_Sir._ FAIRFIELD, April 21, 1779.
Agreeable to your Excellency’s instructions I have forwarded
the Vial delivered me and the directions for C----s future
conduct. In answer to which he wrote, but as I wished to see
him to communicate many things, I appointed an interview at
Brook Haven, Long Island, where I met C. on the 16th instant,
and was detained on the Island till this morning by a violent
storm and contrary winds.
In addition to what C. informs by the enclosed, he has given me
some memorandums. You may perceive in the close of his second
letter No. 10 he mentions something respecting the transport
lately arrived at New York from Rhode Island. He assures me
that the business of their mission is a proposed feint, and
that by diligent attention and enquiry he finds they are
taking on board the remaining baggage of the troops now at
Rhode Island. The conjecture among them is that they intend to
evacuate that post, and by their taking their baggage from New
York they cannot be returning there.
He thinks there never has been such a prospect of peace as at
present. Bets are now laying 2 to 1 that there will be a peace
in less than 2 months from this. Many of those who have been
particularly active against us are selling off their estates.
General DeLancey and Mr. McAdams in particular have proposed
their estates for sale, neither of them in want of money. In
England Government takes up money at most enormous interests,
from 10 to 14 per cent.
The Troops at the East End of Long Island are ordered to supply
themselves with forage for 14 days, and by the beginning of
next month it is thought they will move westward. Most of the
flat boats have moved thro’ South bay for New York.
In addition to the 20 Guineas acknowledged to have been
received by Culper in the enclosed, I have handed him 30
more. He informs that his expenses are necessarily great,
but whenever your Excellency may wish him to discontinue
his present correspondence he will most cheerfully quit the
employment, as he proposes no advantage to himself from the
undertaking. I have urged by letter and verbally the plan of
forwarding letters by some shorter route to Headquarters. C.
wishes as much as your Excellency to hit on some more speedy
mode of conveyance, but finds such a step difficult and
dangerous. That same Brown at Bergen, whom your Excellency
mentioned to me, C. informs is now in provost on suspicion of
having given information of the late movement of the enemy to
Elizabeth Town. If he should soon get released C. thinks he
would be a very proper man for the business. He will in the
mean time pay the greatest attention to the proposal. He says
a man may be engaged to reside on Staten Island (if he can be
supported) who will receive his dispatches and forward them at
all times. In this case some person must be appointed to go
across with a boat to an appointed place.
I must now relate an anecdote respecting the Vial which I
forwarded Cr. Much pleased with the curious Ink or Stain and
after making some experiments with the same, he was set down
to answer my letter which accompanied it. He had finished
the enclosed when suddenly two persons broke into the room
(his private apartment). The consideration of having several
officers quartered in the next Chamber, added to his constant
fear of detection and its certain consequences made him
rationally conclude that he was suspected, and that those
steps were taken by said officers for discovery. Startled by
so sudden and violent an obtrusion he sprang from his seat,
snatched up his papers, overset his table and broke his Vial.
This step so totally discomposed him that he knew not who they
were, or even to which sex they belonged--for in fact they
were two ladies who, living in the house with him, entered
his chamber in this way on purpose to surprise him. Such an
excessive fright and so great a turbulence of passions so
wrought on poor C. that he has hardly been in tolerable health
since. The above relation I had from his own mouth. He is much
pleased with the Ink, and wishes if any more can be spared, to
have a little sent him. By this he thinks he could frequently
communicate intelligence by persons permitted to pass the lines.
Some pieces of useful intelligence respecting the movement of
the Enemy in this late intended Expedition to New London, and
which I have reason to believe in a great measure defeated
their intentions, have been communicated by Culper.
There are some men on this side the Sound who conduct most
villionously towards the inhabitants of Long Island by lying
on the road and robbing the inhabitants as they pass. Cr. was
the other day robbed of all his money near Huntington, and was
glad to escape with his life. I know the names of several, some
of whom under sanction of Commissions for cruising in the Sound
land on Long Island and plunder the inhabitants promiscously.
