Part 17
“_Dear Sir._--Your favour of the k instant is received--and observe the contents--In answer to your first question I again inform you, that I was at New York about the 20th of last month. I then, with the advice of C. Junr. and others, transmitted you the most accurate account of the embarkation under Genl. Mathews that could possibly obtain, and assured you of their going to Virginia, as also of another embarkation bound to the Southward, then just in embryo--which were positively to sail three days ago. said to amount to 1300 men. I then informed you of the severity and watchfulness of the Enemy. Several of our dear friends were imprisoned, in particular one that hath been ever serviceable to this correspondence. This step so dejected the spirits of C. Junr. that he resolved to leave New York for a time. I earnestly endeavoured to prevent it but could not, so that I have no person there now that I can send the Express to that can rely upon.--In respect to the different corps and numbers that have embarked and those within these lines, I cannot ascertain, neither do I think it can possibly be done properly, for this reason. The Enemy make it a rule to supply every embarcation almost with draughts from every Regt in their army. The beforementioned reason, together with some other difficulties that attend me at this time, prevents me from making the attempt to give you a return of the enemy, and hope you’ll excuse my non complyance. Austin Roe returned from New York two days ago. The Cork Fleet was not then arrived. The Enemy in great fears about them. I think they must fall into your hands for the want of provision if the fleet should miscarry. The last accounts from England say that 23 line of Battle Ships belonging to the Russians and Danes were at Spithead--What can this mean. The 17th Dragoons is at Hempstead. The Hessian Yeagers at Jericho and Oyster Bay. There’s troops at Jamaica and Flushing, which is all I can say. Last Thursday there was a hot press in New York to man Admiral Rodney’s Fleet which is about to sail, said for the West Indies. There’s now 13 sail of the line besides Frigates Laying in Gardiner’s Bay at the eastward. There’s a very intelligent person gone to New York now, on the same account. Have taken the liberty to direct Brewster to cross again on the 19th instant when shall hope to hear from you. After that shall make one more appointment, as I intend to visit every quarter of the enemy if possible, and write you fully as I expect the winter will soon prevent the communication and in the Spring if need requires by some means or other will if possible open it again on a better footing. Depend my endeavours shall continue, as I hope never to lose sight of our cause, truly sensible our all is at stake. I greatly desire to see you but little hope of it at present, and conclude your affectionate Friend and Humble Servt.
“SAML. CULPER.”
In homely words Brewster modestly records one of his brave exploits on a sheet accompanying the above letter, which reads as follows:
“FAIRFIELD, November 13th, 1780.
“_Dear Sir._ Returned this evening from the Island. I left on Saturday. Culper was not at home and had to weight till this morning for him.
“Forrage is at Corum yet in stack where tavern is kept. Their remains about forty Ruffigeus yet at Mastick on Mr. Smith’s place. They have no connon, nothing but muskets.
“I took a prize a coming across today. A fine large boat from New Haven, which had been to carry passengers over. We run up long side of them and made them believe we came from Lloyd’s Neck. They enformed me who secreted the persons in New Haven four weeks and their connections, and I wrote it all down before they found out their mistake. We up sail and came off together and they engaged to pilot us to a gard on the west side of New Haven harbour to take them. We got two thirds across the Sound before they found out their mistake and I got them safe under guard. I am Dear Sir, your most obedient humbil servant,
“C. BREWSTER.”
Major Tallmadge quickly responded to the advice of Culper and Brewster. Indeed, so quickly that Fort St. George was captured sooner than Woodhull expected it would be.(131)
[Illustration: A TYPICAL WASHINGTON LETTER
_See page 191._ ]
Years afterwards, Major Tallmadge’s account of this expedition was written for his “Memoirs.” Another officer, one of the party, who had accompanied Brewster on several occasions, fresh from the smoke of the battle, wrote in detail to a friend an account of the expedition. As until now his account has never been published, it is here carefully copied:
“FAIRFIELD, November 26, 1780.[55]
“_My dear Friend_--I am at a loss how the account stands between us respecting letters, but as it is immaterial at present if I am in debt to you, I now propose to myself the pleasure of paying it, and if it brings you in debt I am sure you will take pleasure in discharging it, however as this is a mere subject of ceremony, will quit it, and tell you a small story of a tour we have had to St. George’s Manor, on Long Island. We arrived in this town from North Castle ye 16th Instant. Major Tallmadge, Captain Edgar, myself, and 40 dismounted Dragoons. The weather and want of provisions detained us here until 21st, when we embarked on board 8 whale boats, and in a few hours landed at the Old Mans on the Island. A severe storm prevented our doing any thing until the evening of the 22d, when we began our march with the addition of about 20 men, boatmen, and at 4 o’clock in the morning of the 23d, attacked and carried Fort St. George, (on Major Wm. Smith’s Farm) in a few minutes without the loss of one man.
“It is a very pretty built strong place. The works was completed a few days before. They were completely surprised. We tarried there until about 7 o’clock, when we began the march back and on the return burned about 300 tons of forage at Coram, collected for the British Army. We arrived at our boats about 6 o’clock, and at eleven landed safe at this place, more fatigued and more pleased than I ever was in my life. In little more than twenty-four hours we marched 40 miles and crossed the sound 20 miles wide.
