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 compleat. 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 completed. A vessel arrived a
few days ago from Jamaica, the captain is an acquaintance of
Culper, Jr. and told him that 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.”
It was necessary to search other letters to discover Townsend’s reason
for withdrawing at this particular time. It will be recalled he had
promised General Washington that he would endeavor to shorten the line
of communication and for this purpose he had selected his cousin, James
Townsend. When the messages were ready Townsend set off, and managed
to get safely across the river. However, he did not return at the
appointed time and for some days Culper’s iron nerves were shattered,
fearing that the British had their secret and that his fate was sealed.
But what had actually happened had a less serious termination. James
Townsend, realizing the importance of the messages he was carrying and
perhaps because it was a new experience for him, became bewildered and
although uncertain of the house at which he was to stop called at one
Deansonbury, where were two young people fond of questioning strangers.
They at once permitted him to believe that they were Tories. His first
idea was to assume intoxication but when he found them determined to
make him talk he recalled Washington’s instructions to put on the
airs of a Tory and before long he was able to convince them that he
was one of the king’s most loyal subjects. John, the elder brother of
the household in his affidavit declares he was hiding where he could
hear without being seen, but that “he heard no more, his spirits rose,
he flew into the room and took him prisoner.”[19] He was of course
detained, but was fortunately a prisoner in the American Army. His
pockets were searched and their contents forwarded to headquarters.
There seemed to be nothing very remarkable among them. A poem of 20
lines spread over two sheets of paper and folded into sixteen must
have seemed insignificant. The title “The Lady’s Dress” and the
initials S. T. which had been altered to appear like S. B. were alike
uninteresting. But to Washington it was different. These were the stain
letters and upon applying the counterpart the message showed up between
the widely spaced lines. Washington kept the original and it is now
among the treasures in Washington. The release of James Townsend was
difficult, even after the papers in the case had reached Headquarters,
lest knowledge of his errand might betray the Culpers to the British
spies in the American camp.
* * * * *
Woodhull’s No. 4, dated Setauket May 4, 1780, would indicate that they
did not get together on May 1st. He says:
“I have had an interview with C. Junr. and am sorry to find
he declines serving any longer, as hinted in my last. If any
person can be pointed out by 711 at N. Y. who can be safely
relyed on to supply C. Junr’s place, I will make myself known
to him, and settle a plan for the purpose. C. Junr. will
nevertheless afford every assistance in his power, and give
verbal information as he can collect. I have recd 20 guines
sometime ago, which you sent me and with them have been paying
off the expenses already accrued, and find a ballance still
due me. As soon as convenient could wish you to forward me an
additional sum. I have for some time suspected that Daniel
Diehel living with Hugh Wallace has been employed by 711--If
this be the case would wish to be informed of it. I shall
probably see Jno. Bolton this evening and therefore forbear,
and shall refer you to him, and am yours, &c.
“SAML. CULPER.”
Following this came an order from Headquarters practically discharging
the Culpers. It reads:
“_Head Quarters_, MORRIS TOWN, 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 intelligence
is so long getting to hand that it is of no use by the time
it reaches me. I would however have you take an opportunity
of informing the elder C. that we may have occasion for his
services again in the course of the Summer, and that I shall
be glad to employ him if it should become necessary and he is
willing.
“I am endeavoring to open a communication with 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 heretofore. 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 misinformed. 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 discharge the remaining debts, which hath increased
since I saw you, owing to your direction to continue the
correspondence 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 doth too fully
relate, to which I must you refer. The enemy 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 Hum^l.
Serv^t.
“SAMUEL CULPER.”
A few weeks’ suspension was sufficient to convince Headquarters that
the services of the Culpers were indispensable. Messengers were rushed
to Major Tallmadge to re-engage them, as the next communication shows:
“_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. I am, &c.
“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.”
It is regrettable that at this critical period several of the most
important letters were not preserved or have been lost. But it is
fortunate that enough remains to clearly indicate the purport of the
missing documents. It was three days before the above letter from
Headquarters in Bergen County reached Major Tallmadge at Cortlandt’s
Manor. Then promptly on July 14th, 1780, he addressed General
Washington, saying:
“Your Excellency’s favour of the 11th inst. has just come to
hand; That the instructions therein contained may be faithfully
executed, I shall set out tomorrow morning for Fairfield, where
I will endeavour to put matters on such a footing, (which by
omission have in some measure got deranged) as may answer your
Excellency’s expectations. I would at the same time hint that
by Cr’s last letter, we are something in arrears to him, and
in order to enable him to prosecute the business, it may be
necessary to afford him a small supply of money.”
