much importance to communicate--The English Fleet of Transports
and Merchantmen of about seventy sail left Sandy Hook about the
middle of last week--A private ship arrived from England on
Friday last, with the king’s speech (see the papers enclosed)
and an account of Admiral Darby with thirty four sail of the
line being in sight of the combined fleets consisting of fifty
sail--The Enemies papers gives a large account of Arnold’s
success in Virginia but is not fully believed. Genl. Clinton
is said to be dissatisfied with Arnolds conduct--we have
nothing from the Carolinas or any other quarter worthy of
notice. The prisoners are used very hard, numbers are confined
in the Dungeons, and condemned rooms supported only on bread
and water. In particular one Mr. Saml. Townsend, said to be
one of your Commissary’s, who suffers beyond expression. I
can say but little about the situation of the army. The 17th
Dragoons is at Hempstead, Coll. Ludlow’s Regt. of DeLancey’s
Brigade and the Jersey Volunteers is at Lloyd’s Neck. A very
considerable part of the Yaugers and Anspack Regiments are
cantoned from Oyster Bay to Herricks--Three Battallions of
Hessian Grenadeers are cantoned from Jamaica to Flushing, and
think the 37th Regiment is also at Flushing. All the grenadeers
and infantry are cantoned at Bedford and Newtown--the 17th
of Foot is at Flatbush. There’s one Battallion of Hessian
Grenadeers on York Island near Kings Bridge which is all I
can say with any certainty. To conclude, the Enemy expect a
large French Fleet in the Spring--and their spirits are very
low--The principal inhabitants that are most obnoxious to you
still continue to offer their property to sale. It appears
to me that we need not doubt of success, and that it is not
far distant--But, nevertheless must urge you to be vigilent
and active. In particular be watchful of the Enemies among
you who are daily forwarding supplies to the Enemy. I could
mention numbers that I know are guilty and many circumstances
that might detect others but am fearful it would lead to a
discovery. At all hazards, I will mention one Robert Bown, of
Shrewsbury in Jersey that I assure you keeps up a connection
with the Refugees and hath frequently had them at his house. I
have given you such information as this repeatedly but could
never hear you made any use of it. It was not long ago that I
declared to you of a certain person being in your lines and
in the Enemy’s service, and but a few days ago he found his
way into New York and waited on the Commander in Chief. It is
now a full year that I have supported this correspondence and
have forwarded frequent dispatches--and the expenses incurred
amounts to one hundred and seven pounds eighteen shillings, and
all I have received is 29 Guineas. The balance is due me and
in want thereof, wish it could be forwarded soon. Agreeable to
your request hope shall soon be able to place a person at 727
as heretofore, and am yours sincerely,
SAML. CULPER.
(133) _Brewster captures boat and crew._
FAIRFIELD, February 14, 1781.
_Sir._ My appointment on the 6th Inst. was frustrated until
the 9th by bad weather, when I crossed and from information
found I would not accomplish my business without endangering
particular persons, as there were numerous crews of Reffugees
scattered in the town, which made it impossible for me to
see the person I wished. I thought it most prudent to return
immediately, and take with me an additional boat when I
crossed again, both for my own safety, and to annoy them if
they fell in my way. On the 12th, at night I crossed again
with three boats, and affected my purpose, and on the morning
following just as we were embarking to return I discovered a
boat rowing from the eastward. I lay concealed till she came
opposite to me when I detached one of my boats in pursuit; she
discovering our strength immediately came on shore and proved
to be a cruising refugee boat carrying eight men, a list of
their names and character I have the honor to enclose to your
Excellency. The interest of my country induces me to inform
your Excellency that there is a constant communication kept up
for trade and intelligence by the enemy boats, bringing over
goods and taking provisions in return, and in such force that
renders it impossible and many times makes it dangerous to
transact my business with my present command. An addition of
one or two boats will make my appointments certain, and when
not on command should be able to keep the coast clear from any
enterprise they would form. I am with Respect your Excellency’s
most Humble Servant,
CALEB BREWSTER.
Joseph Easton Trowbridge, Capt. of the Boat. Henry Gibbs,
Benjamin Prescott: These three are from New Haven and have
been condemned to the mines for illicit trade but broke goal.