“The Fort is built right west from Mr. Smith’s new house, about the same distance that the old house is from the new. It is four square, about ninety feet square. The parapet from the bottom of the ditch is about 10 feet high, the ditch about 4 feet wide and 3 deep. Besides this is a strong row of Abbatis entirely around the Fort. From the N. E. corner of the Fort to ye N. W. corner of the old house to ye N. E. of the new house and from the S. W. ( ) the new house to the S. E. corner of the Fort ( ) of the fort is on the east side, and opens under cover of this strong stockade. Having fully described to you this post will just mention the mode of attack.
“When we arrived within about three quarters of a mile of the place, I was ordered to the command of 15 men to gain the front of the Fort and there lay concealed until the alarm was given from the other way, by the main body under Major Tallmadge, Captain Edgar, and Lieut. Brewster. I came very close to the Abbatis undiscovered and as soon as the alarm was given, pushed over the Abbatis ditch and parapet, with little opposition, without the loss of one man and without discharging one musket on my part, and met Lieut. Brewster just entering the gates. He came through the entry of the house, followed by the main body, except a small party which filed off and attacked at the same time the old house. The poor dogs had not time to rub their eyes, or gasp before they were obliged to cry Quarters. A musical sound. Here was a scene my friend, of war my eyes never beheld nor description cannot equal. The cries of the wounded in the agonies of death. The screeching of the women and children while the parent and friend were entreating pity and compassion, called forth every tender feeling, yet add to these the shouts of the veterans it gives a pleasing lustre to the triumphs of a soldier.
“We had one man wounded. The enemy about 7 killed and wounded. Prisoners: 1 Lt. Coln. and 1 Capt. half pay. One lieutenant and 50 rank and file. Some were paroled and we have about forty, which I move off to West Point with tomorrow. This tour will take me 7 or 8 days, soon after which I hope to see you, as it grows time for winter quarters and very probably we shall come some where in Connecticut.... You must excuse inaccuracies as I write in haste. Adieu.
“THOS. TREDWELL JACKSON.”
There was too much transpiring in the fall of 1780 to permit using all the intelligence in its chronological order. It is therefore necessary to return to the closing days of September to examine the rest of the correspondence. On September 27th Woodhull wrote, saying:
“Inclosed you have C. Junr’s Blank, which I trust contains all that may be known in and about 727. And have only to mention the departure of the en Dragoons from Smith Town and are now at Jericho. None but Coll. Ludloe’s Regt, is at Lloyd’s Neck, nor none except the en Dragoons eastward of Jamaica. A number of Refugees have built a Block House on Jesse Arthur’s Farm for the purpose of cutting wood on the lands of Mr. Treddle and Platt. Queens Rangers is at Jamaica. Let 725 come again 462 the 5. In the interim am yours,
“SAML. CULPER.”
Again on the 8th of October he wrote:
729--462--0th, 1780.
_Sir._ 708--356 of the fi of 616 came to hand, together with the enclosed blank, the lines of which were easily discovered and some sentences could be read. The paper being so bad I judge is the reason. To prevent the like for the future have forwarded you some good paper which please make use of for that purpose alone. The 174 return’d last night from 727 but without a blank from C. Jur. The present commotion that hath risen on account of that infamous Arnold, together with little or no intelligence at this time was the reason that he did not write. That have only to say the Enemies embarcation goes on but slow. They don’t seem to act with spirit about it. Culper Junr. is to be with me on the ef instant, if no unforeseen accident doth prevent. If possible, and think proper, come and see him. It may be of mutual advantage. There appears nothing in the way but the dangers of the Seas, and hope this invitation will come to hand timely for the purpose. Have just heard that Capt. Cornelius Conklin with a boat’s Crew hath fell into the hands of the refugees near Treadells Banks with the loss of Lieut. Ketchak Killd Dead. Their misfortune is owing to Abijah Tooker of Seatauket. Have nothing further to ad, and am yours Sincerely,
SAML. CULPER.
Comparatively few letters from this period to the end of the war have survived. The next is Woodhull’s, as follows:
“NEW YORK, December 24, 1780.
“_Sir._ I yesterday returned from New York and shall now communicate all that have been able to collect. General Arnold saild on the 20th instant, from Sandy Hook, with a detachment not exceeding sixteen hundred men, consisting of British, Germans and volunteers. Arnold is intrusted with the command of a Military Chest where he may give and take thousands. Coll. Simcoe with part of his regiment is gone with him. Various are the conjectures concerning their destination. Some say to the West Indies, some to the Carolinas, some to the Floridas, others to Virginia. The latter the most probable, as a very noted Refugee, (I think by the name of Charles Williams) formerly an inhabitant of the beforementioned place, is gone with a large quantity of goods suitable for cloathing negroes. I am told Arnold’s having the command is displeased many of the independent gentlemen of the Army, and is called by some the Rebel Fleet. The enemy have certain accounts of a large fleet sailing from France, and in consequence thereof, four thousand Troops may be expected to arrive shortly at New York or to the Southward.... Admiral Rodney hath sent a considerable number of prisoners, both masters and seamen, to England, a step unheard of heretofore, which drew tears from our unfortunate countrymen. I hope you’ll endeavour to exchange as many as possible, for the prisoners will suffer more this winter than ever, as the tender and well disposed inhabitants are debarred from sending them any assistance without endangering themselves....