Tallmadge succeeded in finding Caleb Brewster, who promptly started
across the Sound with messages for Abraham Woodhull and Robert
Townsend. None of them yet knew that the British reinforcements under
Admiral Graves were at that moment arriving in New York. Brewster found
Woodhull ill, but Austin Roe was located and hastened off on the best
obtainable steed to New York City. Had he gone slower he might have
been overtaken by a British spy who on that day traveled the same road,
carrying from East Hampton the news that a French fleet was off Rhode
Island. In New York Roe was kept waiting whilst Townsend collected
the news. To him it seemed the most important yet transmitted. He was
never more fearful of discovery. Efforts were being made to detain
everyone who might carry any information. Fortunately he still had
a limited supply of the stain but to conceal these apparently blank
sheets in a package of heavy goods as was the usual method would
delay by perhaps a day the delivery of the message to headquarters. A
happy thought suggested itself to Townsend. Colonel Benjamin Floyd, a
British subject, had recently been robbed of many articles and was now
obliged to make new purchases. A letter directed to him would attract
no suspicion and its contents would account for the messenger returning
apparently empty handed. Here is his note, which of course was to be
delivered to Woodhull and not to Floyd:
“NEW YORK, July 20th, 1780.
_Sir_, I recd your favor by [Mr. Roe, crossed out but still
readable] and note the contents. The articles you want cannot
be procured, as soon as they can will send them. I am, Your
humble Servant,
SAMUEL CULPER.
Col. Floyd.”
[Illustration: CULPER SENIOR’S MOST URGENT MESSAGE.
_See page 83._
]
As soon as the letters were ready Roe started back[20] and reached
Woodhull in time to get the messages across the Sound that same
evening. With them Woodhull sent what is probably the shortest and
most exciting message he ever wrote. It reads:
“_Sir._ The enclosed requires your immediate departure this day
by all means let not an hour pass: for this day must not be
lost. You have news of the greatest consequence perhaps that
ever happened to your country. John Bolton must order your
returne when he thinks proper.
“S. C.”
Besides the stain letter Woodhull enclosed with the above one of his
own, from information that Roe was able to communicate. It reads:
“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 dispatches from Culper Junior. Also assures of
the arrival of Admiral Graves with six ships of the line and
is joined by three more out of New York, 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 embarking 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. Nevertheless you
have perhaps all the needful--and pray for your success and
exercions. And am yours sincerely,
“SAML. CULPER.”
[Illustration: Alexander Hamilton, without waiting for the return of
Washington, forwards Culper’s message to Lafayette.
_See page 84._
]
There being some question about finding Tallmadge at that moment
Woodhull crossed John Bolton’s name from one of the letters and
probably Brewster found a man to carry it directly to Headquarters,
where it was received by Alexander Hamilton before 4 p. m. July 21st.
As General Washington was not there Hamilton sent the news by a special
messenger to General Lafayette, then on his way to Newport.[21]
Likewise Major Tallmadge, as soon as the news reached him sent the
information to General Washington and also to Generals Robert Howe and
William Heath. General Washington later, upon studying the details,
figuratively sharpened his quill pens and with them accomplished more
than might have been possible at that moment with the sword. Hours
went by, in fact several days, for the British transports were slow in
arriving at Frog’s Neck, but they were fairly on their way to Newport
when a man whom none could suspect, left at the British outpost a
package that he claimed he had picked up along the road. It was found
to be the details of General Washington’s plan of attack on New York.
Already it was time for the American forces to strike the blow--they
might be expected at any moment. The British signal fires were
lighted,[22] and promptly came sailing back the fleet. A few days later
as an excuse for the affair, in a letter to Lord George Germain Sir
Henry Clinton said: “Washington must have learned that my armament had
not proceeded to Rhode Island. He (I apprehend in consequence of this)
re-crossed the river, and is now near Orange-town”. But in fact General
Washington was not prepared to attack New York at that time and had no
intention of doing so. In Sir Henry Clinton’s letter he says:
“On the 18th, by a courier from the east end of Long Island,
the first intelligence was received of the arrival, on the
10th, of the French off Rhode-Island, which I transmitted
immediately to Admiral Arbuthnot.
“In the hope that I might yet be in time to undertake something
offensive against the enemy, either by a land attack solely,
or, if the Admiral should have found it advisable, a joint
attempt with the fleet, I determined as speedily as possible to
put a body of troops afloat in the Sound, ready for operation
to the eastward, if further information should warrant it, and
not too distant to return rapidly, and act against the rebel
army, should they, in my absence, form an enterprize against
these posts.
“Many causes conspired to retard the arrival of transports at
Frog’s-neck, from which place my embarkation was only effected
the 27th. During this time all hopes of success from a coup de
main were of course wafted away.
“The Camilla and Amphitrite, which were appointed to convey
us, joining the same day, I proceeded with the transports to
Huntington-bay, where I was honoured with such accounts from
the Admiral of the attention the enemy had given to fortify
themselves, that I no longer entertained an idea of making
any attempt solely with the troops. I cannot judge what might
have been expected from a joint operation; but I presume that,
in the aspect affairs bore at that time, it was not to be
undertaken with propriety.