James Smith, Capt. of the Kings Militia Volunteers. From the
Block House on Tredwells Banks are Thomas Davis, Thomas Wilson,
Christopher Young, Job Mosier. The above prisoners I have sent
to your Excellency under a Couporal and six men and would wish
your Excellencys directions with the boat, apparel and arms.
CALEB BREWSTER.
(134) _Gen. Parsons wants Brush and Conklin released._
CAMP HIGHLAND, 17 Feb. 1781.
_Dear General._ Last night six prisoners were brought to
the Provost Guard in Fishkill, who belonged to the State of
Connecticut. Three of them viz. Jos Easton Trowbridge, Henry
Gibbs and Benjamin Prescott were sentenced last October to be
confined in Symsbury Mines Eighteen Months. The two former
escaped on their way and joined the enemy. Prescott, a brother
in law to Roger Sherman Esq. made interest through his brother
for a pardon, which he obtained and immediately fled to New
York. One Willson, one of the number, has been guilty of
putting of very large sums of Counterfeit money which I am able
to prove against him but he has had no trial.
Major Brush and Capt. Conklin have been long confined in the
Provost in New York and there appears very little prospect
of their consenting to exchange them unless some characters
of repute with them are given for them--these gentlemen are
persons who deserve the attention of every Friend to his
Country, and I am enclined to believe Smith, who is a Captain
of their Militia and Trowbridge who has a commission for one of
their Whale boats would be acceptable to them: If they may be
offered for these two men, who are confined in a most vigorous
manner and have long suffered in confinement, your Excellency
will relieve the Distress of two numerous families suffering
greatly by the absence of these gentlemen. I am sir, Yr. most
Obedt. Servt.
SAM H. PARSONS.
(135) _Townsend back in New York._
“729 374 the eo 1781.
“_Sir._ Your several favours of the fo of 215 and of the ee
instant have been received and observe the contents. I have
but little to communicate at this time. Genl. Phillips hath
embarked some days ago with all the infantry, the Seventy-Six
Regiment and two German Regiments. The whole said to amount
to sixteen hundred men, generally believed are bound to the
assistance of Arnold. They had not sailed last Thursday and
am of opinion they will not go. They certainly have not a
sufficient convoy. A few days past a small boat arrived from
Arnold in forty eight hours but nothing could be learned from
her. There’s nothing from any other quarter, save Britain
declaring war against the United States of Holland and their
taking St. Estutias and one hundred and sixty sail of ships.
See the papers inclosed. The enemy are very low on the same
account. I think they must make peace shortly. The Memorial
of Prussia mentioned in the News Paper is not thought to
be genuine here. C. Jur. is again in 727 and entering into
business as heretofore and you may soon I hope receive his
dispatches. And remain your very Humbl. Servt.
“SAML CULPER.”
(136) _Woodhull reports a visit from Culper Junior._
SETAUKET, April 23d, 1781.
_Sir._ Inclosed I send you the report of a faithful person that
I employed a few days past to visit the several places therein
mentioned, and think you may place much confidence therein. I
do assure you it’s more than I could possibly do. The number
of men at Lloyd’s Neck is certainly not more than 500 nor less
than 400 fighting men. There’s of the Yagers and Anspach Regt.
about 800 cantoned from Oysterbay to Herrick’s. Sometimes a
picket is at Dosons. I think some of them might be taken. I
have made further enquire about the embarcation under General
Phillips and am assured that better information respecting him
cannot be procured than what have transmitted. The enemy on the
Island to all appearance rest as easy as if they had no enemies
to fear. Hope you may disturb them ere long.
A few days past I had a visit from C. Junr. and am sorry to
inform you that he will not write any more on any account
whatever. And as yet neither of us can think of a suitable
person to establish. Yet nevertheless shall when receive
your determination as proposed further endeavour. If should
fail shall be exceedingly sorry. I can always procure verbal
accounts from C. Junr. and other persons of good observation
similar to the present, but it cannot be done without expense.
A few days past a Spy left Rhode Island and went to New York
in as much haste as perhaps ever any person traveled. Having
nothing further to say at present I remain yours Sincerely,
SAMUEL CULPER.
The person that procured the enclosed knows not the smallest
link in our chain if need should require I mean to employ him
at times knowing him to be capable, and much used to armies and
fortifications.
