thinks it is not far distant, but nevertheless he urges vigilance and
activity. He pleads in behalf of Samuel Townsend[57] who as a British
prisoner is suffering severely. He calls to mind that all the money
General Washington has been able to send him in the last twelve months
is 29 Guineas.
Brewster had a letter to accompany this on its way to General
Washington.(133) He captured a boat and with it eight persons, whose
names he forwarded. They reached Fishkill and from there General
Parsons also reported to Headquarters, but mentions only six men
instead of eight. He suggests the exchange of two of the leaders of the
British crew for Major Brush and Captain Conklin. General Washington
from New Windsor, on Feb. 23d, questions Brewster as follows:
“_Sir._ I have recd. yours of the 14th. Your return mentions
the names of eight persons sent to the provost Guard--General
Parsons says(134) only six were committed. You should enquire
of the corporal who had them in charge, how this happened.
You will dispose of the Boat and what you took in her for the
benefit of the captors.”
Culper Senior’s next letter, dated March 18th, 1781,(135) mentions
that “C. Junr. is again in New York and entering into business again
as heretofore, and you may soon I hope receive his dispatches,” but
his letter following(136) on April 23d, states that they have found it
necessary to employ another man to collect information. He says that
Culper Junior has recently visited him, but that he will not send a
letter out of New York on any account. It might have discovered them to
put in a letter the reason for this. In fact Robert Townsend preferred
the risk of the long trip to putting on paper the information for
Woodhull. At that moment the British had information that might lead
to their identity. William Heron, otherwise known as “Hiram, the Spy,”
clever agent for Sir Henry Clinton, and good friend of our General
Parsons, had reported to British Headquarters in a communication dated
February 4th, 1781, that “Private dispatches are frequently sent from
New York to the Chieftain here (George Washington) by some traitors.
They come by the way of Setalket, where a certain Brewster receives
them at, or near, a certain womans.” Townsend must have trembled when
he discovered that Clinton had this information and perhaps his trip to
caution Woodhull was made none too soon.
If the secret service was to be continued money was now badly needed.
In another chapter will be explained the efforts General Washington
was making to procure it. Doubtless Major Tallmadge explained this
to Culper Senior, who thereupon agreed to finance the work. From
Newport, Rhode Island, on April 25th, 1781, Major Tallmadge sent this
information to General Washington in the following note:
_Sir._ In my late interview with Cr. the matter of a future
Correspondence, to be rendered more regular and advantageous,
was fully discussed. The plan which he has consented to adopt,
on certain conditions, is for him to remain for the most part
on Long Island and C. Junr. whom he thinks might be engaged
again, to reside constantly at New York. That some confidential
person must of course be employed to carry dispatches as it
would cause suspicions which might lead to detection if either
of the Culpers should be frequently passing from New York to
Setauket, &c. they being men of some considerable note. What
he will of course want will be a sufficient sum of money to
defray the contingent expenses which as living at New York
and traveling an Long Island is very dear, the expenses
accruing must be considerable. C. Senior observes that he is
already considerably in advance for the business, which from
its situation and other circumstances he is sorry to believe
has been of but little service to your Excellency the last
campaign. He further observes that if in the present state of
our public affairs it should be found difficult to furnish
money for the purpose, he will advance 100 guineas or more if
needed, receiving your excellency’s assurance that it shall
be refunded by the Public, with reasonable interest, after
the War. This money to be expended and properly accounted for
whenever demanded. These are the outlines of the plan which
Culper proposed, and which I promised him to communicate to
your Excellency. If the whole or any part of it should be
satisfactory, I shall immediately communicate the necessary
instructions....
BENJ. TALLMADGE.
Promptly before the end of the month came orders to Major Tallmadge
to re-engage the Culpers. From Headquarters at New Windsor General
Washington wrote:
Your two favors of the 24th and 25th have been duly received.
Fully impressed with the idea of the utility of early, regular
and accurate communications of the kind in contemplation,
I shall make no difficulty in acceding to the proposal
contained in your private letter from New Port of the 25th.