“On the 31st therefore I returned to White-stone, where I
disembarked the troops, keeping the transports in readiness to
receive them again, if necessary; and the army encamped near
the shore.
“During this time, Washington, by a rapid movement, had, with
an army increased to 12,000 men, passed the North-river, and
was moving towards King’s-bridge, when he must have learned
that my armament had not proceeded to Rhode-Island. He (I
apprehend in consequence of this) re-crossed the river, and is
now near Orange Town.
“The Admiral is near Gardiner’s-Island, to which place I shall,
if possible, proceed to confer with him and his Officers.”[23]
General Washington now ordered a chain of Dragoons to be posted between
New London and Headquarters. There were to be 3 every 15 miles apart,
to convey messages from the Culpers and the French Fleet. Colonel
Sheldon complied under protest, as his letter following shows:
... “I have this morning early sent off an officer with a
sufficient number of my most trusty Dragoons to post them at
every fifteen miles distance, or as near that as the necessity
of forage would admit. The officer is instructed to move on
the Dragoons to Tower Hill, if Mr. Shaw cannot furnish the
expresses beyond New London. The stages at which the officer
is ordered to post the Dragoons, are as follows: Beginning at
the Eastward, namely New London, Lyme, Guilford, New Haven,
Stratford, Green Farms, and Stamford. I do not post another
party between Stamford and Head Quarters lest the plunderers
from below, which infest the intermediate country should take
off the men or seize on the Dispatches when they should arrive.
“While I with the utmost cheerfulness and alacrity obey your
Excellency’s orders I cannot but regret the necessity of
detaching so many of my Dragoons from the field. I do not
mention this as if your Excellency had not considered the
expense of furniture and equipment of Dragoons, but to beg for
the Honour of the Regiment and the good of the service, your
Excellency would be pleased to excuse them from this duty as
soon as possible.
“ELISHA SHELDON.”
Samuel Culper’s next letter is dated the 6th of August, and reads:
“_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 Lloyd’s Neck, but
it is not satisfactory 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 Southampton, 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 interium am Your Sincerely,
“SAML. CULPER.”
General Washington answered from Headquarters August 11, saying:
_Dear Sir_: I have received your letter from North Castle with
its enclosures. I am very much pleased that the Correspondence
with C---- is again opened. I have the greatest dependence in
his good intentions and I am persuaded when he pleases to exert
himself he can give the most useful intelligence. The shorter
the line of communication so much the better. With respect
to the proposed incursion I do not think it advisable under
present circumstances. Although the Enemy appear to be small,
dispersed parties, yet the risque in an attempt more than
counterbalances the advantage which might be obtained.
G. W.
An interesting letter followed Woodhull’s 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 cantoned from Whitestone to Jamaica for this ten
days past have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness
together with the fleet that still lays at Whitestone. Common
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 Militia Troop, Coll. Fanning’s
Regiment, the 17th Dragoons, 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 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 things are in such motion. 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 hazard of their employment is calmly illustrated in the next letter
addressed to Major Tallmadge: It was necessary for them to kill a man
whilst waiting for Culper’s messages. Brewster writes:
FAIRFIELD, Aug. 18th, 1780.
_Sir._ I came from Long Island this after noon but have got
no Dispaches. Culper has been down to New York. I waited till
this morning and he was to send them by two oclock, but before
he sent them I was attacked by Glover and Hoyght. I left one
man taken and one wounded. We killed one on the spot. The man
that was taken went after water. I shall want two men before I
come across again. I have got two boats in fine order. I wish
you send me seven men and I engage to take some of their boats.
Mister Muirson will give you a particular account of our cruse.
Austin told me that Sir Henry Clinton went down to the east end
of the Island on the sixteenth. Don’t fail to let me have two
crews if you can of Continental soldiers. With respect, your
friend and humble servant,
CALEB BREWSTER.
Through Major Tallmadge General Washington answered the above from
Headquarters at Orange Town, August 21, 1780, as follows:
_Dear Sir._ I recd. yours of yesterday morning last evening. It
is unfortunate that Lt. B---- could not bring off C---- Junr’s
dispatches, as I imagine they were of consequence. You will
therefore endeavour to procure them as soon as possible.
I have information from another quarter, that Sir Henry Clinton
had gone towards the East end of Long Island, and that the
troops at Whitestone are again embarking. Should the last piece
of intelligence reach you, well authenticated, you will be
pleased to transmit it immediately to Genl. Heath at Newport,
as well as to me, as you will always do anything which seems to
interest the French Army and Navy.
If there are any other Continental Crews upon the Sound besides
those under Lt. Brewster’s directions, they are there without
my knowledge. You will therefore desire him in my name to take
what hands he wants from them, and to report who the others are
and what business they are upon. I am Dear Sir, yr. most obt.
Sert.
GO: WASHINGTON.
Brewster was roused to action. Therefore without waiting to hear from
the General or Major he again crossed to Long Island, as his letter
following shows:
FAIRFIELD, Aug. 21, 1780.