ruggles were among the leaders. So important
was their work that without them little from New York
*
*In 1777 John Morin Scott was appointed Secretary of the State
of New York.
Your humble servant
Robert Forensend
UNIV
OF
2
ROBERT TOWNSEND
15
City could have reached the General. Abraham Woodhull
in particular was a man whom history should accord a
prominent place.
Until missing letters are discovered, the exact date
when the service of systematically transmitting intelli-
gence 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 busi-
ness....
.. 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 con-
veyance 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 dis-
tinction, 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, indi-
16
THE TWO SPIES
cates the hazard of the work in New York City, and men-
tions 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 Quar-
ters where I received his threats for comeing their that
made me almost tremble knowing my situation and busi-
ness but blessed be God have been prosperd and particu-
larly 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.
'SAMUEL CULPER.'
Woodhull's next letter tells of another narrow escape
from capture.(4) Colonel Simcoe and his Rangers has-
tened to Setauket in April, 1779, upon information fur-
nished by John Wolsey against him. Fortunately, he was
with Townsend in New York at the time, but they fell
upon his father and plundered him in a most shocking
manner.*
Hardly was it thought possible that Woodhull would be
able to pay the price of satisfaction. General Washington
received the news from Major Tallmadge on June 26th,
* This, as related by John Jay and Robert Townsend to J. Fenimore
Cooper, has been woven into fiction as the basis of the tenth chapter
of The Spy.
ROBERT TOWNSEND
17
A
at New Windsor, and the next day answered in a long let-
ter with which he sent ten guineas for Culper, and men-
tioned one George Higday, who had attempted to get him
information from New York. (6)
Meanwhile, Woodhull had arranged with Robert Town-
send to engage actively in the service, and the first of his
official letters to Major Tallmadge is dated June 29,
1779.(7) Woodhull's fifteenth letter, incorrectly dated June
31, 1779, explains its odd style as follows:
'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 ap-
pointed 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
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 expecta-
tions. He wishes that the ink or stain might be forwarded.
He hath hinted to you the prospect of their making ex-
cursions 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
18
THE TWO SPIES
destroyed. It is a pity that company could not be de-
stroyed at Lloyd's Neck. Their refugee boats are continu-
ally 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 lookout,' were on their way, but had not
had time to reach Major Tallmadge when he was sur-
prised 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 broad-
sword, 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 conse-
quence at an advanced post. I beg you will take care to
}
ROBERT TOWNSEND
19
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.'
says
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 cor-
respondence. He enthuses over Robert Townsend and
he has kept no secret from him. '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 closes his
letter with this N.B.: 'Culper, Jr. should now be furnished
with some money. I
gave him
4 half Joes on the 8th.
instant.'
20
THE TWO SPIES
Meanwhile, General Washington had prepared in-
structions for the Culpers, a copy of which is still pre-
served 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 par-
ticular 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
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
7
ROBERT TOWNSEND
21
i
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 sur-
prise 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 pro-
cured, who might probably gain daily admission into the
Garrison by carrying on marketing, and from him intelli-
gence might be gained every day or two of what was pass-
ing within, as the strength of the Garrison, the number and
size of the Cannon, &c.
'Proper persons to be procured at convenient distances
22
THE TWO SPIES
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 receiv-
ing 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,(8) 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 immedi-
ately, and when you receive the History of his conduct
be very caucious how you handle it for if it should get to
ROBERT TOWNSEND
23
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) * is sent in phial No. 1 by
* James Jay, brother of John Jay, claims the credit of this invention.
In a letter to Thomas Jefferson he says: "The curious experiments
in Sympathetic Inks, fluids with which if one writes on the whitest
paper the letters immediately become invisible, are generally known;
and so is likewise the facility with which the writing with any one of
them may be rendered visible. For this reason I presume the subject
has been considered as a matter of mere curiosity and entertainment,
and has never been applied to any use in Politics or War. When
the affairs of America, previous to the commencement of hostilities,
began to wear a serious aspect, and threatened to issue in civil war, it
occurred to me that a fluid might possibly be discovered for invisible
writing, which would elude the generally known means of detection,
24
THE TWO SPIES
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 Cr, Junr., as soon as possible, and I beg
and yet could be rendered visible by a suitable counterpart. Sensible
of the great advantages, both in a political and military line, which
we might derive from such a mode of procuring and transmitting
intelligence, I set about the work. After innumerable experiments,
I succeeded to my wish. From England I sent to my brother John
in New York, considerable quantities of these preparations. He
furnished Silas Deane with them when that gentleman first went to
France. When Mr. Deane was in Paris, he writ to me in London,
requesting further supplies of them, which I accordingly sent him. In
the course of the war, General Washington was also furnished with
them, and I have letters from him acknowledging their great utility,
and requesting further supplies. Gordon in his history of the Revo-
lution relates the fact, but without mentioning the author of the
contrivance.
'By means of this mode of conveying intelligence, I transmitted to
America the first authentic account which Congress received, of the
determination of the British Ministry to reduce the Colonies to uncon-
ditional submission; the ministry at the time concealing this design,
and holding out conciliatory measures. My method of communica-
tion was this: To prevent the suspicion which might arise were I to
write to my brother John only, who was a member of Congress, I writ
with black ink a short letter to him, and likewise to 1 or 2 other persons
of the family, none exceeding 3 or 4 lines in black ink. The residue of
the blank paper I filled up, invisibly, with such intelligence and
matters as I thought would be useful to the American Cause. All these
letters were left open, and sent in that condition to the Director or
Secretary of the General Post Office, with a letter insinuating that I
thought it could not be the intentions of Government, in their re-
straining laws, to put a stop to family intercourse; and therefore
requesting the party to read over the letters, and if nothing improper
GO
ROBERT TOWNSEND
25
that no mention may ever be made of your having re-
ceived 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.'
Meanwhile, Samuel Culper continued to advise Robert
Townsend that he should give up his business in New
York.* In a letter to Tallmadge, dated August 12th, he
writes:(9)
'I do assure you he is a sincere friend and capable of
rendering service to our country. And as such a one I have
again most earnestly endeavoured, and begged him to dis-
engage himself from all concerns that may interfere with
the Public business he hath undertaken.'
Jonas Hawkins called for Townsend's fifth letter, but
fearing capture destroyed it before reaching Woodhull. He
advised Tallmadge of this in a letter, mostly in cipher,
dated August 15th.(10) The sixth shared the same fate.
Woodhull called for the next, which follows:
appeared in them, that he would permit them to pass in the mail to
New York. They passed accordingly, and on their arrival in New York
were sent into the American Lines. In this invisible writing I sent to
Franklin and Deane, by the mail from London to Paris, a plan of the
intended Expedition under Burgoyne from Canada.'
* Oakman & Townsend was the firm name, Henry Oakman being
the partner at this time, supplying ships and the public with dry-
goods and groceries.
26
THE TWO SPIES
No. 7.
LONG ISLAND, Sept. 11th, 1779.
'Sir, Your No. 11 & 12 have come to hand, the contents
I duly note. I am very sorry that No. 5 was destroyed,
tho' I can't say that it contained any intelligence that
wou'd have been of material consequence The bearer
thought himself in danger. I believe it was merely imagi-
nary. From timidity and the situation of affairs at that
time, he did not choose to come to N.Yk; I therefore met
him at a place quite out of danger on Long-Island. I then
made an appointment for No. 6, at wch. time he came, I
wrote it, and took it over the Ferry that he might run no
hazard from the Inspector of Letters there. However he
was so much intimidated that it shared the same fate as
No. 5.
P
'I have now the pleasure of seeing our mutual friend
Saml. Culper, Sen. who will run every hazard to forward
this.
'I had informed you in No. 6, of the arrival of the
British Fleet consisting of about 70 sail, under convoy of
Adml. Arbuthnot in the Europa of 64 Guns & Russel of
74 Guns - The number of the Troops from the best in-
formation I can collect does not exceed 3000. They are
all new troops, and in bad health, and are now encamped
in and about Bedford; three miles from Brooklyn Ferry.
The 44th. and 3 Hessian Regts. embarked a few days ago,
and are to sail this day Their destination said to be for
Quebec - This is generally believed - Sir James Wallace
in the Experiment sails sometime for Georgia, with one
ROBERT TOWNSEND
27
Store Ship and two or three other vessels, but no Troops.
No prospect of any other movement further than some
vessels are fitting for Horses. The general opinion is that
there will be no Campaign opened from N. York. The most
knowing and judicious of the Torys think that some troops
must be sent to the West Indies. They have now given
up all hope of the second division so much talked of, as
they think they will be wanted at home. Their spirits in
general was much dejected with the accounts of a Spanish
war, and Lord North's declaration that he had formed no
alliances nor had any prospect of forming any. Their
spirits are now in some measure elevated with the accounts
of the destruction of the American Fleet at Penobscot.
I hope it will be but a temporary elevation. It certainly
is a bad stroke, and I think it cou'd not be owing to want
of inteligence of Sir Geo. Collier's sailing. A vessel arrived
a few days ago from St. Kitts, but nothing transpires
further than that the French had embarked 6000 Troops,
with an intent, as is supposed, to take Antegua. The most
judicious of the Tory's think that the Spaniards have by
this invaded Jamaica, and make no doubt but that they
will succeed. A fleet of 12 sail of victualers arrived
yester-
day from Cork - Another fleet was to sail in about four
weeks after them, but they are not expected soon as its
thought that the Spanish War will occasion a general
embargo for some time, for the purpose of manning their
fleet. The Guards, 54th, and two Hessian Regts. do duty
in and about N.York. The Guards are in the City, 54th
encamped at Greenwich, one Hessian Regt. Near Jones's
28
THE TWO SPIES
on Delancey's land, and the other near the water works.
The number on Staten Island I do not know
On Long
Island the new troops as mentioned, a Regt. of Horse
about Flushing, a guard of about 30 men of the 3d. Bat-
talian of Delancey's Brigade, with a party of the Militia
Horse are at Jamaica, as a guard for the General. He
might have been taken off with much ease sometime ago,
but it would now be very difficult, and the Queens Rangers
are at Oyster Bay. Their number is about 450, near 100
of which are mounted. The 3d. Batallian of Delancy's
brigade are at Lloyd's Neck. From the vicinity of the
Queens Rangers, who can be there by means of an alarm
gun in two hours, I think it would by no means be advis-
able to attack them. They were alarmed on Thursday
night last, and was there in one and a half hours after the
alarm.
'My being unwell for a week past, and my engagement
in business has prevented my obtaining a more particular
account of the situation of the enemy. I intended to have
disingaged myself from business agreeable to the solicita-
tions of my friend Samuel Culper, Sen; but find it will be
attended with more difficulty than I expected, owing to
my having a partner, as I can make no excuse to do it.
Untill I can, will continue to write as usual, and shall be
less expensive.
"The Europa, Russel, Renown and four or five Frigates
are now in port. It is thought by many that all the large
ships on this station will be ordered to the West Indies to
re-inforce Byron.
ROBERT TOWNSEND
29
"The works at the Battery goes on very slow. The Hes-
sians are repairing the Fort on Bunker hill, with some
alterations. A very large Fort is building at Brooklyn on
the west side of the road, and abt 80 rods due north from
Cobble Hill. A large number of the Militia of Kings and
Queens County are at work on it. The Militia of Suffolk
have not as yet complyed. The orders, a copy of which
you will have forwarded. I fear if they do not comply that
devastation will attend that Loyal County. No late ac-
counts from Georgia, the last were that their lines was more
contracted. It is the general opinion that nothing more
can be done there till they have re-inforcement which it is
thought will be sent about the beginning of October. You
may rest assured that I will use every endeavour to com-
ply with your requests. I have made some overtures to a
person to convey letters by a shorter route, and flatter my-
self that I shall succeed.
'I am, Sir, Your most obedt. Servt,
'CULPER JUN.'
The General thought it was not necessary for Townsend
to give up his business, and so replied from Headquarters
at West Point, September 24, 1779:
"Sir, It is not my opinion that Culper Junior should be
advised to give up his present employment. I would
imagine that with a little industry he will be able to carry
on his intelligence with greater security to himself and
greater advantages to us, under cover of his usual busi-
30
THE TWO SPIES
ness, than if he were to dedicate himself wholly to the giv-
ing of information. It may afford him opportunities of
collecting intelligence that he could not obtain so well in
any other manner. It prevents also those suspicions which
would become natural should he throw himself out of the
line of his present employment. He may rest assured of
every proper attention being paid to his services. One
thing appears to me deserving of his particular considera-
tion, as it will not only render his communications less
exposed to detection, but relieve the fears of such
persons
as may be entrusted with its conveyance to the second
link in the chain, and of course very much facilitate the
object we have in view; I mean, that he should occasion-
ally write his information on the blank leaves of a pam-
phlet, on the first, second, and other pages of a common
pocket book, or on the blank leaves at each end of regis-
ters, almanacks, or any new publication or book of small
value. He should be determined in the choice of these
books principally by the goodness of the blank paper, as
the ink is not easily legible unless it is on paper of a good
quality. Having settled a plan of this kind with his
friend, he may forward them without risk of search or the
scrutiny of the enemy, as this is chiefly directed against
paper made up in the form of letters.
'I would add a further hint on this subject. Even let-
ters may be made more subservient to this communica-
yet
tion, than they have been. He may write a familiar
letter on domestic affairs, or on some little matters of
business, to his friend at Setauket or elsewhere, interlining
ROBERT TOWNSEND
31
with the stain his secret intelligence, or writing it on the
opposite blank side of the letter. But that his friend may
know how to distinguish these from letters addressed
solely to himself, he may always leave such as contain
secret information without date or place (dating it with
the stain), or fold them up in a particular manner, which
may
be concerted between the parties. This last appears
to be the best mark of the two, and may be the signal of
their being designed for me. The first mentioned mode,
however, or that of the books, appears to me the one least
liable to detection. I am, &c.
'GO. WASHINGTON.'
+
72
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SECRET SERVICE SECRETS
T
HE hazard of transmitting letters in the
ordinary way between Headquarters and
the Culpers continued to increase. It
taxed the ingenuity of General Washing-
ton, as his preceding letter indicates;
and Major Tallmadge carefully studied
the subject. The first crude use of a few ciphers (ten for
New York and twenty for Setauket) was no longer deemed
sufficient. Early in July, 1779, Major Tallmadge pre-
pared a pocket dictionary in which a new code was ar-
ranged. Probably copies were furnished the Culpers as
well as Headquarters, but the only existing reference to
it is in a letter from Washington dated July 27, 1779.
No exact copy of the code appears to have survived, but
a fragmentary translation of it will be found among the
Notes.(11)
Mag
*
In letters Major Tallmadge's name was never used on
Long Island. He was always addressed as John Bolton.
He had also a number, which was 721. Abraham Wood-
* See Memoir of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge, p. 130.
SECRET SERVICE SECRETS 33
hull was always addressed as Samuel Culper or Culper
Senior, and was known by the number 722. Robert Town-
send was Culper Junior, and his number was 723. Austin
Roe * 724, Caleb Brewster 725, George Washington 711,
New York 727, Long Island 728, Setauket 729, etc.
The stain letters were doubtless the most clever, but
only fragments of them have survived. However, copies
of those that reached Headquarters were made by Alex-
ander Hamilton and other trusted members of the Gen-
eral's official family, and these are still preserved among
the Washington Papers. Sometimes they reached the
General in a manner that alarmed him, as the following
extract shows:
'C―r, Jr. should avoid making use of the Stain upon
a Blank sheet of paper (which is the usual way of its com-
ing to me). This circumstance alone is sufficient to raise
suspicions. A much better way is to write a letter in the
*It was this Austin Roe who fell from his horse and broke his leg
while hurrying to keep an engagement with George Washington in
1790. The President was then touring Long Island and, probably
without disclosing his reason to any one, requested the presence of
those who had faithfully served him during the Revolution. Austin
Roe had long occupied the Setauket homestead, later known as the
Dering property, but now owned by the Irwins. His brother, Captain
Daniel Roe, was at the time occupying the Roe homestead at Port
Jefferson, then called the Townsend house. Captain Nathaniel Roe
was a cousin, not in the neighborhood at the time. Austin 'bore the
title of Captain,' his biographer says, but few knew what he com-
manded.
34
THE TWO SPIES
1
Tory stile with some mixture of family matters and be-
tween the lines and on the remaining part of the sheet
communicate with the stain the intended intelligence.
Such a letter would pass through the hands of the enemy
unsuspected and even if the agents should be unfaithful
or negligent, no discovery would be made to his prejudice,
as these people are not to know that there is concealed
writing in the letter and the intelligent part of it would be
an evidence in its favor.'
Probably Major Tallmadge had not explained that
Townsend's method was to conceal the sheet by forward-
ing with it to him an entire quire of the same folded letter-
paper,
in which there was no way of discovering this par-
ticular sheet except by knowing its position in the quire.
It was such a letter from Townsend that Culper Senior
mentions in his of September 19th.(12) He also relates
how it became necessary for him to expose himself in order
to protect Brewster, who with his boat was waiting for it.
Culper Junior's tenth letter is dated October 9th.(13) In
it he says:
'A considerable number of Troops are on the West end
of Long Island. The 17th Dragoons at Hemstead, the
mounted Legion and Queens Rangers at Jericho, and the
Foot belonging to the Legion are at Oyster Bay. No
arrivals of any consequence since my last, except those
mentioned. The spirits of the troops flag much, but still
some flatter themselves that there is yet a probability of
England rising superior to all her enemies. There does
SECRET SERVICE SECRETS 35
not appear the least prospect of this place being vacated
this fall, tho I believe they would be glad to have them
at home.'
