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 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.”
Meanwhile General Washington was dictating a letter to Major Tallmadge,
which reads:
“_Head Quarters_ WEST POINT, 9th October, 1779.
_Dear Sir_, I have your favr of the 8th inclosing a letter
for Major Jameson who is in South Carolina. It shall be
forwarded by the first opportunity. Should a certain operation
take place, it will be necessary to establish a very regular
communication with Long Island. These things are better settled
personally than by letter, I shall therefore be glad to see
you at Head Quarters. After leaving some person who can be
intrusted with the receipt of C-- letters, and who can forward
them and any observations upon the Sound, be pleased to ride
over.”
Townsend’s next letter, dated October 21, and written entirely with the
stain, was copied at Headquarters, and reads:
“I am this day favord with yours of the 12th Inst. and note the
contents. The fleet from Newport, contrary to my information,
sailed the day I wrote to you. I was led into this error by
persons whom I thought could give me the best information, as
they belonged to Newport and intended going in the fleet. They
have been deceived for from that belief they were left behind.
I informed you that a number of vessels had been prepared to
sink at Sandy Hook, four of which were sunk two days after I
wrote you. The Russel, Europa, Raisonable, Defiance, Roebuck
and several Frigates and a number of armed transports still
continue at the Hook. The Renown (dismasted) Solebay and Towey
Frigates are still in the Harbour.
“The Captain of a Privateer which arrived on Friday last, says
that he saw 12 sail of the French fleet the 25th Septr. off
Georgia, not dismasted as the paper mentions but all well; and
that the noted Sir James Wallace was taken.
“The 7th, 23d, and Lord Rowdon’s Corps embarked some days ago.
The 7th and 23d. have disembarked and the 57th with some of
the artillery have embarked in their place, and it’s said will
sail in a few days. Some of the officers say they are going to
Halifax, and it’s generally believed they are.
“The enemy have large magazines of wood and forage and are
daily collecting more, particularly Hay. Some of the Comrs.
of provision say they have enough of all kinds to last 9
months. I believe they have plenty for six months. There is
considerable on board victuallers of this, and the quantity,
I will inform you more particularly in my next. No arrivals
of any consequence since my last, except the Robuste from
Halifax which arrived yesterday. A number of transports have
been taking water and ballast some days past and from which
and some other circumstances it is concluded that another
embarkation will take place. Some transports with some private
vessels sailed yesterday for Newport under convey of the
Hunter Sloop of War. No new forts erecting. That on Bayards
Hill is completed, and also the one back of Jones’ house. The
Battery and the fort on Governors Island is nearly completed. I
entirely approve of your conveying letters, and shall in future
follow it. But shall want some more stain immediately, as I
have scarcely enough for another letter. S. Culper Senior will
forward you a Receipt for the Guineas.
“SAML. CULPER, JUNR.”
Culper Senior’s next letter,(118) dated October 26th, he also,
incorrectly numbers 25. Townsend’s next letter,(119) 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 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
sincerely 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 intelligence 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 frequently objects to coming so
often.
“I most impatiently wait the arrival of the Count De-Estaing,
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 demand 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
distressed. I conceive in my own mind, that their views in
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 property should
not go amongst such villians. I beg you would exert yourself
and bring them to justice.”
Major Tallmadge supplements the above in a letter to the General dated
Bedford, Novr. 1, 1779, in which he says:
“I have just recd. the enclosed despatches from the C----rs.
I was obliged to touch the Counterpart on the enclosed letter
written with the Stain to discover whether it was the right
sheet or not as it was in a Quire.
“With respect to the robbery lately committed at Setauket,
as related by C. Senior, I have additional accounts of the
same from others. In addition to the crime of plundering the
distressed inhabitants of Long Island the perpetrators of
such villany never bring their goods before any court for
tryal and condemnation, but proceed to vend them at option.
This species of Privateering (for it goes by this name) is
attended with such numberless bad consequences, that to a
gentleman of your Excellency’s feelings, I am confident I need
not state them. If being so plundered by the enemy that the
inhabitants have hardly a subsistance left, be not sufficient
(for the marauders from our shore make no distinction between
Whig and Tory further than what interest may point out)
it surely cannot be reputable to leave it in the power of
individuals to punish at pleasure, and enrich themselves by
the plunder they take. Perhaps your Excellency may have seen
the Proclamation lately issued by Governor Clinton prohibiting
such practices. I would further observe that the boat that
crosses for dispatches from C---- has been chased quite across
the Sound by those plunderers, perhaps for the sake of being
the more secret in their Villany, while our crew has suspected
them to be the Enemy. Indeed if some stop cannot be put to
such nefarious practices C---- will not risque, nor 725 go
over for dispatches. I should be happy to have permission to
take the men who have been concerned in this Robbery, and have
them delivered over to the authority appointed by Governor
Clinton (as mentioned in his proclamation) to take notice of
such offenders, or other ways punish them. What would give a
peculiar sanction to such a proceeding is that some of the
Perpetrators of this villany belonged to Long island and of
course to the State of New York.
“One of the gentlemen who was plundered was Col. Floyd, who not
long since was brot. over a Prisoner, and is now on Parole.
From a long and intimate acquaintance with this gentleman I
believe him to be of more service to the Whig interest in
Setauket than every other man in it, tho from his family
connection I believe he has been in favor of Royal Government.
The other gentleman, Mr. Seaton, is from England, and purchased
a plantation at Setauket before the War began. This family is
of the first fashion of any on the Island. The whole of their
furniture, Jewels, Clothing, Money, Bonds, and papers of all
kinds were brought off. I hope some steps may be taken to
prevent such conduct in future ...