But at the same time I am engaging in behalf of the United
States a liberal reward for the services of the C----s, (of
whose fidelity and ability I entertain a high opinion) it is
certainly but reasonable, from patriotism and every other
principle, that their exertions should be proportionately
great, to subserve essentially the interest of the Public. All
the interior and minute arrangements of the Correspondence,
I request you will settle with them as expeditiously and
as advantageously as may be: and especially that you will
urge, in very forcible terms, the necessity of having the
communications as circumstantial, frequent and expeditious, as
possible. The great object of information you are very well
acquainted with--such as, Arrivals, Embarkations, Preparations
for Movements, alterations of Positions, situation of Posts,
Fortifications, Garrisons, strength or weakness of each,
distribution and strength of Corps, and in general every
thing which can be interesting and important for us to know.
Besides these, you are also sensible there are many things,
upon a smaller scale, which are necessary to be reported: and
that whatever intelligence is communicated ought to be not in
general terms, but in detail, and with the greatest precision.
At present I am anxious to know (for the reports have been very
numerous vague and uncertain) whether another embarkation is
preparing, and if so to what amount, and where destined. What
the present force of the Enemy is; particularly on Long Island,
in New York and at King’s Bridge. What Corps are at the latter
place, how strong, and where posted exactly--and indeed what
the situation, prospect, and designs of the enemy are, so far
as they can be penetrated into.
The need of this information was anticipated both by Major Tallmadge
and by the Culpers. Therefore much of it was in the intelligence
forwarded by Culper Senior on May 8th.(137) That trip was quickly
followed by another, from which he returned on May 19th, and wrote:
SIR. Your very pressing letter of the 3d inst. came to hand.
And it is a matter of grief to me that I cannot completely
execute your request. When at New York myself, together with
Culper Junior almost racked our invention to point out a proper
person and made several attempts but failed--no person will
write. The enemy have got some hint of me for when passing
at Brooklyn Ferry was strictly examined and told some vilian
supported a correspondence from this place. I do assure you
am greatly alarmed--and wished to be relieved from my present
anxiety. I shall not think it safe for me to go to New York
very soon--and can only supply you with verbal accounts as hath
been the case for some time. If that will answer let me know
as shall continue as heretofore until I hear from you. Austin
Roe came from New York yesterday, who saith, Culper Junior
informed as is the following.--Admiral Arbuthnot together with
the troops mentioned in my last, sailed on Sunday last supposed
to stop up the Delaware. And is something expected that
Admiral Arbuthnot will soon appear at Block Island. The enemy
have impressed 300 of your prisoners and put them on board
of the ships of war--this is fact--Nothing material from any
other quarter except a late arrival from Europe, and brings a
prospect of peace. See the paper, and private accounts declare
that the Russian Ambassador hath left the Court of Britain. I
believe this is fact. I intended to have wrote you a very long
letter but have not time now, but have neglected nothing that
is of importance. Capt. Hazard with a party of refugees are
about to take up their quarters again at Fort St. George. In
haste am Yours Sincerely,
SAML. CULPER.
The above was followed by his letters of May 27th(138) and June
4th(139) and then on the 27th of June he wrote, saying:
Your letter of the 23d instant was handed me yesterday by Mr.
S. and observe the contents. Sorry it had not arrived one
day earlier, that might have directed Austin Roe, agreeable
thereto. I cannot think I would be safe in going to New York
for reasons mentioned heretofore and the most can do in
complyance with your very urgent request, is, have engaged a
faithful and capable friend to report to me agreeable to your
queries, on the 4th of July. Sooner could not obtain it.