With this Samuel Culper encloses his twenty-fifth letter,
in which he relates how he was captured and escaped, as
follows:
'Inclosed you have S. C. Junrs. letter, which wish safe to
hand. He desired me to send for some more of that Stain.
It is too great a risque to write with ink in this country of
robbers. I this day just saved my life. Soon after I left
Hempstead Plains and got into the woods I was attacked
by four armed men, one of them I had frequently seen in
N.York. They searched every pocket and lining of
my
clothes, shoes, and also my saddle, which the enclosed
was in, but thank kind Providence they did not find it. I
had but one dollar in money about me. It was so little
they did not take it, and so came off clear. Don't mention
this for I keep it a secret for fear it should intimidate all
concerned here - and am Yours Sincerely,
'SAML. CULPER.'
Culper Senior's next letter,(14) dated October 26th, he
also, incorrectly numbers 25. Townsend's next letter,(15)
written with the stain, is dated October 29th, as is also
the following from Culper Senior:
'Your No. 19 with the inclosed came to hand on the
26th, and have noted the contents and shall follow your
36
THE TWO SPIES
•
directions as far as in me lay, and to compleat the same
have desired an interview with Culper Jnr. which if by
the movement of your army it should become necessary
that the present rout of dispatches should be shortened
must principally depend on his acquaintance. If any
secrets are with you, and may tend to the common good
by communicating them to us, and enable us to better
judge and assist your measures, don't fail to do it. I sin-
cerely declare to you by all that is valuable and sacred
that no person but him and me shall know it depend
nothing shall be wanting on my part to forward intelli-
gence to you as frequent as possible. And forget not to
urge 725 to his duty, which I must say he hath lately
neglected. Mr. Jackson perfectly knows it. And he fre-
quently objects to coming so often.
C
'I most impatiently wait the arrival of the Count
DeEstang, and your operations, and as the season is so far
advanced, I greatly fear nothing will be done, but am not
altogether without hopes.
'Since my
last the sum of about £400. was subscribed in
this town to be presented to General Clinton in order to
obtain his favour and evade the threatening storme
but before it could be possibly forwarded, a general de-
mand for all our Oxen, or cattle of equal value, was sent.
None escaped except some of our Tory gentry, and we
have concluded since to keep our money and let them
take and be damned. It is truely cutting to see the most
notorious escape this demand, and the virtuous dis-
tressed. I conceive in my own mind, that their views in
SECRET SERVICE SECRETS 37
taking the oxen and breaking up teams in general is
through fear they may fall into your hands and be of
service to your army. The enemy still continue to collect
hay to the westward, without estimating it or giving
receipts as heretofore, and are carrying it to Brooklyn
Ferry and to Lloyd's Neck. Unless prevented they will
soon be at this place.
'Night before last a most horrid robbery was committed
on the houses of Coll. Benj. Floyd and Mr. Seton, by
three whale boats from your shore, commanded by Joseph
Hulce and Fade Danolson, and one other master of boat,
name unknown to me. 725 can well inform you of their
names. From the best judgment I can form they took to
the value in money, household goods, Bonds and Notes,
of Three Thousand Pounds. They left nothing in the
houses that was portable. They even took their clock and
all their looking glasses, and all Seal Gold Cloths, perhaps
none before theirs in America.
'I cannot put up with such a wanton waste of property,
I know they are enemy's to our cause, but yet their pro-
perty should not go amongst such villians. I beg you
would exert yourself and bring them to justice.'
Townsend's next letter, November 3d, announces that
'General Clinton and the Admiral were at Oyster Bay on
Monday, observing the Harbour.' November 13th, Culper
Senior sends a six page letter (16) in which he says:
'On the 10th I was to see Culper Junior, at a house he
appointed twelve miles west from here, and set out with
•
38
THE TWO SPIES
all
my letters to meet him, and just before I arrived at
the appointed place I suddenly met a foraging party of
40 horse and 200 foot and about 100 wagons. Was much
surprised but after answering a few questions passed them
unmolested.
'But to my great mortification Culper Junior did not
come that day. I waited all the next, and sent a person
westward to several houses where I thought likely to find
him, but could hear nothing of him. I am much concerned.
Fear some accident hath befallen him, but yet wish to
entertain a favorable thought that he may be sick. The
wagons went from Smith Town yesterday loaded but am
informed the troops all stayed behind waiting their return.
We have 20 horse and 4 foot bilited about in houses, but
no wagons have loaded here yet. They are exceedingly
afraid and keep a very strict guard at the foot of Seaton's
Neck. Coll. Floyd, E. Jones above the Mill. J. Thomp-
son, P. Lions. John Bayles is Head Quarters. Main guard
in Kelly's House. They are not expected to stay here
more than 10 days, some say not longer than a week.. The
inhabitants of this Island at present live a miserable life,
which you may readily judge when having the refuge of
three kingdoms and thirteen States amongst them, plun-
dering and repine increaseth at no small rate. I am tired
of this business, it gives me a deal of trouble, expecially
when disappointment happens. Could not consent to be
any longer an assistant if I was not almost an enthusiast
for our success. I am perfectly acquainted with a full
year's anxiety, which no one can scarcely have an idea of,
SECRET SERVICE SECRETS
39
but those that experience. Not long since, there was not
the breadth of your finger betwixt me and death. But so
long as I reside here my faithful endeavours shall never
be wanting.'
In his next letter,(17) written with the stain and dated
November 27, 1779, Townsend mentions that the British
have procured from Philadelphia ‘several Reams of the
paper
made for the last emission struck by Congress.' 'I
have taken much pains to find out some of those con-
cerned, but could not accomplish it,' he adds.
Woodhull, in his letter of December 12th, encloses a
blank (18) from Culper Junior. They are to be together on
the 25th (Christmas Day):
(
'Hope if the weather is favorable you will incline to
come over, as we greatly desire to see you. We would
gladly if possible meet you half way. I have the pleasure
to inform
fears are much abated since the troops
you my
have been with us. Their approach was like death to me.
Did not know wheather to stand or fall. Had they been
the Queens Rangers or Legion should have been with you
before now. Were I now in the State of New Jersey
without fear of Law or Gospel, would certainly kill Col.
Simcoe, for his usage to me.
*
'SAML. CULPER.'
From Setauket, before he returned from his Christmas
* Colonel Simcoe had been captured and was at the time a pris-
oner in New Jersey.
40
THE TWO SPIES
meeting, Townsend wrote a long letter (19) to 'Mr. John
Bolton' entirely undisguised. And soon one came from
General Washington, in which he says:
MORRISTOWN, 5th Feby. 1780.
‘Dr. Sir, I have received two letters of yours from
Wethersfield - one dated the 15th of Jan., the other with-
out a date By Colo. Blaine, who I expect will be the
bearer of this, I send twenty guineas and a phial contain-
ing the stain and counterpart of the stain for C, Junr.,
which I wish may be got to him with as much safety and
dispatch as the case will conveniently admit of. It is my
further most earnest wish, that you would press him to
open, if possible, a communication with me by a more
direct route than the present. His accounts are intelli-
gent, clear, and satisfactory, consequently would be val-
uable, but owing to the circuitous rout through which
they are transmitted I can derive no immediate or im-
portant advantage from them, and (as I rely upon his in-
telligence) the only satisfaction I derive from it, is, that
other accts. are either confirmed or corrected by his, after
they have been some time received.
'I am sensible of the delicacy of his situation, and the
necessity of caution for these reasons it is I have
hitherto forborn and am yet unwilling to mention, persons
to him as the vehicles of conveyance lest they should not
prove so trustworthy and prudent as we could wish, but
if he cannot form the first link of the chain of communi-
cation himself and will let me know it, I think I can name
SECRET SERVICE SECRETS 4I
one or two men to him who will receive and convey to me
through others such intelligence as he may think im-
portant.'
Woodhull visited Townsend in New York toward the
end of February. He was then probably trying to send
his intelligence by the shorter route, as the next letter
would indicate:
'32 729-215-for-1780
'Sir, Late last night I returned from 727, where I had
the pleasure of seeing C. Junr. and many other good
friends — I have nothing to enclose you from C. Junr. He
assuring me that Coll. Ramsay and some other gentlemen
that left 727 on Wednesday last on their way to Head
Quarters, was furnished with all the intelligence that he
could informe. Yet requested I would write to accompany
the newspapers. On Saturday last a packet arrived with
the Decr. Mail, and by private letters and all that we
can understand, indicates a continuance of the war. The
spirits of the enemy on the same account are very high.
The Loyalist, formerly the Oliver Cromwell, is about to
sail in search of Genl. Clinton. Hope they are all safely
landed in the Eternal Regions. A few days agone, a ship
arrived from Jamaica, but nothing can be learnt more
than what is published. There's a large fleet with dry
goods &c. daily expected from Europe, and a great number
of Merchantmen from other quarters. Our prisoners on
board of ships hath suffered much this winter, and to com-
plete the total destruction of the sick, the hospital ship on
42
THE TWO SPIES
Thursday last about 4 o'clock took fire in the Stern, said
by means of a stove, and was immediately consumed. How
many perished I cannot say. Reports are from 3 to 50.
There's a very great mortality amongst the enemies
horses. There was no appearance of any movement that
I could learn. I shall now mention the situation of sev-
eral corps on Long Island and conclude. At Lloyd's Neck
Coll. Ludlow's Regt. At Oyster Bay about 40 of German
Huzzars. At Jericho the second Battallion of Skinner's
Brigade. The 17th Dragoons at Hempstead. Coll. Fan-
nings Regt. at Jamaica. Gover Browns at the head of the
Fly near Flushing. 54th Regt. at Newtown. One Regt of
Hessians at Bushwick. 725 handed me two phials and
20 guineas which shall be immediately transmitted to
C. Junr. I could wish to serve you better but it not being
in my power at this time. Am in great haste, Yours
Sincerely,
'SAML. CULper.'
Another letter from Samuel Culper is dated March
13.(20) In a postscript to it he adds:
'I have just heard that the enemy hath made a demand
from Smith Town of a thousand cords of wood and that
all the wood lying near our harbor is to be cut for them-
and two regts. is to be stationed in this Town. If it should
take place it will I fear entirely ruin our correspondence.
To prevent which I shall give you early intelligence of
their motions from time to time, that you may be pre-
1
SECRET SERVICE SECRETS 43
pared to give them a fatal blow at the beginning, or we
shall be totally ruined. 725 must come on the 25th in-
stant. I am yours Sincerely,
'S. CULPER.'
A missing letter evidently unjustly complained of
Townsend, for one, dated from Setauket April 23d, reads:
'In my No. 2, informed you of the neglect of 723. (Then
entirely ignorant of his informing of you previous to that
he should continue no longer) and resolved to visit him on
the 19th past, and returned this day after making every
effort possible with his utter denial and found yours of
the 10th instant waiting, mentioning an interview of us
three on the 1st of May, which if possible shall be com-
pleat. As I shall see you soon I forbear stating his reasons
and the probability of its being no great damage, and the
hope that I have you shall not be neglected. I shall now
give you what intelligence can be obtained at this time.
A person formerly an inhabitant of Cavarick, came
through you about 20 days ago from Canada, since which
an embarcation of four thousand men reports say will
most certainly take place for that quarter unless your
movements prevent. The Troops that sailed from 727
some time gone and destined for the southward, have
left all their heavy baggage behind and are directed to
return as soon as the subjection of South Carolina is com-
pleted. A vessel arrived a few days ago from Jamaica, the
captain is an acquaintance of Culper, Jr. and told him that
44
THE TWO SPIES
upwards of twenty sail of ships had been drove up on that
Island and lost that a Packet had arrived there left
London the 12th of February, declaring that 25 sail of the
Line, 150 Transports with 20 thousand on board had left
Brest, their destination unknown. It is said with us that
Washington hath pledged his honor to the army that a
Naval force will be to their assistance by the 10th of June.
Best judges say that their regular troops amount to no
more than six thousand, and Militia and other vagabonds
about 4 thousand, and only two or three small frigates.
I am in past and at present much indisposed. Nothing
more material to say. Hope to see you soon. I am &c.
'SAML. CULPER.'
Kad
Following this came an order from Headquarters practi-
cally discharging the Culpers. It reads:
'HEAD QUARTERS, MORRIS TownN, 19th May, 1780.
'Dear Sir: Your favr. of the 8th reached me a few days
ago. As C. junior has totally declined and C. Senior seems
to wish to do it, I think the intercourse may be dropped,
more especially as from our present position the intelli-
gence is so long getting to hand that it is of no use by the
time it reaches me. I would however have you
opportunity of informing the elder C. that we may have
occasion for his services again in the course of the Sum-
mer, and that I shall be glad to employ him if it should be-
come necessary and he is willing.
take an
'I am endeavoring to open a communication with
SECRET SERVICE SECRETS 45
New York across Staten Island, but who are the agents in
the City, I do not know. I am &c.
'Go. WASHINGTON.'
Woodhull was not pleased with General Washington's
letter, as his next to Major Tallmadge indicates:
June 10, 1780.
'Sir. Yours of the 5th inst, together with 711, was
handed me yesterday, and have observed the contents. -
The letter, agreeable to your directions, returned to the
bearer. I am happy to find that 711 is about to establish
a more advantageous channel of intelligence than here-
tofore. I perceive that the former he intimates hath been
but of little service. Sorry we have been at so much cost
and trouble for little or no purpose. He also mentions of
my backwardness to serve. He certainly hath been mis-
informed. You are sensible I have been indefaticable,
and have done it from a principal of duty rather than from
any mercenary end- and as hinted heretofore, if at any
time theres need you may rely on my faithful endeavours.
I perceive there's no mention made of any money to dis-
charge the remaining debts, which hath increased since
I saw you, owing to your direction to continue the cor-
respondence regular until I received your answer from 711.
You speak with some assurance that the French is hourly
expected to our assistance — hope they may not fail us
and that we may soon retrieve the sad misfortune of our
Southern Garrison, which doleful fate the papers enclosed
46
THE TWO SPIES
Tag
doth too fully relate, to which I must you refer. The en-
emy last Tuesday night, with all the force they could
muster, landed in the Jerseys, in order to surprise G. W.
and had not returned on Friday night. It is thought much
blood hath been spilt. A great number of wounded men
hath been sent in together with General Sterling who had
his thigh broke. No particulars had transpired on Friday
night, but our friends are in hopes they will be defeated.
Ther's a grand movement on foot in N.York. The troops
are called from Lloyd's Neck and is said from every other
distant post, and an embargo laid on all ships and small
Sloops. It is suspected they are a going to quit N.York,
or are going to make some diversion up the river, or are
afraid of the French. But I cannot but think the former
is likely to take place. For I believe their whole design
is to the Southward. Thus sir, what I have written is from
such authority as you have heretofore depended on, and
from such as I call the best and is all worthy of notice
at this time. Hoping it may duly come to hand, and find
you in health and prosperity is the earnest desire of your
ever affectionate Friend and Hum¹. Servt.
'SAMUEL CULPER.'
A few weeks' suspension was sufficient to convince
Headquarters that the services of the Culpers were indis-
pensable. Messengers were rushed to Major Tallmadge
to re-engage them, as the next communication shows:
SECRET SERVICE SECRETS 47
'HEAD QUARTERS, Bergen CounTY, 11th July, 1780.
'Dear Sir. As we may every moment expect the arrival
of the French Fleet a revival of the correspondence with
the Culpers will be of very great importance. If the
younger cannot be engaged again, you will endeavor to
prevail upon the older to give you information of the
movements and position of the enemy upon Long Island
—as whether they are all confined to the port at Brooklyn
or whether they have any detached posts and where, and
what is their strength at those posts — in short desire him
to inform you of whatever comes under his notice and
what seems worthy of communication. You will transmit
your letters to Genl. Howe, who will forward them to me.
am, &c.
I
'GO. WASHINGTON.
'P.S. Desire him to attend particularly to the provision
which they are making of wood and forage and whether
they drive in any stock.'
No time was lost upon receipt of this, as the letter of
Samuel Culper to Major Tallmadge, dated Setauket,
July 20th, shows:
'Your letter came to hand and found me very ill with a
fever, and still continues. All that I could do was to send
Austin Roe with directions, who returned this day in great
haste with the enclosed dispatch from Culper Junior. Also
assures me of the arrival of Admiral Graves with six ships
of the line and is joined by three more out of New York,
48
THE TWO SPIES
also one of 50 and two of 40 guns and has sailed for Rhode
Island and is supposed they will be there before this can
possibly reach you. Also 8000 Troops are this day em-
barking at Whitestone for the before mentioned port. I
am told for certain that the French have only seven sail
of the line. I greatly fear their destination. We hourly
expect a number of the enemy in this quarter, for what
end I know not. You must excuse all imperfections at this
time on the account of my before mentioned fever. Never-
theless
for
you have perhaps all the needful and pray
your success and exercions. And am yours sincerely,
'SAML. CULPER.'
M
Another letter followed on August 6th, as follows:
'Sir, Your several dates of the 23d and 26th of July came
to hand on the 4th inst, and observe the contents. Being
still in a feble state but mending - was obliged again
to have recourse to Austin Roe, and dispatched him the
same evening with such directions as thought proper. He
this instant returned with the enclosed from Culper,
Junior. I hope it contains all the needful. Roe hath no
verbal account worthy of notice. Also you have enclosed
the state of the Garrison at Lloyds Neck, but it is not satis-
factory to me, but is the best that could be procured this
time. Coll. Simcoe with his regiment of Rangers, and
three companies of Queens County Militia Foot, and
about thirty of Coll. Ludlow's Regiment, have been for
some time past in the County, the main body at South-
SECRET SERVICE SECRETS 49
ampton, some at the River Head, some at South Mills,
about 30 at Coram. What they have come down here for
is unknown.
