Chapter IV: Part 4

It is regrettable that at this critical period several of the most important letters were not preserved or have been lost. But it is fortunate that enough remains to clearly indicate the purport of the missing documents. It was three days before the above letter from Headquarters in Bergen County reached Major Tallmadge at Cortlandt’s Manor. Then promptly on July 14th, 1780, he addressed General Washington, saying:

“Your Excellency’s favour of the 11th inst. has just come to
hand; That the instructions therein contained may be faithfully
executed, I shall set out tomorrow morning for Fairfield, where
I will endeavour to put matters on such a footing, (which by
omission have in some measure got deranged) as may answer your
Excellency’s expectations. I would at the same time hint that
by Cr’s last letter, we are something in arrears to him, and
in order to enable him to prosecute the business, it may be
necessary to afford him a small supply of money.”

Tallmadge succeeded in finding Caleb Brewster, who promptly started across the Sound with messages for Abraham Woodhull and Robert Townsend. None of them yet knew that the British reinforcements under Admiral Graves were at that moment arriving in New York. Brewster found Woodhull ill, but Austin Roe was located and hastened off on the best obtainable steed to New York City. Had he gone slower he might have been overtaken by a British spy who on that day traveled the same road, carrying from East Hampton the news that a French fleet was off Rhode Island. In New York Roe was kept waiting whilst Townsend collected the news. To him it seemed the most important yet transmitted. He was never more fearful of discovery. Efforts were being made to detain everyone who might carry any information. Fortunately he still had a limited supply of the stain but to conceal these apparently blank sheets in a package of heavy goods as was the usual method would delay by perhaps a day the delivery of the message to headquarters. A happy thought suggested itself to Townsend. Colonel Benjamin Floyd, a British subject, had recently been robbed of many articles and was now obliged to make new purchases. A letter directed to him would attract no suspicion and its contents would account for the messenger returning apparently empty handed. Here is his note, which of course was to be delivered to Woodhull and not to Floyd:

“NEW YORK, July 20th, 1780.

_Sir_, I recd your favor by [Mr. Roe, crossed out but still
readable] and note the contents. The articles you want cannot
be procured, as soon as they can will send them. I am, Your
humble Servant,

SAMUEL CULPER.

Col. Floyd.”

_See page 83._
]

As soon as the letters were ready Roe started back[20] and reached Woodhull in time to get the messages across the Sound that same evening. With them Woodhull sent what is probably the shortest and most exciting message he ever wrote. It reads:

“_Sir._ The enclosed requires your immediate departure this day
by all means let not an hour pass: for this day must not be
lost. You have news of the greatest consequence perhaps that
ever happened to your country. John Bolton must order your
returne when he thinks proper.

“S. C.”

Besides the stain letter Woodhull enclosed with the above one of his own, from information that Roe was able to communicate. It reads:

“Your letter came to hand and found me very ill with a fever,
and still continues. All that I could do was to send Austin
Roe with directions, who returned this day in great haste with
the enclosed dispatches from Culper Junior. Also assures of
the arrival of Admiral Graves with six ships of the line and
is joined by three more out of New York, also one of 50 and
two of 40 guns and has sailed for Rhode Island and is supposed
they will be there before this can possibly reach you. Also
8000 Troops are this day embarking at Whitestone for the before
mentioned port. I am told for certain that the French have only
seven sail of the line. I greatly fear their destination. We
hourly expect a number of the enemy in this quarter, for what
end I know not. You must excuse all imperfections at this time
on the account of my before mentioned fever. Nevertheless you
have perhaps all the needful--and pray for your success and
exercions. And am yours sincerely,

“SAML. CULPER.”

_See page 84._
]

There being some question about finding Tallmadge at that moment Woodhull crossed John Bolton’s name from one of the letters and probably Brewster found a man to carry it directly to Headquarters, where it was received by Alexander Hamilton before 4 p. m. July 21st. As General Washington was not there Hamilton sent the news by a special messenger to General Lafayette, then on his way to Newport.[21] Likewise Major Tallmadge, as soon as the news reached him sent the information to General Washington and also to Generals Robert Howe and William Heath. General Washington later, upon studying the details, figuratively sharpened his quill pens and with them accomplished more than might have been possible at that moment with the sword. Hours went by, in fact several days, for the British transports were slow in arriving at Frog’s Neck, but they were fairly on their way to Newport when a man whom none could suspect, left at the British outpost a package that he claimed he had picked up along the road. It was found to be the details of General Washington’s plan of attack on New York. Already it was time for the American forces to strike the blow--they might be expected at any moment. The British signal fires were lighted,[22] and promptly came sailing back the fleet. A few days later as an excuse for the affair, in a letter to Lord George Germain Sir Henry Clinton said: “Washington must have learned that my armament had not proceeded to Rhode Island. He (I apprehend in consequence of this) re-crossed the river, and is now near Orange-town”. But in fact General Washington was not prepared to attack New York at that time and had no intention of doing so. In Sir Henry Clinton’s letter he says:

“On the 18th, by a courier from the east end of Long Island,
the first intelligence was received of the arrival, on the
10th, of the French off Rhode-Island, which I transmitted
immediately to Admiral Arbuthnot.

“In the hope that I might yet be in time to undertake something
offensive against the enemy, either by a land attack solely,
or, if the Admiral should have found it advisable, a joint
attempt with the fleet, I determined as speedily as possible to
put a body of troops afloat in the Sound, ready for operation
to the eastward, if further information should warrant it, and
not too distant to return rapidly, and act against the rebel
army, should they, in my absence, form an enterprize against
these posts.

