thousand men are embarked and embarking, some say they are
destined for Rhode-Island, some for Pennsylvania, and others
that they are going to Philadelphia. It is said that all the
Pennsylvania refugees are to go on board the fleet. It is also
said that part of their Cavalry are to go. The man I wrote to
you about in my last letter, is up in this neighborhood. He
tells me that he has been informed that most of the people that
were friends to America in New York are confined. He is very
desirous to move his family from the lines, but says that he is
not able. A party of the inhabitants and some of my men have
killed two of DeLancey’s men and three prisoners. One of the
prisoners was so badly wounded that he was left on Parole. The
inhabitants are very desirous to have the prisoners exchanged
for some men of their own company that are prisoners now in the
sugar-house. I am with esteem, Your Excellency’s most obedient,
and very humble servant.
“JOHN JAMESON.”
[51] Colonel Richard Varick was born in New Jersey, on March 25,
1753. Making law his profession, he entered the office of John Morin
Scott, in New York City, with whom he served his law apprenticeship in
1772, 1773 and 1774, and who from friendship and personal confidence
embarked him in professional business as soon as he attained the years
of maturity and responsibility. The Revolutionary troubles coming on,
he took up his sword, being appointed sixth Captain of McDougall’s
regiment on June 28, 1775. A day or two later, July 1, Schuyler made
him his Private Secretary, and when the General resigned in 1776,
Congress appointed Varick, September 26, Deputy Muster Master General
of the Northern Department, giving him the rank, November 7, of
Lieutenant-Colonel. This office he held until January 12, 1780, when
all the mustering officers of the department were discharged. Varick
was then on the point of retiring to civil life, when he received
Arnold’s invitation to become his Secretary. Nor was he long off duty
after the traitor’s family was broken up, as he favorably impressed
the Commander-in-Chief, who appointed him Recording Secretary under
resolution of Congress in the spring of 1781, for the purpose of
arranging his military correspondence for preservation; and this office
he retained to the close of the war. Resuming his law practice in 1784,
Varick rose to influence, became Recorder of the city, Attorney-General
of the State, and finally Mayor, which office he held for twelve years,
from 1789 to 1800. His death occurred July 30, 1831. He left a widow,
formerly Miss Maria Roosevelt, of New York, who survived him a number
of years. They had no children. The above, written by H. P. Johnston,
will be found on p. 733 of the Magazine of American History, November
1882, copied from the original papers, then in possession of the
Mercantile Library, New York City.
[52] The name of Mrs. Arnold’s baby, born that fall, was Edward
Shippen Arnold. He died Dec. 15, 1813.
AFTERMATH
None were more shocked at the news of André’s execution 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 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,[53] Major Tallmadge writes:
“The conduct of Arnold, since his arrival at N. Y. has been
such, that though he knows not a single link in the chain of
my correspondence, still those who have assisted us in this
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 channels.
“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 character 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[54]
Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient sert.
“BENJ. TALLMADGE.”
In reply to this General Washington wrote:
“_Dear Sir_, I recd. your favr. of the 11th, with C. Senior’s
enclosed. I think you were right in declining an interview at
this time, as the enemy would act with more than common rigor
just now should an officer be taken under circumstances the
least suspicious--I should be exceedingly 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 embarkation 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.”
General Washington supplements this justifiable praise with the
following paragraph which will be found in a letter to the Congress
(No. 20645):
“Unluckily, the person in whom I have the greatest confidence
is afraid to take any measures for communicating with me just
at this time, as he is apprehensive that Arnold may possibly
have some knowledge of the connection and may have him watched.”
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 another 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 information. 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 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 André. 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 destitute 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,(129) 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, and in a note of his own(130) says: “As circumstances
have since turned out I wish I had met C. Junr. as mentioned in my last
to Your Excellency.”
* * * * *
Again on October 23d, Major Tallmadge wrote to General Washington,
saying that he was obliged to attend Colonel Sheldon’s trial that day
at West Point, and expected to be detained some time. Nevertheless he
would give attention to the Culper messages.