'I purpose to go to 727 for the benefit of our 115, and
have 130 ready for you, em. Also have the promise of the
exact state of Lloyd's Neck, which shall then transmit.
Am in great haste and in the interval am Your Sincerely,
'SAML. CULPER.'
An interesting letter followed his visit to New York,
which is dated August 16, 1780, and reads as follows:
'Sir, I have this day returned from New York and am
happy to inform you that Culper Junior hath engaged to
serve as heretofore. I have nothing to enclose from him
to you, as there's not a word of intelligence worthy of
notice in New York. I have the satisfaction to assure you
that the judicious Torys in New York are more dejected
now than ever I knew before, on account of the neutrality
entered into by the Powers of Europe. A few victualling
ships were to sail yesterday to the fleet now laying in
Gardiner's Bay. Clinton, with about 7000 men are can-
toned from Whitestone to Jamaica for this ten days past
have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to-
gether with the fleet that still lays at Whitestone. Com-
mon reports say they are about to proceed to Rhode
Island, but it is very uncertain. No person can tell, but,
by all means be upon your guard. There is in this county
the Queens Rangers, three companies of Queens County
50
THE TWO SPIES
Militia Troop, Coll. Fanning's Regiment, the 17th Dra-
goons, German Huzzars, all marching to the Eastward,
also three Regiments more were ordered to march recently.
Say they are to embark at the east end of this Island.
We have a report that the second division of French hath
arrived. Hope it may be true. Tryon, Patterson and
Mathews are about to sail immediately in the packet for
Europe. The person I depended upon to procure a very
accurate account of Lloyd's Neck, is taken very ill and
hath put it out of
it out of my power to forward it now. I have
ordered 725 to return here again on the f i instant, and
intend to send you as frequent dispatches as possible as
long as (illegible) In the interim wishing you health and
prosperity I am &c.
'S. CULPER.
'N.B. Next opportunity you'll have the papers regular
as heretofore. Should have sent them now but lost them
out of my pocket on the road.
'I forgot to mention that General Clinton in person was
escourted through this Town yesterday by the mounted
Rangers, 17th Dragoons, and German Huzzars, in all
about two hundred and forty horse.'
The Culpers were now using more care to conceal the
intelligence in their letters, as will be observed upon ex-
amining Woodhull's, dated August 27th.(21) Townsend's
were at this period all written with the stain. Tallmadge's
efforts to shorten the line of communication have been
preserved in a series of three of his letters to Head-
SECRET SERVICE SECRETS 51
quarters. Incidentally, in his zeal he almost betrayed the
identity of Culper Junior. The first letter, dated August
10, 1780, reads:
'Since I last saw your Excellency I have been en-
deavoring to open communications with New York by
crossing over to Cow Neck to the westward of Oyster Bay.
If this can be effected, Dispatches may be bro't from New
York to the White Plains in 12 hours on contingencies,
as the whole land course on both sides would not exceed
34 miles, & the Sound not more than 10 miles over, I am
the more induced to this step, as C——— Junr. has a near
Relation living near Cow Neck, whom if I can also engage,
I am sure of C
Junr's services.'
Tallmadge's next letter is dated from North Castle,
August 20, 1780: and reads:
'Sir. Since my last I have made several attempts to
open a communication with Culper, Junior, by the way of
Oyster Bay or Cow Neck. The person whom I mentioned
to Your Excellency as the properest man to engage and
secure Culper's services, was away from home, at New
York, and last Monday night I sent over an Officer who
formerly resided at Oyster Bay, but the person in question
was then too ill to be seen. I shall still pay attention to
this matter, tho the Refugee boats which frequently pass
up and down the Sound makes crossing very dangerous.
'Enclosed is a letter from the person who has for a long
52
THE TWO SPIES
C
time bro't dispatches from the Culpers. Your Excellency
will perceive he has been attacked by some of the Refugee
Boats. He requests more men, as may be seen by the en-
closed. Your Excellency will please to direct me in the
matter. There are several Continental Crews at Stamford
and Horseneck, whose duty I am unacquainted with.
Perhaps one of those can be spared.
B.—
'I am sorry Lt. B.-r was drove from L.I. so suddenly
as Dispatches from Culper Junior were then waiting for
him. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency's most
Obedt. Servt.
'BENJ. TALLMadge.'
In the next letter, dated from Bedford, August 28,
1780,(22) he says:
'After sending several times across the Sound to open a
new communication with Culper Junior, without success,
I have finally referred the whole matter to him, who I
expect will appoint such place and pick on such persons
for his confidential friends, as will best answer our purpose,
and inform me thereof.'
1
MAX MAZE DATE DHE JANE TANTE MME DE
TOWNSEND'S PERSONALITY
HERE is no good reason to question
those who say that in the veins of Robert
Townsend flowed the blood of Norman
Conquerors. Upon his own immediate
ancestors he could look with pardonable
pride. The first on Long Island was
John Townsend, one of the patentees of Flushing in 1645
and of Rustdorp as Jamaica, Long Island, was then called,
in 1656.
T
Among John's children was John, usually called
John 2d. He had, among others, a son James, whose son
Jacob, born in 1692, was the father of Samuel Townsend
and grandfather of Robert Townsend, whose alias was
Culper Junior. Robert's father, Samuel, was born in 1717.
He married Sarah, the daughter of William and Mary
(Hicks) Stoddard. Mary's parents were John and
Deborah (Almy) Hicks.
When Robert's father, Samuel Townsend, was in his
twenty-fourth year, he was appointed by George Clarke,
then Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief of
54
THE TWO SPIES
the Province of New York, Ensign in the Company of
Militia Foot in Queens County, Joseph Weeks then being
Captain. His commission is dated December 15, 1741, and
bears the signature of George Clarke, and also of the
Deputy Secretary, George Moore.
Samuel Townsend is described in family documents as
a fine old gentleman, of regular features, straight nose, a
large blue eye, high forehead. A snuff-colored or gray
suit, with silver knee- and shoe-buckles, a white stock of
cambric lawn gathered in five plaits, fastened behind with
a paste buckle, showing no collar, narrow ruffles at the
shirt-bosom, gold-headed cane, and cocked hat. An uncle
used to say he hated to see Sam and Sarah come into meet-
ing, they looked so tall and proud. He was said to be a
member of Meeting by birthright, his parents being strict
Friends, and his wife, although baptized in the Episcopal
Church, preferred the Friends. They had sons, Solomon,
Samuel, Robert, William, and David, and daughters,
Audrey, Sarah, and Phebe.
Solomon was seven years older than his brother Robert.
Much has already been published about him. He married
Anne, daughter of Peter Townsend of Orange County,
New York, and they had eight children: (23) Hannah, Anne,
Mary, Phebe, Samuel, Jacob, Peter, and Solomon.
Robert Townsend, alias Culper Junior, was born No-
vember 25, 1753, and died at Oyster Bay, Long Island,
March 7, 1838, aged eighty-four years, three months, and
ten days.
Robert Townsend's father, Samuel, was always a suc-
TOWNSEND'S PERSONALITY 55
cessful merchant. He conducted his business at Jericho,
Long Island, until 1743, after which he moved to the
property now known as 'Raynham Hall' at Oyster Bay,
which he had purchased in 1740. Himself a learned man,
he was always careful to see that the education of his
children was not neglected. Pride radiates in the hand-
writing still preserved on a page of his ledger, where he
records:
'Sarah Townsend went to school to Rebeccah Coles ye
27th of October, 1766. Rebecca Coles School ceased ye
last of February, 1767. Sarah and Phebe Townsend bagan
school with John Townsend's wife ye 16th March, 1767.'
The ages of the girls at that time were five and seven
:
years.
At the commencement of hostilities, Samuel Townsend
was slow in renouncing his allegiance to the King. A
former experience was probably responsible for this
caution. When in 1758 he had attempted to get justice
for the neutral French and prisoners of war that had been
brought into Kings County in 1756, he was held in the
custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms of the General Assembly
of New York for several days and was then not released
until they had passed a Resolve, that 'the said Samuel
Townsend, for writing and sending the said Letter, is
guilty of a high misdemeanor and most daring Insult on
the Honour, Justice and Authority of this House,' and he
was further required to pay a heavy fine and promise that
for the future he would be more cautious to avoid every
occasion of exposing himself to their censure or reproof.
56
THE TWO SPIES
There was another Samuel Townsend in Oyster Bay
active for the Crown as early as December, 1774, 'who
proposed to convince the world that his Majesty is not
without friends here who will support his
his government.'
Later he joined the American army and if British Head-
quarters confused the two men, they did no more than
some of the biographers have done. Upon capture he was
severely punished by the British in the Provost, New
York, while for Samuel of Raynham Hall most of them
had great respect.*
* There is but a single recorded instance when Samuel was treated
roughly by the British. It was written for posterity in 1876 by
Solomon Townsend, his grandson, who was a nephew of Robert Town-
send, and is as follows:
'I am induced to pen these lines that the record of the arrest of
Saml. Townsend may be transmitted to another centennial as faith-
fully as is possible under the light of the testimony of those who were
eye witnesses of the scene and from whose lips the narrator heard it.
'On a bright September afternoon in the year 1776, a troop of horse
whose helmets were just before seen reflected in the sun's rays as they
galloped down South Street wheeled up in front of the house of Jacob
Townsend whose daughter Thomas Buchanan had wedded- and
enquired for Saml. Townsend. They were directed to the next house,
upon the piazza of which that gentleman was seated.
'He had been 30 years a Magistrate, and then a Member of the
Colonial Assembly and was then one of the Provincial Congress, Com-
mittee of Safety, and of the Convention that was deliberating upon
that of 1777 -
the first Constitution of this State
wherein the
mind of John Jay, and other distinguished Statesmen, was said to have
outlined the Constitution of the United States as inaugurated at Phila-
delphia a dozen years later.
'The subaltern in command asked whether "Sam" Townsend
was home and the reply being "I am the man," with great discourtesy
Pediat
M
TOWNSEND'S PERSONALITY
57
Samuel Townsend began active service in the Provincial
Congress on May 24, 1775, and usually was present in the
- accompanied with an oath, directed him to get himself ready to
accompany them to the Provost (the Prison Ships, &c.) at New York.
Mr. T. hoped they would wait till he had time to send a servant to an
outlot for a saddle horse, a request that was rudely yielded with
another blasphemous expression.
'During this brief delay the young upstart strutted over the Hall,
taking from one of the mantles a fowling piece and shattering it,
denying the right of a rebel to have in possession even such a weapon.
In the parlor the Portrait of Capt. Solomon Townsend - taken in
Portugal in 1772- when in command of one of Mr. Buchanan's
ships -the Glasgow-attracted the young martinet's attention,
and he expressed his regret that it was not in his power to wreak the
vengeance of his superiors upon him also.
'Whilst these scenes were enacting within doors, and Mr. Town-
send's wife and his young daughters - Sarah and Phebe, were almost
frantic at the rudeness exhibited towards the venerated husband and
parent the neighbors collected in front and when the agony of the
family was witnessed, their sympathy even to tears was excited,
Tories as most of them were in their political affiliations. My author-
ity outside the family for this incident (Miss Elizabeth Wooden,
deceased some 20 years), and whose family took the Tory side said
that altho' among the crowd of neighbors were some of the instigators
of the arrest they claimed that Mr. Townsend was not regarding
his pledged word to remain neutral when they witnessed their really
loved and respected neighbor torn from his family under such painful
circumstances, openly regretted that their political animosity had
contributed to produce so sad a scene.
'Provided with only a change of clothing, Mr. T. was soon taken by
the Troop on their way to the superior officer whose quarters were
then in the vicinity of Jericho. On ascending the hill at the southern
terminus of "Pinehollow" then and long afterwards known as the
"Great Hill," Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan in their Phaeton and Miss
Audrey, Mr. Townsend's eldest daughter met them - Mr. Buchanan
Ma
Mang
58
THE TWO SPIES
sessions to July 1st. Toward the end of July, he again took
his seat and toward the close of May, 1776, he became
active. He was with them at White Plains from July 9th
to August, and during August attended the Provincial
Convention and was also one of the Committee of Safety.
But he did not follow them to Fishkill, where they began
meeting on September 5, 1776. He, therefore, although
elected a member of the committee to draft the first State
Constitution, was not able actively to participate in their
at once enquired into the surprising circumstances, and taking the
saddle horse of Miss Townsend sent the ladies home, whilst he
accompanied the cavalcade on the route. Arrived at the quarters of
the superior officer he became responsible to the extent of several
thousand pounds, that the prisoners should be produced upon a notice
of six hours.
"The two gentlemen then returned to their homes reaching the vil
lage at a late hour of the evening and thus allaying the alarm and
distress of their families.
'To illustrate how even the gentler members of the family were
made to feel the rudeness, or as Colonel Simcoe afterwards wrote in
his Valentine to one of them, "the Iron Spear of War," when the
Troopers noticed that Miss Townsend rode a fine animal- they in-
sultingly enquired of her how she dared to appear thus, without the
Tory badge or escutcheon upon its ear she replied, she preferred
riding her own petted filly as it was.
"The kindness of Mr. Buchanan was returned to him by the con-
tinuance of business prosperity, and finally when a boat lay at the foot
of Wall St. with all his moveable worldly goods ready to take his family
to Nova Scotia — and the property of those of his own political asso-
ciates was being daily confiscated or attached by the New York
Legislature, then in session at the head of Wall St., none rose to move
the seizure of that of the noble hearted merchant, Thomas Buchanan,
Tory, as he might be called.'"
TOWNSEND'S PERSONALITY 59
deliberations, and choosing to remain at home was obliged
to subscribe to the Oath of Allegiance to the King.*
His appointment on committees to advise with and
assist Brigadier-General Woodhull in protecting the stock
was an important service, as the letters still preserved
show. One, dated July 12, 1776, emphasizes this:†
The Provincial Convention on August 24th unani-
* After the date below Samuel Townsend carried an Oath of
Allegiance, in form as follows:
Certificate from Judge Hicks
This is to certify that Samuel Townsend hath submitted to govern-
ment and taken the oath of allegiance to his Majesty King George this
10th Sept. 1776 before me.
WHITEHEAD HICKS,
One of the Judges of the Supr. Court.
† NEW YORK, July 12, 1776.
Gentlemen: - We have conferred with the General concerning the
removal of stock back again to the pastures from whence they were
driven; he was much chagrinned at the proposal and absolutely re-
fused to consent, mentioning the unhappy consequences of not season-
ably removing the stock from Staten Island. He is of opinion that all
means should be used with the utmost expedition to remove the stock
from Long Island, for which he promises to give all necessary assist-
ance. We are of the same opinion, and hope your House will not lose
a moment in giving peremptory orders concerning a matter of such
vast importance. We are just informed by General Putnam, that one
of Lord Howe's fleet arrived yesterday: the utmost dispatch is neces-
sary. We need use no arguments: the affairs at Staten Island being
fresh in your minds. We are gentlemen, your humble servants,
ABRM. KETALTAS,
SAML. TOWNSEND,
JOHN BROOM.
60
THE TWO SPIES
mously resolved, that Robert Townsend be a commissary
to supply General Woodhull's Brigade with provisions
till such time as General Washington shall give further
orders for that purpose, and that Mr. William Smith and
Mr. Samuel Townsend be a committee to wait on General
Washington with a copy of these resolutions and submit
the expediency and necessity of the same to his considera-
tion and advice; also that they submit to His Excellency's
consideration the propriety of ordering Colonel Smith's
and Colonel Remsen's regiments of militia to join the said
brigade.
On the 26th of August, Samuel Townsend and William
Smith reported in the following words:
'Your committee, ordered to wait on General Wash-
ington with a request from this Convention that he would
be pleased to order Col. Smith and Remsen's regiments,
that are now in General Greene's lines at Brookland, into
the western part of Queens county, to join General Wood-
hull, with that part of his brigade that has been lately
ordered out from the western part of Suffolk and Queens
counties by this Convention.... That according to order
they waited on His Excellency, and conferred with him
on the subject above mentioned, and that he seemed well
pleased, but he said he was afraid it was too late.... Gen-
eral Washington appeared well satisfied with the proceed-
ings of the Convention, and said that he should at all
times, when he had it in his power, be ready to give them
assistance consistent with the public good; and that
he would immediately give orders that Col. Smith's and
any
TOWNSEND'S PERSONALITY 61
Remsen's regiments should march into Queens county to
join General Woodhull....'
The Convention, upon receipt of the above report,
addressed General Woodhull as follows:
'Sir Yours of yesterday is just come to hand in an-
swer to which we would inform you that Robert Town-
send, the son of Samuel Townsend, Esqr. is appointed
commissary for the troops under your command, of which
we beg you will give him the earliest notice, and that we
have made application to Genl. Washington for the regi-
ments under the command of Cols. Smith and Remsen to
join you; he assured our committee that he would issue
out orders immediately for that purpose, and we expect
that they are upon the spot by this time....'
General Woodhull replied to this in a letter addressed
to the Honourable the Convention of the State of New
York, at Harlem, which is as follows:
'JAMAICA, August, 27, 1776.
'Gentlemen, I am now at Jamaica with less than one
hundred men; having brought all the cattle from the
westward southward of the hills, and have sent them off
with the troops of horse, with orders to take all the rest
eastward of this place to and eastward of Hempstead
plains, and to put them into the fields, and set a guard over
them. The enemy I am informed are intrenching from the
heights near Howard's, southward. I have now received
62
THE TWO SPIES
yours, with several resolutions, which I wish was in my
power to put in execution; but, unless Cols. Smith and
Remsen, mentioned in yours, join me with their regi-
ments, or some other assistance, immediately, I shall not
be able; for the people are all moving east, and I cannot
get any assistance from them. I shall continue here as long
as I can, in hopes of a reinforcement; but if none comes
soon, I shall retreat, and drive the stock before me, into
the woods. Cols. Smith and Remsen I think can not join
me. Unless you can send me some other assistance, I fear
I shall soon be obliged to quit this place. I hope soon to
hear from you. I am, gentlemen, Your most obedient
humble servt.