“Many causes conspired to retard the arrival of transports at
Frog’s-neck, from which place my embarkation was only effected
the 27th. During this time all hopes of success from a coup de
main were of course wafted away.

“The Camilla and Amphitrite, which were appointed to convey
us, joining the same day, I proceeded with the transports to
Huntington-bay, where I was honoured with such accounts from
the Admiral of the attention the enemy had given to fortify
themselves, that I no longer entertained an idea of making
any attempt solely with the troops. I cannot judge what might
have been expected from a joint operation; but I presume that,
in the aspect affairs bore at that time, it was not to be
undertaken with propriety.

“On the 31st therefore I returned to White-stone, where I
disembarked the troops, keeping the transports in readiness to
receive them again, if necessary; and the army encamped near
the shore.

“During this time, Washington, by a rapid movement, had, with
an army increased to 12,000 men, passed the North-river, and
was moving towards King’s-bridge, when he must have learned
that my armament had not proceeded to Rhode-Island. He (I
apprehend in consequence of this) re-crossed the river, and is
now near Orange Town.

“The Admiral is near Gardiner’s-Island, to which place I shall,
if possible, proceed to confer with him and his Officers.”[23]

General Washington now ordered a chain of Dragoons to be posted between New London and Headquarters. There were to be 3 every 15 miles apart, to convey messages from the Culpers and the French Fleet. Colonel Sheldon complied under protest, as his letter following shows:

... “I have this morning early sent off an officer with a
sufficient number of my most trusty Dragoons to post them at
every fifteen miles distance, or as near that as the necessity
of forage would admit. The officer is instructed to move on
the Dragoons to Tower Hill, if Mr. Shaw cannot furnish the
expresses beyond New London. The stages at which the officer
is ordered to post the Dragoons, are as follows: Beginning at
the Eastward, namely New London, Lyme, Guilford, New Haven,
Stratford, Green Farms, and Stamford. I do not post another
party between Stamford and Head Quarters lest the plunderers
from below, which infest the intermediate country should take
off the men or seize on the Dispatches when they should arrive.

“While I with the utmost cheerfulness and alacrity obey your
Excellency’s orders I cannot but regret the necessity of
detaching so many of my Dragoons from the field. I do not
mention this as if your Excellency had not considered the
expense of furniture and equipment of Dragoons, but to beg for
the Honour of the Regiment and the good of the service, your
Excellency would be pleased to excuse them from this duty as
soon as possible.

“ELISHA SHELDON.”

Samuel Culper’s next letter is dated the 6th of August, and reads:

“_Sir_, Your several dates of the 23d and 26th of July came to
hand on the 4th inst, and observe the contents. Being still in
a feble state (but mending) was obliged again to have recourse
to Austin Roe, and dispatched him the same evening with such
directions as thought proper. He this instant returned with
the enclosed from Culper, Junior. I hope it contains all the
needful. Roe hath no verbal account worthy of notice. Also you
have enclosed the state of the Garrison at Lloyd’s Neck, but
it is not satisfactory to me, but is the best that could be
procured this time. Coll. Simcoe with his regiment of Rangers,
and three companies of Queens County Militia Foot, and about
thirty of Coll. Ludlow’s Regiment, have been for some time past
in the County, the main body at Southampton, some at the River
Head, some at South Mills, about 30 at Coram. What they have
come down here for is unknown.

“I purpose to go to 727 for the benefit of our 115, and have
130 ready for you, em. Also have the promise of the exact state
of Lloyd’s Neck, which shall then transmit. Am in great haste
and in the interium am Your Sincerely,

“SAML. CULPER.”

General Washington answered from Headquarters August 11, saying:

_Dear Sir_: I have received your letter from North Castle with
its enclosures. I am very much pleased that the Correspondence
with C---- is again opened. I have the greatest dependence in
his good intentions and I am persuaded when he pleases to exert
himself he can give the most useful intelligence. The shorter
the line of communication so much the better. With respect
to the proposed incursion I do not think it advisable under
present circumstances. Although the Enemy appear to be small,
dispersed parties, yet the risque in an attempt more than
counterbalances the advantage which might be obtained.

G. W.

An interesting letter followed Woodhull’s visit to New York, which is dated August 16, 1780, and reads as follows:

“_Sir_, I have this day returned from New York and am happy
to inform you that Culper Junior hath engaged to serve as
heretofore. I have nothing to enclose from him to you, as
there’s not a word of intelligence worthy of notice in New
York. I have the satisfaction to assure you that the judicious
Torys in New York are more dejected now than ever I knew
before, on account of the neutrality entered into by the Powers
of Europe. A few victualling ships were to sail yesterday to
the fleet now laying in Gardiner’s Bay. Clinton, with about
7000 men are cantoned from Whitestone to Jamaica for this ten
days past have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness
together with the fleet that still lays at Whitestone. Common
reports say they are about to proceed to Rhode Island, but it
is very uncertain. No person can tell, but, by all means be
upon your guard. There is in this county the Queens Rangers,
three companies of Queens County Militia Troop, Coll. Fanning’s
Regiment, the 17th Dragoons, German Huzzars, all marching to
the Eastward, also three Regiments more were ordered to march
recently. Say they are to embark at the east end of this
Island. We have a report that the second division of French
hath arrived. Hope it may be true. Tryon, Patterson and Mathews
are about to sail immediately in the packet for Europe. The
person I depended upon to procure a very accurate account of
Lloyd’s Neck, is taken very ill and hath put it out of my power
to forward it now. I have ordered 725 to return here again on
the f i instant, and intend to send you as frequent dispatches
as possible as long as things are in such motion. In the
interim wishing you health and prosperity I am &c.