* * * * *
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 from Culper Senior, dated October 26, 1780. In full, as
translated, it reads:
“_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
disadvantage 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 probable 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, accompanied by Sir Henry Clinton, and is thought
will proceed to reinforce Lord Cornwallis. The sum of their
intention 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 yesterday 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
Hampton. 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 they have now in your army. Thus sir, have
communicated 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 information to John Bolton in the following letter:
“SETAUKET, November 12th, 1780
“_Dear Sir._--Your favour of the k instant is received--and
observe the contents--In answer to your first question I
again inform you, that I was at New York about the 20th of
last month. I then, with the advice of C. Junr. and others,
transmitted you the most accurate account of the embarkation
under Genl. Mathews that could possibly obtain, and assured
you of their going to Virginia, as also of another embarkation
bound to the Southward, then just in embryo--which were
positively to sail three days ago. said to amount to 1300
men. I then informed you of the severity and watchfulness
of the Enemy. Several of our dear friends were imprisoned,
in particular one that hath been ever serviceable to this
correspondence. This step so dejected the spirits of C. Junr.
that he resolved to leave New York for a time. I earnestly
endeavoured to prevent it but could not, so that I have no
person there now that I can send the Express to that can rely
upon.--In respect to the different corps and numbers that have
embarked and those within these lines, I cannot ascertain,
neither do I think it can possibly be done properly, for this
reason. The Enemy make it a rule to supply every embarcation
almost with draughts from every Regt in their army. The
beforementioned reason, together with some other difficulties
that attend me at this time, prevents me from making the
attempt to give you a return of the enemy, and hope you’ll
excuse my non complyance. Austin Roe returned from New York
two days ago. The Cork Fleet was not then arrived. The Enemy
in great fears about them. I think they must fall into your
hands for the want of provision if the fleet should miscarry.
The last accounts from England say that 23 line of Battle Ships
belonging to the Russians and Danes were at Spithead--What
can this mean. The 17th Dragoons is at Hempstead. The Hessian
Yeagers at Jericho and Oyster Bay. There’s troops at Jamaica
and Flushing, which is all I can say. Last Thursday there was
a hot press in New York to man Admiral Rodney’s Fleet which is
about to sail, said for the West Indies. There’s now 13 sail
of the line besides Frigates Laying in Gardiner’s Bay at the
eastward. There’s a very intelligent person gone to New York
now, on the same account. Have taken the liberty to direct
Brewster to cross again on the 19th instant when shall hope to
hear from you. After that shall make one more appointment, as
I intend to visit every quarter of the enemy if possible, and
write you fully as I expect the winter will soon prevent the
communication and in the Spring if need requires by some means
or other will if possible open it again on a better footing.
Depend my endeavours shall continue, as I hope never to lose
sight of our cause, truly sensible our all is at stake. I
greatly desire to see you but little hope of it at present, and
conclude your affectionate Friend and Humble Servt.
“SAML. CULPER.”
In homely words Brewster modestly records one of his brave exploits on
a sheet accompanying the above letter, which reads as follows:
“FAIRFIELD, November 13th, 1780.
“_Dear Sir._ Returned this evening from the Island. I left on
Saturday. Culper was not at home and had to weight till this
morning for him.
“Forrage is at Corum yet in stack where tavern is kept. Their
remains about forty Ruffigeus yet at Mastick on Mr. Smith’s
place. They have no connon, nothing but muskets.
“I took a prize a coming across today. A fine large boat from
New Haven, which had been to carry passengers over. We run up
long side of them and made them believe we came from Lloyd’s
Neck. They enformed me who secreted the persons in New Haven
four weeks and their connections, and I wrote it all down
before they found out their mistake. We up sail and came off
together and they engaged to pilot us to a gard on the west
side of New Haven harbour to take them. We got two thirds
across the Sound before they found out their mistake and I got
them safe under guard. I am Dear Sir, your most obedient humbil
servant,
“C. BREWSTER.”
Major Tallmadge quickly responded to the advice of Culper and Brewster.