'NATHL. WOODHULL.'
James Townsend, uncle of Robert Townsend, who with
John Sloss Hobart attempted to make a stand at Hunt-
ington, addressed a letter from there to the Provincial
Congress on August 30th, which in part reads:
'Gentlemen - To our unspeakable mortification, we
found when we arrived in Queens county, that the militia
had dispersed, and General Woodhull had fallen into the
hands of the enemy. We then proceeded with all despatch
to this town as the only place where we could have any
prospect of making an effectual stand, as the enemy were
in full possession of the western parts of that county as far
as Jamaica, and the disaffected from the east were gone in
to them. Though we were not authorized for the
purpose
TOWNSEND'S PERSONALITY 63
by Convention, we have taken upon ourselves to order
out the militia of the county to rendezvous here, and have
wrote to Col. Mulford at East Hampton, to come up and
take the command, as he is now the senior officer in the
brigade.... We shall direct the commissary to furnish the
militia with provisions....'
Only a few more days on Long Island remained for the
faithful followers of Washington and the army. On Sep-
tember 16th, a lone individual passed the spot where
Townsend and Hobart had attempted to make a stand
only seventeen days before. It was Nathan Hale on his
way to a glorified martyrdom.
Mmmm
topyatory storyoutora tory
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
22
SPIES AND SPIES
to
2.
S CULPER JUNIOR, the Spy, the most trying
period in the career of Robert Townsend
was now approaching. British officers
had been quartered at his parents' home at
Oyster Bay for the past four years. His
sisters made life agreeable for all,* and
A
* About ninety years ago a remarkable letter was written by a
prominent member of the Townsend family, then residing in Albany.
It was addressed to another member of the family and was not to be
made public. The writer had journeyed to Oyster Bay to interview
Mrs. Elizabeth Titus, who had seen Washington three times and knew
every member of the Townsend family. There had been two attempts.
made to destroy this letter, before it reached the Long Island Col-
lection, by parties who did not know its value. Once it had actually
been thrown into the fire, but other letters surrounded it so compactly
that it would not burn. A rag-picker put the package in his bag and
later disposed of those letters that were not scorched. It overthrows
some family traditions, but helps to confirm the Culper documents.
Extracts from it follow:
'Our conversation opened by reference to your resemblance to our
ancestor Samuel, and by an easy transition fell upon the loves of our
excellent aunts of Oyster Bay. Sarah Thorne has stated that Aunt
Sarah was the magnet which attracted Winzingeroda. Mrs. Titus

AND
11
tall
MAJOR JOHN ANDRÉ
FROM AN ENGRAVING BY W. G. JACKMAN SUPPOSED TO COPY
A SKETCH MADE BY ANDRÉ HIMSELF
UNIV
OF
MICH
SPIES AND SPIES
65
saved their none too complacent parent from the wrath
of many a would-be enemy. Hannah, his first cousin and
thinks this cannot be. Aunt Sarah she says, was beloved by every
one, a polite way, you know, of insinuating that no one took her in
the full meaning of the word. She thinks too that not Winzingeroda.
but a brother lieutenant, Ocksie, was the great admirer of Aunt
Phebe; he wrote a piece of verse, it appears, on the loss of a bow of
ribbon from her shoe.
"These gentlemen belonged to the corps of Yagers, which esteemed
itself above the Hessians. Lewis de Wurmb was the Colonel and com-
manded the Island. Mrs. Titus remembers seeing him frequently at
her father-in-law's at Westbury - She recollects a couple of officers
besides lieutenants like the pair above — one of the name of Schoeffer,
the other's name was pronounced like our Shaker. Wurmb and all his
officers were men popular with the islanders for their unassuming and
courteous demeanour towards them. On the contrary, Simcoe and
his Rangers, a corps composed of recreant Americans, were univer-
sally detested, especially the chief. The British troops were of course
in great part withdrawn from the Island in summer to enter into active
field operations. In winter Flushing used to overflow with troops-
It was customary to detail daily a number to Bayside and the neigh-
borhood, generally rejoining their respective corps at night in the
village from fear of the whalers. Mrs. Titus remembers the 17th
Light Horse, thirty or forty of whom would often come down to her
father's, turn their horses into his meadows, and invade and occupy
the kitchen without saying a word. Once Joseph Lawrence presumed
to remonstrate against their digging potatoes, and was peremptorily
arrested and sent to learn better manners towards British Troops in
Judge Hicks bars. Commonly the officers were polite, and it was by
no means unusual for them to be invited to partake of the family
dinner.
"The "Friends to the country" were few-Joseph Lawrence and
others of his name and family on the neck the Townsends of
Oyster Bay Samuel and Dr. James particularly and the Onder-
donks at Hempstead or the Harbour. Whenever they used to hear
M
66
THE TWO SPIES
neighbor, had already married Major Joseph Green, of
the British Army. His sister Sarah had received from
Colonel Simcoe a Valentine and other tokens of esteem.*
Sir William Erskine had been entertained at Simcoe's
headquarters in their home, and Major André had upon
several occasions visited Colonel Simcoe there and was
treated almost as one of the family. Sarah had frequently
furnished her brother with important information, but
now she must have sensed that something unusual was
about to happen. Inquiries were being made about the
shores of the Hudson in the vicinity of West Point, and,
thinking himself unobserved, a supposed Whig from that
section had entered the house and concealed in a little-
used cupboard a letter. Sarah examined it as soon as he
had slipped out. It seemed to be only a business letter
of the escapes of their country men on the main they contrived to
gather in each other's houses, and find in their joy and mutual con-
gratulations at such auspicious news some consolation for the hard-
ships and the suspense they had to endure on account of their insulated
position.
'Mrs. Titus remembers seeing Washington at three distinct periods.
When he came through New York on his way to take command of
the army. He landed at the Battery, and stepping into a sulky drove
through "the fields," escorted by a few horse. Mrs. T. went with her
father to the top of Beekman street to see him. He was dressed in a
plain suit of drab. Her next sight of him was obtained in the same
city a few days after the British troops evacuated the place. Her third
and last she enjoyed at the time of the inauguration.'
* Before the first local history was printed J. Fenimore Cooper
helped to immortalize in fiction, Sarah and her Valentine, in the
closing chapter of The Spy.
SPIES AND SPIES
67
addressed to James Anderson, but she determined to
watch its fate. Later Major André entered the room. He
searched through the closets and when he came to the
letter hastily concealed it upon his person without examin-
ing it, and, taking a dish of doughnuts that were still hot
from the fire, he hid them as an excuse for entering the for-
bidden precincts of the kitchen. Later, Sarah, by listening
to a whispered conversation in Colonel Simcoe's room,
could distinguish the words West Point, repeated several
times.
A note to her brother Robert was hastily written. Cap-
tain Daniel Youngs, of the British Army, a lifelong friend,
was sent for. He was told they were out of a certain kind
of tea she would need for her party the following evening.
It was to be had at her brother's store in New York and
a messenger must be sent for it at once. Always accommo-
dating, even though he had to wait nearly three years be-
fore he received on April 1, 1783, £200, and July 16, £200,
in all over $1000 in hard money for his services, a horse
and rider was furnished and before night closed, Robert
Townsend was in possession of his sister's information. It
was on its way to Setauket the next morning,* crossed the
Sound between midnight and daylight, and soon Benjamin
Tallmadge had the puzzling message. He had applied the
counterpart to the stain and had barely time to decipher
* One of General Washington's horses was kept in New York City
at this time, for the purpose of speeding these messages. The General
paid for its feed out of a secret fund, but kept receipts, which are still
preserved. This is probably the first mention of the fact.
68
THE TWO SPIES
rode up.
it when another messenger
He handed Major
Tallmadge a long letter from Benedict Arnold. It was
about horses and bread and other supplies and commissary
troubles, but an appended footnote reads:
'If Mr. James Anderson,* a person I expect from New
York should come to your quarters, I have to request that
you will give him an escort of two Horse to bring him on his
way to this place, and send an express to me that I may
meet him. If your business will permit I wish you to come
with him.
'B. ARNOLD.'†
Here, in one hand was word from our General in charge
of West Point requesting that Mr. Anderson be not de-
layed, while in the other was intelligence that the British
officers at Oyster Bay were talking about West Point upon
receipt of a letter addressed to Mr. Anderson.
Major Tallmadge was endeavoring to discover the inten-
tions of the enemy when Paulding and his companions
brought a man to Headquarters they declared to be
a spy. John Jameson, of the Second Regiment, Light
Dragoons, was commanding officer at that time, and
promptly dispatched the prisoner under guard to Benedict
Arnold at West Point. He was well on his way when Major
* Mr. James Anderson. James for John is not a typographical
error. Although perhaps until now it has never been noticed, never-
theless it is so in the original in the Library of Congress.
† Washington Papers, Library of Congress, No. 20155, September
13, 1780.
SPIES AND SPIES
69
Tallmadge returned that evening, but, learning that the
prisoner's name was Anderson and that he had informa-
tion from West Point, he insisted upon Jameson ordering
his return. Reluctantly he consented, but would not re-
call the messenger that was carrying the information to
Arnold. That 'John Anderson' acknowledged his real
name to be Major André, Adjutant-General to the Brit-
ish Army, and that on the 2d of October, 1780, he was
hanged as a spy, are facts well known to all. Major Tall-
madge's comment in his 'Memoirs' is:
'I might enlarge greatly in anecdotes relating to this
momentous event in our revolutionary war. Some things
relating to the detention of Andre, after he had been sent
to General Arnold, are purposely omitted.... I have de-
liberately concluded never to disclose the circumstances
which relate to that interesting event.'
General Greene, in announcing the discovery of Arnold's
treason on September 24, 1780, stated:
*
"The Providential Train of Circumstances which led to
it affords the most convincing Proofs that the Liberties of
America are the Object of Divine Protection.'
None were more shocked at the news of André's execu-
tion than the Townsend family. Robert in particular
feared that his friends among the British officers might
betray him in retaliation. He considered it necessary to
visit personally every one in his employ. Meanwhile, his
store in New York was closed for nearly three weeks and
* Orderly Book, September 24, 1780. Original in the Adjutant-
General's Office, War Department, Washington, D.C.
70
THE TWO SPIES
upon the day of his return entries were made of over £500
in cash that had been given to sundry persons. In a letter
dated from Bedford, October 11, 1778,* Major Tallmadge
writes:
"The conduct of Arnold, since his arrival at N.Y. has
been such, that although he knows not a single link in the
chain of my correspondence, still those who have assisted
us in that way, are at present too apprehensive of Danger
to give their immediate usual intelligence. I hope as the
tumult subsides matters will go on in their old channel.
'Culper, Junr. has requested an interview with me on
Long Island on the 13th inst, but in the present situation
of affairs I believe it would be rather imprudent. What
makes it peculiarly so at this time is the swarm of Refugee
Boats which cruise along the shore of Long Island. I have
wrote Culper, Junr. assuring him that his name or char-
acter are not even known by any officer but myself in the
army, tho should your Excellency wish to have me meet
Culper, Junr. I will appoint an interview at any time.
With great Regard Regard,† Sir, Your Excellency's most
obedient sert.
'BENJ. TALLMADGE.'
In reply to this General Washington wrote:
* 1778 it is written, but undoubtedly in error. Major Tallmadge
must have had something else on his mind. He plainly meant to write
1780.
† Regard is repeated in the original, as above.
SPIES AND SPIES
71
‘Dear Sir, I recd. your favr. of the 11th, with C. Junior's
enclosed. I think you were right in declining an interview
at this time, as the enemy would act with more than com-
mon rigor just now. Should an officer be taken under
circumstances the least suspicious - I should be exceed-
ingly glad to hear from C. Junior, because all my accounts
from other quarters are very defective as to the number of
troops to be embarked, or, indeed, whether an embarka-
tion is seriously in contemplation. The last account was
of the 13th, and it was then said the expedition was delayed
for some purpose or other.'
C
Townsend, meanwhile, in a letter addressed to John
Bolton, Esq., replied to two he had received from Major
Tallmadge, as follows:
729. 462. 20th, 1780
'Sir, Yours of the 30th of Sept. & 6th of October are
now before me. In answer to the first, W-s assurances are
as much as I could expect. When I conclude to open an-
other route you shall be informed of it. I do not choose
that the person you mention, or any other of his character,
should call on me.
'I am happy to think that Arnold does not know my
name. However, no person has been taken up on his infor-
mation. I was not much surprised at his conduct, for it
was no more than I expected of him. Genl. Clinton has
introduced him to the General officers on parade as General
Arnold in the British service, and he is much caressed by
72
THE TWO SPIES
General Robinson. This will tend to gloss his character
with the venal part of the enemy, but the independent
part must hold him in contempt; and his name will stink
to eternity with the generous of all parties.
'I never felt more sensibly for the death of a person
whom I knew only by sight, and had heard converse, than
I did for Major Andre. He was a most amiable character.
General Clinton was inconsolable for some days; and the
army in general and inhabitants were much exasperated,
and think that General Washington must have been desti-
tute of feeling, or he would have saved him. I believe
General Washington felt sincerely for him, and would have
saved him if it could have been done with propriety.
"The long time I have been out of town prevents my
giving you any information of consequence. The army
which embarked last week are generally supposed intended
to make a diversion in Virginia or Cape Fear in North
Carolina, to favour Lord Cornwallis — They take but few
horses, but a number of saddles with an intention to mount
a number of dismounted dragoons who are going with
them. The Cork and English fleets are, I expect, arrived
by this. I hope and expect that all my letters are destroyed
after they are perused. I am yours &c.
'SAMUEL CULPER Junior.'
Culper Senior enclosed one of his in the above,(25) in
which he says: 'C. Junr. is now with me….….. I was in hopes
you might have come and seen him.' Major Tallmadge
forwarded these to General Washington on October 17th,

WE
THE CAPTURE OF MAJOR ANDRÉ
FROM AN ENGRAVING AFTER
A PAINTING BY A. B. DURAND
L. P. Clover, for whom this was painted before 1835,
records: Few persons in looking at this picture
realize how closely identified the event it represents
is with the history of our country. Col. Trumbull,
when he saw it, said, "But for that event the
Declaration of Independence might have proved
abortive, and the blood of so many of our country-
men shed in vain."
333
UNIV
OF
MICH
SPIES AND SPIES
73
and in a note of his own(26)
says: 'As circumstances have
since turned out I wish I had met C. Junr. as mentioned in
my last to Your Excellency.'
The momentary retirement of Townsend, Woodhull's
fear to remain in the city, and request that Tallmadge
undertake the expedition that terminated in the capture of
Fort St. George, are features of the next letter, dated from
New York October 26, 1780. In full, as translated, it
reads as follows:
'Dear Sir. Your favour of the ee instant came to hand,
and observe the contents. Your desire to have a shorter
conveyance opened hath been repeatedly urged from time
to time. I have this day returned from New York, and am
sorry to informe you that the present commotions and
watchfullness of the Enemy at New York hath resolved
C. Jur. for the present to quit writing and retire into the
country for a time. Most certainly the enemy are very
severe, and the spirits of our friends very low. I did not
think myself safe there a moment, and as nothing is like to
be done about New York, perhaps it may not be much dis-
advantage to drop it for a time, and if need requires C.
Junr. will undertake again, and in the interum if anything
in particular is wanted to be known, shall be ready to
serve and faithfully transmit what I may know. The
enemy's Fleet left the Hook on the 17- and very prob-
able this moment are landed in Virginia. They were in
case of a separation to rendezvous in Hampton Roads.
Another embarcation is thought will take place soon, ac-
74
THE TWO SPIES
companied by Sir Henry Clinton, and is thought will pro-
ceed to reinforce Lord Cornwallace. The sum of their in-
tention is you may depend, to exert their whole force
against the Southern Provinces. The Militia together with
their ships and about four thousand regular Troops are to
defend New York this winter. The English fleet consisted
of about fifty sail the better half merchantmen. The best
information that can be collected says the recruits do not
exceed twenty five hundred men with one general officer.
They have had a short passage and are not very sickly.
A cork fleet is daily expected, and the enemy are in fears
about them. Should they not arrive it would ruin them
and the inhabitants of Long Island. The French have
taken twenty six sail of outward bound East and West
Indiamen, five of them were bound to the East Indies.
The 17th Dragoons in about five days will be at Musqueto
Cove, handy to take some of the gentlemen. They are now
at Cedar Swamp. - The enemy are foraging in these
parts, with a very small guard of Militia Troops. I yester-
day saw a guard of 17 men following one hundred and five
Brigade Wagons. Most certainly they will be this
way in
three or four days, and expect they will go to South Hamp-
ton. Yourself with fifty men might do as you would with
them. They are much off their guard. I think if you
undertake and call on me you will do something handsome.
Arnold is about to publish an address to his County Men,
which am fearful may do you much harm, assuring all
officers and men countenance and protection, that may
come in, and have the same rank in the British service as
SPIES AND SPIES
75
they have now in your army. Thus sir, have communi-
cated as much as possibly could - and in the mean time
Remain your most obed. Humbl. Servt.
'SAML. CULPer.'
The saddest letter in the correspondence comes next.