“S. CULPER.

“N.B. Next opportunity you’ll have the papers regular as
heretofore. Should have sent them now but lost them out of my
pocket on the road.

“I forgot to mention that General Clinton in person was
escourted through this Town yesterday by the mounted Rangers,
17th Dragoons, and German Huzzars, in all about two hundred and
forty horse.”

The hazard of their employment is calmly illustrated in the next letter addressed to Major Tallmadge: It was necessary for them to kill a man whilst waiting for Culper’s messages. Brewster writes:

FAIRFIELD, Aug. 18th, 1780.

_Sir._ I came from Long Island this after noon but have got
no Dispaches. Culper has been down to New York. I waited till
this morning and he was to send them by two oclock, but before
he sent them I was attacked by Glover and Hoyght. I left one
man taken and one wounded. We killed one on the spot. The man
that was taken went after water. I shall want two men before I
come across again. I have got two boats in fine order. I wish
you send me seven men and I engage to take some of their boats.
Mister Muirson will give you a particular account of our cruse.
Austin told me that Sir Henry Clinton went down to the east end
of the Island on the sixteenth. Don’t fail to let me have two
crews if you can of Continental soldiers. With respect, your
friend and humble servant,

CALEB BREWSTER.

Through Major Tallmadge General Washington answered the above from Headquarters at Orange Town, August 21, 1780, as follows:

_Dear Sir._ I recd. yours of yesterday morning last evening. It
is unfortunate that Lt. B---- could not bring off C---- Junr’s
dispatches, as I imagine they were of consequence. You will
therefore endeavour to procure them as soon as possible.

I have information from another quarter, that Sir Henry Clinton
had gone towards the East end of Long Island, and that the
troops at Whitestone are again embarking. Should the last piece
of intelligence reach you, well authenticated, you will be
pleased to transmit it immediately to Genl. Heath at Newport,
as well as to me, as you will always do anything which seems to
interest the French Army and Navy.

If there are any other Continental Crews upon the Sound besides
those under Lt. Brewster’s directions, they are there without
my knowledge. You will therefore desire him in my name to take
what hands he wants from them, and to report who the others are
and what business they are upon. I am Dear Sir, yr. most obt.
Sert.

GO: WASHINGTON.

Brewster was roused to action. Therefore without waiting to hear from the General or Major he again crossed to Long Island, as his letter following shows:

FAIRFIELD, Aug. 21, 1780.

_Dear Sir._ I this morning came from the Island. I got three
boats last Saturday night and went over in search of Glover
and Hoyght, but could hear nothing of them. They never stayed
to bury their dead man. They carried another away with them
mortally wounded. Setauket is full of troops. It is thought
they are going eastward. Austin came to me yesterday and told
me I had best not come on till the middle of next week as the
troops is so thick in Town and marching eastward. I wrote to
you the eighteenth instant which I expect has come to hand.
Skinner is so he will be able to do duty soon as he will be
wanted. I heard nothing from Culper this time. I should been
back the next time had not the wind been so high. There was a
small fleet of large ships went to the Westward this morning.
Capt. Jarvis supplied me with men this time to cross. I shall
want one man to make up my crew for one boat and should be
exceeding glad of five more to man the other boat for the
cussed refugees are so thick I cant go amiss of them....

C. BREWSTER.

As soon as Brewster had delivered the above message he crossed to the Island again. His next letter follows:

FAIRFIELD, August 27th, 1780.

_Dear Sir_: I returned this morning from the Island. I crossed
on 22d. inst. and was detained by Culper until last night. I
did not see Culper, he is sick. He did not appoint any time for
me that I know of. It was with great difficulty that I got the
dispatches. The troops are very thick. They are at Miller’s
Place, and Coram, Setauket and the Branch, and are like to
stay some time, and the Refugee boats are with them. Glover
and Hoyt has been to Drowned Meadow and disarmed them all, on
Friday last, and I was obliged to lie still for the want of
another boats crew. There is a fine boat at Stanford that rows
with eight oars that belongs to the public, under Capt. John
Suttin, with a crew of Continental Soldiers that was ordered
by General Howe, and I believe that Jubis Fish has one or two
boats at Horse Neck, but I am not certain what public property
and Continental Soldiers. This is a fine time to take some of
the Officers. They are out with their hounds every day. I lay
up back of Esqr. Strongs yesterday and there came a Lieutenant
of 17th Regiment within gun shot of us, looking for Esqr.
Strong’s hounds afoot, but he begged so hard I thought it not
best to take him as it was so near his house. They are riding
continually from one staghorn to the other. The troops are all
come from the Eastward, as far as Miller’s Place. Sir Henry
Clinton gone to New York and the British fleet has sailed from
Gardiner’s Bay....

C. BREWSTER.

A letter from George Washington to Colonel Sheldon, dated as above, informs him that one of his Dragoon Express had been captured by the British at Pines Bridge and carried into New York. Fortunately he had none of the above messages at the time. But Colonel Sheldon had work for Major Tallmadge aside from the messages, which may account for the following dated Sept. 1st and 5th not reaching Major Tallmadge until the 9th.

SETAUKET, September 1st, 1780.

