boats last Saturday night and went over in search of Glover
and Hoyght, but could hear nothing of them. They never stayed
to bury their dead man. They carried another away with them
mortally wounded. Setauket is full of troops. It is thought
they are going eastward. Austin came to me yesterday and told
me I had best not come on till the middle of next week as the
troops is so thick in Town and marching eastward. I wrote to
you the eighteenth instant which I expect has come to hand.
Skinner is so he will be able to do duty soon as he will be
wanted. I heard nothing from Culper this time. I should been
back the next time had not the wind been so high. There was a
small fleet of large ships went to the Westward this morning.
Capt. Jarvis supplied me with men this time to cross. I shall
want one man to make up my crew for one boat and should be
exceeding glad of five more to man the other boat for the
cussed refugees are so thick I cant go amiss of them....
C. BREWSTER.
As soon as Brewster had delivered the above message he crossed to the
Island again. His next letter follows:
FAIRFIELD, August 27th, 1780.
_Dear Sir_: I returned this morning from the Island. I crossed
on 22d. inst. and was detained by Culper until last night. I
did not see Culper, he is sick. He did not appoint any time for
me that I know of. It was with great difficulty that I got the
dispatches. The troops are very thick. They are at Miller’s
Place, and Coram, Setauket and the Branch, and are like to
stay some time, and the Refugee boats are with them. Glover
and Hoyt has been to Drowned Meadow and disarmed them all, on
Friday last, and I was obliged to lie still for the want of
another boats crew. There is a fine boat at Stanford that rows
with eight oars that belongs to the public, under Capt. John
Suttin, with a crew of Continental Soldiers that was ordered
by General Howe, and I believe that Jubis Fish has one or two
boats at Horse Neck, but I am not certain what public property
and Continental Soldiers. This is a fine time to take some of
the Officers. They are out with their hounds every day. I lay
up back of Esqr. Strongs yesterday and there came a Lieutenant
of 17th Regiment within gun shot of us, looking for Esqr.
Strong’s hounds afoot, but he begged so hard I thought it not
best to take him as it was so near his house. They are riding
continually from one staghorn to the other. The troops are all
come from the Eastward, as far as Miller’s Place. Sir Henry
Clinton gone to New York and the British fleet has sailed from
Gardiner’s Bay....
C. BREWSTER.
A letter from George Washington to Colonel Sheldon, dated as above,
informs him that one of his Dragoon Express had been captured by the
British at Pines Bridge and carried into New York. Fortunately he had
none of the above messages at the time. But Colonel Sheldon had work
for Major Tallmadge aside from the messages, which may account for the
following dated Sept. 1st and 5th not reaching Major Tallmadge until
the 9th.
SETAUKET, September 1st, 1780.
_Sir._ When Culper Junior’s last dispatch came to hand he
directed me to wait on him at Jericho yesterday, but my present
state would not admit--therefore sent the express which handed
him your enclosed--But he hath returned without any answer.
The reason is he had not the counterpart. And in regard of
the state of affairs in general he assured the express they
remained as heretofore or as when wrote you last, nothing
new, everything appeared to be at a stand, and the enemy much
embarissed expecting an attack. I am sorry you have to wait so
long for an answer but it must still unavoidably be lengthened
until the 10th, as Culper Junior said he could not be in New
York before the 8th.
Since my last the infantry have marched to Huntington and
encamped there; Fanning’s Regt., to Lloyd’s Neck, Simcoe’s
Rangers to Oyster Bay, and there’s in Setauket the 17th
Regiment Dragoons, Some Huzzars, Some Rangers, about 20 wagons,
300 horses, 250 men, 220 mounted. They are encamped round
about Capt. Nathan Woodhull’s House and Persons Lyons’. The
former is the Coll. Quarters. The officers mostly lodge in
Camp at night. There’s every appearance of their continuing
here some time as they appear quite easy and off their guard.
Am fully of an opinion that 500 good men would make prisoners
of them all, if secretly conducted on your shore as well as
here. If you intend to attack direct Brewster to cross the
night before, and will meet him and further advise at all
haphazard. Aiqlai Bqyim of Southampton is now on your shore,
and positively an agent for the enemy. He hath been a long time
servicable in that way, and this is his second embassy. I know
it to be true and have lately had a perfect knowledge of his
conduct for this three years past, and have been solicited by
his friend as an assistant.
A little time past a boat from New Haven, loaded with
provisions met a number of Refugees here; one of the mens
names was Trowbridge, an intimate acquaintance of John Clarke;
and you may depend the refugees land on your shore and hide
their boats. The other day I saw a man that had the appearance
of a gentleman, told me he had been three weeks concealed in
Middletown and Hartford--the former being his native place;
but could not find out his name. He told me he had left 20 odd
Thousand Pounds of Counterfeit money of your late emissions
in the hands of the Toreys--to pay their taxes with. You’ll
doubtless take some notice of this information--and anxiously
wait for the arrival of our deliverance, and am Sincerely your
SAML. CULPER.