Some of those Friends of their Country were captured by
the British in New York. Culper transmits the informa-
tion to John Bolton in the following letter:
M
'SETAUKET, November 12th, 1780
'Dear Sir. — Your favour of the k instant is received
and observe the contents - In answer to your first ques-
tion 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 pos-
sibly 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 re-
solved to leave New York for a time. I earnestly endeav-
oured 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
-
76
THE TWO SPIES
that have embarked and those within these lines, I cannot
ascertain, neither do I think it can possibly be done prop-
erly, 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, pre-
vents 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 Spit-
head - 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 east-
ward. 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 ap-
pointment, 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
AD
SPIES AND SPIES
77
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.'
Major Tallmadge quickly responded to the advice of
Samuel Culper. Indeed, so quickly that Fort St. George
was captured sooner than Woodhull expected it would be.
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 sev-
eral 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 care-
fully copied:
'FAIRFIELD, November 26, 1780.
'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
78
THE TWO SPIES
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 pre-
vented 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
(
>
SPIES AND SPIES
79
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 Ab-
batis 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 I 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
¦
80
THE TWO SPIES
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.'
Woodhull wrote, congratulating Major Tallmadge on
November 28th,(27) and then followed a period of several
months in which the letters are missing. One dated March
18, 1781,(28) 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 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. From
Newburgh on August 10, 1782, General Washington ad-
dressed 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 diffi-
culty has been in the circuitous route of communication.'
The answer to this is dated Newtown, August 18, 1782.
Sta
'Sir: I have had the honor to receive your Excellency's
letter of the 10th inst. in consequence of which I immedi-
ately repaired to Fairfield, and effected an interview with
S. G. to whom I communicated the purport of Your Ex-
cellency's letter. At the same time I forwarded, by him,
SPIES AND SPIES
81
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 ven-
tured 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, for-
warded 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.'
d
This last of the Culper Junior letters to survive con-
tained 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
82
THE TWO SPIES
loyalists, has indeed brought the clearest and unequivocal
Proofs that the independence of America is uncondition-
ally 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 embark-
ing when I left the city on the 14th and 15th inst. But I
conversed fully with one of Carleton's Aides on this sub-
ject, who told me that I might depend they were bound to
the W. Indies or Halifax. For my own part I have no ex-
pectation 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 gar-
rison the City with the jagers and new raised corps for the
present.
'A fleet is now taking in water at Staten Island and an-
other 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 in-
forms us that he thinks it probable he shall go there him-
SPIES AND SPIES
83
self. Indeed, I never saw such general distress and dis-
satisfaction 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 ap-
pearance 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.(29)
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.
It is worthy of note that both the Culpers lived for over
fifty years after the war began. Some day some one may
wish to put in type the story
of those interesting years.
AN AN AN NA AN AA NA MA
NOTES
(1) For ten years an endeavor to discover a handwriting that cor-
responded with the existing documents written by Samuel Culper
Junior, was continued without success, until, upon examining a chest
of old documents, once the property of Robert Townsend of Oyster
Bay, Long Island, a startling resemblance was discovered. This led
to a critical examination of the letters written under the alias of
Samuel Culper Junior, still preserved among the papers of General
Washington, and it was found that the paper upon which they were
written was identical. The same watermark, the same shade, the same
weight, the same laid marks minutely varying one from the other on
the same sheet, but corresponding exactly with all the little variations
and flaws with other sheets among the Townsend Papers. The hand-
writing, looking so similar, was not declared identical until the world's
greatest expert, Albert S. Osborn, had examined it. The books showed
accounts with Abraham Woodhull, who had already been identified as
Culper Senior, and with several others known to be engaged in the
Secret Service work. The movements of Culper Junior corresponded
with those of Robert Townsend as revealed in his documents, and the
stain invented by James Jay had been twice tested on documents still
carefully preserved among Townsend's effects. Long before all the
evidence was discovered, it was certain that the identity of Culper
Junior, that most active Spy of the Revolution, had been revealed.
Everything that is now being gathered adds to the confirmation of
that identity.
86
NOTES
(2) Robert, although not yet of age, like his brother, Solomon,
traveled extensively before the Revolution. From Wilmington, North
Carolina, on November 22, 1774, he addressed his father as follows:
'Honored Father: I wrote you a few days since from Brunswick.
Have now to advise you of my arrival here the 18th. Instant.
I am
much afraid whether I shall be able to purchase any Flaxseed being
very little yet come to markett. There is considerable to come from
the country, which they cant yet bring owing to the waters being so
very low in river. I am with Duty to Mother, love to Brothers &
Sisters,
'Your Dutyfull Son,
M
M
'ROBT. TOWNSEND.
'P. S. Expect we shall sail about the 1st. of Decr.'
(3) Besides what will be found in these pages regarding Nathaniel
Woodhull, there is much of interest that appears to have escaped the
historians in the Journals of the Provincial Congress of the State of
New York. There are still preserved many letters written by cousins
of Abraham Woodhull, among the most interesting of them being those
from the Reverend John Woodhull, son of Culper Senior's uncle John,
and therefore one of his first cousins. In writing to his wife, he de-
scribes the battle of Long Island as he witnessed it from a distance as
follows:
P
'Near Midnight, Aug. 27, 1776.
-
'My Dear Sally: The solemn Day is come at last, — Long Island
is made a field of Blood now the cannon & small arms make a con-
tinued roar, even at this time of Night: Day before yesterday the bat-
tle began, and with some intermission has continued till now, yea now
is roaring in my ears and God only knows when it will end.
'Yesterday morning it was very hot, as yet we have no account
which may be fully depended on, only that in general that Howe has
landed with most of his men upon Long Island. Small parties engaged.
till yesterday morning, when they made an attack upon us, they were
beat back three times, the last time our People pursued them too far,
when a strong reinforcement of the Enemy endeavored to cut off our
retreat and did us a good deal of damage, tis reported that General
Sullivan and Stirling are missing. Tis also said we have made great
NOTES
87
havoc amongst them - but I can tell but very little for certainty as
yet, except that there is a mighty Battle which is continuing - May
a good God grant that it end in our favor and for the glory of his Name!
Goodnight!'
‘Aug. 30th, 1776.
'My Dear Sally:- Thro' divine goodness I am very well as are our
congregation in general that are here. Adam Woods has the ague.
General Washington has thought proper to draw his men from Long
Island, this was done last night.
"The enemy are now firing upon New York, from Long Island; our
men here are drawing up to be in readiness, in case we are needed.
'How many were lost upon the Island is yet uncertain, some say we
have 700 missing and that we have killed twice as many of the enemy,
tho I believe it is but guess work as yet
'Generals Sullivan and Stirling who are missing are said to be prison-
ers, it is also said general Grant on the other side is killed, they talk of
another General of theirs Killed.
'It is reported that Col. Atly is wounded and a prisoner. Think it
likely that our people will burn New York, and retreat into the chain
of Forts which are above it when that is done am in hopes our
Enemies will get no farther. Poor Long Island! I know not what will
become of my Relations there. May God help them. They are left to
the mercy of our Cruel Enemy.
'Our men are in high spirits and I trust we shall, thro' ye help of
God soon break the power of our Foes.
'My Love to the Girls, my little son, and the Neighbors. Remember
me to Elsy and the boys and accept yourself the best affections of
your...
-
'JOHN WOODHull.'
(4) Letter from Abraham Woodhull to Major Tallmadge.
No. 13
20 June 5, 1779
'Dear Sir, Your No 7 came to hand and have observed its contents.
I Purpose this only to informe you of my Misfortune on the 24 of
April. John Wolsey returned from Connecticut being Paroled by the
Company of Prisoners (although taken in a Privateer). And Lodged
88
NOTES
information against me before Coll. Simcoe of the Queens Rangers who
thinking of finding me at Setauket came down but happily I set out for
N. York the day before his arrival, and to make some compensation for
his voige he fell upon my father and plundered him in a most shocking
manner. I hearing of it and his intentions, used every endeavour to
defeat his designs which I happily did in a measure by a friend of mine
makeing interest with the Genl Aid and only that saved me. But I am
very obnoxious to them and think I am in continual danger you will
see the contents of the other letter and the proposals there made and
at once see the necessity of destroying these letters after perusull.
'I was in town that night you was. I wish I had a known it. I am
with esteem Yours &c.
'SAMUEL CUlper.'
(5) Letter from Abraham Woodhull to Major Tallmadge.
12
20 June 5, 1779
No. 13
Sir, Your No 7 came to hand and have duely observed the contents.
It is now a long time since I have wrote you, And do assure you not
through neglect but owing to the difficulty I have laboured under ever
since I saw you - In my other letter I have stated the particulars.
And I dre say you will be filled with wonder and surprise, that I have
had the good fortune to escape confinement. And am sorry to inform
you that it hath rendered me almost unservicable to you. I purpose
quitting zo and residing at 20. As I am now a suspected person I can-
not frequent their camp as heretofore. And think only just residing at
10 and be obliged to take up with common reports will not answer your
purpose, or make by any means compensation for the expense
I have truely the interest of our Country at heart * and could not wish
to spend one shilling useless - I shall visit zo as often as I can with
any degree of safety and have not as yet stoped the channel of intel-
ligence and shall anxiously wait your directions - Weather I shall
endeavour to establish a confidential friend to step into my place if
agreeable direct in your next and forward the ink-When I have ef-
fected this most probable I shall come to you. And shall wish to joyne
ܡܝܢ
C
* Abraham Woodhull loaned money to the State, upon their request. See New York
in the Revolution, vol. 2, p. 196.
NOTES
89
•
in the common defence I shall now endeavour to give you an
authentick account of the principle arrivals and departures of all fleets
foreign intelligence, and the temper and expectations of the enemy
and movements since the 14th of May, all before hath been forwarded.
The latter of which I am sensible can be of little or no service now but
may be some satisfaction. About the 15th May sailed a cork fleet and
on the 18 arrived 12 sail from Cork with provisions and serveral private
ships have arrived at different times from Europe one bringing the
news of the surrender of Pondicherry in India. but I do not believe it
yet. you may depend that the Cutter that said to bring the news saild
some time from Ireland and of course before the last Cork fleet and
they brought no such account. Provisions are very plenty at 10 and
a Cork fleet is expected also a large fleet from England with ten thou-
sand troops is said to be expected in, in about ten days. The troops.
that went from hence last fall for West India and Georgia it is said
are about returning. I think it probable for they are very sickly in
those quarters I hear some tell us of Peace amongst you. God grant
it may take place on honourable terms. But I must tell you thers less
appearance of Peace here now than some time agone And thers
nothing we can hear from Europe that demonstrates it. The spirits
of their troops is high, and the expectation of the Tory's is great to
admiration. I hope you will not trust to an uncertainty, but prepare
for the worst. I have a long time expected to hear of your appearing in
force near the Bridge and keeping them in their strongholds and hope
that their present expedition may serve to further convince them of
the impracticability of subduing this country. And call your army to-
gether and be upon your guard and be very industrious to find out the
schemes of the Torys amongst you. Almost every action is handed
down by them and men is said to pass (and I believe they do) from
hence to the enemy on the frontiers. The enemy have almost intirely
quit Long Island and the whole of the
on Long Island does.
not exceed three hundred only a few individuals left at their different
stations they have likewise taken all their baggage from Long Island
and on the 29 arrived their Virginia fleet with about 30 prizes, mostly
small schooners and a number of negroes and some white females, upon
the whole that expedition is thought but little of and as the 30 sailed
90
NOTES
immediately up the river about 20 transports the Raisonable of 64
guns and 2 frigats on the 28th the army and troops in general left 10 to-
gether with all their train of artillery that stood on the common.
There was not on the 3 instant one thousand troops in and about the
city only one Batallion of guards and two small German Regt. to do
duty in and about 10 There orders for to raise a number of men for the
terme of six months out of the Militia of Kings and Queens Countys to
do duty as occasion may require. This is very disagreeable to the in-
habitants. On the 3 instant there was only 3 frigates in the river ex-
cept those before mentioned - Thus sir I shall conclude with this re-
quest that you would upon sufficient Perusual consume it for if by any
accident this or any other of my letters should fall into the enemy's
hands very probable my handwriting or some circumstance mentioned
might be the cause of detection. And conclude with my great desire
for your success and welfair. I remain your most obet. H. Servt.
Samuel Culper. Just as I was about to seal this I saw a gentleman from
Io that said every sixth man in 10 and the before mentioned places.
were immediately to be Draughfet I purpose waiting at 20 until I re-
ceive an answer from you.
(6) George Washington to Major Talmadge.
'S. C.'
'NEW WINDSOR, June 27th, 1779
'Sir, Your letter of yesterday came safe to my hand, and by the
Dragoon who was the bearer of it I send you Ten guineas for C————r.
His successor (whose name have no desire to be informed of pro-
vided his intelligence is good, and seasonably transmitted) should en-
deavour to hit upon some certain mode of conveying his information
quickly, for it is of little avail to be told of things after they have be-
This
come matter of public notoriety, and known to every body.
new agent should communicate his signature and the private marks by
which genuine papers are to be distinguished from counterfeits.
There is a man on York Island living on or near the North River, of
the name of George Higday who I am told hath given signal proofs of
his attachment to us, and at the same time stands well with the enemy.
If upon enquiry this is found to be the case (and much caution should
NOTES
91
Magy
be used in investigating the matter, as well on his own account as on
that of Higday) he will be a fit instrument to convey intelligence to me
while I am on the west side of the North River, as he is enterprizing &
connected with people in Bergen County who will assist in forming
a chain to me in any manner they shall agree on.
'I do not know who H employs, but from H- I obtain intel-
ligence, and his name and business should be kept profoundly secret,
otherwise we not only lose the benefits desired from it, but may sub-
ject him to some unhappy fate....
'I wish you to use every method in your power through H- and
others, to obtain information of the enemy's situation — and as far as
it is to be come at, designs. C—r speaks of the Enemy's force up
the River as now exceeding 8000 men, but as I know he is mistaken if
he comprehends their whole force I should be glad if his successor was
cautioned against giving positive numbers by guess. - this is decep-
tious let him ascertain the particular Corps which can be no diffi-
cult matter to do, & he will soon by taking a little pains indirectly,
come at the strength of them and where they lye.
'I am Sir with esteem and regard, Yr. very H. Servt.
—
'Go. WASHINGTON.'
(7) Townsend's first official letter.
'No I
NEW YORK, 29th June, 1779
"Sir, The present offers nothing material, save that of the arrival of
Capt. Mernaid, who left Plimouth the first of May, at which time the
Grand fleet for this place had not sailed, and was quite uncertain when
they would, and likewise that some Troops now coming out-say not
more than three thousand. However as he is a Rebel we do not en-
tirely believe it, but are much afraid that its too true.
'I was this day informed that 2 British Regts. I Regt. of Amsuch,
Col. Fanning's Corps & the associated loyalists, is now at white Stone,
where they arrived yesterday from Rhode-Island- This I have no
doubt of, as it was told me by a person who came passenger with them
-He thinks they are to make excursions into Connecticut — and
from what I can collect I believe they are, and very soon.
'Most of the Troops are come from Verplanks Point, and are now
92
NOTES
near and about the Boats. Several Transports are ordered to be in
readiness, but no troops embarked.
'We are much alarmed with the prospect of a Spanish war - Should
that be the case, I fear poor old England will not be able to oppose the
whole but will be obliged to sue for a peace.
'Wou'd wish to write you more particularly, but the person going
sooner than I expected prevents.
'I am, Sir, Your Humble Servant,
'SAMUEL CULPER.'
(8) Townsend's second letter.
'No. 2
10, July 15th, 1779.
‘Sir, I did not mean that No. I shou'd be sent as it was wrote, I in-
tended it as hints for my friend S. C. Senr., and expected that he would
have wrote you more particularly the shortness of the notice, and
not at that time being sufficiently acquainted with the Character of 30,
prevented my writing so particular as I wou'd have wished - How-
ever I flatter myself that it was of some service. I saw S. C. Senr. a few
days ago, and informed him of the arrival of 10 sail of vessels from the
West Indies, with Rum, &c. and a small fleet from Halifax, but no
Troops. 12 sail of Cork Victuallers arrived on Sunday last 2 which
were then missing are since arrived. Also a ship from Theneruffe
loaden with wines - A Fleet, say about six sail, from Jamaica laden
with Rum &c. is daily expected; they are to take the advantage of the
June Convoy for England. The Romulus of 44 guns fell down to the
Hook this day. The Daphni and Delaware Frigates are to fall down
tomorrow, with some eight Transports which are said to be bound for
Halifax. The Romulus, Daphni, & Delaware are to cruise in Boston
Bay for the purpose of annoying their trade, and to intercept a number
of Privateers and armed vessels which it is said are now fitting out of
Boston. I have conversed with some of the most intelligent of the
Masters of the Cork Victuallers, and from what I can collect from
them, there will be but few Troops from England this season. Some
say, who I am certain do not wish it, that there will not be more than
4 Regiments to this place. Ireland is almost to a man against the
present administration, and that most loyal of all Countrys, Scotland,
w
NOTES
93
has been for some time past in the greatest confusion, said to be oc-
casioned by a motion made by Lord North for to pass some Laws in
favor of the Scotch Roman Catholicks they have gone so far as to
burn that Ministry in Effigie - This is fact.
'I have recd yours of the 10th Inst. and note the contents The
instructions shall be followed as far as in my power. 30 came unex-
pectedly this evening, and says he must go out tomorrow morning,
which prevents my being so particular as I could wish. I did not ex-
pect him till saturday. The situation of the army I cannot give you
with any exactness; but will endeavour to send it by next opportunity.
You may rest assured that I will not give you any intelligence as fact,
but such as I am certain is so. I will not intentionally deceive you, as
I know that it may be attended with the most fatal consequences.