_Sir._ When Culper Junior’s last dispatch came to hand he
directed me to wait on him at Jericho yesterday, but my present
state would not admit--therefore sent the express which handed
him your enclosed--But he hath returned without any answer.
The reason is he had not the counterpart. And in regard of
the state of affairs in general he assured the express they
remained as heretofore or as when wrote you last, nothing
new, everything appeared to be at a stand, and the enemy much
embarissed expecting an attack. I am sorry you have to wait so
long for an answer but it must still unavoidably be lengthened
until the 10th, as Culper Junior said he could not be in New
York before the 8th.

Since my last the infantry have marched to Huntington and
encamped there; Fanning’s Regt., to Lloyd’s Neck, Simcoe’s
Rangers to Oyster Bay, and there’s in Setauket the 17th
Regiment Dragoons, Some Huzzars, Some Rangers, about 20 wagons,
300 horses, 250 men, 220 mounted. They are encamped round
about Capt. Nathan Woodhull’s House and Persons Lyons’. The
former is the Coll. Quarters. The officers mostly lodge in
Camp at night. There’s every appearance of their continuing
here some time as they appear quite easy and off their guard.
Am fully of an opinion that 500 good men would make prisoners
of them all, if secretly conducted on your shore as well as
here. If you intend to attack direct Brewster to cross the
night before, and will meet him and further advise at all
haphazard. Aiqlai Bqyim of Southampton is now on your shore,
and positively an agent for the enemy. He hath been a long time
servicable in that way, and this is his second embassy. I know
it to be true and have lately had a perfect knowledge of his
conduct for this three years past, and have been solicited by
his friend as an assistant.

A little time past a boat from New Haven, loaded with
provisions met a number of Refugees here; one of the mens
names was Trowbridge, an intimate acquaintance of John Clarke;
and you may depend the refugees land on your shore and hide
their boats. The other day I saw a man that had the appearance
of a gentleman, told me he had been three weeks concealed in
Middletown and Hartford--the former being his native place;
but could not find out his name. He told me he had left 20 odd
Thousand Pounds of Counterfeit money of your late emissions
in the hands of the Toreys--to pay their taxes with. You’ll
doubtless take some notice of this information--and anxiously
wait for the arrival of our deliverance, and am Sincerely your

SAML. CULPER.

* * * * *

SETAUKET, September 5th, 1780.

My letter not being forwarded as could have desired on account
of bad weather I have to inform you of the arrival of the
Packet, but cannot learn any news. Coll. Birch is at Setauket
and likely to continue there very probably until winter
he having now just sent for field pieces, but the number
before mentioned is lessened by the departure of the Rangers
yesterday, in number 34, which may be deducted. For God’s sake
attack them, you’ll certainly be successful, if you are secret
about it. Trust not to small boats at this season, you have
three strong vessels on your shore that will be sufficient to
bring live hundred men. Setauket is exceedingly distressed.
Pray offer some relief....

S. C.

* * * * *

NORTH CASTLE, September 9th, 1780.

_Sir._ The enclosed Dispatches from Culper have this moment
come to hand, which are forwarded per line of expresses. C.
writes with great sollicitude for troops to be sent from this
side to attack those lying at Setauket. I need not repeat to
your Excellency how exceedingly happy I should be to assist
in such an Expedition, should it be thot. advisable. I expect
Genl. Parsons will be here this afternoon to take the command
of the Troops at this post....

BENJ. TALLMADGE.

Woodhull’s next letter, dated Sept. 12th, reads:

_Sir._ Yours of the 29th of August came to hand and observe
the contents. Since my last the 17th Dragoons removed to
Smith Town, and encamped in widow Blidenburg’s orchard. It is
said they will stay there 12 days but very uncertain. No one
expected they would move from Setauket so soon. Coll. Birch
hath left the Regiment and is appointed Commandant of New York,
Capt. Archdale commands the Regiment. I must call on you for
more cash having advanced considerable to carry it on. Enclosed
you have Culper Jrs. Dispatch. In great haste am yours &c.

SAML. CULPER.

Major Tallmadge’s letter from Lower Salem, Sept. 13th, and General Washington’s of the 16th, throw further light upon the service. It may be noticed that practically all of Culper Junior’s stain letters were now being deciphered by Major Tallmadge, each time with an apology for so doing. He was not aware at that time that had he failed to decipher them Major André would have been able to join Arnold and the treason plot might not have been discovered until it was too late.

LOWER SALEM, Sept. 13th, 1780.

_Sir._ I have the honor to enclose dispatches from the Culpers
which have this moment come to hand. As C. Junrs. was an answer
in part to my last on the plan of our future correspondence,
it was necessary for me to decipher it. Your Excellency will
observe what he writes respecting his services and as he
informs he can shorten the route on certain conditions, Your
Excellency’s assurance will regulate his future services. This
much I can observe respecting the man, he is a Gentleman of
business, of Education and honor--Culper Senior’s frequent
Expresses to N. Y. for the papers which are forwarded to your
Excellency, and to resolve questions proposed by other Genl.
Officers at other periods, has expended the money which has
been furnished him, as we were considerably in arrears when the
last money was handed him. I have just engaged a man to bring
letters from N. Y. via Kingsbridge if necessary; but cannot as
yet tell whether C. Junr. will deliver him dispatches--His name
and services I believe are well known to your Excellency.

I received Major Humphrey’s letter of the 11th last evening,
and immediately wrote to have the boat cross, which I am
confident will not be delayed only by the present heavy wind
and rain. Your Excellency may depend on my Exertions in the
matter. I shall fold this letter very small to prevent being
discovered if the Express should chance to be taken. [It was
folded to size 2¾ × 4]....

BENJA. TALLMADGE.

* * * * *

_Head Quarters_, BERGIN COUNTY, 16th Sept. 1780.