* * * * *
SETAUKET, September 5th, 1780.
My letter not being forwarded as could have desired on account
of bad weather I have to inform you of the arrival of the
Packet, but cannot learn any news. Coll. Birch is at Setauket
and likely to continue there very probably until winter
he having now just sent for field pieces, but the number
before mentioned is lessened by the departure of the Rangers
yesterday, in number 34, which may be deducted. For God’s sake
attack them, you’ll certainly be successful, if you are secret
about it. Trust not to small boats at this season, you have
three strong vessels on your shore that will be sufficient to
bring live hundred men. Setauket is exceedingly distressed.
Pray offer some relief....
S. C.
* * * * *
NORTH CASTLE, September 9th, 1780.
_Sir._ The enclosed Dispatches from Culper have this moment
come to hand, which are forwarded per line of expresses. C.
writes with great sollicitude for troops to be sent from this
side to attack those lying at Setauket. I need not repeat to
your Excellency how exceedingly happy I should be to assist
in such an Expedition, should it be thot. advisable. I expect
Genl. Parsons will be here this afternoon to take the command
of the Troops at this post....
BENJ. TALLMADGE.
Woodhull’s next letter, dated Sept. 12th, reads:
_Sir._ Yours of the 29th of August came to hand and observe
the contents. Since my last the 17th Dragoons removed to
Smith Town, and encamped in widow Blidenburg’s orchard. It is
said they will stay there 12 days but very uncertain. No one
expected they would move from Setauket so soon. Coll. Birch
hath left the Regiment and is appointed Commandant of New York,
Capt. Archdale commands the Regiment. I must call on you for
more cash having advanced considerable to carry it on. Enclosed
you have Culper Jrs. Dispatch. In great haste am yours &c.
SAML. CULPER.
Major Tallmadge’s letter from Lower Salem, Sept. 13th, and General
Washington’s of the 16th, throw further light upon the service. It may
be noticed that practically all of Culper Junior’s stain letters were
now being deciphered by Major Tallmadge, each time with an apology for
so doing. He was not aware at that time that had he failed to decipher
them Major André would have been able to join Arnold and the treason
plot might not have been discovered until it was too late.
LOWER SALEM, Sept. 13th, 1780.
_Sir._ I have the honor to enclose dispatches from the Culpers
which have this moment come to hand. As C. Junrs. was an answer
in part to my last on the plan of our future correspondence,
it was necessary for me to decipher it. Your Excellency will
observe what he writes respecting his services and as he
informs he can shorten the route on certain conditions, Your
Excellency’s assurance will regulate his future services. This
much I can observe respecting the man, he is a Gentleman of
business, of Education and honor--Culper Senior’s frequent
Expresses to N. Y. for the papers which are forwarded to your
Excellency, and to resolve questions proposed by other Genl.
Officers at other periods, has expended the money which has
been furnished him, as we were considerably in arrears when the
last money was handed him. I have just engaged a man to bring
letters from N. Y. via Kingsbridge if necessary; but cannot as
yet tell whether C. Junr. will deliver him dispatches--His name
and services I believe are well known to your Excellency.
I received Major Humphrey’s letter of the 11th last evening,
and immediately wrote to have the boat cross, which I am
confident will not be delayed only by the present heavy wind
and rain. Your Excellency may depend on my Exertions in the
matter. I shall fold this letter very small to prevent being
discovered if the Express should chance to be taken. [It was
folded to size 2¾ × 4]....
BENJA. TALLMADGE.
* * * * *
_Head Quarters_, BERGIN COUNTY, 16th Sept. 1780.
_Dr: Sir._ I have recd yours of the 13th as I have your several
late favors with their enclosures--It is impossible for me,
circumstanced as matters are, to give a positive answer to C.
Junior’s request, as I cannot, without knowing his views, tell
what are his expectations--Of this, both you and he may rest
assured, that should he continue servicable and faithful, and
should the issue of our affairs prove as favorable as we hope,
I shall be ready to recommend him to the public, if public
employ shall be his aim, and if not that I shall think myself
bound to represent his conduct in the light it deserves[24] and
procure him a compensation of another kind. I shall take the
first good opportunity of sending you a further sum of money
for contingencies. I am Dear Sir, Yours, &c.
GO: WASHINGTON.
It certainly was not possible at the moment to realize the importance
of the messages that were now arriving. Woodhull’s inference that they
contain much good intelligence is prophetic. The first is dated
SETAUKET, September 18th, 1780.