I have now put the Correspondence with Cr. on such a footing
that any letter he may forward by the old conveyance will
be sent to Capt. Grinell of this place, on whom I can most
implicitly depend. He will forward them to Genl. Putnam
agreeable to instructions. Any instructions which your
Excellency may wish to communicate to Cr. you will please to
forward to me as usual, no other person being appointed in this
quarter with whom he would be willing to correspond.
The bearer having some business to transact and wishing to see
his friends, will return in 4 or 5 days, when your Excellency’s
commands and in particular the above mentioned Ink, may be
forwarded with safety. I am, with profound Respect, Your
Excellency’s most Obedt. Hbl. Servt.
BENJ. TALLMADGE.
(107) _Culper Senior near capture by Colonel Simcoe._
“No. 13 20 June 5, 1779.
“_Dear Sir_, Your No 7 came to hand and have observed its
contents. I Purpose this only to informe you of my Misfortune.
On the 24 of April. John Wolsey returned from Connecticut
being Paroled by the Company of Prisoners (although taken
in a Privateer). And Lodged information against me before
Coll. Simcoe of the Queens Rangers who thinking of finding
me at Setauket came down but happily I set out for N. York
the day before his arrival, and to make some compensation for
his voige he fell upon my father and plundered him in a most
shocking manner. I hearing of it and his intentions, used
every endeavour to defeat his designs which I happily did in a
measure by a friend of mine makeing interest with the Genl Aid
and only that saved me. But I am very obnoxious to them and
think I am in continual danger you will see the contents of the
other letter and the proposals there made and at once see the
necessity of destroying these letters after perusull.
“I was in town that night you was. I wish I had a known it. I
am with esteem Yours &c.
“SAMUEL CULPER.”
(108) _Woodhull fears handwriting may betray him._
“No. 13 20 June 5, 1779-- 12
“_Sir_, Your No 7 came to hand and have duely observed the
contents. It is now a long time since I have wrote you, And do
assure you not through neglect but owing to the difficulty I
have laboured under ever since I saw you--In my other letter I
have stated the particulars. And I dre say you will be filled
with wonder and surprise, that I have had the good fortune to
escape confinement. And am sorry to inform you that it hath
rendered me almost unservicable to you. I purpose quitting _10_
and residing at _20_. As I am now a suspected person I cannot
frequent their camp as heretofore. And think only just residing
at _10_ and be obliged to take up with common reports will not
answer your purpose, or make by any means compensation for the
expense--I have truely the interest of our Country at heart[66]
and could not wish to spend one shilling useless--I shall
visit _10_ as often as I can with any degree of safety--and
have not as yet stoped the channel of intelligence and shall
anxiously wait your directions--Weather I shall endeavour
to establish a confidential friend to step into my place if
agreeable direct in your next and forward the ink--When I have
effected this most probable I shall come to you. And shall
wish to joyne in the common defence--I shall now endeavour to
give you an authentick account of the principle arrivals and
departures of all fleets--foreign intelligence, and the temper
and expectations of the enemy and movements since the 14th of
May, all before hath been forwarded. The latter of which I am
sensible can be of little or no service now but may be some
satisfaction. About the 15th May sailed a Cork fleet and on the
_18_ arrived 12 sail from Cork with provisions and serveral
private ships have arrived at different times from Europe one
bringing the news of the surrender of Pondicherry in India,
but I do not believe it yet. you may depend that the Cutter
that said to bring the news saild some time from Ireland and
of course before the last Cork fleet and they brought no such
account. Provisions are very plenty at _10_ and a Cork fleet
is expected also a large fleet from England with ten thousand
troops is said to be expected in, in about ten days. The troops
that went from hence last fall for West India and Georgia it
is said are about returning. I think it probable for they are
very sickly in those quarters. I hear some tell us of Peace
amongst you. God grant it may take place on honourable terms.
But I must tell you thers less appearance of Peace here now
than some time agone--And thers nothing we can hear from Europe
that demonstrates it. The spirits of their troops is high,
and the expectation of the Tory’s is great to admiration. I
hope you will not trust to an uncertainty, but prepare for the
worst. I have a long time expected to hear of your appearing
in force near the Bridge and keeping them in their strongholds
and hope that their present expedition may serve to further
convince them of the impracticability of subduing this country.