_Dr: Sir._ I have recd yours of the 13th as I have your several
late favors with their enclosures--It is impossible for me,
circumstanced as matters are, to give a positive answer to C.
Junior’s request, as I cannot, without knowing his views, tell
what are his expectations--Of this, both you and he may rest
assured, that should he continue servicable and faithful, and
should the issue of our affairs prove as favorable as we hope,
I shall be ready to recommend him to the public, if public
employ shall be his aim, and if not that I shall think myself
bound to represent his conduct in the light it deserves[24] and
procure him a compensation of another kind. I shall take the
first good opportunity of sending you a further sum of money
for contingencies. I am Dear Sir, Yours, &c.

GO: WASHINGTON.

It certainly was not possible at the moment to realize the importance of the messages that were now arriving. Woodhull’s inference that they contain much good intelligence is prophetic. The first is dated

SETAUKET, September 18th, 1780.

_Sir._ Your favour of the 12th inst, together with the enclosed
came to hand on the 15, at 12 o’clock. I immediately set off
and have done all that in me lay, and is communicated in the
blank inclosed, and it contains much good intelligence, I hope
all that’s needful. Our spirits are extremely low here. We Pray
for your best endeavours. The times requires you to be vigilent
and active. Sir George Rodney’s Fleet hath arrived. See the
Paper. I have induced C. Junr. to shorten the present rout the
letters take, as mentioned in the blank. It will be done in the
course of ten days I hope similar to your plan proposed. I have
made several discoveries of villany but have not time to write
now. Forbid the boat man on with 725 to come any more, and
desire Governor Trumbull immediately to grant him no favours,
or else it will be too late. In my next will state the matter
to you. In the greatest haste am yours sincerely

SAMUEL CULPER.

N.B. 17th Dragoons at the Branch.

* * * * *

GREENFIELD, Tuesday morning, 6 o’clock
19th Septr. 1780.

_Sir._

I have been impatiently waiting at this place for some time for
the arrival of C’s Dispatches, which have this instant come
to hand. A very heavy gale of wind prevented the boat from
crossing at the time appointed. I hope the enclosed may be
satisfactory. I shall inform Genl. Heath of what respects the
French Army at New Port, agreeably to your Excellency’s orders.
Enclosed is an account of expenses from C. A man is obliged
always to ride to New York from the place where the boat
lands and wait Culper’s answer; his expenses on the road and
in the city for himself and horse must be very considerable.
Your excellency will furnish such supplies, in answer to the
enclosed, as may be judged necessary. I had the honor last
night to receive your Excellency’s favor of the 16th inst. the
contents of which shall be duly forwarded to C. Junr. I have
the honor to be, with great Regard, Sir, Your Excellency’s most
Obedt. Servt.

BENJA. TALLMADGE.

At this period the Culpers were using more care to conceal the intelligence in their letters, as will be observed upon examining Woodhull’s, dated August 27th.(126) Townsend’s were now all written with the stain. Tallmadge’s efforts to shorten the line of communication have been preserved in a series of three of his letters to Headquarters written during the month of August.

Incidentally, in his zeal he almost betrayed the identity of Culper Junior. The first letter, dated August 10, 1780, reads:

“Since I last saw your Excellency I have been endeavoring to
open communications with New York by crossing over to Cow
Neck to the westward of Oyster Bay. If this can be effected,
Dispatches may be bro’t from New York to the White Plains in 12
hours on contingencies, as the whole land course on both sides
would not exceed 34 miles, & the Sound not more than 10 miles
over, I am the more induced to this step, as C---- Junr. has a
near Relation living near Cow Neck, whom if I can also engage,
I am sure of C---- Junr’s services.”

Tallmadge’s next letter in this series is dated from North Castle, August 20, 1780: and reads:

“_Sir._ Since my last I have made several attempts to open a
communication with Culper, Junior, by the way of Oyster Bay
or Cow Neck. The person whom I mentioned to Your Excellency
as the properest man to engage and secure Culper’s services,
was away from home, at New York, and last Monday night I sent
over an Officer who formerly resided at Oyster Bay, but the
person in question was then too ill to be seen. I shall still
pay attention to this matter, tho the Refugee boats which
frequently pass up and down the Sound makes crossing very
dangerous.

“Enclosed is a letter from the person who has for a long
time bro’t dispatches from the Culpers. Your Excellency will
perceive he has been attacked by some of the Refugee Boats.
He requests more men, as may be seen by the enclosed. Your
Excellency will please to direct me in the matter. There are
several Continental Crews at Stamford and Horseneck, whose duty
I am unacquainted with. Perhaps one of those can be spared.

“I am sorry Lt. B.----r was drove from L.I. so suddenly as
dispatches from Culper Junior were then waiting for him. I have
the Honor to be Your Excellency’s most Obedt. Servt.

“BENJ. TALLMADGE.”

In the next letter, dated from Bedford, August 28, 1780,(127) he says:

“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.”

FOOTNOTES to “SECRET SERVICE SECRETS”:

[16] See _Memoir of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge_, p. 130.

[17] It was this Austin Roe who fell from his horse and broke his leg while hurrying to keep an engagement with George Washington in 1790. The President was then touring Long Island and, probably without disclosing his reason to any one, requested the presence of those who had faithfully served him during the Revolution. Austin Roe had long occupied the Setauket homestead, later known as the Dering property, and still later owned by the Irwins who in 1936 moved the house to a new location. Roe’s brother, Captain Daniel Roe, was at the time occupying the Roe homestead at Port Jefferson, then called the Townsend house. Captain Nathaniel Roe was a cousin, not in the neighborhood at the time. Austin “bore the title of Captain,” his biographer says, but few knew what he commanded.