_Sir._ Your favour of the 12th inst, together with the enclosed
came to hand on the 15, at 12 o’clock. I immediately set off
and have done all that in me lay, and is communicated in the
blank inclosed, and it contains much good intelligence, I hope
all that’s needful. Our spirits are extremely low here. We Pray
for your best endeavours. The times requires you to be vigilent
and active. Sir George Rodney’s Fleet hath arrived. See the
Paper. I have induced C. Junr. to shorten the present rout the
letters take, as mentioned in the blank. It will be done in the
course of ten days I hope similar to your plan proposed. I have
made several discoveries of villany but have not time to write
now. Forbid the boat man on with 725 to come any more, and
desire Governor Trumbull immediately to grant him no favours,
or else it will be too late. In my next will state the matter
to you. In the greatest haste am yours sincerely
SAMUEL CULPER.
N.B. 17th Dragoons at the Branch.
* * * * *
GREENFIELD, Tuesday morning, 6 o’clock
19th Septr. 1780.
_Sir._
I have been impatiently waiting at this place for some time for
the arrival of C’s Dispatches, which have this instant come
to hand. A very heavy gale of wind prevented the boat from
crossing at the time appointed. I hope the enclosed may be
satisfactory. I shall inform Genl. Heath of what respects the
French Army at New Port, agreeably to your Excellency’s orders.
Enclosed is an account of expenses from C. A man is obliged
always to ride to New York from the place where the boat
lands and wait Culper’s answer; his expenses on the road and
in the city for himself and horse must be very considerable.
Your excellency will furnish such supplies, in answer to the
enclosed, as may be judged necessary. I had the honor last
night to receive your Excellency’s favor of the 16th inst. the
contents of which shall be duly forwarded to C. Junr. I have
the honor to be, with great Regard, Sir, Your Excellency’s most
Obedt. Servt.
BENJA. TALLMADGE.
At this period the Culpers were using more care to conceal the
intelligence in their letters, as will be observed upon examining
Woodhull’s, dated August 27th.(126) Townsend’s were now 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 Headquarters written during the month of August.
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 endeavoring 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 in this series 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
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 enclosed. 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.
“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,(127) 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.”
FOOTNOTES to “SECRET SERVICE SECRETS”:
[16] See _Memoir of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge_, p. 130.
[17] 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,
and still later owned by the Irwins who in 1936 moved the house to
a new location. Roe’s 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 commanded.
[18] Colonel Simcoe had been captured and was at the time a prisoner in
New Jersey.
[19] Washington Papers, March 23d, 1780, No. 17458.
[20] Austin Roe might justly be called the Paul Revere of New York,
with this difference, that instead of taking one wonderful ride Roe
took a hundred. Paul Revere at his fastest speed did not equal this
ride of Austin Roe that saved Newport from the British. Fifty-five
miles he rode to reach Abraham Woodhull while Brewster waited to
carry the message from Robert Townsend across the Sound. It gave
General Washington the information that 8000 British troops were
embarking at Whitestone destined for Newport, and that Admiral Graves
with eleven ships was already on the way to Rhode Island to meet the
French Fleet which they were assured consisted of only seven sail. The
message reached Washington in time to get the information to British
headquarters that an immediate attack upon New York was contemplated
and therefore the forces were withdrawn from Newport before they had
an opportunity to accomplish the work of destruction.
[21] On the tenth of July, 1780, a powerful fleet under Admiral Tarnay
arrived in Newport Harbor, having on board some six thousand troops
under the command of Count de Rochambeau. The expedition had been
secretly fitted out at the instance of Lafayette, and nothing was known
of it by the Americans until his return in May. On the 17th Lafayette
left headquarters with full authority to arrange plans with the French
commanders for future operations. Hall’s “Life of Parsons,” p. 296.
[22] As early as 1778 the British on Long Island had a method of
transmitting important news that was as rapid almost as the telegraph
is today. For this purpose beacons were established and a system of
signals arranged. Among the papers of Major John Kissam have been
preserved some of the instructions which so clearly state the eminences
upon which these beacons were erected that there would be little
trouble in locating them at the present day. Following are unabridged
copies of these instructions:
Signals: Col. Hamilton will be so good as to place a man at the
most convenient heights, to see Laurel Hill and Morris’s house.
He will observe what signals are made from there--if there are
3 guns from Laurel hill and 3 fires from there or Morris’s
house,
2 guns and 2 fires ditto, or
1 gun and 1 fire from ditto, and report the same to the
commander in chief on board the Grand Duke at Whitestone. Ol.
DeLancey, Aid de Camp.
Signals by day and night for Long Island and Kingsbridge. To be
made from Norwich hill, Sutton’s hill and Flushing Heights in
Queens County, L. I. viz.
1st. On the Enemy’s landing in force eastward of Norwich: by
night, 1 beacon fired at each, by day 1 large smoke at each.
2d. On Enemy landing in force westward of Norwich hill; by
night 2 beacons fired at each; by day, 2 large smokes at each.