(137) _Woodhull finds no one will write from New York._
May 8.
_Sir._ Your favor of the 28th of April is before me and observe
the contents. Agreeable to your request I immediately repaired
to New York and have done all that in me lay to engage a proper
person, but have failed as no one will write on any account. I
can only obtain verbal accounts for you and that but seldom,
as the enemy have lately been made to believe that a line of
intelligence is supported here. They are jealous of every
person that they may see from this part. I have received from
you three English and seven French Guineas, the former have
placed to your credit, the latter have returned, they being not
permitted to pass and consequently are of no use to me.
You may now see the following intelligence. The latest accounts
from Europe says that the Dutch have not declared war against
Great Britain, but as one of the neutral powers have referred
their situation to the Congress, sitting at Petersburgh, which
is looked upon here as great wisdom and will soon be productive
of peace. The British when I left New York consisted of 7
ships of the line, 2 of 50 and 4 of 44 Guns, and two or three
smaller Ships, which on their arrival landed 7 or 800 sick
and wounded, and have replaced them again with negroes, boys,
carmen, fishermen--never was so warm a press in America before.
Gentlemen’s servants going to market did not escape. The fleet
have laid down Staten Island, and were to sail yesterday,
supposed to cruise of the Capes of Virginia. The following
regiments have embarked and are under orders for embarcation
and said to be bound to Virginia. Regiment of Anspach, the 43d
and 17th Dragoons and Infantry of the same; the remainder of
the 76th and 80th. The whole Culper Junior says will amount to
2000 men and not more than 4000 will be left in Garrison. It
is a matter of surprise that they will leave the Garrison so
weak and gives reason to believe that some troops are expected
from Europe, or that they are going to make some attack near
at hand. It is reported the French Army are about marching
westward, if they should the enemy will not leave New York on
their expedition. I have directed 725 to cross again on the
tenth inst. I am yours, &c.
SAML. CULPER.
P. S. All hands agree that the Capt. of the Confederacy gave
his ship away. The Crew have all been taken on board the
British Fleet against their will. It is the opinion of some
that ⅓ of the men on board the fleet had rather fight against
them.
(138) _British march troops towards N. Y. then back again._
SETAUKET, May 27th, 1781.
_Sir._ Your favour of the 13th instant hath come to hand, and
note the contents--I have proposed the affair to the person
mentioned in your last but can only send him down at times,
he cannot reside there at present, and cannot procure any
person as yet to do it. Austin Roe hath just returned from New
York but brings nothing material. Pensacola is taken by the
Spaniards and there’s a fleet preparing to sail for Europe,
probably will be ready in about ten days, their said to be
conveyed by five ships of war. The troops were all ordered
to leave Long Island a few days past but before they got to
Brooklyn were ordered to return to their quarters again.
What this maneuver was for cannot say. It is reported that
the second division of French have arrived at Boston. You
desired to know the state of the enemy at Kingsbridge. I have
directed an enquirie. They’re most certainly very weak there.
But I think you cannot surprise them and were you to make any
movement there you may depend they could move their whole force
there in twelve hours. Their regular troops certainly doth not
much exceed four thousand. And I am assured that the Militia
and others that they could muster on an emergency would amount
to five thousand more, some say six.
I have forwarded the papers regular and have expended the ten
guineas. A few days past several men from New Haven were at
Setauket. Two of them were named Thompson and Brother. Further
cannot describe. They brought on Shoes and Flour and other
necessaries of life. There’s a person been to New York this
week, I suppose you are not unacquainted with his errand. Hope
he hath rendered a good account. I am in haste. And remain your
very humble servant,
SAML. CULPER.
General Phillips is dead and General Robinson, commonly called
Jimmy, goes to take the command in Virginia.
(139) _Stephen Smith shoots up Port Jefferson._[71]
SETAUKET, June 4th, 1781.
_Dear Sir._ Your favour of the 23d of May is just come to
hand--together with five Guineas. Austin Roe hath just returned
from New York but brings very little intelligence. He says all
is silence and no kind of movement about to take place. Admiral
Arbuthnot is off Sandy Hook. And the Fleet for Europe mentioned
in my last are in number near one hundred and are about to
sail. The Confederacy is one of their Convoys. Further cannot
say. The Enemy are much alarmed at so large a French Fleet
arriving in the West Indies. See the papers forwarded with the
Magazine. We think here that a peace must shortly take place.