[18] Colonel Simcoe had been captured and was at the time a prisoner in New Jersey.

[19] Washington Papers, March 23d, 1780, No. 17458.

[20] Austin Roe might justly be called the Paul Revere of New York, with this difference, that instead of taking one wonderful ride Roe took a hundred. Paul Revere at his fastest speed did not equal this ride of Austin Roe that saved Newport from the British. Fifty-five miles he rode to reach Abraham Woodhull while Brewster waited to carry the message from Robert Townsend across the Sound. It gave General Washington the information that 8000 British troops were embarking at Whitestone destined for Newport, and that Admiral Graves with eleven ships was already on the way to Rhode Island to meet the French Fleet which they were assured consisted of only seven sail. The message reached Washington in time to get the information to British headquarters that an immediate attack upon New York was contemplated and therefore the forces were withdrawn from Newport before they had an opportunity to accomplish the work of destruction.

[21] On the tenth of July, 1780, a powerful fleet under Admiral Tarnay arrived in Newport Harbor, having on board some six thousand troops under the command of Count de Rochambeau. The expedition had been secretly fitted out at the instance of Lafayette, and nothing was known of it by the Americans until his return in May. On the 17th Lafayette left headquarters with full authority to arrange plans with the French commanders for future operations. Hall’s “Life of Parsons,” p. 296.

[22] As early as 1778 the British on Long Island had a method of transmitting important news that was as rapid almost as the telegraph is today. For this purpose beacons were established and a system of signals arranged. Among the papers of Major John Kissam have been preserved some of the instructions which so clearly state the eminences upon which these beacons were erected that there would be little trouble in locating them at the present day. Following are unabridged copies of these instructions:

Signals: Col. Hamilton will be so good as to place a man at the
most convenient heights, to see Laurel Hill and Morris’s house.
He will observe what signals are made from there--if there are
3 guns from Laurel hill and 3 fires from there or Morris’s
house,

2 guns and 2 fires ditto, or

1 gun and 1 fire from ditto, and report the same to the
commander in chief on board the Grand Duke at Whitestone. Ol.
DeLancey, Aid de Camp.

Signals by day and night for Long Island and Kingsbridge. To be
made from Norwich hill, Sutton’s hill and Flushing Heights in
Queens County, L. I. viz.

1st. On the Enemy’s landing in force eastward of Norwich: by
night, 1 beacon fired at each, by day 1 large smoke at each.

2d. On Enemy landing in force westward of Norwich hill; by
night 2 beacons fired at each; by day, 2 large smokes at each.

Signals acknowledged from Morris’s house. By night; 1st signal, 1 rocket, 2d. signal, 2 rockets. By day none none

N.B. The fires and smoke to be kept up while the Enemy remain on the Island, or until otherwise observed. After every signal a Light Dragoon to be sent from Morris’s house to Head Quarters with the intelligence.

Mem. Norwich hill is 2 miles south of Oyster Bay, Sutton’s Hill [now Beacon hill] is 3 miles from Cowneck Point; Flushing Heights are near Ustic’s house.

Appointed by the Commander in Chief,
WM. TRYON M. G.

Scorpion A copy P. BROWN.

* * * * *

HEMPSTEAD PLAINS, July 30, 1778.

To Major Kissam. _Sir_, In the absence of Col. Hamilton you
will take command of the Queens County Militia, & execute such
measures as you shall think necessary for the benefit and
protection of the County. In particular you will observe the
following directions respecting the Beacons on Cow Neck and
near Norwich, and take steps requisite for their being carried
into execution.

Whenever any Beacons to the Eastward are seen on fire, you will
immediately set fire to those under your care, making one fire
or more, as you observe those to the Eastward have done, in
every instance following their example: and whenever you have
so done, you will send an express to the commanding officer of
the King’s forces at Jamaica, informing him that 1, 2, or 3
beacons (as the fact shall be) are fired to the Eastward.

In all cases when you have certain intelligence of the Enemy
being landed on this Island in force, you will fire all the 3
beacons, and dispatch an express as above with the information,
always keeping up the fires until the intelligence shall have
reached New York. You will of course have a distinct beacon at
each place in readiness to be fired, and if it should happen in
the day time, encourage the smoke as much as possible.

A corporal and 4 men are to mount guard at each place on
them, night and day, always keeping a centinel looking
out for signals. These men you will change weekly, or at
your discretion and excuse them from all military duty. A
compensation will moreover be made them in proportion to their
diligence and service.

These directions are to be strictly observed by the Guard at
each of the 2 places fixed on by Brigr. Genl. DeLancey for the
erection of the beacons, and the guard stationed on the hill
near Norwich will also observe to send an express to Cow neck
whenever the beacons under their care are fired. WM. TRYON. M:
G:

* * * * *

SCORPION OFF NEW CITY ISLAND, Jan. 30, 79

Signals.--If the Rebels are attacking any vessels; or landing
or landed between this station and Hempstead Bay; the Signals
by night are 2 fires on Lawrence Hewlett’s Point; by day, 2
smokes on the same.--If the attack is made in Cow Bay the
signal by night is 1 fire on Lawrence Hewlett’s Point: if by
day 1 smoke on the same.--The above signals will be answered
from the Scorpion; by day by hoisting the colors, or hauling
them down, if hoisted previously; by night with lights,
false-fires or musquets. PHILIP BROWN.