Below is the report of Austin Roe this moment returned from
New York and communicated to him by our late correspondents. A
Cork Fleet just arrived at the Hook, numbers and particulars
unknown--Arbuthnot’s Fleet cruising off the Hook. Accounts
from the South favorable. Coll. Ludlow’s and the Jersey
volunteers have left Lloyd’s Neck and are now at Jamaica. The
Yeagers and Anspach Regiment amounting to about 800 men crossed
Hell Gate yesterday on to York Island. The 17th Dragoons and
mounted Yeagers are about Islip South. The enemy expect an
attack and are contracting their lines, and collecting in force
at the Bridge. There appears a greater number of Transports in
full view about New York now than some time past but no Ships
of force. Inclosed you have the papers, and believe me to be
yours Sincerely,
SAML. CULPER.
N.B. The Enemy have no more than six sail of the line.
It would be possible to name several who were at this time trying to
commit to paper the intelligence the Culpers found it too dangerous
to attempt. Probably not more than three or four letters from any one
of these individuals was written, and that mostly from information
furnished verbally by the Culpers. Little appears to have survived of
that which must have reached Headquarters during the Yorktown Campaign.
Among the shortest and most welcome intelligence was a note inspired by
verbal information furnished by Robert Townsend with the preliminary
announcement of peace. This reads:
May 5th, 1782.
_Sir._ Your correspondent being absent which occasions my
writing you the news here, which is as follows, just come to
hand through the first channel. A cessation of arms is ordered,
to take place within these lines both by Land and Sea--and
terms of peace are given to Congress, but the conditions is
here unknown, but generally supposed Independence is offered.
The Enemy still continue to fortify, nevertheless, both on
York and on Long Island. I have nothing further to inform you
of but hope soon to have peace in our land--And am yours, &c.
SAMUEL CULPER.
Written on the same day of the month two months later a long letter of
Abraham Woodhull’s clears what has been a mystery to some members of
the Townsend family.(140) With all his ingenuity Dr. Peter Townsend,
the nephew of Robert, never succeeded in getting from him a syllable as
to the part he played in the struggle for American Independence. It was
common for him to relate experiences of others but his own were never
mentioned. One day during his lifetime the young folks discovered among
his effects a uniform looking suspiciously British. They knew him to be
in sentiment a Whig and an uncompromising Federalist, and in amazement
they questioned him as to the uniform. He admitted that at one period
during the war he was obliged to stand on duty in the front doorway of
British officers headquarters. Frequently thereafter the family would
tease him by referring to this but although it appeared to greatly
embarrass him he never gave them further enlightenment on the subject.
Woodhull in this letter says: “Carlton’s called a Tyrant at New York by
the inhabitants in general and makes them do Soldiers duty in the city
without distinction. The first Gentlemen in the City stand at Officer’s
doors Soldier like.”
* * * * *
From Newburgh on August 10, 1782, General Washington addressed Major
Tallmadge as follows:
“I wish you without delay to open again, or at least to renew
effectually, the channel of intelligence through the C..s. I
know your correspondents have heretofore, in general, been
well informed and that the only great difficulty has been in
the circuitous route of communication.”
The answer to this is dated Newtown, August 18, 1782.
“_Sir_: I have had the honor to receive your Excellency’s
letter of the 10th inst. in consequence of which I immediately
repaired to Fairfield, and effected an interview with S. G. to
whom I communicated the purport of Your Excellency’s letter.
At the same time I forwarded, by him, similar instructions to
S. C. Senior and Junr. The absence of Capt. Brewster on a short
cruise to the eastward, may perhaps occasion some delay, but I
cannot but believe my correspondents will exert themselves on
this occasion, as I have wrote pressingly on the subject.
“From some intimations I have reason to believe that a certain
Character, in great repute among the Refugees and very
particularly intimate with Col. Upham A.D.C. to Genl. Clinton,
would be happy in an opportunity to render important services
to the State and army. His character is by no means notorious,
but very sagatious. I have ventured to write him on the subject
of intelligence, and have great hopes from his services.
“I must again repeat to Your Excellency the necessity of having
a sum of money, as well as a little stain, forwarded for the
use of this Communication--to the want of both these articles I
presume may be attributed in some measure, the declination of
this correspondence.
“I have the Honor to be, With the highest esteem and regard,
Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient servant,
“BENJ. TALLMADGE.”