A few days past a number of men commanded by one Stephen Smith
a Deserter from Coll. Ludloe’s Regiment, much abused and
plundered several houses at a place caled Drowned Meadow; broke
their windows, fired into their houses, whipped and threatened
both old and young. The like hath happened on the South Side of
Long Island and eighteen out of forty two, by thirty men under
the command of one Henry Nicol, were made prisoners. We live
in daily fear of death and destruction. This added to my usual
anxiety hath almost unmanned me. I must now (as painful as it
is to me) disappoint your expectations, and out of my power to
avoid if matters were ever so secure on my part which is the
reverse. I dare not visit New York myself and those that have
been employed will serve no longer, through fear. I am fully
persuaded by various circumstances and observation that have
made from time to time, that if it were in my power to continue
it regular without any interval, should shortly be devoted to
ruin, and it appears clear to me that it would be presumption
to take one step further at present--And could not expect that
protection from Heaven that have hitherto enjoyed. You must
acknowledge and readily conclude that have done all that I
could, and stood by you when others have failed, and have not
left you in the darkest hour but when our affairs appear as
clear as the Sun in the Heavens, and promiseth a speedy and
I hope a happy conclusion. Inclosed you have an account of
transports as requested and should be exceedingly happy to see
you. And in the Interum wishing you health and prosperity I
remain your ever mindful and Humble Servant,
SAMUEL CULPER.
(140) _Woodhull explains how Robert Townsend used British uniform._
_Sir._ Your favour was handed me some days past requesting
some information relative to the Enemy. My circumstances would
not admit me to undertake to visit the several quarters of the
Enemy. I therefore dispached one of the usual carriers with the
contents of your letter to our esteemed friends at ---- and
their return is as follows: Lloyd’s Neck is supposed to be in a
weak condition, is commanded by Major Hubbel, their number doth
not exceed two hundred men, without discipline and off their
guard and daily decreasing. They subsist entirely by trading
to your shore. Their protection by water is a Brig, Sloop and
Gaily. At Success one mile or two from Herricks north side of
Hempstead Plains Coll. Murray’s Horse, two Regiments of Yagers
and Anspach in the whole about one thousand men. Encamped near
Brooklyn Church Coll. Ludloe’s Regt. at Flatbush. That’s all
can say with any precision with respect to Long Island. At
York Island they are encamped from the City to the Bridge, and
fortifying on the banks of the River near the City, and it is
expected they will contract their lines and only attempt to
defend a part of York Island near the town if they should be
attacked. They have a number of ships ready to sink in the
River if an Enemy should appear. There’s only two ships of any
consequence in the Harbor, the Lion and Centurion. Their design
appears only to act on the defensive and be as little expense
to the Crown as possible. God grant their time may be short for
we have much reason to fear within their lines that Carleton’s
finger will be heavier than Clinton’s Thigh. He’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 Officers doors Soldier like. I
believe the overturne and regulations that he hath made here
was only to promote his favorites, and burden the inhabitants.
I cannot be assured that they have sold any horses belonging
to the Crown as yet, although it hath been reported so here
fifty times. We have no accounts from Europe or West Indies
lately. Many say the troops from Charlestown are expected at
New York and that they have actually left St Augustine and
Georgia. I am sorry to see trade flourish as it doth, Never
was such an intercourse with your shore before. I believe not
one day or scarcely an hour but live stock and produce of all
kinds are landed on Long Island on vessels pushing into the
Enemy’s posts. Capt. William Davidson of Milford is now selling
a cargo at New York. Could mention numbers but forbear. Many
that are called first characters with you are concerned in
it. Most of our friends are encouraging it here and supplying
them with goods. To prevent which I could earnestly advise the
State of New York to issue a proclamation, declaring all within
these lines Enemies to their country who shall procure any
merchandise whatever from New York more than for their families
use. I have not a doubt but something of this kind would do
much service. I am convinced that if some measures are not
taken to prevent it will be of bad consequence and occasion
bloodshed on your shore, which hope may be prevented by some
speedy measures. Wishing you Health and Success I remain your
Humble Servt.
SAMUEL CULPER.
(141) _Tallmadge’s request to be first to officially enter New York._
“GREENFIELD, March 31st, 1783.