[23] The Spies of Washington did not record the names of the British vessels in Gardiner’s Bay but the heir to the island, John Lyon Gardiner, who was a boy ten years old when the fleet arrived, made record on February 9, 1796, in which he says: “There were eleven ships of the line and perhaps some frigates. They came in August, 1780, and went out in March, 1781. There was the ‘Royal Oak,’ 74 guns, Vice Admiral Arbuthnot, ‘London,’ 90 guns, Rear Admiral Graves, ‘Colloden,’ 74 guns, Capt Sweeny, ‘Bedford,’ 74 guns, Capt Affleck, ‘Prudent,’ 74 guns, Capt. Charles Ogle, ‘Robuste,’ ‘America,’ ‘Shrewsbury,’ ‘Europe,’ ‘Rising Sun’ and ‘Swan.’”

[24] Note. Before these accounts are finally closed, justice and propriety call upon me to signify that there are Persons within the British Lines--if they are not dead or removed, who have a claim upon the Public under the strongest assurances of compensation from me for their services in conveying me private intelligence; and which when exhibited I shall think myself in honor bound to pay. Why these claims have not made their appearance ere this, unless from either of the causes above mentioned--or from a disinclination in them to come forth till the B. force is entirely removed from the United States, I know not--But I have thought it an incumbent duty on me to bring the matter to view that it may be held in remembrance in case such claims should hereafter appear. Go: Washington. [The private account book of Culper Senior, in the Library at East Hampton, L. I., shows that he received the balance due him on August 2, 1790. There is nothing to show that Robert Townsend ever asked for or received his. Before the capture of Major André he was anxious for assurances that if he used his own money to promote the service he would be compensated at the close of the war. Later it is probable that he preferred not to risk discovery by preparing an itemized bill, as Woodhull was obliged to do.]

TOWNSEND’S PERSONALITY

There is no good reason to question those who say in the veins of Robert Townsend flowed the blood of Norman Conquerors. Upon his own immediate ancestors he could look with pardonable pride. The first on Long Island was John Townsend, one of the patentees of Flushing in 1645 and of Rustdorp as Jamaica, Long Island, was then called, in 1656.

Among John’s children was John, usually called John 2d. He had, among others, a son James, whose son Jacob, born in 1692, was the father of Samuel Townsend and grandfather of Robert Townsend, whose _alias_ was Culper Junior. Robert’s father, Samuel, was born in 1717. He married Sarah, the daughter of William and Mary (Hicks) Stoddard. Mary’s parents were John and Deborah (Almy) Hicks.

When Robert’s father, Samuel Townsend, was in his twenty-fourth year, he was appointed by George Clarke, then Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New York, Ensign in the Company of Militia Foot in Queens County, Joseph Weeks then being Captain. His commission is dated December 15, 1741, and bears the signature of George Clarke, and also of the Deputy Secretary, George Moore.

_See page xi._
]

Samuel Townsend is described in family documents as a fine old gentleman, of regular features, straight nose, a large blue eye, high forehead. A snuff-colored or gray suit, with silver knee- and shoe-buckles, a white stock of cambric lawn gathered in five plaits, fastened behind with a paste buckle, showing no collar, narrow ruffles at the shirt-bosom, gold-headed cane, and cocked hat. An uncle used to say he hated to see Sam and Sarah come into meeting, they looked so tall and proud. He was said to be a member of Meeting by birthright, his parents being strict Friends, and his wife, although baptized in the Episcopal Church, preferred the Friends. They had sons, Solomon, Samuel, Robert, William, and David, and daughters, Audrey Sarah and Phebe.

Solomon was seven years older than his brother Robert. Much has already been published about him. He married Anne daughter of Peter Townsend of Orange County, New York, and they had eight children:(128) Hannah, Anne, Mary, Phebe, Samuel, Jacob, Peter, and Solomon.

Robert Townsend, _alias_ Culper Junior, was born November 25, 1753, and died at Oyster Bay, Long Island, March 7, 1838, aged eighty-four years, three months, and ten days.

Robert Townsend’s father, Samuel, was always a successful merchant. He conducted his business at Jericho, Long Island, until 1743, after which he moved to the property now known as “Raynham Hall” at Oyster Bay, which he had purchased in 1740. Himself a learned man, he was always careful to see that the education of his children was not neglected. Pride radiates in the handwriting still preserved on a page of his ledger, where he records:

“Sarah Townsend went to school to Rebeccah Coles ye 27th of October, 1766. Rebecca Coles School ceased ye last of February, 1767. Sarah and Phebe Townsend bagan school with John Townsend’s wife ye 16th March, 1767.”

The ages of the girls at that time were five and seven years. Ten years earlier the tuition of Robert who became Culper Junior began under the same teacher. Notes preserved by a nephew read: “My uncle Robert Townsend went to her school when only three years old, so young that Madam Townsend used to permit him and her little son Ephraim of about the same age to play at the pond with the young ducks instead of obliging them at their tender age to pour over to them unintelligable school books.”

A sister-in-law of Madam Townsend was Zerviah Townsend who married Dr. Matthew Parish, here mentioned because of her influence over the destiny of Robert. It is recorded by a contemporary that “while the British lay at Boston on the eve of the Revolution, she said to Solomon Wooden, ‘The Lord has assured me and spoken to me and advised’ that the Troops by Boston shall withdraw; likewise all the Men of War; and that America shall be the Mother of Nations and feed them with bread.”