Repeated requests that his letters be destroyed was now probably
complied with, for with one exception only stain letters can be found
and they cannot now be deciphered.
This last of the Culper Junior letters to survive contained welcome
news for weary soldiers: It was carried by Robert Townsend into
Westchester County, where he met Major Tallmadge, who forwarded it to
Washington. Dated September 19, 1782, it reads as follows:
“The last packet, so far from bringing better news to the
loyalists, has indeed brought the clearest and unequivocal
Proofs that the independence of America is unconditionally to
be acknowledged, nor will there be any conditions insisted on
for those who have joined the King’s Standard.
“It is said that an Expedition is now forming at N.Y. and by
many conjectured to be against the French Fleet &c. at Boston;
a number of British Troops were embarking when I left the city
on the 14th and 15th inst. But I conversed fully with one of
Carleton’s Aides on this subject, who told me that I might
depend they were bound to the W. Indies or Halifax. For my own
part I have no expectation that they think of any offensive
movements. The above gentleman, with whom I am most intimately
connected, informed me that it is now under consideration to
send all the B. Troops to the West Indies and to garrison the
City with the jagers and new raised corps for the present.
“A fleet is now taking in water at Staten Island and another at
White Stone--various conjectures about their destination. It is
a fact that a fleet is going to Charlestown to bring off that
Garrison.
“A packet is just about sailing for England and another will
follow very shortly, and Sir Guy himself says that he thinks
it not improbable that the next Packet may bring orders for an
evacuation of N. York.
“A fleet is getting ready to sail for the Bay of Fundy about
the first of October to transport a large number of Refugees to
that Quarter. The Aide above referred to informs us that he
thinks it probable he shall go there himself. Indeed, I never
saw such general distress and dissatisfaction in my life as is
painted in the countenance of every Tory at N.Y.
“The Beef Contractors had orders a few days past to cease
purchasing any more for the Navy and from the appearance of
things the whole fleet are getting ready for a movement.
“I am myself uncertain when the Troops will leave N.Y. but I
must confess I rather believe if the King’s Magazines can be
removed, that they will leave us this fall.
“The King’s wood yards are tolerably supply’d but they have no
Magazines of forage.”
[Illustration: ENTRANCE OF GENERAL WASHINGTON INTO NEW YORK, NOV. 25TH,
1783]
Major Tallmadge confirmed Townsend’s statement in his letter of March
31, 1783, and asked to be permitted to be one of the first to enter New
York.(141)
At the request of the General, he sent from Litchfield on August 16,
1783, an account of the incidental expenses that had been incurred in
the Secret Service work, which account is missing. One that Culper
Senior submitted on July 5th, and which formed a part of it, is still
preserved.
* * * * *
Accompanying this was the following letter, dated:
BROOKHAVEN, July 5th, 1783.
_Dr. Sir._ Your favour of the 14th June was handed me this
day--and agreeable to your request have enclosed my account
for your inspection. I am unable to particularize dates for I
only kept the most simple account that I possibly could,[58]
for fear it should betray me, but I trust it is a just one--and
I do assure you I have been as frugal as possibly could. I
desire you would explain to the Genl. the circumstances that
attended this lengthy correspondence that he may be satisfied
that we have not been extravagant....
SAML. CULPER.
It is worthy of note that both the Culpers lived for over fifty years
after the war began. Some day someone may wish to put in type the story
of those interesting years.
[Illustration:
(Original in the William L. Clements Library,
by whose permission it is used.)
Masked letter sent by Sir Henry Clinton inform Burgoyne that there
would be no British army to meet him at Albany.
_See page 215._
]
FOOTNOTES to “AFTERMATH”:
[53] 1778 it is written, but undoubtedly in error. Major Tallmadge must
have had something else on his mind. He plainly meant to write 1780.
[54] Regard is repeated in the original, as above.
[55] This letter is in the Long Island Collection at East Hampton.