And call your army together and be upon your guard and be very
industrious to find out the schemes of the Torys amongst you.
Almost every action is handed down by them and men is said to
pass (and I believe they do) from hence to the enemy on the
frontiers. The enemy have almost intirely quit Long Island
and the whole of the force on Long Island does not exceed
three hundred only a few individuals left at their different
stations they have likewise taken all their baggage from Long
Island and on the 29 arrived their Virginia fleet with about
30 prizes mostly small schooners and a number of negroes and
some white females, upon the whole that expedition is thought
but little of and as the 30 sailed immediately up the river
about 20 transports the Raisonable of 64 guns and 2 frigats
on the 28th the army and troops in general left _10_ together
with all their train of artillery that stood on the common.
There was not on the 3 instant one thousand troops in and about
the city only one Batallion of guards and two small German
Regt. to do duty in and about _10_ There orders for to raise a
number of men for the terme of six months out of the Militia of
Kings and Queens Countys to do duty as occasion may require.
This is very disagreeable to the inhabitants. On the 3 instant
there was only 3 frigates in the river except those before
mentioned--Thus sir I shall conclude with this request that
you would upon sufficient Perusual consume it for if by any
accident this or any other of my letters should fall into the
enemy’s hands very probable my handwriting or some circumstance
mentioned might be the cause of detection. And conclude with my
great desire for your success and welfair. I remain your most
obet. H. Servt. Samuel Culper. Just as I was about to seal this
I saw a gentleman from 10 that said every sixth man in 10 and
the before mentioned places were immediately to be Draughfet I
purpose waiting at 20 until I receive an answer from you.
“S. C.”
(109) _Robert Townsend now becomes chief._
_Sir._ No. 14. 20 June 20 1779.
Your No. 8 on the 16 found me at 20 anxiously concerned for
our interest, and unwilling it should be neglected, and some
reason to fear that by delay the door might be shut and out
of my power to perform what I proposed in my No. 13, which
I have concluded would be your desire. I thought proper
to detain 40 until I went to 10 to endeavour to gain the
best intelligence I could, and settle the plan proposed. I
returned on the 19th, and my success hath exceeded my most
sanguine expectations.--There hath been no arrival of any
fleet from any quarter since my last--and the enemy hath not
been strengthened. On the 18 Gen. Clinton went out of 10 in
person to go to his camp. You may depend their whole force is
up the river, and that can’t exceed 8000 men. I expect they
are evacuating Rhode Island, if not all part of their troops
are coming to 10, it is said four Regiments, this I have from
good authority, likewise that it is certainly Gen. Clinton’s
positive order and determination to burn all the fields of
wheat as soon as they are dry, and intends to exert himself
in that to the utmost. They have brought in many cattle. If
you don’t exert yourself the country will greatly suffer. A
considerable force to march towards the Bridge would make them
quit the River and country, for they are very fearful of your
getting New York and have frequently said they have in all
but just a garrison, it is the admiration of all friends that
they can hold their ground up the river. Their strength by sea
is trifling. Much the same as mentioned in my last only it is
said you have taken the Delaware of 28 guns. It is currently
reported in New York that the enemy are entirely defeated near
Charles Town, and is believed by some, and the enemy in general
trembles for fear if it should be true they acknowledge that it
will ruin them. In answer to yours concerning the strength of
the enemy at Lloyd’s Neck and what saw mills were sawing for
the use of the enemy I cannot give so satisfactory an account
about the above questions as I could wish. The former shall
endeavour to refer you to Capt. Cornelius Conklin, Major Brush,
Capt. Rojers and some others mostly residing at Norwalk that
frequently cross near there, the latter shall advise--Coll.
Ludlow’s Regiment is very small, don’t exceed 150 men. The
Refugees that are there are all armed and take their turn as
guards with the regiment, how many I cannot tell but readily
conclude they exceed the number in the regiment. I cannot tell
whether there’s any cannon in the fort nor how it is situated.