Indeed, so quickly that Fort St. George was captured sooner than
Woodhull expected it would be.(131)
[Illustration: A TYPICAL WASHINGTON LETTER
_See page 191._
]
Years afterwards, Major Tallmadge’s account of this expedition was
written for his “Memoirs.” Another officer, one of the party, who had
accompanied Brewster on several occasions, fresh from the smoke of the
battle, wrote in detail to a friend an account of the expedition. As
until now his account has never been published, it is here carefully
copied:
“FAIRFIELD, November 26, 1780.[55]
“_My dear Friend_--I am at a loss how the account stands
between us respecting letters, but as it is immaterial at
present if I am in debt to you, I now propose to myself the
pleasure of paying it, and if it brings you in debt I am sure
you will take pleasure in discharging it, however as this
is a mere subject of ceremony, will quit it, and tell you a
small story of a tour we have had to St. George’s Manor, on
Long Island. We arrived in this town from North Castle ye
16th Instant. Major Tallmadge, Captain Edgar, myself, and
40 dismounted Dragoons. The weather and want of provisions
detained us here until 21st, when we embarked on board 8 whale
boats, and in a few hours landed at the Old Mans on the Island.
A severe storm prevented our doing any thing until the evening
of the 22d, when we began our march with the addition of about
20 men, boatmen, and at 4 o’clock in the morning of the 23d,
attacked and carried Fort St. George, (on Major Wm. Smith’s
Farm) in a few minutes without the loss of one man.
“It is a very pretty built strong place. The works was
completed a few days before. They were completely surprised. We
tarried there until about 7 o’clock, when we began the march
back and on the return burned about 300 tons of forage at
Coram, collected for the British Army. We arrived at our boats
about 6 o’clock, and at eleven landed safe at this place, more
fatigued and more pleased than I ever was in my life. In little
more than twenty-four hours we marched 40 miles and crossed the
sound 20 miles wide.
“The Fort is built right west from Mr. Smith’s new house,
about the same distance that the old house is from the new. It
is four square, about ninety feet square. The parapet from the
bottom of the ditch is about 10 feet high, the ditch about 4
feet wide and 3 deep. Besides this is a strong row of Abbatis
entirely around the Fort. From the N. E. corner of the Fort to
ye N. W. corner of the old house to ye N. E. of the new house
and from the S. W. ( ) the new house to the S. E. corner of
the Fort ( ) of the fort is on the east side, and opens under
cover of this strong stockade. Having fully described to you
this post will just mention the mode of attack.
“When we arrived within about three quarters of a mile of the
place, I was ordered to the command of 15 men to gain the front
of the Fort and there lay concealed until the alarm was given
from the other way, by the main body under Major Tallmadge,
Captain Edgar, and Lieut. Brewster. I came very close to the
Abbatis undiscovered and as soon as the alarm was given, pushed
over the Abbatis ditch and parapet, with little opposition,
without the loss of one man and without discharging one musket
on my part, and met Lieut. Brewster just entering the gates.
He came through the entry of the house, followed by the main
body, except a small party which filed off and attacked at the
same time the old house. The poor dogs had not time to rub
their eyes, or gasp before they were obliged to cry Quarters.
A musical sound. Here was a scene my friend, of war my eyes
never beheld nor description cannot equal. The cries of the
wounded in the agonies of death. The screeching of the women
and children while the parent and friend were entreating pity
and compassion, called forth every tender feeling, yet add to
these the shouts of the veterans it gives a pleasing lustre to
the triumphs of a soldier.
“We had one man wounded. The enemy about 7 killed and wounded.
Prisoners: 1 Lt. Coln. and 1 Capt. half pay. One lieutenant and
50 rank and file. Some were paroled and we have about forty,
which I move off to West Point with tomorrow. This tour will
take me 7 or 8 days, soon after which I hope to see you, as it
grows time for winter quarters and very probably we shall come
some where in Connecticut.... You must excuse inaccuracies as I
write in haste. Adieu.
“THOS. TREDWELL JACKSON.”