“_Sir._ I had the honor to write Your Excellency on the
29th inst. on which day I crossed to Long Island as then
proposed, from whence I have just returned. From every enquiry
& a variety of information, it appears to be reduced to a
certainty that a general peace has been concluded on in Europe,
an authenticated account of which great event I hope Your
Excellency has received before this time.
“I saw several of my old correspondents from New York, who
inform that although official information respecting a Peace
had not yet reached N. Y. yet preparations were making for the
Garrison to be ready to leave that place. They inform that a
considerable number of the Loyalists are about setting off for
Nova Scotia; that the foreign troops are preparing to embark
as they are to sail first if there should not be transports
enough to remove the whole & in that case the British Troops
will remove on to Staten Island. They are in expectation of
Transports from Europe, as they have only about eighty for that
service at New York.
“From the present auspicious appearance of our public affairs
and from a persuasion that the American Troops will soon be in
possession of New York, I have to request that Your Excellency
would be pleased to suffer me, with my detachment, to be among
the first who may go into the City. I have many reasons for
making this early request but the principal argument which I
would offer, and which I am conscious will have due weight in
Your Excellency’s breast, is that particular attention may be
paid to certain Characters in New York, who have served us very
essentially, and who may other ways be treated amiss. It is a
favor which they will by all means expect, and some of them
will not wish to have the nature of their services divulged....
“BENJ. TALLMADGE.”
(142) _VALENTINE From Lieutenant-Colonel J. G. Simcoe to Miss Sarah
Townsend; written and delivered at Oyster Bay, L. I. St. Valentine’s
day 1779_:--
Fairest Maid where all are fair,
Beauty’s pride and Nature’s care;
To you my heart I must resign;
O choose me for your Valentine!
Love, Mighty God! thou know’st full well,
Where all thy Mother’s graces dwell,
Where they inhabit and combine
To fix thy power with spells divine;
Thou know’st what powerful magick lies
Within the round of Sarah’s eyes,
Or darted thence like lightning fires,
And Heaven’s own joys around inspires;
Thou know’st my heart will always prove
The shrine of pure unchanging love!
Say; awful God! since to thy throne
Two ways that lead are only known--
Here gay Variety presides,
And many a youthful circle guides
Through paths where lilies, roses sweet,
Bloom and decay beneath their feet;
Here constancy with sober mien
Regardless of the flowery Scene
With Myrtle crowned that never fades,
In silence seeks the Cypress Shades,
Or fixed near Contemplation’s cell,
Chief with the Muses loves to dwell,
Leads those who inward feel and burn
And often clasp the abandon’d urn,--
Say, awful God! did’st thou not prove
My heart was formed for Constant love?
Thou saw’st me once on every plain
To Delia pour the artless strain--
Thou wept’sd her death and bad’st me change
My happier days no more to range
O’er hill, o’er dale, in sweet Employ,
Of singing Delia, Nature’s joy;
Thou bad’st me change the pastoral scene
Forget my Crook; with haughty mien
To raise the iron Spear of War,
Victim of Grief and deep Despair:
Say, must I all my joys forego
And still maintain this outward show?
Say, shall this breast that’s pained to feel
Be ever clad in horrid steel?
Nor swell with other joys than those
Of conquest o’er unworthy foes?
Shall no fair maid with equal fire
Awake the flames of soft desire;
My bosom born, for transport, burn
And raise my thoughts from Delia’s urn?
“Fond Youth,” the God of Love replies,
“Your answer take from Sarah’s eyes.”
An incident in the lives of the secret service men is detailed in Major
Tallmadge’s letter, dated Greenfield, Feb. 21, 1783, and addressed to
General Washington. Major Tallmadge says:
I am happy in having occasion to congratulate your Excellency
on the success which attended a part of my detachment yesterday
in capturing one of the Enemy’s armed Vessels on the Sound.
In my letter of the 20th ulto. I had the honor to inform your
Excellency that an attempt had been made to board one of
the Enemy’s Gallies; since which, for some reason, she has
been hauled up at Huntington and her Crew has left her. The
detection of many boats belonging to this shore, has induced
the enemy to employ their armed vessels in the Trade. Several
loads of fat Beaves have been taken from this shore under cover
of their guns.