Coll. Hulet that commands is a brave officer. Many deserters
and refugees that know they will be hanged and think they will
make a desperate resistance, and think if it is done at all it
must be by surprise.
Tillotson hath a Saw mill at the County House, Havens one at
Moriches, Seth Worth one at Fire Place, Humphry Avery one at
West Neck, Nichols and one Willets each one at Islip, Edmond
Smith at Stony Brook, Samuel Phillips, Caleb Smith, Botts at
Smith Town. All alike in serving the King and all professed
friends to the country except Havens and Nicols. And it is
the nature of the people here, they will do any thing to get
money. The navigation of South Bay is now entirely stopped
by Whale Boats. I am entirely against destroying property if
can be avoided. Saw mills are built with little expense and
if torn down no great loss to build again. If people are a
mind to be obstinate the following I do not doubt will answer
the desired effect. Print in hand bills, let them be conveyed
over in all quarters if possible and be posted up, entirely
forbidding every saw mill on the Island from stricking a stroke
under penalty of destruction of their property, it will most
certainly be adhered to, they never will saw no more.
They are determined to raise 400 men out out of the Militia
of Long Island. The people in general much against it, and
certainly will quit their homes before they will comply.
I have communicated my business to an intimate friend and
disclosed every secret and laid before him every instruction
that hath been handed to me; it was with great difficulty
I gained his complyance, checked by fear. He is a person
that hath the interest of our country at heart and of good
reputation, character and family as any of my acquaintance. I
am under the most solemn obligation never to disclose his name
to any but the Post who unavoidably must know it. I have reason
to think his advantages for serving you and abilities are far
superior to mine.
I must call on you for ten Guineas which will about defray
my charges with what I have received. If what I have done
is disaproved of it can be dropped, but if mine was worth
attention this will not certainly be of less value. You will
receive a letter from him in a short time beginning at No. 1.
He will expect an ample support, at the same time he will be
frugal. As long as I am here shall be an assistant and do all
that I can. In the interim I remain Your Most Obt. Huml. Servt.
SAMUEL CULPER.
(110) _George Washington to Major Talmadge._
“NEW WINDSOR, June 27th, 1779.
“_Sir_, Your letter of yesterday came safe to my hand, and by
the Dragoon who was the bearer of it I send you Ten guineas
for C----r.--His successor (whose name I have no desire
to be informed of provided his intelligence is good, and
seasonably transmitted) should endeavour to hit upon some
certain mode of conveying his information quickly, for it is
of little avail to be told of things after they have become
matter of public notoriety, and known to every body.--This
new agent should communicate his signature and the private
marks by which genuine papers are to be distinguished from
counterfeits.--There is a man on York Island living on or near
the North River, of the name of George Higday who I am told
hath given signal proofs of his attachment to us, and at the
same time stands well with the enemy. If upon enquiry this
is found to be the case (and much caution should be used in
investigating the matter, as well on his own account as on that
of Higday) he will be a fit instrument to convey intelligence
to me while I am on the west side of the North River, as he is
enterprizing & connected with people in Bergen County who will
assist in forming a chain to me in any manner they shall agree
on.
“I do not know who H---- employs, but from H---- I obtain
intelligence, and his name and business should be kept
profoundly secret, otherwise we not only lose the benefits
desired from it, but may subject him to some unhappy fate....
“I wish you to use every method in your power through H---- and
others, to obtain information of the enemy’s situation--and
as far as it is to be come at, designs. C----r speaks of the
Enemy’s force up the River as now exceeding 8000 men, but as
I know he is mistaken if he comprehends their whole force I
should be glad if his successor was cautioned against giving
positive numbers by guess.--this is deceptions--let him
ascertain the particular Corps which can be no difficult matter
to do, & he will soon by taking a little pains, indirectly come
at the strength of them and where they lie.
“I am Sir with esteem and regard, Yr. very H. Servt.
“GO. WASHINGTON.”