There was too much transpiring in the fall of 1780 to permit using all
the intelligence in its chronological order. It is therefore necessary
to return to the closing days of September to examine the rest of the
correspondence. On September 27th Woodhull wrote, saying:
“Inclosed you have C. Junr’s Blank, which I trust contains all
that may be known in and about 727. And have only to mention
the departure of the en Dragoons from Smith Town and are now
at Jericho. None but Coll. Ludloe’s Regt, is at Lloyd’s Neck,
nor none except the en Dragoons eastward of Jamaica. A number
of Refugees have built a Block House on Jesse Arthur’s Farm for
the purpose of cutting wood on the lands of Mr. Treddle and
Platt. Queens Rangers is at Jamaica. Let 725 come again 462 the
5. In the interim am yours,
“SAML. CULPER.”
Again on the 8th of October he wrote:
729--462--0th, 1780.
_Sir._ 708--356 of the fi of 616 came to hand, together with
the enclosed blank, the lines of which were easily discovered
and some sentences could be read. The paper being so bad I
judge is the reason. To prevent the like for the future have
forwarded you some good paper which please make use of for that
purpose alone. The 174 return’d last night from 727 but without
a blank from C. Jur. The present commotion that hath risen on
account of that infamous Arnold, together with little or no
intelligence at this time was the reason that he did not write.
That have only to say the Enemies embarcation goes on but slow.
They don’t seem to act with spirit about it. Culper Junr. is
to be with me on the ef instant, if no unforeseen accident
doth prevent. If possible, and think proper, come and see
him. It may be of mutual advantage. There appears nothing in
the way but the dangers of the Seas, and hope this invitation
will come to hand timely for the purpose. Have just heard that
Capt. Cornelius Conklin with a boat’s Crew hath fell into the
hands of the refugees near Treadells Banks with the loss of
Lieut. Ketchak Killd Dead. Their misfortune is owing to Abijah
Tooker of Seatauket. Have nothing further to ad, and am yours
Sincerely,
SAML. CULPER.
Comparatively few letters from this period to the end of the war have
survived. The next is Woodhull’s, as follows:
“NEW YORK, December 24, 1780.
“_Sir._ I yesterday returned from New York and shall now
communicate all that have been able to collect. General Arnold
saild on the 20th instant, from Sandy Hook, with a detachment
not exceeding sixteen hundred men, consisting of British,
Germans and volunteers. Arnold is intrusted with the command of
a Military Chest where he may give and take thousands. Coll.
Simcoe with part of his regiment is gone with him. Various are
the conjectures concerning their destination. Some say to the
West Indies, some to the Carolinas, some to the Floridas,
others to Virginia. The latter the most probable, as a very
noted Refugee, (I think by the name of Charles Williams)
formerly an inhabitant of the beforementioned place, is gone
with a large quantity of goods suitable for cloathing negroes.
I am told Arnold’s having the command is displeased many of the
independent gentlemen of the Army, and is called by some the
Rebel Fleet. The enemy have certain accounts of a large fleet
sailing from France, and in consequence thereof, four thousand
Troops may be expected to arrive shortly at New York or to the
Southward.... Admiral Rodney hath sent a considerable number
of prisoners, both masters and seamen, to England, a step
unheard of heretofore, which drew tears from our unfortunate
countrymen. I hope you’ll endeavour to exchange as many as
possible, for the prisoners will suffer more this winter
than ever, as the tender and well disposed inhabitants are
debarred from sending them any assistance without endangering
themselves....
“SAMUEL CULPER.”
A mystery concerning the next letter remains unsolved. It appears to
have taken three months to get to Tallmadge. It is an invitation from
Arnold, inviting him to become a traitor, like himself. In forwarding a
copy of it to General Washington Major Tallmadge says:
WETHERSFIELD, Jan. 28th, 1781.
_Dr. Genl._ Enclosed your Excellency will receive a copy of
a letter from B. Arnold[56] which has this day come to hand.
I am equally a stranger to the channel through which it was
conveyed, the reason why it was so long on its way, or the
motives which induced the Traitor to address himself thus
particularly to me. I have determined to treat the Author with
the contempt his conduct merits, by not answering his letter,
unless Your Excellency should advise a different Measure....
BENJ. TALLMADGE.