I gave S. C. Senr. some hints concerning a Christopher Duyckenik,
formerly Chairman of the Committee of Mechanicks of this place, and
hope he has transmitted. This much I will inform you, that he has
acted as agent for David Mathews from the commencement of the
war. The particulars must be kept a profound secret, as few persons
but myself know them, and it is known that I do. Note a paragraph in
Rivington's paper of the 10th Inst. under the N.Yk. head, and you'll
observe that something has either leaked out or they have conjectured
very right.
'I am, Sir, Your Humble Servant,
Kateg
'SAMUEL CULPER, JUNR.'
(9) Would have Townsend give up business.
'722 to 721.
No. 23
729 August 12, 1779.
Sir, Your several Nos. 13, 14, & 15, are before me. The contents
have duly observed and submitted them to Culper Jur. and he hath in
general replyed, that have only to add, That your fears of the Queens
Rangers crossing the Sound, I think must be groundless. I think the
main reason of their being stationed ther's to Succor Coll. Ludloe's
Regt. on Lloyd's Neck if need should require, and to recruit their
Horses and men, that are much worne down with service. Agreeable
to your request, shall endeavour to gain every intelligence from that
and every other quarter and communicate. Your observations con-
94
NOTES
cerning the bad tendency that might follow the Capture of certain
Persons mentioned heretofore, is worthy of due consideration. And
perhaps it will be best to let them fill up the measure of their Sins, and
ripen for greater ruin. If it had been done instantly after the capture
of some persons here I should have feared no danger that might have
risen from such a step. You could have stoped plundering here never-
theless To have taken two for one then, matter not wheather Whig
or Tory, would have been pollitick in you, and a glorious barrier in
favour of our Country, and Nutrallity, for as they are continually
pressing us to be active, and daily cursing of us for not complying, and
laying at your mercy and unprotected by them; and suffering for so
small an affair, perhaps would induce them to think more favorable of
us, and consider our situation, and treat us with more compassion.
I say if ever such an opportunity should present again, I shall beg that
it may be embraced, and would be highly favorable to this unhappy
country, now universally throughout attended with the greatest sick-
ness and frequent deaths that ever was remembered by the oldest man
now living. And dayly threaten'd by that Judas Tryon. Devastation
or banishment for not complying with their exorbitant demand en-
closed when striped of Items, and out of our Power to fulfill don't
let the inclosed be published in News Paper.
'Your desire that no time may be lost after dispatches arrive hath
ever been complyed with, at appointed times, I always attended.
When he comes unexpectedly it hath been unavoidably attended with
some loss of time, once in particular, owing to a certain persons family
being sick, and attendance there which debared him from making him-
self known. A step on purpose to acquaint me. I received a message
from a person that I intimated in my last was an acquaintance of
Hamiltons, three days ago, that 4 or 5 Regts. were embarking, gen-
erally said for Quebeck had taken altogether thick clothing, yet never-
theless he thought most likely for Georgia, and believed they all had
but a short time to stay here.
Add
'I have had much discourse with Culper, Jur. Contrary to his inti-
mation and my expectation, he continues in business, that engroseth
some part of his time, and interfereth with the important business he
hath undertaken. I do assure you he is a sincere friend and capable of
NOTES
95
1
rendering service to our country. And as such a one I have again most
earnestly endeavored and beged him to disengage himself from all con-
cerns that may intefere with the Public business he hath undertaken.
His reply in substance was this, that he feared his inability. He was
willing to do all he could to serve his Country, and not leave himself
entirely out of the line of business, and be destitute of a support.
(10) Use of ciphers by the Culpers.
'No. 21
729
29 15th 1779.
'Sir. Dqpeu Beyocpu agreeable to 28 met 723 not far from 727
& received a 356, but on his return was under the necessity to destroy
the same, or be detected, but have the satisfaction to informe you
that theres nothing of 317 to 15 you of. Thers been no augmentation
by 592 of 680 or 347 forces, and everything very quiet. Every 356 is
opened at the entrance of 727 and every 371 is searched, that for the
future every 356 must be 691 with the 286 received. They have some
345 of the route our 356 takes. I judge it was mentioned in the 356
taken or they would not be so 660. I do not think it will continue long
so. I intend to visit 727 before long and think by the assistance of
a 355 of my acquaintance, shall be able to out wit them all. The next
28 for 725 to be here is the 1 of 616 that it is so prolonged. It may be
better times before then. I hope ther will be means found out for our
deliverance. Nothing could induce me to be here but the ernest desire
of 723. Friends are all well, and am your very Humble Servant, 722.'
I
Use of
(11) This is the Secret Code used by General Washington, Benjamin
Tallmadge, Robert Townsend, and Abraham Woodhull, during the
Revolutionary War.
PLUTO EDI
a
b
C
d
e
f
Means
go
h
THIR
i
j
a
b
с
d
Use of
711
712
721
722
Means
General Washington
Clinton
Major Tallmadge
alias John Bolton
Abraham Woodhull
alias Samuel Culper
Use of
15
28
60
121
156
151
178
230
Means
advice
appointment
better
day
deliver
disorder
enemy
guineas
96
NOTES
Use of
i
j
k
1
£ ¤Ò Aσ Bund
m
n
Ο
P
q
r
SL =>
t
u
V
W
X
y
215
374
22
373
337
29
616
462
427
Means
e
14
f
r
1
E440
m
k
n
O
S t
u
V
W
February
March
April
May
July
August
September
October
November
Use of
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
745
e
04 60.— —
g
1
n
£ 2
O
૧
Means
Robert Townsend
alias Samuel Culper, Jr.
Austin Roe
Caleb Brewster
m 6
u
New York
Long Island
Setauket
England
1 2 3 4 5 7 ∞ a o
I
8
9
(12) Samuel Culper tells of dangers.
Use of
286
309
317
322
345
347
349
355
356
371
476
585
592
660
680
691
Means
ink
infantry
importance
inquiry
knowledge
land
low
lady
letter
man
parts
refugees
ships
vigilant
war
written
'729 Sepr. 19, 1779
'Dear Sir. Agreeable to the few lines in the inclosure of the several
dates of the 11 & 12, I parted with 725 and expected his immediate
returne to you, But next day understood he was waiting for the en-
closed dispatch, replying his boat must have a repair before he could
come again - Perhaps it is best, as the former dispaches hath been so
long detained I judge they have nearly lost their value, if any. The
inclosed written with the stain, I am ready to believe contains some-
thing of importance. By the report of Pevbep Yqqhbwmm, who hath
just returned from 727 he tells me there's a council of war holding of all
the General Officers and every thing appears to be much confused on
account of an Express from Genl. Prescot that a Sloop arrived at
NOTES
97
Rhode Island sailed two days in sight of a large French fleet stearing
North West course in latitude 25 or 35 he cannot remember certain
which. That a large number of troops were embarking, Transports
prepared to receive one thousand and those on board. He was one of
the Petitioners but got nothing but hard words, that infernal Tryon
saying we would never raise any men for government, and now the
Spanish and French had combined against them and in difficulty
would grant them no assistance. It would be no matter he said if we
were all laid waist and those that were sick he would put in their
hospitals. I hope a foreign fleet is at hand and that some thing
may intefere to our advantage — I have just heard from Oyster
Bay that Coll. Simcoe is a going to leave that place. They are selling
their horses that is their own private property and are loading all
their baggage, his destination unknown but believed they will all
leave us soon.
'I yesterday was waiting for the Express with the enclosed dispatch
at Stony Brook, when about one o'clock warning was given out from
Capt. Woodhull for his Company to meet persuant to an order from
Coll. Floyd to the several Capts. of this Township, to pursue and lay
wait for Ebenezar Dayton and his companions, that last night plun-
dered two houses at South. I immediately took a confidential friend.
and went in search of 725, and after passing by one boat hid in the
woods, found his, and him, and advised him the necessary steps for his
safety. I then repair'd to the place of rendezvous, and found the Mili-
tia just in motion to drive mount misery, to prevent which I was
obliged to open myself to the several Capts. and had the good fortune
to order matters to my mind. These things you will readily conceive
lays me open, and I desire you to take such measures to prevent the
like again. Plundering makes as much difficulty with us as perhaps
taking of some persons. Dayton's* excursion heretofore, was the sole
* The east end of Long Island will always remember Ebenezer Dayton as the man
who gave them the measles. He became known as a daring privateer during the early
days of the Revolution, but, not satisfied to obey the rules of war, he made excursions
on land that amounted to robbery. In retaliation the Tories crossed to his store in Con-
necticut and robbed him of £450 in gold and destroyed most of his effects. After the
Revolution he became a peddler, and upon this particular occasion visited East Hamp-
98
NOTES
cause of the loss of C. Jur. No. 5. The Refugees and some Troops were
filling the road that the express was to pass.
'Culper Junior hath appointed no time. I therefore appoint the
30th Instant for 725 to cross, and am yours &c. 722. N.B. If you think
well of it send several phials of that stain and I will place it in two or
three confidential persons hands in New York that will do their
endeavour.'
(13) A typical Townsend letter.
"October 9th, 1779.
'Sir, In my No 9 I informed you that the first division of Troops had
returned They disembarked on Long-Island & Staten Island that
day. The next morning about 100 of the inhabitants went on Gov-
erner's Island, and began to repair the works there, and have con-
tinued going every day since. The works are now nearly completed.
About that time the Garrison was much alarmed, as by a number of
coroborating documents they had great reason to expect D'Estaing.
All the Men of War and a number of arm'd Transports were ordered
down to the Hook, with several old hulks to sink in the Channel in
case D'Estaing should appear. They had also two or three fire ships
prepairing, and are building a very strong Fort at the Light House.
The ships do still continue there, tho their fears are now in some meas-
ure abated. The transports destin'd for New York are still at White
Stone, and it's now thought quite uncertain whether it will be evac-
M
ton with fancy goods for sale, arriving Saturday evening. On Sunday, although having
symptoms of the measles, and against the advice of the hostess who had entertained
him, he persisted in attending Church service, thereby notifying the public of his pres-
ence. News of his indiscretion was spread over the town and the indignation of the
people was so obvious that he left in the early morning following. He was pursued by
a few young men, overtaken, brought back to the village, ridden on a rail through the
streets, ducked in the town pond, and submitted to other indignities. Nearly one hun-
dred took the measles, and several died. Colonel Aaron Burr, then a young aspiring
lawyer, advocated the suit of the peddler, and under his powerful presentation the jury
rendered a verdict of one thousand dollars damages against the young men. Before
the close of the war the men who robbed him in Connecticut were captured in Brook-
haven, Long Island, and some of his effects recovered. One of the party was hanged
and the others were severely punished.
NOTES
99
uated this Fall. The vessels belonging to private people sailed this
day, and are to stop at Huntington to join the wood Fleet, and proceed
from there immediately. From this circumstance I think it will not be
evacuated. It is now said that the first division of Troops are to re-
embark immediately, and it's generally believed that they are destined
for Georgia. The last accounts from the West Indies say that Byron
was at Barbadoes about a month ago. There positively is a letter
from his Secretary to a gentleman in this place dated the first of Sept:
which says that Byron was going home and that the Fleet was taking
in water, and preparing with all expedition to go down to Jamaica, ex-
pecting that D'Estaing had gone against it. A vessel from Tortula
which left it the 10th. Septr, the Capt of which says that it was re-
ported there, and generally believed that D'Estaing had come to this
Continent. He likewise says that the English trade in the West
Indies, is almost ruined by the number of French & Spanish Cruisers.
Tortula has already been plundered, and it's expected that all the rest
of the English Islands will share the same fate in the course of the
winter. The Spaniards, he says, are even fitting out privateers at St.
Thomas' & St. Croix. Some say that Pensicola is invaded by the
Spaniards. Accounts from England, via Rhode Island, as late as the
10th of August, say that there has been no engagement between the
French and English Fleets. No late accounts from Georgia; Some
begin to fear that all is not well there. — A considerable number of
Troops are on the West end of Long-Island- The 17th Dragoons at
Heamstead The mounted Legion of Queens Rangers at Jericho,
and the Foot belonging to the Legion are at Oyster Bay. No arrivals
of any consequence since my last, except those mentioned. The Spirits
of the Tory's Flags much, but still some flatter themselves that there is
yet a probability of England's rising superior to all her enemies.
There does not appear the least prospect of this place being evacuated
this fall. Tho' I believe thay would be glad to have them at home, as
from the best accounts they are in a very critical situation — if we
were only to judge from Sir Joseph York's memorial presented to their
High Mightinesses, they are low enough.
-
M
'Large Magazines of Hay is already collected, and more collecting.
The expense of transporting letters has already amounted to the
100
NOTES
money sent; * I am therefore under the necessity of requesting that
you will send me 20 Guineas by next conveyance.
'I am, Yours, &c.
'SAML. CULPER, JUN.'
(14) Culper answers Bolton's eighteenth letter.
October 26th, 1779.
'No. 25
'Sir: Your No. 18 with the enclosed came to hand, and was im-
mediately forwarded to 723. And the inclosed blanks are his returns,
which hope may be satisfactory at this conjuncture. I have again
heard Count D'Estaing with his whole fleet are in Delaware Bay.
This Glorious assistance together with the dejection of our Enemies,
bids fair for our delivery, the pleasing hopes of which hath almost
transported all our friends. But here much may be done toward our
destruction within the space of a week, and to the great advantage
of the enemy, to prevent which requires your immediate operations.
From the effect of that Infernal Tryon's expedition into this county
last year and branding a number of cattle that he left behind, last
week a demand for 198 was made, not one quarter of that number was
ever marked; and about 30 head was drove up but are not satisfied,
and insist upon the whole number, and are now at Smith Town with
carts from Lloyd's Neck and a number of wagons are hourly expected
with a number of Troops at that place, for hay. They have nearly col-
lected all the forage in Queens County and carrying it to Brooklyn; in
one word, every preparation is a making for their defence I hope
you will not forget to grant us assistance as soon as possible. Your
letter to Mr. C-r, Junr. was instantly forwarded, forgot to mention
* 'The expenses already amount to the money sent.' All are familiar with the diffi-
culties Washington had in obtaining money. However, he realized the importance of the
Secret Service work and when they asked for it usually supplied small amounts. Wood-
hull seems to have feared Townsend would attribute this to lack of appreciation, and
when sums came, forwarded all to Townsend, retaining nothing for himself. Townsend
correctly considered himself an agent of General Washington, and expected him to meet
the obligations it became necessary to incur, just as the General insisted upon being
furnished promptly with sufficient to meet his own expenses. Like Washington, also,
neither of the Culpers received money as a reward or hire for their personal services, and
like him they were obliged to draw upon their personal funds. It may be roughly esti-
mated that both men spent as much again as Washington sent them.
NOTES
IOI
it in my last, then being in such haste, as I had not time before dark
and 725 I expected was a waiting. I received 20 Guineas from 725
which I sent to 723. I have nothing more to say - and may God grant
us Success. And am
'Your very Humble Servt.,
'SAMUEL CULPER.'
(15) Big guns at Battery.
'NEW YORK, October 29th, 1779
<
'Sir. I have made inquiry concerning the quantity of provisions on
this Island, and am well convinced there is sufficient to last this Garri-
son 6 months. Several vessels have not discharged. The packet ar-
rived the 23d Inst. The accounts by her are very alarming to the
Tories. They are now convinced that the English fleet dare not engage
the united fleets of France and Spain. The Ardent is taken, and some
say that they chased the English fleet into Portsmouth - This is cer-
tain that they lay off there several days, which caused the greatest
consternation, as they expected to be invaded. The troops from
Stoney and Verplanks points got down on Sunday evening. The
troops which I mentioned to have embarked sails for Halifax this day
with all the heavy ships of war except the Europa. The Daphne
Frigate with Sir George Collin and Col. Stewart sails at the same time.
for England. Another Fort is erecting near Harrison's Brewery on the
banks of the North River. That on Long Island will not be completed
in some time. The Battery will be completed in a few days. Eighteen.
24 pounders are now mounted. We have no late accounts from Georgia
but it is generally believed that the Garrison there is taken. The fleet
with the garrison from Rhode Island arrived the 27th, Inst. The Rain-
bow arrived at Sandy Hook from Halifax the same day. The enemy
are daily collecting forage and have lately been about Oyster Bay and
took all the hay in that quarter, notwithstanding the Legion quartered
there. From this they mean to contract their lines very soon. No
prospect of any speedy movement. The transports which I intimated
are taking in Water and Ballast was for the use of the ships at Sandy
Hook. The pilots say that it is now very difficult to bring a vessel in,
owing to the hulks which were lately sunk there. A fleet of Victuallers
102
NOTES
were to sail from Cork the latter part of September. A fleet of Store
ships and Merchantmen were to sail from Spithead at the same time.
I shall want some more of the Stain immediately as I am now quite
out.
'I am Yrs, &c.
'SAML. CULPER, JUNR.'
(16) Woodhull meets British Foot and Horse.
'No. 28
427 eg 1779
'Sir. Your No. 20 & 21 came to hand pressing an immediate answer
to sundry questions. It not being then in my power to send a person,
to make the necessary inquiry, and the next appointment very short,
and dispatches waiting, thought it best to order his return. Accord-
ingly on the 7th sent a person, who visited every quarter between this
and Heampstead Harbour, and on the 9th returned to me, and re-
ported: No piles of wood on any Necks or Shores. As soon as it is cut it
is put on board and carried to New York. Lord Cathcart Legion are
stationed at Jericho and Oyster Bay. In Huntington and Lloyd's
Neck are Coll. Ludlow's, Gov. Brown's, Coll. Fanning's Regiments.