At the commencement of hostilities, Samuel Townsend was slow in renouncing his allegiance to the King. A former experience was probably responsible for this caution. When in 1758 he had attempted to get justice for the neutral French and prisoners of war that had been brought into Kings County in 1756, he was held in the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms of the General Assembly of New York for several days and was then not released until they had passed a Resolve, that “the said Samuel Townsend, for writing and sending the said Letter, is guilty of a high misdemeanor and most daring Insult on the Honour, Justice and Authority of this House,” and he was further required to pay a heavy fine and promise that for the future he would be more cautious to avoid every occasion of exposing himself to their censure or reproof.

There was another Samuel Townsend in Oyster Bay active for the Crown as early as December, 1774, “who proposed to convince the world that his Majesty is not without friends here who will support his government.” Later he joined the American army and if British Headquarters confused the two men, they did no more than some of the biographers have done. Upon capture he was severely punished by the British in the Provost, New York, while for Samuel of Raynham Hall most of them had great respect.[25]

Samuel Townsend began active service in the Provincial Congress on May 24, 1775, and usually was present in the sessions to July 1st. Toward the end of July, he again took his seat and toward the close of May, 1776, he became active. He was with them at White Plains from July 9th to August, and during August attended the Provincial Convention and was also one of the Committee of Safety. But he did not follow them to Fishkill, where they began meeting on September 5, 1776. He, therefore, although elected a member of the committee to draft the first State Constitution, was not able actively to participate in their deliberations, and choosing to remain at home was obliged to subscribe to the Oath of Allegiance to the King.[26]

His appointment on committees to advise with and assist Brigadier-General Woodhull in protecting the stock was an important service, as the letters still preserved show. One, dated July 12, 1776, emphasizes this:[27]

The Provincial Convention on August 24th unanimously resolved,
that Robert Townsend be a commissary to supply General
Woodhull’s Brigade with provisions till such time as General
Washington shall give further orders for that purpose, and
that Mr. William Smith and Mr. Samuel Townsend be a committee
to wait on General Washington with a copy of these resolutions
and submit the expediency and necessity of the same to his
consideration and advice; also that they submit to His
Excellency’s consideration the propriety of ordering Colonel
Smith’s and Colonel Remsen’s regiments of militia to join the
said brigade.

On the 26th of August, Samuel Townsend and William Smith reported in the following words:

“Your committee, ordered to wait on General Washington with
a request from this Convention that he would be pleased to
order Col. Smith and Remsen’s regiments, that are now in
General Greene’s lines at Brookland, into the western part of
Queens county, to join General Woodhull, with that part of his
brigade that has been lately ordered out from the western part
of Suffolk and Queens counties by this Convention.... That
according to order they waited on His Excellency, and conferred
with him on the subject above mentioned, and that he seemed
well pleased, but he said he was afraid it was too late....
General Washington appeared well satisfied with the proceedings
of the Convention, and said that he should at all times, when
he had it in his power, be ready to give them any assistance
consistent with the public good; and that he would immediately
give orders that Col. Smith’s and Remsen’s regiments should
march into Queens county to join General Woodhull....”

The Convention, upon receipt of the above report, addressed General Woodhull as follows:

“_Sir_--Yours of yesterday is just come to hand in answer to
which we would inform you that Robert Townsend, the son of
Samuel Townsend, Esqr. is appointed commissary for the troops
under your command, of which we beg you will give him the
earliest notice, and that we have made application to Genl.
Washington for the regiments under the command of Cols. Smith
and Remsen to join you; he assured our committee that he would
issue out orders immediately for that purpose, and we expect
that they are upon the spot by this time....”

General Woodhull replied to this in a letter addressed to the Honourable the Convention of the State of New York, at Harlem, which is as follows:

“JAMAICA, August, 27, 1776.

“_Gentlemen_, I am now at Jamaica with less than one hundred
men; having brought all the cattle from the westward southward
of the hills, and have sent them off with the troops of horse,
with orders to take all the rest eastward of this place to
and eastward of Hempstead plains, and to put them into the
fields, and set a guard over them. The enemy I am informed are
intrenching from the heights near Howard’s, southward. I have
now received yours, with several resolutions, which I wish was
in my power to put in execution; but, unless Cols. Smith and
Remsen, mentioned in yours, join me with their regiments, or
some other assistance, immediately, I shall not be able; for
the people are all moving east, and I cannot get any assistance
from them. I shall continue here as long as I can, in hopes
of a reinforcement; but if none comes soon, I shall retreat,
and drive the stock before me, into the woods. Cols. Smith and
Remsen I think can not join me. Unless you can send me some
other assistance, I fear I shall soon be obliged to quit this
place. I hope soon to hear from you. I am, gentlemen, Your most
obedient humble servt.

“NATHL. WOODHULL.”

The next mention of Samuel Townsend will be found in the minutes of the Committee of Safety, dated

HARLEM, Augt. 29, 1776.

The Committee of Safety met.

Colo. Phenehas Fanning waited on the Committee with a letter
from Colo. Josiah Smith, colonel of the drafts of the militia
of Suffolk, Queens and Kings counties, stationed at Brookland,
in Kings county, informing the Committee that his regiment
is ordered by Genl. Washington to withdraw from Long Island,
and wait the further orders of the Convention of this State.
Thereupon it was

Ordered, That Colo. Josiah Smith do, with all possible
despatch, march his regiment to Horn’s Hook, there to receive
further orders from Mr. Samuel Townsend and Major Lawrence
and that he apply to the Commissary-General for five day’s
provisions, and to the Quarter-Master-General for baggage
wagons, it being of the utmost consequence that his regiment
should march without delay. And