not been augmented by arrivals. I have received your favour of
the 30th of July with the vials 1 and 2--The contents shall be
duly observed. The Raisonable with four frigates sailed from
this the day I mentioned--but did not sail from the Hook till
a few days ago. The Rainbow with two sloops of war are said to
be cruising off the Delaware Bay. The Romulus with two frigates
are supposed to be cruising in Boston-bay--and the Greyhound
is cruising alone. I am sorry that I cannot give you an exact
account of the situation of the troops. You may think that I
have not taken sufficient pains to obtain it. I assure you that
I have, and find it more difficult than I expected. It is in
some measure owing to my not having got into a regular line
of getting intelligence. To depend upon common reports would
not do. I saw and conversed with two officers of different
corps from Kings-bridge from neither of whom I could obtain an
account of the situation of the army there. I was afraid of
being too particular. I saw a person who had been throughout
all West Chester and came in yesterday, who told me that there
were 2000 troops out from Kingsbridge. This I by no means give
as certain. The number on Staten Island does not exceed 1000.
The whole of the guards, two Hessian Regiments. The 54th and
some of the 46th in town. A detachment of 100 from the Hessians
are at Brookline, and the 3d Battalion of G. DeLancey’s brigade
consisting of about 200 are at Lloyd’s Neck, Long Island, near
half of which are acting as marines on board armed vessels,
and a guard of about 20 men are at Jamaica, where G. D.
resides. These are all on Long Island. They have begun to
fortify at the narrows on the Staten Island side and to refit
the fortifications at the battery in this city. They have
done nothing more than lay the platforms and not but one gun
mounted, which has been there for a long time past. The cannon
for the forts are expected in the fleet. We have positive
accounts of the French having taken the Island of St. Vincent
and Grenada, and that there has been an engagement between
Byron and D’Estaing in which according to public reports Byron
came off victorious. But from many circumstances we have reason
to believe he had the worst of it: and indeed all the most
intelligent of the tories think so. This with Stoney-point
and the uncertainty when the fleet from England will arrive,
discourages them very much. Admiral Arbuthnot certainly did
sail for this port, but hearing that the French had landed on
the Island of Jersey, went there, where he may meet with such
diversion as may detain him for some time. There appears no
prospect of a speedy movement from this. But it is generaly
reported and believed by the most knowing ones that there will
be a detachment sent from this to the southward as soon as the
works are put in a proper state of defence. However some think
that no troops can be spared at any rate till a reinforcement
arrives.
Arrivals: A small fleet from Rhode Island a few days ago. The
Renown from same place on Wednesday evening, and last evening a
privateer brig of 14 guns belonging to New London taken by the
Greyhound off the east end of Long Island. A fleet of four or
five armed ships will sail in about a week for the West Indies.
The guard boats are still kept out which makes it impossible to
send any letters by a shorter route. As soon as I can find an
opportunity you may depend that I will embrace it. The Renown
and Daphne are the only ships of war in port. In my next will
if possible give you a particular account of the situation of
the troops. Yours,
CULPER, JUNR.
(114) _Would have Townsend give up business._
“722 to 721. No. 23 729 August 12, 1779.
“_Sir_, Your several Nos. 13, 14, & 15, are before me. The
contents have duly observed and communicated them to Culper
Jur. and he hath in general replyed, that have only to add,
That your fears of the Queens Rangers crossing the Sound, I
think must be groundless. I think the main reason of their
being stationed ther’s to Succor Coll. Ludloe’s Regt, on
Lloyd’s Neck if need should require, and to recruit their
Horses and men, that are much worne down with service.
Agreeable to your request, shall endeavour to gain every
intelligence from that and every other quarter and communicate.
Your observations concerning the bad tendency that might
follow the Capture of certain Persons mentioned heretofore,
is worthy of due consideration. And perhaps it will be best
to let them fill up the measure of their Sins, and ripen for
greater ruin. If it had been done instantly after the capture
of some persons here I should have feared no danger that might
have risen from such a step. You could have stoped plundering
here nevertheless--To have taken two for one then, matter not
wheather Whig or Tory, would have been pollitick in you, and a
glorious barrier in favour of our Country, and Nutrallity, for
as they are continually pressing us to be active, and daily
cursing of us for not complying, and laying at your mercy and
unprotected by them; and suffering for so small an affair,
perhaps would induce them to think more favorable of us, and
consider our situation, and treat us with more compassion.--I
say if ever such an opportunity should present again, I shall
beg that it may be embraced, and would be highly favorable
to this unhappy country, now universally throughout attended
with the greatest sickness and frequent deaths that ever was
remembered by the oldest man now living. And dayly threaten’d
by that Judas Tryon. Devastation or banishment for not
complying with their exorbitant demand enclosed when striped of
Items, and out of our Power to fulfill--don’t let the inclosed
be published in News Paper.
“Your desire that no time may be lost after dispatches arrive
hath ever been complyed with, at appointed times, I always
attended. When he comes unexpectedly it hath been unavoidably
attended with some loss of time, once in particular, owing
to a certain persons family being sick, and attendance there
which debared him from making himself known. A step on purpose
to acquaint me. I received a message from a person that I
intimated in my last was an acquaintance of Hamiltons, three
days ago, that 4 or 5 Regts. were embarking, generally said for
Quebeck had taken altogether thick clothing, yet nevertheless
he thought most likely for Georgia, and believed they all had
but a short time to stay here.
“I have had much discourse with Culper, Jur. Contrary to his
intimation and my expectation, he continues in business, that
engroseth some part of his time, and interfereth with the
important business he hath undertaken. I do assure you he is a
sincere friend and capable of rendering service to our country.
And as such a one I have again most earnestly endeavored and
beged him to disengage himself from all concerns that may
intefere with the Public business he hath undertaken. His reply
in substance was this, that he feared his inability. He was
willing to do all he could to serve his Country, and not leave
himself entirely out of the line of business, and be destitute
of a support.”
(115) _Use of ciphers by the Culpers._
“No. 21 729 29 15th 1779.
“_Sir_, Dqpeu Beyocpu agreeable to 28 met 723 not far from 727
& received a 356, but on his return was under the necessity to
destroy the same, or be detected, but have the satisfaction to
informe you that theres nothing of 317 to 15 you of. Thers been
no augmentation by 592 of 680 or 347 forces, and everything
very quiet. Every 356 is opened at the entrance of 727 and
every 371 is searched, that for the future every 356 must be
691 with the 286 received. They have some 345 of the route our
356 takes. I judge it was mentioned in the 356 taken or they
would not be so 660. I do not think it will continue long so.
I intend to visit 727 before long and think by the assistance
of a 355 of my acquaintance, shall be able to out wit them all.
The next 28 for 725 to be here is the 1 of 616 that it is so
prolonged. It may be better times before then. I hope ther
will be means found out for our deliverance. Nothing could
induce me to be here but the ernest desire of 723. Friends are
all well, and am your very Humble Servant, 722.”
(116) _Samuel Culper tells of dangers._
“729 Sepr. 19, 1779.
“_Dear Sir._ Agreeable to the few lines in the inclosure of the
several dates of the 11 & 12, I parted with 725 and expected
his immediate returne to you, But next day understood he was
waiting for the enclosed dispatch, replying his boat must have
a repair before he could come again--Perhaps it is best, as the
former dispaches hath been so long detained I judge they have
nearly lost their value, if any. The inclosed written with the
stain, I am ready to believe contains something of importance.
By the report of Pevbep Yqqhbwmm, who hath just returned from
727 he tells me there’s a council of war holding of all the
General Officers and every thing appears to be much confused on
account of an Express from Genl. Prescot that a Sloop arrived
at Rhode Island sailed two days in sight of a large French
fleet stearing North West course in latitude 25 or 35 he cannot
remember certain which. That a large number of troops were
embarking, Transports prepared to receive one thousand and
those on board. He was one of the Petitioners but got nothing
but hard words, that infernal Tryon saying we would never raise
any men for government, and now the Spanish and French had
combined against them and in difficulty would grant them no
assistance. It would be no matter he said if we were all laid
waist and those that were sick he would put in their hospitals.
I hope a foreign fleet is at hand and that some thing may
intefere to our advantage--I have just heard from Oyster Bay
that Coll. Simcoe is a going to leave that place. They are
selling their horses that is their own private property and are
loading all their baggage, his destination unknown but believed
they will all leave us soon.
“I yesterday was waiting for the Express with the enclosed
dispatch at Stony Brook, when about one o’clock warning was
given out from Capt. Woodhull for his Company to meet persuant
to an order from Coll. Floyd to the several Capts. of this
Township, to pursue and lay wait for Ebenezar Dayton and his
companions, that last night plundered two houses at South.
I immediately took a confidential friend and went in search
of 725, and after passing by one boat hid in the woods, found
his, and him, and advised him the necessary steps for his
safety. I then repair’d to the place of rendezvous, and found
the Militia just in motion to drive mount misery, to prevent
which I was obliged to open myself to the several Capts. and
had the good fortune to order matters to my mind. These things
you will readily conceive lays me open, and I desire you to
take such measures to prevent the like again. Plundering makes
as much difficulty with us as perhaps taking of some persons.
Dayton’s[67] excursion heretofore, was the sole cause of the
loss of C. Jur. No. 5. The Refugees and some Troops were
filling the road that the express was to pass.
“Culper Junior hath appointed no time. I therefore appoint the
30th Instant for 725 to cross, and am yours &c. 722. N.B. If
you think well of it send several phials of that stain and I
will place it in two or three confidential persons hands in New
York that will do their endeavour.”
_A Townsend stain letter translated._
NEW YORK, Sept. 29th, 1779.
_Sir_, In my last I informed you that a number of the enemy
were under orders for embarkation part of which consisting
of about 3000 embarked in the fore part of last week, and
sailed from the Hook on Friday last but returned the next day.
It is said and generally believed that it was in consequence
of some intelligence they got from some vessel at sea, some
say from a Spanish prize, the master of which reports that he
left the French Fleet on the Bahama Banks and that they were
steering for the Continent. This is certain that a number of
transports were immediately ordered for Rhode Island, part of
which sailed on Monday, 27, and the rest sailed this day. It is
positively asserted that it will be evacuated immediately. The
troops returned not yet disembarked. The works at the Battery
are nearly completed and a number of guns mounted. The forts
on Bayard’s Hill and back of Jones’ House nearly completed.
The Gorge of Fort Kniphhousen (or Washington) very strongly
fortified. The Militia of Kings and Queens County are still at
work on the fort at Brooklyn. All the operations of the Enemy
indicate their fears of a speedy attack--The fleet under convoy
of Sir Andrew Hammond arrived the 22d inst. The number of
troops does not exceed six hundred, mostly Hessian Recruits. I
am Sir, Yours &c.
C. JUNR.
(117) _A typical Townsend letter._
“October 9th, 1779.
“_Sir_, In my No 9 I informed you that the first division
of Troops had returned--They disembarked on Long-Island &
Staten Island that day. The next morning about 100 of the
inhabitants went on Governor’s Island, and began to repair the
works there, and have continued going every day since.--The
works are now nearly completed. About that time the Garrison
was much alarmed, as by a number of coroborating documents
they had great reason to expect D’Estaing. All the Men of War
and a number of arm’d Transports were ordered down to the
Hook, with several old hulks to sink in the Channel in case
D’Estaing should appear. They had also two or three fire ships
prepairing, and are building a very strong Fort at the Light
House. The ships do still continue there, tho their fears
are now in some measure abated. The transports destin’d for
New York are still at White Stone, and it’s now thought quite
uncertain whether it will be evacuated this Fall. The vessels
belonging to private people sailed this day, and are to stop
at Huntington to join the wood Fleet, and proceed from there
immediately. From this circumstance I think it will not be
evacuated. It is now said that the first division of Troops
are to re-embark immediately, and it’s generally believed that
they are destined for Georgia. The last accounts from the West
Indies say that Byron was at Barbadoes about a month ago.
There positively is a letter from his Secretary to a gentleman
in this place dated the first of Sept: which says that Byron
was going home and that the Fleet was taking in water, and
preparing with all expedition to go down to Jamaica, expecting
that D’Estaing had gone against it. A vessel from Tortula which
left it the 10th. Septr, the Capt of which says that it was
reported there, and generally believed that D’Estaing had come
to this Continent.--He likewise says that the English trade in
the West Indies, is almost ruined by the number of French &
Spanish Cruisers. Tortula has already been plundered, and it’s
expected that all the rest of the English Islands will share
the same fate in the course of the winter. The Spaniards, he
says, are even fitting out privateers at St. Thomas’ & St.
Croix.--Some say that Pensicola is invaded by the Spaniards.
Accounts from England, via Rhode Island, as late as the 10th
of August, say that there has been no engagement between the
French and English Fleets.--No late accounts from Georgia;
Some begin to fear that all is not well there.--A considerable
number of Troops are on the West end of Long-Island--The 17th
Dragoons at Hempstead--The mounted Legion of Queens Rangers at
Jericho, and the Foot belonging to the Legion are at Oyster
Bay. No arrivals of any consequence since my last, except those
mentioned. The Spirits of the Tory’s Flags much, but still some
flatter themselves that there is yet a probability of England’s
rising superior to all her enemies. There does not appear the
least prospect of this place being evacuated this fall. Tho’ I
believe thay would be glad to have them at home, as from the
best accounts they are in a very critical situation--if we were
only to judge from Sir Joseph York’s memorial presented to
their High Mightinesses, they are low enough.
“Large Magazines of Hay is already collected, and more
collecting. The expense of transporting letters has already
amounted to the money sent;[68] I am therefore under the
necessity of requesting that you will send me 20 Guineas by
next conveyance.
“I am, Yours, &c.
“SAML. CULPER, JUN.”
(118) _Culper answers Bolton’s eighteenth letter._
“No. 25 October 26th, 1779.
“_Sir_: Your No. 18 with the enclosed came to hand, and was
immediately forwarded to 723. And the inclosed blanks are his
returns, which hope may be satisfactory at this conjuncture.
I have again heard Count D’Estaing with his whole fleet are
in Delaware Bay. This Glorious assistance together with the
dejection of our Enemies, bids fair for our delivery, the
pleasing hopes of which hath almost transported all our
friends. But here much may be done toward our destruction
within the space of a week, and to the great advantage of the
enemy, to prevent which requires your immediate operations.
From the effect of that Infernal Tryon’s expedition into this
county last year and branding a number of cattle that he left
behind, last week a demand for 198 was made, not one quarter
of that number was ever marked; and about 30 head was drove up
but are not satisfied, and insist upon the whole number, and
are now at Smith Town with carts from Lloyd’s Neck and a number
of wagons are hourly expected with a number of Troops at that
place, for hay. They have nearly collected all the forage in
Queens County and carrying it to Brooklyn; in one word, every
preparation is a making for their defence--I hope you will
not forget to grant us assistance as soon as possible. Your
letter to Mr. C----r, Junr. was instantly forwarded, forgot to
mention it in my last, then being in such haste, as I had not
time before dark and 725 I expected was a waiting. I received
20 Guineas from 725 which I sent to 723. I have nothing more to
say--and may God grant us Success. And am
“Your very Humble Servt.,
“SAMUEL CULPER.”
(119) _Big guns at Battery._
“NEW YORK, October 29th, 1779
“_Sir._ I have made inquiry concerning the quantity of
provisions on this Island, and am well convinced there is
sufficient to last this Garrison 6 months. Several vessels have
not discharged. The packet arrived the 23d Inst. The accounts
by her are very alarming to the Tories. They are now convinced
that the English fleet dare not engage the united fleets of
France and Spain. The Ardent is taken, and some say that they
chased the English fleet into Portsmouth--This is certain that
they lay off there several days, which caused the greatest
consternation, as they expected to be invaded. The troops from
Stoney and Verplanks points got down on Sunday evening. The
troops which I mentioned to have embarked sails for Halifax
this day with all the heavy ships of war except the Europa.
The Daphne Frigate with Sir George Collin and Col. Stewart
sails at the same time for England. Another Fort is erecting
near Harrison’s Brewery on the banks of the North River.
That on Long Island will not be completed in some time. The
Battery will be completed in a few days. Eighteen 24 pounders
are now mounted. We have no late accounts from Georgia but it
is generally believed that the Garrison there is taken. The
fleet with the garrison from Rhode Island arrived the 27th,
Inst. The Rainbow arrived at Sandy Hook from Halifax the same
day. The enemy are daily collecting forage and have lately
been about Oyster Bay and took all the hay in that quarter,
notwithstanding the Legion quartered there. From this they
mean to contract their lines very soon. No prospect of any
speedy movement. The transports which I intimated are taking
in Water and Ballast was for the use of the ships at Sandy
Hook. The pilots say that it is now very difficult to bring a
vessel in, owing to the hulks which were lately sunk there. A
fleet of Victuallers were to sail from Cork the latter part of
September. A fleet of Store ships and Merchantmen were to sail
from Spithead at the same time. I shall want some more of the
Stain immediately as I am now quite out.
“I am Yrs, &c.
“SAML. CULPER, JUNR.”
(120) _Woodhull meets British Foot and Horse._
“No. 28 427 eg 1779
“_Sir._ Your No. 20 & 21 came to hand pressing an immediate
answer to sundry questions. It not being then in my power to
send a person, to make the necessary inquiry, and the next
appointment very short, and dispatches waiting, thought it best
to order his return. Accordingly on the 7th sent a person, who
visited every quarter between this and Hempstead Harbour, and
on the 9th returned to me, and reported: No piles of wood on
any Necks or Shores. As soon as it is cut it is put on board
and carried to New York. Lord Cathcart Legion are stationed
at Jericho and Oyster Bay. In Huntington and Lloyd’s Neck are
Coll. Ludlow’s, Gov. Brown’s, Coll. Fanning’s Regiments. New
Levies, 43 of foot 17 Dragoons, one Regt, of Hessians, all
commanded by Genl. Leland if I do not mistake his name. However
I am sure it is similar to such a name, and are collecting
large magazines of wood and Forage near the house of Nathl.
Williams--The whole number is computed to be sixteen hundred
men.--On the 10 was to see C. Jur. at a house he appointed
twelve miles west from here, and set out with all my letters
to meet him, and just before I arrived at the appointed place
I suddenly met a foraging party of 40 Horse and 200 foot and
about a hundred wagons. Was much surprised but after answering
a few questions passed them unmolested. This party were
draughts from the 17, 43, & Coll. Burch of the 17th. But to my
great mortification Culper Jur. did not come that day. I waited
all the next, and sent a person westward to several houses
where I thought likely to find him, but could hear nothing of
him. I am much concerned, fear some accident hath befallen him,
but yet wish to entertain a favorable thought that he may be
sick.
“The wagons went from Smith Town yesterday, loaded, but am
informed the Troops all stayed behind waiting their return.
We have 20 Horse and 4 foot bilited about in houses, but no
wagons have loaded here yet, they are exceedingly afraid and
keep a very strict guard at the foot of Seaton’s Neck. Coll.
Floyd, E. Jones, above the Mill, J. Thompson’s, P. Lions, John
Bayles is Head Quarters Main guard in Kelly’s House. They are
not expected to stay here more than 10 days, some say not
longer than a week. It will be precarious to attack them, they
may be reinforced in one day’s time. They are continually
reconnoitering the shores and the weather is very uncertain.
I am told the New York Paper saith Admrl. Parker hath taken 5
ships of the line from the French. I think something is the
matter or they must have been here before now. I give over
all hope of their coming to our relief this winter, and it
is a killing thought to me. We shall see more distress this
winter than ever since the war began. The inhabitants of this
Island at present live a miserable life, which you may readily
judge when having the refuse of three kingdoms and thirteen
States amongst them. Plundering and rapine increaseth at no
small rate. I am tired of this business, it gives me a deal
of trouble, especially when disappointments happen. Could not
consent to be any longer an assistant if I was not almost an
Enthusiast for our success.--I am perfectly acquainted with a
full year’s anxiety, which no one can scarcely have an idea
of but those that experience, and not long since there was
not the breadth of your finger betwixt me and death--but so
long as I reside here my faithful endeavours shall never be
wanting. 725 loudly complains of his fatigue and declares he
will not come so often. Should the enemy be stationed here this
winter it will be very dangerous for him to come. You say you
will take all the pains possible to secure Coll. Floyd and Mr.
Seaton’s goods. I hope they may be saved and the public get the
benefit. I have no love for Coll. Floyd nor for no Tory under
Heaven, but in my present situation am obliged to cultivate
his friendship, and for that reason dare not mention to him
what you purposed. I do not doubt he would be glad to hear it
and perhaps keep it entirely secret for his own interest, but
yet he would view me with an Evil Eye. I have not as yet heard
of 725 arrival but as the weather is now favorable expect him
this night, and shall expect his return on the 20th Instant,
when shall hope to be ready for him, and shall if no accident
hath befallen C. Jur. hope to see him soon. And in the interim
remain your most obt. H. Servt.
“SAML. CULLPER.”[69]
(121) _British counterfeiting money._
“No. 14 NEW YORK, 27th Nov. 1779.
“_Sir._ It is now said by the most knowing ones that a
considerable part of the Army is to go to Georgia as soon as it
is known that D’Estaing has left the Coast, and some think that
several Regiments will be sent to the West Indies. Charlestown
is fixed on as the grand object this campaign and winter.