New Levies, 43 of foot 17 Dragoons, one Regt. of Hessians, all com-
manded by Genl. Leland if I do not mistake his name. However I am
sure it is similar to such a name, and are collecting large magazines of
wood and Forage near the house of Nathl. Williams - The whole
number is computed to be sixteen hundred men. On the 10 day was
to see C. Jur. at a house he appointed twelve miles west from here, and
set out with all my letters to meet him, and just before I arrived at the
appointed place I suddenly met a foraging party of 40 Horse and 200
foot and about a hundred wagons. Was much surprised but after
answering a few questions passed them unmolested. This party were
draughts from the 17, 43, & Coll. Burch of the 17th. But to my great
mortification Culper Jur. did not come that day. I waited all the next,
and sent a person westward to several houses where I thought likely
to find him, but could hear nothing of him. I am much concerned, fear
some accident hath befallen him, but yet wish to entertain a favorable
thought that he may be sick.
"The wagons went from Smith Town yesterday, loaded, but am in-
Kadan
NOTES
103
formed the Troops all stayed behind waiting their return. We have
20 Horse and 4 foot bilited about in houses, but no wagons have
loaded here yet, they are exceedingly afraid and keep a very strict.
guard at the foot of Seaton's Neck. Coll. Floyd, E. Jones, above the
Mill, J. Thompson's, P. Lions, John Bayles is Head Quarters Main
guard in Kelly's House. They are not expected to stay here more than
10 days, some say not longer than a week. It will be precarious to
attack them, they may be reinforced in one day's time. They are
continually reconnoitering the shores and the weather is very uncer-
tain. I am told the New York Paper saith Admrl. Parker hath taken
5 ships of the line from the French. I think something is the matter or
they must have been here before now. I give over all hope of their
coming to our relief this winter, and it is a killing thought to me. We
shall see more distress this winter than ever since the war began. The
inhabitants of this Island at present live a miserable life, which you
may readily judge when having the refuse of three kingdoms and thir-
teen States amongst them. Plundering and rapine increaseth at no
small rate. I am tired of this business, it gives me a deal of trouble, es-
pecially when disappointments happen. Could not consent to be any
longer an assistant if I was not almost an Enthusiast for our success.
I am perfectly acquainted with a full year's anxiety, which no one
can scarcely have an idea of but those that experience, and not long
since there was not the breadth of your finger betwixt me and death
but so long as I reside here my faithful endeavours shall never be
wanting. 725 loudly complains of his fatigue and declares he will not
come so often. Should the enemy be stationed here this winter it will
be very dangerous for him to come. You say you will take all the pains
possible to secure Coll. Floyd and Mr. Seaton's goods. I hope they
may be saved and the public get the benefit. I have no love for Coll.
Floyd nor for no Tory under Heaven, but in my present situation am
obliged to cultivate his friendship, and for that reason dare not men-
tion to him what you purposed. I do not doubt he would be glad to
hear it and perhaps keep it entirely secret for his own interest, but yet
he would view me with an Evil Eye. I have not as yet heard of 725
arrival but as the weather is now favorable expect him this night, and
shall expect his return on the 20th Instant, when shall hope to be ready
104
NOTES
S
for him, and shall if no accident hath befallen C. Jur. hope to see him
soon. And in the interim remain your most obt. H. Servt.
'SAML. CULLPER.'*
(17) British counterfeiting money.
'No. 14
NEW YORK, 27th Nov. 1779.
'Sir. It is now said by the most knowing ones that a considerable
part of the Army is to go to Georgia as soon as it is known that
D'Estaing has left the Coast, and some think that several Regiments
will be sent to the West Indies. Charlestown is fixed on as the grand
object this campaign and winter.
"The spirits of the Tory's is amazingly elated with the reports of the
Army in Georgia. It has been repeated some time past that Parker
has taken seven sail of French Men of War in the West Indies, and on
Friday an account was brought by a Cartel from Boston that there
had been an engagement between the grand Fleets in the Channel, in
which the combined fleets of France and Spain were defeated with the
loss of.. ships sunk and taken. The former account is now thought
premature, and the latter improbable, as it is said to have happened on
the 2d. of September and the packet left Falmouth the 7th, and brings
no such account.
"The Tories are extremely anxious for the fate of the British Fleet.
They think that the success of the contest depends entirely on it.
They have hopes that England will be able to form some alliance this
winter, which will enable them to carry on the War here another
campaign, which they flatter themselves will end in their favour, as
they think America will not be able to keep an Army together another
campaign. Truth reasons that their currency will be entirely depre-
ciated, and that there will not be provision in the country to supply an
Army another campaign. That of the currency I am afraid will prove
true, as they are indefatigable in increasing the quantity of it. Several
reams of the paper made for the last emission struck by Congress have
been procured from Philadelphia. I have taken much pains to find out
some of those concerned, but could not accomplish it. But that there
is such paper brought in you may depend on as a fact. A large ship
* Cullper instead of Culper it is written in Woodhull's handwriting.
NOTES
105
was sent into the Hook yesterday but it is not known where she is from.
The Men of War at the Hook have taken in water for several months
and on Friday the Admiral went down with all his baggage. A Fleet
for Cork and a number of vessels for England will sail in a few days,
some of which are loaded with valuable cargoes. However, some think
that they will not sail till D'Estaing has left the Coast, or till there is
some arrival from England. Privateering is now almost over, not more
than six now out and few fitting. There has not any prizes of value
arrived for some time past.
'I am, Your humble Servt.
'Saml. Culper, Junr.'
(18) Culper would kill Simcoe.
729 December 12, 1779.
'No. 30
'Sir: Inclosed you have a blank just come to hand from C. Junr.,
which I conclude contains some important intelligence, and as this is
the appointed night, and very good hope it will soon reach your hands.
On Monday last the Foraging Party left us, after collecting the Forage
in general as far Eastward as this township extends, some from South
Hold and South Hampton. The Forage collected in this county is all
carried to Huntington; and are as fast as possible sending it to N.
York. As soon as they get it all from that place the enemy will most
certainly leave there, except the Garrison on Lloyd's Neck. We are
not a little comforted after our distress, with the pleasing hope that
the Enemy will not trouble us any farther this winter, and glad our
correspondence will not be interrepted or subject to greater danger
than usual. The said misfortune attending our endeavours to the
Southward hath greatly lifted up our Enemies and dejected our friends,
and deeply affected me and allmost ready to conclude that the day of
our deliverance is farther distant than we ever glanced a thought, and
that all the Carolinas will fall into their hands, as is most certain
a large embarcation destined for Charles Town is about to take place,
and believe Clinton will go himself. But yet hope such measures will
be adopted that they may be spaird and protected. Culper Junior is
entirely out of the Counterpart, and unable to read any future blanks
that may come. Don't fail to forward it next opportunity, and we can-
106
NOTES
not get any person to run the risk written with common ink. C. Jur. is
to be with me on the 25th, hope if the weather is favorable you will
incline to come as we greatly desire to see you. We would gladly if
possible meet you half way. I have the pleasure to inform you my
fears are much abated since the troops have been with us. Their
approach was like death to me. Did not know wether to stand or fall.
Had they been the Queens Rangers or legion should have been with
you before now. Were I now in the State of New Jersey without fear
of Law or Gospel would certainly 344 Gqm. Ucngqi for his usage to
me. I have nothing further to say at present, and am
"Yours sincerely,
'SAML. CULPER."
(19) British sail for Charleston.
729 Dac. 27th, 1779.
'No. 17.
'Sir, In my last I informed you that a considerable number of the
enemy were under orders for Embarkation. The number does not ex-
ceed seven thousand. I have now to inform you that they have all
Embarked, and part of the Transports fell down to the Hook a few
days ago. They were to sail the 26th Inst. under Convoy of the Russel,
Robust, Europa, Defiance, Raisonable, Roebuck, Renown, Romulus
& Perseus. Genl. Clinton goes in the Romulus. The time that it will.
necessarily take for this to get to hand makes it almost useless to in-
form you that they are positively going to Charlestown. Governor
Martin with a considerable number of North Carolina Refugees, and
all the Officers who have been on furloe from Georgia, goes with the
expedition. Five vessels are loaded with ordnance stores, and they
have taken fifty chests of Arms for the purpose of arming the Tory's
and Negroes. It is said that they are to act on a very different plan
from what they formerly have, i.e. to settle the Country as they Con-
quer it, by securing all those whom they may suppose dangerous; and
to give the most noted Tory's a considerable command. It is said that
Clinton will go home immediately after taking possession of Charles-
town, and leave the command to Lord Cornwallis. The most sanguine
of the Tory's flatter themselves that the British army will be in pos-
session of both the Carolinas May next. I sincerely hope that such
NOTES
107
measures will be taken as may disappoint their expectations, even to
the taking of Charlestown. If the Garrison destin'd to defend it will
have a Retrospect to Georgia, and immitate them I think they may
hold it. Clinton will make a vigorous push for it, for I believe he thinks
that it is necessary to do something to distinguish himself before he
returns to England.
"The Garrison at New-York is left under the command of Tryon
& Knyphausen. It is now entirely out of wood, and can get none but
what they bring from a considerable distance by land. A considerable
number of teams are ordered from Queens County to Brooklyn Ferry,
each to carry a load of wood, and to continue there for six days to cart
wood from the nearest wood land for the use of the Army. If the creeks
continue shut any time, the inhabitants will be greatly distressed for
the want of fuel. The Markets are well supply'd with fresh provisions
of every kind, and will continue so while there is any cattle in Connec-
ticut & New Jersey. A considerable number of cattle and other provi-
sions is daily brought over from Connecticut to the East end of Long
Island, and from thence conveyed to New York; and there has ever
been regular supplies from Shrewsbury, Middletown, and every other
part of East Jersey. It is almost needless to mention Kings Bridge, for
it has been, and ever will be a practice to get supplies in that way.
'No arrivals since my last, and none from Europe since the Septem-
ber Packet. The Fleet for Europe, consisting of near one hundred sail,
sailed from Sandy Hook the 23d Inst. under convoy of the Solebay
& Lioness, Frigates.
"The expense of conveying letters obliges me to request that you
will send me Twenty Guineas pr. next conveyance. I am now entirely
out of the Counterpart of the Strain.
'I am, Yours, &c &c.
'SAML. CULPER, JUN.'
(20) Prison ship set on fire.
729 374 eg 1780.
'724 returned from 727 last night with a blank for 711 which I have
inclosed and forwarded, together with the Newspapers. The papers
108
NOTES
declare the willfull burning of the Prison Ship by one Woodberry of
Connecticut, on the 5th inst. No account of Sir H. Clinton yet.
Verbal accounts sent me from a person thats had the perusal of the
English papers say the debates run much higher than ever, some hav-
ing fought duels. Lord Charles Gorden declared in the Parliment he
had in Scotland 150 thousand men ready to take vengeance on the
present ministry. Hope it may be true.
'SAML. CULper.'
(21) Code words here freely used.
729 29 fn 1780.
'Sir. I have now to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the ff
Instant and one of an earlier date, as also eu 230. The 121 I 691 my
last before had time to 156 it. Was taken very cmm with the 73 151,
but am now 60, though very 349. My 151 hath put it out of my power
to make any 322 about the 178 in these 476. Genl. 712 hath returned
to 727 some 121 ago. The en Regt. D. is in 729. ei Companies of 309
are at Smith Town. Queens Rangers and Fannings Regts. are yet
East of here, where know not. The whole number is about 1500. It
appears probable they will continue in these parts some time. Their
wanton waste of the necessities of life (which will occasion people to
perish for want of subsistance unless can be procured elsewhere) hath
given rise to a prevailing opinion that this is the last visit we shall ever
have from them, and that they will leave 727 soon. I was told so when
at 727, but could see nothing that looked like it. There's the same ac-
counts in 727 from 745 as mentioned in your 356. Hope the flame
begun may increase, and fill with horror all those cursed destroyers of
mankind. The 585 keep up a constant communication with your
courts, and carries large sums of counterfeit paper currency of every
emission and puts it into the hands of Tory's for to pay their taxes
with. This I do assure from undoubted authority is their practice.
I shall at a more convenient time write you further on the subject of
treachery, and some discoveries that I hope soon to make. Inclosed
you have a blank from C. Jur. just come to hand, and yours enclosed to
him shall be delivered into his hands on Wednesday next. On the f616
let 725 cross again. In the interim am yours sincerl.
'Saml. Culper.'
NOTES
109
(22) Major Tallmadge writes to General Washington.
'BEDFORD, Aug. 28th, 1780.
'Sir. I have the Honor to enclose a letter from C. Junr., & one from
Lt. B. .r which have just come to hand. I have also recd. a letter from
C. . Junr. of which the following is an extract:
'N. Y. Aug. 23d, 1780.
'C. Senr. was in Town & wrote you by the last conveyance. The
present offers nothing material. Clinton seems now preparing to act
on the defensive. He is fortifying on L. I. opposite Frog's Point, the
Heights of Harlem, & the Island eastward of Hellgate. However some
of our most knowing politicians say that Rhode Island is still the
object, & that he is only waiting the arrival of three Regts that are
expected from Carolina, and some Hanoverian Troops that are ex-
pected some time in September, and that Arbuthnot is to keep off
N. Port till that time. Others think that this garrison will be put
in
the best state of defence & that Arbuthnot will go to the West Indies.
'A fleet of Transports, Victuallers, & some private vessels under
convoy of the Renown, will sail for England in a few days. The 22d,
76th, Robinsons, and two Hessian Regts. do duty in Town. Forty two
pieces of Cannon are mounted on the Battery.
'C. Senr. will furnish you with the situation of the troops on Long
Island.
'I was obliged to decypher C.. Junr. letter, as I was convinced it
referred to the future mode of our correspondence. After his next ar-
rives, I hope to have no further occasion to decypher his letters, as
I hope by that time our plans will be finished. After sending several
times across the Sound to open a new communication with Culper
Junior, without success, I have finally referred the whole matter to
him, who I expect will appoint such place and pick on such persons for
his confidential friends, as will best answer our purpose, and inform me
thereof.
'Lt. B. .r informs of several boats with Continental Crews, being
along the Sound, which were appointed by Genl. Officers. Possibly
Major Humpreys knows more about this matter. If they are not
wanted on their present duty, one of them would be of very great
IIO
NOTES
service to Lt. B. .r. I have the Honor to be, with great regard, Your
Excellency's most Obedt. Hbl. Sert.
'BENJ. TALLMADGE.'
(23) Genealogy.
Samuel Townsend and his wife Sarah, parents of Robert Townsend,
alias Culper Junior, had eight children: Solomon, Samuel, Robert,
William David, Audrey, Sarah, and Phebe. Only the descendants of
his son Solomon have survived to the present day.
SOLOMON,* son of Samuel and brother of Robert Townsend, also
had eight children, namely, Hannah, Anne, Mary, Phebe, Samuel,
Jacob, Peter, and Solomon.
Hannah, niece of Robert Townsend and daughter of Solomon, mar-
ried Isaiah Townsend, of Albany. When he died, February 17, 1838,
the merchants met and resolved to close all the stores and to attend
his funeral. She died November 1, 1854. Her children were Isaiah,
Anna, Robert, Franklin, who was Mayor of Albany in 1850–51,
Howard, Frederick, and Mary. Isaiah married Harriet Townsend,
Anna married Henry H. Martin, Robert married Harriet Monroe,
Franklin married Anna King, Howard married Justina Van Rens-
selaer, Frederick married Sarah Rathbone, Mary married General
William H. Walker.
Anna, niece of Robert Townsend and daughter of Solomon, married
Effingham Lawrence, one-time first judge of the County of Queens.
He was a son of Phebe Townsend, of Orange County, who in 1764
married Joseph Lawrence. His grandfather, Richard Lawrence, born
in 1691, married Hannah Bowne, daughter of Samuel Bowne, and
granddaughter of John Bowne, of Flushing, and his great-grandfather
was Joseph Lawrence, who in 1690 married Mary Townley and in-
* A stone at the grave of Solomon Townsend, brother of Robert, is inscribed: 'In
Memory of Solomon Townsend, Member of the State Legislature from the City of New
York, who departed this life on the 27th March, 1811, during the Session, aged 64 years
5 months and 2 days. The remains were transferred from Albany to this place Dec. 9th
1848.'
NOTES
III
herited from his mother a large estate at Flushing and Little Neck.
His great-great-grandfather was William Lawrence, who married
Elizabeth, daughter of Richard 'Bull' Smith, patentee of Smithtown.
The town of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was so named in honor of this
lady. Anna (Townsend) Lawrence had eight children: Townsend,
Lydia, Henry, William, Effingham, Robert, Mary, and Edward. She
died October 11, 1845.
Mary, niece of Robert Townsend and daughter of Solomon, married
Edward Holland Nicoll, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Woodhull) Nicoll,
and grandson of General Nathaniel Woodhull. She was born in 1789
and died in 1849. Her children were: Henry, born October 23, 1812,
and died November 28, 1879; he married Anna Townsend Thorne,
daughter of James and Phebe (Townsend) Thorne; Solomon Town-
send Nicoll, born November 13, 1813, and died December 23, 1865;
Edward Holland Nicoll, born December 25, 1815, died January 26,
1820. Solomon Townsend Nicoll, above, married Charlotte, daughter
of Samuel Benjamin Nicoll, of Shelter Island. Their children were
Annie, DeLancey, Benjamin, Mary Townsend, Edward Holland, and
Charlotte. DeLancey Nicoll above, the well-known lawyer of New
York City, is therefore a grandson of Robert Townsend's niece.
Phebe, niece of Robert Townsend and daughter of Solomon, mar-
ried James Thorne, of Albany. They had children: Sarah, Anna,
Robert, Mary, Edward, John, James, and Martha.
Samuel and Jacob died unmarried.
Peter S. Townsend, nephew of Robert Townsend and son of Solomon,
died March 26, 1849. His activities would fill a volume and are worthy
of careful preservation.