(111) _Townsend’s first official letter._
“No 1 NEW YORK, 29th June, 1779
“_Sir_, The present offers nothing material, save that of the
arrival of Capt. Mernaid, who left Plimouth the first of May,
at which time the Grand fleet for this place had not sailed,
and was quite uncertain when they would, and likewise that
some Troops now coming out--say not more than three thousand.
However as he is a Rebel we do not entirely believe it, but are
much afraid that its too true.
“I was this day informed that 2 British Regts. 1 Regt, of
Amsuch, Col. Fanning’s Corps & the associated loyalists,
is now at white Stone, where they arrived yesterday from
Rhode-Island--This I have no doubt of, as it was told me by
a person who came passenger with them--He thinks they are to
make excursions into Connecticut--and from what I can collect I
believe they are, and very soon.
“Most of the Troops are come from Verplanks Point, and are now
near and about the Boats. Several Transports are ordered to be
in readiness, but no troops embarked.
“We are much alarmed with the prospect of a Spanish war--Should
that be the case, I fear poor old England will not be able to
oppose the whole but will be obliged to sue for a peace.
“Wou’d wish to write you more particularly, but the person
going sooner than I expected prevents.
“I am, Sir, Your Humble Servant,
“SAMUEL CULPER.”
(112) _Townsend’s second letter._
“No. 2 10, July 15th, 1779.
“_Sir_, I did not mean that No. 1 shou’d be sent as it was
wrote, I intended it as hints for my friend S. C. Senr., and
expected that he would have wrote you more particularly--the
shortness of the notice, and not at that time being
sufficiently acquainted with the Character of 30, prevented my
writing so particular as I wou’d have wished--However I flatter
myself that it was of some service. I saw S. C. Senr. a few
days ago, and informed him of the arrival of 10 sail of vessels
from the West Indies, with Rum, &c. and a small fleet from
Halifax, but no Troops. 12 sail of Cork Victuallers arrived on
Sunday last--2 which were then missing are since arrived. Also
a ship from Theneruffe loaden with wines--A Fleet, say about
six sail, from Jamaica laden with Rum &c. is daily expected;
they are to take the advantage of the June Convoy for England.
The Romulus of 44 guns fell down to the Hook this day. The
Daphni and Delaware Frigates are to fall down tomorrow, with
some eight Transports which are said to be bound for Halifax.
The Romulus, Daphni, & Delaware are to cruise in Boston Bay
for the purpose of annoying their trade, and to intercept a
number of Privateers and armed vessels which it is said are now
fitting out of Boston. I have conversed with some of the most
intelligent of the Masters of the Cork Victuallers, and from
what I can collect from them, there will be but few Troops from
England this season. Some say, who I am certain do not wish it,
that there will not be more than 4 Regiments to this place.
Ireland is almost to a man against the present administration,
and that most loyal of all Countrys, Scotland, has been for
some time past in the greatest confusion, said to be occasioned
by a motion made by Lord North for to pass some Laws in favor
of the Scotch Roman Catholicks--they have gone so far as to
burn that Ministry in Effigie--This is fact.
“I have recd yours of the 10th Inst, and note the contents--The
instructions shall be followed as far as in my power. 30 came
unexpectedly this evening, and says he must go out tomorrow
morning, which prevents my being so particular as I could wish.
I did not expect him till saturday. The situation of the army
I cannot give you with any exactness; but will endeavour to
send it by next opportunity. You may rest assured that I will
not give you any intelligence as fact, but such as I am certain
is so. I will not intentionally deceive you, as I know that it
may be attended with the most fatal consequences. I gave S. C.
Senr. some hints concerning a Christopher Duyckenik, formerly
Chairman of the Committee of Mechanicks of this place, and hope
he has transmitted. This much I will inform you, that he has
acted as agent for David Mathews from the commencement of the
war. The particulars must be kept a profound secret, as few
persons but myself know them, and it is known that I do. Note
a paragraph in Rivington’s paper of the 10th Inst. under the
N.Yk. head, and you’ll observe that something has either leaked
out or they have conjectured very right.
“I am, Sir, Your Humble Servant,
“SAMUEL CULPER, JUNR.”
(113) _Townsend’s fourth letter._
August 6, 1779