Signals acknowledged from Morris’s house. By night; 1st signal, 1
rocket, 2d. signal, 2 rockets. By day none none
N.B. The fires and smoke to be kept up while the Enemy remain on the
Island, or until otherwise observed. After every signal a Light Dragoon
to be sent from Morris’s house to Head Quarters with the intelligence.
Mem. Norwich hill is 2 miles south of Oyster Bay, Sutton’s Hill [now
Beacon hill] is 3 miles from Cowneck Point; Flushing Heights are near
Ustic’s house.
Appointed by the Commander in Chief,
WM. TRYON M. G.
Scorpion
A copy
P. BROWN.
* * * * *
HEMPSTEAD PLAINS, July 30, 1778.
To Major Kissam. _Sir_, In the absence of Col. Hamilton you
will take command of the Queens County Militia, & execute such
measures as you shall think necessary for the benefit and
protection of the County. In particular you will observe the
following directions respecting the Beacons on Cow Neck and
near Norwich, and take steps requisite for their being carried
into execution.
Whenever any Beacons to the Eastward are seen on fire, you will
immediately set fire to those under your care, making one fire
or more, as you observe those to the Eastward have done, in
every instance following their example: and whenever you have
so done, you will send an express to the commanding officer of
the King’s forces at Jamaica, informing him that 1, 2, or 3
beacons (as the fact shall be) are fired to the Eastward.
In all cases when you have certain intelligence of the Enemy
being landed on this Island in force, you will fire all the 3
beacons, and dispatch an express as above with the information,
always keeping up the fires until the intelligence shall have
reached New York. You will of course have a distinct beacon at
each place in readiness to be fired, and if it should happen in
the day time, encourage the smoke as much as possible.
A corporal and 4 men are to mount guard at each place on
them, night and day, always keeping a centinel looking
out for signals. These men you will change weekly, or at
your discretion and excuse them from all military duty. A
compensation will moreover be made them in proportion to their
diligence and service.
These directions are to be strictly observed by the Guard at
each of the 2 places fixed on by Brigr. Genl. DeLancey for the
erection of the beacons, and the guard stationed on the hill
near Norwich will also observe to send an express to Cow neck
whenever the beacons under their care are fired. WM. TRYON. M:
G:
* * * * *
SCORPION OFF NEW CITY ISLAND, Jan. 30, 79
Signals.--If the Rebels are attacking any vessels; or landing
or landed between this station and Hempstead Bay; the Signals
by night are 2 fires on Lawrence Hewlett’s Point; by day, 2
smokes on the same.--If the attack is made in Cow Bay the
signal by night is 1 fire on Lawrence Hewlett’s Point: if by
day 1 smoke on the same.--The above signals will be answered
from the Scorpion; by day by hoisting the colors, or hauling
them down, if hoisted previously; by night with lights,
false-fires or musquets. PHILIP BROWN.
[23] The Spies of Washington did not record the names of the British
vessels in Gardiner’s Bay but the heir to the island, John Lyon
Gardiner, who was a boy ten years old when the fleet arrived, made
record on February 9, 1796, in which he says: “There were eleven ships
of the line and perhaps some frigates. They came in August, 1780, and
went out in March, 1781. There was the ‘Royal Oak,’ 74 guns, Vice
Admiral Arbuthnot, ‘London,’ 90 guns, Rear Admiral Graves, ‘Colloden,’
74 guns, Capt Sweeny, ‘Bedford,’ 74 guns, Capt Affleck, ‘Prudent,’ 74
guns, Capt. Charles Ogle, ‘Robuste,’ ‘America,’ ‘Shrewsbury,’ ‘Europe,’
‘Rising Sun’ and ‘Swan.’”
[24] Note. Before these accounts are finally closed, justice and
propriety call upon me to signify that there are Persons within the
British Lines--if they are not dead or removed, who have a claim upon
the Public under the strongest assurances of compensation from me for
their services in conveying me private intelligence; and which when
exhibited I shall think myself in honor bound to pay. Why these claims
have not made their appearance ere this, unless from either of the
causes above mentioned--or from a disinclination in them to come forth
till the B. force is entirely removed from the United States, I know
not--But I have thought it an incumbent duty on me to bring the matter
to view that it may be held in remembrance in case such claims should
hereafter appear. Go: Washington. [The private account book of Culper
Senior, in the Library at East Hampton, L. I., shows that he received
the balance due him on August 2, 1790. There is nothing to show that
Robert Townsend ever asked for or received his. Before the capture of
Major André he was anxious for assurances that if he used his own money
to promote the service he would be compensated at the close of the
war. Later it is probable that he preferred not to risk discovery by
preparing an itemized bill, as Woodhull was obliged to do.]
TOWNSEND’S PERSONALITY
There is no good reason to question those who say 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.