[56] Major Tallmadge, _Dear Sir_: As I know you to be a man of sense,
I am convinced you are by this time fully of opinion that the real
interest and happiness of America consists in a reunion with Great
Britain. To effect which happy purpose I have taken a commission in the
British Army, and invite you to join me with as many men as you can
bring over with you. If you think proper to embrace my offer, you shall
have the same rank you now hold, in the Cavalry I am about to raise.
I shall make use of no arguments to convince you, or to induce you
to take a step which I think right. Your own good sense will suggest
everything I can say on the subject. I will only add that the English
Fleet has just arrived with a very large reinforcement of Troops. I am,
Sir, Your Hmbl. Servt.
B. ARNOLD.
N. YORK, Oct. 25th, 1780.
[57] This is the other Samuel Townsend. Not Culper Junior’s father,
although both lived in the same community. Both had John Townsend 1st.
for common ancestor, but Culper Junior’s ancestors were John, James,
Jacob, and Samuel, as will be found on another page; while this man’s
ancestors were George who married Mary Hawxhurst, then George who
married Rosanah Coles, then Squire George who married Rosanah Youngs,
the last named being his parents. He was 36 years of age at the time
and was married since 1773 to Sarah Horton.
[58] This book is now in the collection at East Hampton, Long Island,
where it may be examined by historians.
CODES AND CAMOUFLAGE
The necessity of transmitting information in a private manner taxed
the ingenuity of many during the Revolutionary War. Clever ideas
were experimented with, but none were more practical than those used
by General Washington’s spies. True, when they first realized the
necessity of secrecy a very crude method was adopted, originating with
Abraham Woodhull and used first in his letter of April 10th, 1779. This
was the use of the figures 10 for New York, 30 and 40 for Post Riders
and 20 for Setauket. By July of that year Major Tallmadge had prepared
pocket dictionaries for the General, the Culpers, and himself. These
consisted of closely written columns of figures and words, arranged
on a double sheet of foolscap paper. The words were those they would
be most apt to need, extracted from a copy of Entick’s Dictionary and
written in columns in alphabetical order. Then opposite each word was
placed a number and this number was thereafter used to designate the
word. Then there were proper names, beginning with General Washington
711, General Clinton 712, Tryon 713, Erskine 714, Vaughan 715, Robinson
716, Brown 717, General Garth 718, Lord North 719, Germain 720, John
Bolton 721, Sami. Culper 722, Culper Junr. 723, Austin Roe 724, C.
Brewster 725, Rivington 726. Then 37 places have numbers assigned them,
and there is an alphabet for words not listed and letters for numerals.
These tables were used to the close of the war.
Much more important to the Secret Service of General Washington was
the use of an invisible stain which required developing with another
chemical before the writing became visible. It reached the Culpers
about the time the above dictionary was prepared but was first proposed
to General Washington in a letter from John Jay, a facsimile of which
is opposite page 52. In another chapter his brother, James Jay, tells
how he invented this stain, and its practical use. It was an important
factor in the success of the service and it is regrettable that no one
ever sufficiently thanked the Jays for it. The Culpers were frequently
asking for more of it, and General Washington, low in funds, had to
depend upon James Jay to furnish it. Becoming a tax upon his resources
he found it necessary to explain the situation to General Washington in
the following letter:
FISHKILL, Septr. 19, 1780.
_Dear Sir_: I am extremely sorry it has not been in my power to
supply you sooner with the medicine. The disagreeable situation
which I have hithertoo been in, owing to a very considerable
loss I am likely to sustain by the new System of Finance,
deprived me of that pleasure; for I am always happy to have
an opportunity of showing that I am, with great esteem and
respect, Dear Sir, Your most Obt. & hemble Servt.
JAMES JAY.
At times, because of lack of funds to purchase it the Culpers were
without the Counterpart to develop the letters from Headquarters, and
sometimes they had no stain with which to write their intelligence.
They guarded well its discovery, in fact so well that the matter was
never mentioned historically until now although several incorrect
guesses were made as to the method they used to convey their messages.