“BENJ. TALLMADGE.”
Townsend’s next letter, November 3d, announces that General Clinton and
the Admiral were at Oyster Bay on Monday, observing the Harbour. In
detail it reads:
“Being more hurried than usual these three days past and the
Bearer coming unexpectedly, prevents my writing so particularly
as I would wish. I have this day received yours of the 19th
ulto. and I will endeavour to follow your instructions. No
arrivals of any consequence since my last. The information I
gave you, concerning the sailing of the fleet for Halifax, I
thought so good that I might have given it for certain. I could
not have wished for better unless from the Admiral or General.
They did not sail, and I am since informed have disembarked.
Eight or nine private vessels were to sail from the Hook for
New Foundland a few days ago. They are in Ballast and are to
take in Fish for the West Indies. I have not heard from the
Hook these three days past, I therefore cannot say whether they
have sailed. It was positively said the latter end of last
week that several Regiments were to go into Suffolk County.
But I believe it is now given over at least for the present.
A considerable number of transports, (say 10000 tons) are
under orders to take in troops but it is not said where they
are going. Lord Cornwallis is said to be going with them. No
forts or redoubts near this City but those I have mentioned.
The people in general now think that the French Fleet will not
be here this fall. We have no certain accounts from Georgia.
General Clinton and the Admiral were at Oyster Bay on Monday
observing the Harbour. It is positively said a number of
Transports are to be sent there to winter. I believe it is to
be depended upon that the heavy ships of war are to winter at
Halifax. I will write you more particularly in my next. I am
Yrs. &c.
“SAML. CULPER, JUNR.”
Woodhull’s No. 27, dated Nov. 5th, is only short, but written under
excitement. He says: “I have just received the Dispatches, and verbal
accounts, that Coll. Fanning’s Regt. is at Lloyd’s Neck, and the Prince
of Wales American Regt. formerly commanded by Monfort Brown tarried
last night at Jamaica on their way to Huntington. One regiment is
ordered to Jerusalem South side Hempstead Planes. Much talk about their
coming to this place soon, and we are greatly alarmed about it. Should
they come here I shall most certainly retreat to your side as I think
it will be impossible for me to be safe. Shall see Culper, Junr. on the
10th, inst. at which time shall hope to compleat your directions, and
order affairs so that the damage I hope will not be great if it should
become necessary to quit the Island. Depend I shall not do it without
absolute necessity. If you have anything material to communicate to
Culper Junr. let 725 come one night before (say on the 9th.) I give
over entirely the arrival of the French fleet. Nothing is said about
them in New York, and the movement of the enemy looks like their going
into winter quarters. Friends are all well. I am, &c. Your most Obedt.
“SAML. CULPER.”
Abraham Woodhull’s next letter on November 13th covers six sheets(120)
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 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.
Thompson, 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, plundering 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,
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,(121) 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
concerned, but could not accomplish it,” he adds.
* * * * *
Woodhull, his hand still trembling from fear, sends off his 29th
letter, dated November 29th. It reads:
“Your No. 22 with the enclosed for C. Junr. came to hand and
observed the contents. Your No. 23, with the Blank I received
this morning. It is now late in the evening and just received
the dispaches have hardly time to write any thing as I would,
as I greatly desire to send 725 off from this place of danger.
I cannot tell the sheets that are written with the stain and
agreeable to your desire have requested the same from C. Junr.
This place is very distressed.... Their coming was like death
to me at first but have no fears about me at present and
soon intend to visit N. Y. There’s about 400 in the town and
following the wagons. They take all the forage and oats. I
forbear to write any particulars for want of time and to avoid
danger. I expect the enemy will leave us about next Monday and
have the pleasing hope they will not visit us any more this
winter. I have directed 725 to come on the 12th December, say
the 11th. Hope the way will then be clear and safe. I expected
the express on Saturday last. Excuse me at this time I cannot
serve you better. I am, &c.
“SAMUEL CULPER.”
In his letter of December 12th,(122) Woodhull encloses a blank 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 you
my fears are much abated since the troops 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[18] 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 meeting, Townsend
wrote a long letter(123) 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 without
a date--By Colo. Blaine, who I expect will be the bearer of
this, I send twenty guineas and a phial containing 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 intelligent, clear, and satisfactory, consequently would
be valuable, but owing to the circuitous route through which
they are transmitted I can derive no immediate or important
advantage from them, and (as I rely upon his intelligence) 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 communication himself and will
let me know it, I think I can name one or two men to him who
will receive and convey to me through others such intelligence
as he may think important.”
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-fn-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 complete the total destruction of the sick, the hospital
ship on 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 several 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.
Fannings 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.(124) 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 prepared to give them a fatal blow at the beginning,
or we shall be totally ruined. 725 must come on the 25th
instant. I am yours Sincerely,
“S. CULPER.”
The difficulty in finding the stain letter hid among many similar
looking blank sheets of the same paper is mentioned in the next, which
reads:
No. 3. 729-22-eo-1780.
_Sir._ Inclosed you have a blank--Something fearful not
sending the right and have inclosed three--We seem to be very
unfortunate in forwarding dispaches. Almost every appointment
the weather is rough. I have no verbal accounts worthy of
notice. I am a going to 727 tomorrow and shall return on fg,
when shall hope to 691 you fully. In the Interum I am yours
Sincerely to Serve,
SAML. CULPER.
A missing letter evidently unjustly complained of Townsend, for one,
dated from Setauket April 23d, reads: