of the Army in Georgia. It has been repeated some time past
that Parker has taken seven sail of French Men of War in the
West Indies, and on Friday an account was brought by a Cartel
from Boston that there had been an engagement between the grand
Fleets in the Channel, in which the combined fleets of France
and Spain were defeated with the loss of .. ships sunk and
taken. The former account is now thought premature, and the
latter improbable, as it is said to have happened on the 2d. of
September and the packet left Falmouth the 7th, and brings no
such account.
“The Tories are extremely anxious for the fate of the British
Fleet. They think that the success of the contest depends
entirely on it. They have hopes that England will be able to
form some alliance this winter, which will enable them to carry
on the War here another campaign, which they flatter themselves
will end in their favour, as they think America will not be
able to keep an Army together another campaign. Truth reasons
that their currency will be entirely depreciated, and that
there will not be provision in the country to supply an Army
another campaign. That of the currency I am afraid will prove
true, as they are indefatigable in increasing the quantity
of it. Several reams of the paper made for the last emission
struck by Congress have been procured from Philadelphia. I have
taken much pains to find out some of those concerned, but could
not accomplish it. But that there is such paper brought in you
may depend on as a fact. A large ship was sent into the Hook
yesterday but it is not known where she is from. The Men of
War at the Hook have taken in water for several months and on
Friday the Admiral went down with all his baggage. A Fleet for
Cork and a number of vessels for England will sail in a few
days, some of which are loaded with valuable cargoes. However,
some think that they will not sail till D’Estaing has left the
Coast, or till there is some arrival from England. Privateering
is now almost over, not more than six now out and few fitting.
There has not any prizes of value arrived for some time past.
“I am, Your humble Servt.
“SAML. CULPER, JUNR.”
(122) _Woodhull would kill Simcoe._
“No. 30 729 December 12, 1779.
“_Sir_: Inclosed you have a blank just come to hand from C.
Junr., which I conclude contains some important intelligence,
and as this is the appointed night, and very good hope it will
soon reach your hands. On Monday last the Foraging Party left
us, after collecting the Forage in general as far Eastward
as this township extends, some from South Hold and South
Hampton. The Forage collected in this county is all carried
to Huntington; and are as fast as possible sending it to N.
York. As soon as they get it all from that place the enemy will
most certainly leave there, except the Garrison on Lloyd’s
Neck. We are not a little comforted after our distress, with
the pleasing hope that the Enemy will not trouble us any
farther this winter, and glad our correspondence will not be
interrepted or subject to greater danger than usual. The said
misfortune attending our endeavours to the Southward hath
greatly lifted up our Enemies and dejected our friends, and
deeply affected me and allmost ready to conclude that the day
of our deliverance is farther distant than we ever glanced a
thought, and that all the Carolinas will fall into their hands,
as is most certain a large embarcation destined for Charles
Town is about to take place, and believe Clinton will go
himself. But yet hope such measures will be adopted that they
may be spaird and protected. Culper Junior is entirely out of
the Counterpart, and unable to read any future blanks that may
come. Don’t fail to forward it next opportunity, and we cannot
get any person to run the risk written with common ink. C. Jur.
is to be with me on the 25th, hope if the weather is favorable
you will incline to come as we greatly desire to see you. We
would gladly if possible meet you half way. I have the pleasure
to inform you my fears are much abated since the troops have
been with us. Their approach was like death to me. Did not
know wether to stand or fall. Had they been the Queens Rangers
or legion should have been with you before now. Were I now in
the State of New Jersey without fear of Law or Gospel would
certainly 344 Gqm. Ucngqi for his usage to me. I have nothing
further to say at present, and am
“Yours sincerely,
“SAML. CULPER.”
(123) _British sail for Charleston._
“No. 17 729 Dec. 27th, 1779.
“_Sir_, In my last I informed you that a considerable number of
the enemy were under orders for Embarkation. The number does
not exceed seven thousand. I have now to inform you that they
have all Embarked, and part of the Transports fell down to the
Hook a few days ago. They were to sail the 26th Inst. under
Convoy of the Russel, Robust, Europa, Defiance, Raisonable,
Roebuck, Renown, Romulus & Perseus. Genl. Clinton goes in the
Romulus. The time that it will necessarily take for this to
get to hand makes it almost useless to inform you that they
are positively going to Charlestown. Governor Martin with a
considerable number of North Carolina Refugees, and all the
Officers who have been on furloe from Georgia, goes with the
expedition. Five vessels are loaded with ordnance stores, and
they have taken fifty chests of Arms for the purpose of arming
the Tory’s and Negroes. It is said that they are to act on
a very different plan from what they formerly have, i.e. to
settle the Country as they Conquer it, by securing all those
whom they may suppose dangerous; and to give the most noted
Tory’s a considerable command. It is said that Clinton will
go home immediately after taking possession of Charlestown,
and leave the command to Lord Cornwallis. The most sanguine
of the Tory’s flatter themselves that the British army will
be in possession of both the Carolinas May next. I sincerely
hope that such measures will be taken as may disappoint
their expectations, even to the taking of Charlestown. If
the Garrison destin’d to defend it will have a Retrospect to
Georgia, and immitate them I think they may hold it. Clinton
will make a vigorous push for it, for I believe he thinks that
it is necessary to do something to distinguish himself before
he returns to England.
“The Garrison at New-York is left under the command of Tryon &
Knyphausen. It is now entirely out of wood, and can get none
but what they bring from a considerable distance by land. A
considerable number of teams are ordered from Queens County to
Brooklyn Ferry, each to carry a load of wood, and to continue
there for six days to cart wood from the nearest wood land for
the use of the Army. If the creeks continue shut any time,
the inhabitants will be greatly distressed for the want of
fuel. The Markets are well supply’d with fresh provisions of
every kind, and will continue so while there is any cattle in
Connecticut & New Jersey. A considerable number of cattle and
other provisions is daily brought over from Connecticut to
the East end of Long Island, and from thence conveyed to New
York; and there has ever been regular supplies from Shrewsbury,
Middletown, and every other part of East Jersey. It is almost
needless to mention Kings Bridge, for it has been, and ever
will be a practice to get supplies in that way.
“No arrivals since my last, and none from Europe since the
September Packet. The Fleet for Europe, consisting of near one
hundred sail, sailed from Sandy Hook the 23d Inst. under convoy
of the Solebay & Lioness, Frigates.
“The expense of conveying letters obliges me to request that
you will send me Twenty Guineas pr. next conveyance. I am now
entirely out of the Counterpart of the Stain.
“I am, Yours, &c &c.
“SAML. CULPER, JUN.”
(124) _Prison ship set on fire._
“729 374 eg 1780.
“724 returned from 727 last night with a blank for 711 which I
have inclosed and forwarded, together with the Newspapers. The
papers declare the willful burning of the Prison Ship by one
Woodberry of Connecticut, on the 5th inst. No account of Sir
H. Clinton yet. Verbal accounts sent me from a person thats
had the perusal of the English papers say the debates run much
higher than ever, some having fought duels. Lord Charles
Gorden declared in the Parliament he had in Scotland 150
thousand men ready to take vengeance on the present ministry.
Hope it may be true.
“SAML. CULPER.”
(125) _Robinson quotes Rivington._
_Esteemed Friend._
I enclose for the amusement of yourself, our friend Wistar &c
three New York Papers--Yesterday about Forty transports full of
Troops, sailed up the North River, and at three in the morning
the troops at Elizabeth Town moved out, when there was an
abundance of firing, which continued till ten. It is supposed
that those in transports are designed to take possession of
the strong country above, and that the movement from Elizabeth
was intended to draw off the attention of the Rebels--I was
just now informed by _Rivington_ that the troops returned to
Elizabeth Town last evening--but there is yet no account from
them.
The _Rebels_ affect to console themselves for the loss of
Charlestown, by attributing it to the want of Provisions--this
indeed gives the affair a better appearance than if it had
been timidly surrendered amidst a plentiful supply of every
thing necessary for its defence, and I find their well wishers
here are somewhat comforted by this circumstance, and say
that had the garrison been properly supplied they would have
laughed at all the efforts that Clinton could have made against
them--so strong by nature and well fortified by art, was that
Capital--and people who were there say that no deficiency of
skill or courage appeared in the besieged. Its fall they say
must be attributed to some fatality which prevented their
being properly furnished with Provisions. Ten days before the
Capitulation the Garrison and Inhabitants had nothing but Rice,
and on the 12th of May there was only two days allowance of
that left. The Rebel officers are outrageous against their
Commisary, and say he will be hanged. When they reckoned upon
three months provisions there was only twenty days in store.
The malcontents build great hopes upon a French Fleet and
Troops that is expected--and indeed _we_ are not clear of
apprehension on that account. They are expected at the
eastward--and as several Flags which have been due for some
time, do not come, we fear they are detained on that account.
My Respects to both families. I am with Esteem,
Your assured Friend,
WM. T. ROBINSON.
June 24th, 1780.
(126) _Code words here freely used._
“729 29 fn 1780.
“_Sir._ I have now to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the
ff Instant--and one of an earlier date, as also eu 230. The 121
I 691 my last before had time to 156 it. Was taken very cmm
with the 73 151, but am now 60, though very 349. My 151 hath
put it out of my power to make any 322 about the 178 in these
476. Genl. 712 hath returned to 727 some 121 ago. The en Regt.
D. is in 729. ei Companies of 309 are at Smith Town. Queens
Rangers and Fannings Regts. are yet East of here, where know
not. The whole number is about 1500. It appears probable they
will continue in these parts some time. Their wanton waste of
the necessities of life (which will occasion people to perish
for want of subsistance unless can be procured elsewhere)
hath given rise to a prevailing opinion that this is the last
visit we shall ever have from them, and that they will leave
727 soon. I was told so when at 727, but could see nothing
that looked like it. There’s the same accounts in 727 from 745
as mentioned in your 356. Hope the flame begun may increase,
and fill with horror all those cursed destroyers of mankind.
The 585 keep up a constant communication with your courts,
and carries large sums of counterfeit paper currency of every
emission and puts it into the hands of Tory’s for to pay their
taxes with. This I do assure from undoubted authority is their
practice. I shall at a more convenient time write you further
on the subject of treachery, and some discoveries that I hope
soon to make. Inclosed you have a blank from C. Jur. just come
to hand, and yours enclosed to him shall be delivered into his
hands on Wednesday next. On the f 616 let 725 cross again. In
the interim am yours sincerl.
“SAML. CULPER.”
(127) _Major Tallmadge deciphers Townsend’s letters._
“BEDFORD, Aug. 28th, 1780.
“_Sir._ I have the Honor to enclose a letter from C. Junr., &
one from Lt. B...r which have just come to hand. I have also
recd. a letter from C... Junr. of which the following is an
extract:
N. Y. Aug. 23d, 1780.
“C. Senr. was in Town & wrote you by the last conveyance. The
present offers nothing material. Clinton seems now preparing
to act on the defensive. He is fortifying on L. I. opposite
Frog’s Point, the Heights of Harlem, & the Island eastward of
Hellgate. However some of our most knowing politicians say that
Rhode Island is still the object, & that he is only waiting
the arrival of three Regts that are expected from Carolina,
and some Hanoverian Troops that are expected some time in
September, and that Arbuthnot is to keep off N. Port till that
time. Others think that this garrison will be put in the best
state of defence & that Arbuthnot will go to the West Indies.
“A fleet of Transports, Victuallers, & some private vessels
under convoy of the Renown, will sail for England in a few
days. The 22d, 76th, Robinsons, and two Hessian Regts, do duty
in Town. Forty two pieces of Cannon are mounted on the Battery.
“C. Senr. will furnish you with the situation of the troops on
Long Island.
“I was obliged to decypher C... Junr. letter, as I was
convinced it referred to the future mode of our correspondence.
After his next arrives, I hope to have no further occasion to
decypher his letters, as I hope by that time our plans will
be finished. After sending several times across the Sound to
open a new communication with Culper Junior, without success,
I have finally referred the whole matter to him, who I expect
will appoint such place and pick on such persons for his
confidential friends, as will best answer our purpose, and
inform me thereof.
“Lt. B...r informs of several boats with Continental Crews,
being along the Sound, which were appointed by Genl. Officers.
Possibly Major Humpreys knows more about this matter. If they
are not wanted on their present duty, one of them would be of
very great service to Lt. B...r. I have the Honor to be, with
great regard, Your Excellency’s most Obedt. Hbl. Sert.
“BENJ. TALLMADGE.”
(128) _Genealogy._
Samuel Townsend and his wife Sarah, parents of Robert Townsend,
_alias_ Culper Junior, had eight children; Solomon, Samuel,
Robert, William, David, Audrey, Sarah, and Phebe. Only the
descendants of his son Solomon have survived to the present day.
* * * * *
SOLOMON,[70] son of Samuel and brother of Robert Townsend, also
had eight children, namely, Hannah, Anne, Mary, Phebe, Samuel,
Jacob, Peter, and Solomon.
* * * * *
_Hannah_, niece of Robert Townsend and daughter of Solomon,
married Isaiah Townsend, of Albany. When he died, February 17,
1838, the merchants met and resolved to close all the stores
and to attend his funeral. She died November 1, 1854. Her
children were Isaiah, Anna, Robert, Franklin, who was Mayor of
Albany in 1850–51, Howard, Frederick, and Mary. Isaiah married
Harriet Townsend, Anna married Henry H. Martin, Robert married
Harriet Monroe, Franklin married Anna King, Howard married
Justina Van Rensselaer, Frederick married Sarah Rathbone, Mary
married General William H. Walker.
* * * * *
_Anna_, niece of Robert Townsend and daughter of Solomon,
married Effingham Lawrence, one-time first judge of the County
of Queens. He was a son of Phebe Townsend, of Orange County,
who in 1764 married Joseph Lawrence. His grandfather, Richard
Lawrence, born in 1691, married Hannah Bowne, daughter of
Samuel Bowne, and granddaughter of John Bowne, of Flushing, and
his great-grandfather was Joseph Lawrence, who in 1690 married
Mary Townley and inherited from his mother a large estate at
Flushing and Little Neck. His great-great-grandfather was
William Lawrence, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard
“Bull” Smith, patentee of Smithtown. The town of Elizabeth, New
Jersey, was so named in honor of this lady. Anna (Townsend)
Lawrence had eight children: Townsend, Lydia, Henry, William,
Effingham, Robert, Mary, and Edward. She died October 11, 1845.
* * * * *
_Mary_, niece of Robert Townsend and daughter of Solomon,
married Edward Holland Nicoll, son of Henry and Elizabeth
(Woodhull) Nicoll, and grandson of General Nathaniel Woodhull.
She was born in 1789 and died in 1849. Her children were:
Henry, born October 23, 1812, and died November 28, 1879; he
married Anna Townsend Thorne, daughter of James and Phebe
(Townsend) Thorne; Solomon Townsend Nicoll, born November 13,
1813, and died December 23, 1865; Edward Holland Nicoll, born
December 25, 1815, died January 26, 1820. Solomon Townsend
Nicoll, above, married Charlotte, daughter of Samuel Benjamin
Nicoll, of Shelter Island. Their children were Annie, DeLancey,
Benjamin, Mary Townsend, Edward Holland, and Charlotte.
DeLancey Nicoll above, the well-known lawyer of New York City,
is therefore a grandson of Robert Townsend’s niece.
* * * * *
_Phebe_, niece of Robert Townsend and daughter of Solomon,
married James Thorne, of Albany. They had children: Sarah,
Anna, Robert, Mary, Edward, John, James, and Martha.
* * * * *
_Samuel_ and _Jacob_ died unmarried.
* * * * *
_Peter S. Townsend_, nephew of Robert Townsend and son of
Solomon, died March 26, 1849. His activities would fill a
volume and are worthy of careful preservation.
* * * * *
_Solomon_, nephew of Robert Townsend and son of Solomon, was
born October 8, 1805, and died April 2, 1880. He resided at
“Raynham Hall,” Oyster Bay, married Helene, daughter of Dr.
Charles Townsend, of Albany, and had six children: Solomon,
Charles, Robert, Maurice, Edward, and Maria.