Solomon, nephew of Robert Townsend and son of Solomon, was born
October 8, 1805, and died April 2, 1880. He resided at 'Raynham
Hall,' Oyster Bay, married Helene, daughter of Dr. Charles Town-
send, of Albany, and had six children: Solomon, Charles, Robert,
Maurice, Edward, and Maria.
I 12
NOTES
1
(25) S. Culper urges Howell's imprisonment.
'729 462 ei 1780
'Sir. Your favour of the k Instant hath been duly received, and
observe the contents. I am pleased with your intention of apprehend-
ing Aiqlai Bqyim. Pray be active and vigilent to secure our Country.
No man's character stands in better light with the Enemy and hath
been a particular friend of Tryon's. And whilst resided at his native
town held a constant correspondence with Tryon & Coll. Burch. He
never faild in his request for favors when asked for. Could obtain per-
mission for five hundred pounds worth of goods at one time, when
others could not for fifty. You may rest assured that B. & J. Nwcluqp
are his bosom friends and know his heart. Not long since, B. Nwcluqp
told me he was very uneasy about him. Said he had been expected
back for some time, asked me if I had not heard nothing about him
and desired if possible to enquire after him. Said this was the second
time he had been out in the service of Government and was afraid he
would be found out. He is largely in debt at 727 and his departure
appeared like one fleeing for refuge but it was all to cloak his villany.
Arnolds affair hath now become an old story, I am sorry for the death
of Major Andre but better so than to lose the post. He was seeking
your ruin. C. Junr. is now with me and shall refer you to his letter
for intelligence. I was in hopes you might have come and seen him.
I have enclosed you receipt for fifteen Guineas. The other five pieces
were too light and could not be of any service to me, two of which were
Quarter Joes, and have sent them back again.
'S. CULPER.'
(26) Bad money is returned to Washington.
'PINE BRIDGE, Oct. 17th, '80
'Sir. I have this moment recd. the enclosed from the C..s. As
circumstances have since turned out I wish I had met C. Junr. as
mentioned in my last to Your Excellency.
'C. has returned me five of the Guineas which I recd. of your Excel-
lency at Tappan, for reasons which are mentioned in his enclosed let-
ter. I will forward them to Hd. Qrs. or otherwise dispose of them as
I may be directed.
NOTES
113
'With respect to the person mentioned in C. Senior's letter, I really
believe he is a very dangerous man among us, and from the charges
adduced against him by C. should suppose he ought to be appre-
hended. I am informed he has lately been to Rhode Island; his busi-
ness may be guessed at. The person mentioned in C. Senior's letter as
friends to Aiqlai Bqyim are the brothers of the person who had a per-
mit from Genl. Parsons to cross with Lt. Brewster, but has since been
prohibited agreeable to your Excellency's order through me. I am
very confident Genl. Parsons was much deceived in the man.
'BENJ. TALLMADGE.'
•
(27) Woodhull congratulates Tallmadge.
729 427 fo 1780
'Dear Sir. I congratulate you on your success within the bounds of
729. The burning the forage is agreeable to me and must hurt the
enemy much. It cannot be replaced and was what I advised 725 to do
some time ago but was opposed by a person of some consequence in this
place and so gave up the matter. In order to continue your success and
endeavours I rode yesterday above sixty miles, and now can inform
you that the 17th Dragoons at Hemstead, about 200 grenadiers at
Newtown, 1000 Hessians at Flushing. Some few at Jamaica, 900
Yeagers and Anspach Germans cantoned from Herrick along the
north side of Hempstead Plains and some to Oyster Bay. About sixty
occupies the fort at the last mentioned place, about 200 consisting of
Ludloes. A Major Coldens Volunteers at Lloyd's Neck. There about
50 Refugees at and about Tredles farme near Smiths Town possess
a small fort, two field pieces, but are under no command each man
thinks himself equal to their Capt. Luke, and are disagreeing con-
tinually. Good judges say they can be taken at any time with ease
and is thought they will leave that quarter soon, if they should not be
attacked. The woods afford a cover almost to their works. Last week
the enemy lost a Frigate going through Helgate bound to the fleet at
this east end, and sunk immediately. To serve you I purpose if pos-
sible to ride the circuit of these lines and return on the 20th day of
December, at which time let 725 cross again. Perhaps you may think
the time long but cannot well be sooner. If you should think
proper to
114
NOTES
send him about the 10th it will be agreeable and will write you all I can.
Perhaps may hear something of importance, or you may wish to give
me some instructions which is ever agreeable. I have had but a few
minutes to write and please excuse the imperfections you may discover.
The intelligence is the best concerning the enemy and am
"Yours Sincerely,
'SAML. CULper.'
(28) Townsend back in New York.
729 374 the eo 1781.
'Sir. Your several favours of the fo of 215 and of the ee Instant have
been received and observe the contents. I have but little to com-
municate at this time. Genl. Phillips hath embarked some days ago
with all the infantry, the Seventy-Six Regiment and two German Regi-
ments. The whole said to amount to sixteen hundred men, generally
believed are bound to the assistance of Arnold. They had not sailed
last Thursday and am of opinion they will not go. They certainly have
not a sufficient convoy. A few days past a small boat arrived from
Arnold in forty eight hours but nothing could be learned from her.
There's nothing from any other quarter, save Britain declaring war
against the United States of Holland and their taking St. Estutias and
one hundred and sixty sail of ships. See the papers inclosed. The
enemy are very low on the same account. I think they must make
peace shortly. The Memorial of Prussia mentioned in the News Paper
is not thought to be genuine here. C. Jur. is again in 727 and entering
into business as heretofore and you may soon I hope receive his dis-
patches. And remain your very Humbl. Servt.
'SAML CULPER.'
(29) Tallmadge's request to be first to officially enter New York.
'GREENFIELD, March 31st, 1783.
'Sir. I had the honor to write Your Excellency on the 29th inst.
on which day I crossed to Long Island as then proposed, from whence
I have just returned. From every enquiry & a variety of information,
it appears to be reduced to a certainty that a general peace has been
concluded on in Europe, an authenticated account of which great
event I hope Your Excellency has received before this time.
NOTES
115
'I saw several of my old correspondents from New York, who inform
that although official information respecting a Peace had not yet
reached N. Y. yet preparations were making for the Garrison to be
ready to leave that place. They inform that a considerable number of
the Loyalists are about setting off for Nova Scotia; that the foreign
troops are preparing to embark as they are to sail first if there should
not be transports enough to remove the whole & in that case the Brit-
ish Troops will remove out Staten Island. They are in expectation of
Transports from Europe, as they have only about eighty for that
service at New York.
"From the present auspicious appearance of our public affairs and
from a persuasion that the American Troops will soon be in possession
of New York, I have to request that Your Excellency would be pleased
to suffer me, with my detachment, to be among the first who may go
into the City. I have many reasons for making this early request but
the principal argument which I would offer, and which I am conscious
will have due weight in Your Excellency's breast, is that particular
attention may be paid to certain Characters in New York, who have
served us very essentially, and who may other ways be treated amiss.
It is a favor which they will by all means expect, and some of them
will not wish to have the nature of their services divulged....
'BENJ. TALLMADGE.'
WOODHULL GENEALOGY
If upon this page were to be recorded even in the briefest manner,
the twenty-eight generations of the Woodhull family preserved by
genealogists, it might weary the most attentive reader. Suffice it to
note that the castle occupied by the first ancestor was located at
Wahull, now Woodhull, in Bedford, England. It was a portion of the
acreage distributed by William the Conqueror among his followers, an-
other parcel being in Northamptonshire, where at Thenford was born
in 1620, Richard Woodhull,* founder of the family in the New World.
He was married in England before crossing the Atlantic in 1648.
Having been a warm friend of Oliver Cromwell he deemed it unwise
to try to live under the restricted monarchy of Charles II. His first
property on Long Island consisted of 10800 acres in the town of Brook-
haven, which he purchased in 1656. The section selected for his home
* A granite stone in the Presbyterian Church yard at Setauket, L.I., erected by John
Alpheus Woodhull, reads:
WOODHULL
Sequor nec Inferior
Richard
Born in Thenford, Eng. 1620
Settled in Setauket, L. I., 1656
Died Oct. 17, 1690
Every inch a Nobleman.
RICHARD. 2ND
Died 1699.
A genuine Son of his Father
Born 1649
The tombs of these men,
Destroyed by British Soldiers
in 1777,
A Reverent son restores
in 1901.
WOODHULL GENEALOGY
was at Setauket Harbor, then called Ashford or Cromwell's Bay. Here
Abraham Woodhull † his great-great-grandson, whom we now dis-
cover was Culper Senior of the American Revolution, was born, and
here also Abraham Woodhull's great-great-grandchildren were born
and the surviving members of his family are living to-day. The chart
included herewith emphasizes the direct descent of Culper Senior and
also helps to define the relationship of other members mentioned in
the text.
118
† Over the grave of Abraham Woodhull in the Presbyterian Church yard at Setauket
is a slab reading:
IN MEMORY OF
ABRAHAM WOODHULL
who died Jan. 23, 1826, in the 76. year of his age.
Woodhull Family Chart, showing relative kinship of General Nathaniel Woodhull, the martyr of the Revolution. Also Nathan Woodhull, Caleb S. Woodhull, who was Mayor of New York City, James Fenimore Cooper, author of The
Spy, Benjamin F. Thompson, historian, Robert Townsend and Colonel Tallmadge of the Secret Service, Wm. Floyd, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, De Lancey Nicoll, Selah Strong, Brewsters, Smiths, Coles, and others.
RICHARD WOODHULL (1)
B. Sept.13,1620. D. Oct.17,1691.
at Setauket, L.I.
M. Deborah.
RICHARD FLOYD
NATHANIEL WOODHULL
DEBORAH WOODHULL
RICHARD WOODHULL (II)
B. Oct.9,1649. D. Oct.18,1699.
M. Aug.19,1680, Temperance,
da. of Rev. Jonah Fordham
of Southampton, L.I.
ANN WOODHULL
RUTH WOODHULL
RICHARD FLOYD
B. May 12,1665, D. Feb.28,1728.
M. Margaret, da. of Colonel
Mathias Nicoll,
Sept.10,1686.
4 JOHN WOODHULL
JOHN
1 RICHARD WOODHULL (III)
B.Nov.2,1691. D.Nov.24,1767.
M. Mary, da. of John Homan.
3 JOSIAH WOODHULL
5 DOROTHY WOODHULL
6 TEMPERANCE WOODHULL
}
2 NATHANIEL WOODHULL
B.
D. May 9,1760.
M. Sarah Smith, da. of
Richard Smith (2) of
Smithtown and had
eleven children.
NICOLL FLOYD
B. 1705. D. 1755.
M. Tobitha Smith of
Smithtown, L.I.
RICHARD FLOYD
B. 1703. D. 1771.
M. Elizabeth Hutchinson,
SUSANNAH FLOYD
M. Edmund Smith.
Their da. Margaret was the
mother of Abraham Woodhull,
alias Culper, Sr.
CAPT.
4 CAPT. NATHAN WOODHULL
B. July 6,1720. D. Oct.27,1804.
M. 1st. Joanna Mills, and had
seven children.
3 JOHN WOODHULL
B. Jan.15,1719. D. Jan.3,1794.
M. 1740, Elizabeth,da. of
Major Wm. Henry Smith.
Had nine children.
7 PHEBE WOODHULL
2 RICHARD WOODHULL (IV)
B. Oct.11,1712. D. Oct.13,1788.
M. 1738,Margaret, da. of Edmund
Smith, of the Bull Smith
family and Susanna Floyd.
She was B. 1714.
D. Oct.8,1803.
6 HENRY WOODHULL
1 MARY WOODHULL
B. Apr.11,1711. D. 1801.
M. Sept.30,1734, Jonathan
Thompson.
5 STEPHEN WOODHULL
B. Mar.17,1722. D. Aug.1775.
M. Hannah Cooper of
Southampton,L.I. 7 children.
GEN. NATHANIEL WOODHULL
B. Dec.30,1722.D. Sept.20,1776,
of wounds inflicted by British
whilst a prisoner.
M. Ruth Floyd. See below:
B. Feb.2,1781.
RUTH FLOYD
B. Feb.2,1781.
WILLIAM FLOYD
B. Dec.17,1734 (The Signer)
CHARITY FLOYD
B. Jan.20,1789.
M. Ezra L' Hommedieu.
RICHARD FLOYD
B. Feb.26,1731. D. June 30,1791.
M. Nov 2,1757, Arabella Jones.
BENJAMIN FLOYD
M. Anna Cornell (see above).
JAMES WOODHULL
B. Oct.3,1752.
M. 1st.Keturah, da. of
Selah Strong, of N.Y.
MERRIT SMITH WOODHULL
B. May 28,1748. D. Nov.29,1815.
M. Mar.1,1778, Mary Davis.
REV. JOHN WOODHULL
B. Jan.26,1744. D. Nov.22,1824.
M. May 28,1772, Sarah Spofford,
step-daughter of Gilbert Tenent.
He succeeded William Tenent
and was pastor of Old
Tenent Church for
44 years.
5 ABRAHAM WOODHULL
ALIAS SAMUEL culper,
of the American Revolution.
B. Oct.7,1750. D. Jan.23,1826.
Was not married during the
Revolution but in 1784 he
M. Mary,da. of Obediah
Smith. She was B. in 1760
and D. July 9,1806.
M. 2nd, Lydia da. of James
Terry. No children by
the latter.
2 RICHARD WOODHULL
B. June 8,1741. D. 1774.
1 SUSANNAH WOODHULL
B.1789. D. July 14,1804.
4 ADAM WOODHULL
B. Oct.12,1747. D. 1768.
SR.
3 MARY WOODHULL
B. 1743.
M. Amos Underhill, great
grandson of Capt. John Underhill.
SAMUEL THOMPSON
B. Oct.2,1738. D. 1811.
M. Phebe Satterly, Jan.7,
1781.
MARY THOMPSON
B. Nov.25,1735. D. May 28,1794.
M. Thomas Smith.
ABRAHAM COOPER WOODHULL
B. Dec.20,1753. D. May 6,1780.
M. Sept.17,1774, Jane Smith.
ELIZABETH WOODHULL
B. Nov.30,1762. D. 1839.
M. Dec.1780, Henry Nicoll.
NATHANIEL WOODHULL
B. 1764. D. 1765.
NICOLL FLOYD
MARY FLOYD
B. 1764.
M. Mar.18,1784, COLONEL
BENJAMIN TALLMADGE
ALIAS JOHN BOLTON
of the Secret Service.
B. Feb.25,1754. D. Mar.7,1885.
ELIZABETH FLOYD
B. Aug.8,1758. D.May 7,1820.
M. John Peter De Lancey,
on Sept.28,1785.
CALEB SMITH WOODHULL
B.Feb.26,1792. D.July 16,1806.
In 1849-51 he was
MAYOR OF N.Y. CITY
MARY WOODHULL
No children.
JESSE SMITH WOODHULL
B. Feb.5,1796. D. Mar.30,1841.
M. Ann Maria, da. of Sam'l
Brewster. She D. Sept.
30, 1824, age 27.
M. 2d, Charity, da. of
Woodhull Smith.
ELIZABETH WOODHULL
B. Sept.30,1785.
M. Oct.24,1814, Isaac Brewster.
MARGARET UNDERHILL
M. Oliver Coles.
BENJAMIN F. THOMPSON
THE HISTORIAN
B. May 15,1784. D. Mar.21,1849.
ANNA SMITH
M. Richard Floyd, nephew
of the Richard Floyd B. Feb.26.
1781, and son of Benjamin
and Anna (Cornell) Floyd.
See below.
EDWARD HOLLAND NICOLL
B. Nov.21,1784.D. 1848.
M. Mary, daughter of
Solomon Townsend
and niece of
ROBERT TOWNSEND
ALIAS CULPER, JR.
of the American Revolution.
SUSAN AUGUSTA DE LANCEY
B. Jan.28,1792.D. Jan.20,1852.
Samuel Culper, Sr. was a nephew
of her great grandfather.
M. Jan.1,1811
JAMES FENIMORE COOPER
B. Sept.15,1789. D. Sept.14,1851.
RICHARD LAW. WOODHULL
B. Nov.15,1320. D. Mar.13,1897.
M. Sept.5,1344, Adeline, da.
of Richard Brewster.
B. 1824. D. 1908.
REBECCA BREWSTER
B. Mar.25,1820.
MARY BREWSTER
B. July 13,1822.
HENRY NICOLL
B. Oct.28,1812.D. 1879.
M. Anna Townsend,
da. of James Thorne
SOLOMON TOWNSEND NICOLL
B. Nov. 18,1313.D. 1865.
M. C.A. Nicoll and had
six children.
ELIZABETH GERT. WOODHULL
B. June 6,1848. D. 1908.
ANNA BREWSTER WOODHULL
B. June 17,1846. D. 1908.
HENRY WALGROVE WOODHULL
B. Feb.10,1858.
EDMOND THOMAS WOODHULL
B. Jan.15,1856.
RICHARD LAW. WOODHULL
B. Nov.14,1849.
FREDERIC CARL. WOODHULL
B. Apr.15,1851, D. 1924.
M. Nov.24,1880, Mary, da, of
James Davis.
JESSE SMITH WOODHULL
B. 1853. D. 1878.
ABRAM FLOYD WOODHULL
B. May 24,1860. D. 1928.
ELLISON BREWSTER WOODHULL
B. Oct.5,1862.D. 1922.
DE LANCEY NICOLL
of New York City
B. 1854.
M. Maud Churchill.
RICHARD LAW. WOODHULL
B. April 12,1889.
MARY SMITH WOODHULL
B. June 22,1890.
MILDRED BELLE WOODHULL
B. Dec.7,1899.
PARDUODAN
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