(129) _S. Culper urges Howell’s imprisonment._
“729 462 ei 1780
“_Sir._ Your favour of the k Instant hath been duly received,
and observe the contents. I am pleased with your intention
of apprehending Aiqlai Bqyim. Pray be active and vigilent
to secure our Country. No man’s character stands in better
light with the Enemy and hath been a particular friend of
Tryon’s. And whilst resided at his native town held a constant
correspondence with Tryon & Coll. Burch. He never faild in his
request for favors when asked for. Could obtain permission for
five hundred pounds worth of goods at one time, when others
could not for fifty. You may rest assured that B. & J. Nwcluqp
are his bosom friends and know his heart. Not long since, B.
Nwcluqp told me he was very uneasy about him. Said he had
been expected back for some time, asked me if I had not heard
nothing about him and desired if possible to enquire after him.
Said this was the second time he had been out in the service of
Government and was afraid he would be found out. He is largely
in debt at 727 and his departure appeared like one fleeing for
refuge but it was all to cloak his villany. Arnolds affair hath
now become an old story, I am sorry for the death of Major
André but better so than to lose the post. He was seeking your
ruin. C. Junr. is now with me and shall refer you to his letter
for intelligence. I was in hopes you might have come and seen
him. I have enclosed you receipt for fifteen Guineas. The other
five pieces were too light and could not be of any service to
me, two of which were Quarter Joes, and have sent them back
again.
“S. CULPER.”
(130) _Bad money is returned to Washington._
“PINE BRIDGE, Oct. 17th, ’80
“_Sir._ I have this moment recd. the enclosed from the C. .s.
As circumstances have since turned out I wish I had met C.
Junr. as mentioned in my last to Your Excellency.
“C. has returned me five of the Guineas which I recd. of your
Excellency at Tappan, for reasons which are mentioned in his
enclosed letter. I will forward them to Hd. Qrs. or otherwise
dispose of them as I may be directed.
“With respect to the person mentioned in C. Senior’s letter, I
really believe he is a very dangerous man among us, and from
the charges adduced against him by C. should suppose he ought
to be apprehended. I am informed he has lately been to Rhode
Island; his business may be guessed at. The person mentioned in
C. Senior’s letter as friends to Aiqlai Bqyim are the brothers
of the person who had a permit from Genl. Parsons to cross
with Lt. Brewster, but has since been prohibited agreeable to
your Excellency’s order through me. I am very confident Genl.
Parsons was much deceived in the man....
“BENJ. TALLMADGE.”
(131) _Woodhull congratulates Tallmadge._
“729 427 fo 1780
“_Dear Sir._ I congratulate you on your success within the
bounds of 729. The burning the forage is agreeable to me
and must hurt the enemy much. It cannot be replaced and was
what I advised 725 to do some time ago but was opposed by a
person of some consequence in this place and so gave up the
matter. In order to continue your success and endeavours I
rode yesterday above sixty miles, and now can inform you
that the 17th Dragoons at Hemstead, about 200 grenadiers at
Newtown, 1000 Hessians at Flushing. Some few at Jamaica, 900
Yeagers and Anspach Germans cantoned from Herrick along the
north side of Hempstead Plains and some to Oyster Bay. About
sixty occupies the fort at the last mentioned place, about 200
consisting of Ludloes. A Major Coldens Volunteers at Lloyd’s
Neck. There about 50 Refugees at and about Tredles farme near
Smiths Town possess a small fort, two field pieces, but are
under no command each man thinks himself equal to their Capt.
Luke, and are disagreeing continually. Good judges say they can
be taken at any time with ease and is thought they will leave
that quarter soon, if they should not be attacked. The woods
afford a cover almost to their works. Last week the enemy lost
a Frigate going through Helgate bound to the fleet at this east
end, and sunk immediately. To serve you I purpose if possible
to ride the circuit of these lines and return on the 20th day
of December, at which time let 725 cross again. Perhaps you may
think the time long but cannot well be sooner. If you should
think proper to send him about the 10th it will be agreeable
and will write you all I can. Perhaps may hear something of
importance, or you may wish to give me some instructions
which is ever agreeable. I have had but a few minutes to write
and please excuse the imperfections you may discover. The
intelligence is the best concerning the enemy and am
“Yours Sincerely,
“SAML. CULPER.”
(132) _Culper Senior pleads for Samuel Townsend._
SETAUKET, Feby. 8th, 1781.