“SAMUEL CULPER.”
A mystery concerning the next letter remains unsolved. It appears to have taken three months to get to Tallmadge. It is an invitation from Arnold, inviting him to become a traitor, like himself. In forwarding a copy of it to General Washington Major Tallmadge says:
WETHERSFIELD, Jan. 28th, 1781.
_Dr. Genl._ Enclosed your Excellency will receive a copy of a letter from B. Arnold[56] which has this day come to hand. I am equally a stranger to the channel through which it was conveyed, the reason why it was so long on its way, or the motives which induced the Traitor to address himself thus
## particularly to me. I have determined to treat the Author with
the contempt his conduct merits, by not answering his letter, unless Your Excellency should advise a different Measure....
BENJ. TALLMADGE.
Woodhull’s letter of February 8th, 1781(132), predicts success. He thinks it is not far distant, but nevertheless he urges vigilance and
## activity. He pleads in behalf of Samuel Townsend[57] who as a British
prisoner is suffering severely. He calls to mind that all the money General Washington has been able to send him in the last twelve months is 29 Guineas.
Brewster had a letter to accompany this on its way to General Washington.(133) He captured a boat and with it eight persons, whose names he forwarded. They reached Fishkill and from there General Parsons also reported to Headquarters, but mentions only six men instead of eight. He suggests the exchange of two of the leaders of the British crew for Major Brush and Captain Conklin. General Washington from New Windsor, on Feb. 23d, questions Brewster as follows:
“_Sir._ I have recd. yours of the 14th. Your return mentions the names of eight persons sent to the provost Guard--General Parsons says(134) only six were committed. You should enquire of the corporal who had them in charge, how this happened. You will dispose of the Boat and what you took in her for the benefit of the captors.”
Culper Senior’s next letter, dated March 18th, 1781,(135) mentions that “C. Junr. is again in New York and entering into business again as heretofore, and you may soon I hope receive his dispatches,” but his letter following(136) on April 23d, states that they have found it necessary to employ another man to collect information. He says that Culper Junior has recently visited him, but that he will not send a letter out of New York on any account. It might have discovered them to put in a letter the reason for this. In fact Robert Townsend preferred the risk of the long trip to putting on paper the information for Woodhull. At that moment the British had information that might lead to their identity. William Heron, otherwise known as “Hiram, the Spy,” clever agent for Sir Henry Clinton, and good friend of our General Parsons, had reported to British Headquarters in a communication dated February 4th, 1781, that “Private dispatches are frequently sent from New York to the Chieftain here (George Washington) by some traitors. They come by the way of Setalket, where a certain Brewster receives them at, or near, a certain womans.” Townsend must have trembled when he discovered that Clinton had this information and perhaps his trip to caution Woodhull was made none too soon.
If the secret service was to be continued money was now badly needed. In another chapter will be explained the efforts General Washington was making to procure it. Doubtless Major Tallmadge explained this to Culper Senior, who thereupon agreed to finance the work. From Newport, Rhode Island, on April 25th, 1781, Major Tallmadge sent this information to General Washington in the following note:
_Sir._ In my late interview with Cr. the matter of a future Correspondence, to be rendered more regular and advantageous, was fully discussed. The plan which he has consented to adopt, on certain conditions, is for him to remain for the most part on Long Island and C. Junr. whom he thinks might be engaged again, to reside constantly at New York. That some confidential person must of course be employed to carry dispatches as it would cause suspicions which might lead to detection if either of the Culpers should be frequently passing from New York to Setauket, &c. they being men of some considerable note. What he will of course want will be a sufficient sum of money to defray the contingent expenses which as living at New York and traveling an Long Island is very dear, the expenses accruing must be considerable. C. Senior observes that he is already considerably in advance for the business, which from its situation and other circumstances he is sorry to believe has been of but little service to your Excellency the last campaign. He further observes that if in the present state of our public affairs it should be found difficult to furnish money for the purpose, he will advance 100 guineas or more if needed, receiving your excellency’s assurance that it shall be refunded by the Public, with reasonable interest, after the War. This money to be expended and properly accounted for whenever demanded. These are the outlines of the plan which Culper proposed, and which I promised him to communicate to your Excellency. If the whole or any part of it should be satisfactory, I shall immediately communicate the necessary instructions....
BENJ. TALLMADGE.
Promptly before the end of the month came orders to Major Tallmadge to re-engage the Culpers. From Headquarters at New Windsor General Washington wrote:
Your two favors of the 24th and 25th have been duly received. Fully impressed with the idea of the utility of early, regular and accurate communications of the kind in contemplation, I shall make no difficulty in acceding to the proposal contained in your private letter from New Port of the 25th. But at the same time I am engaging in behalf of the United States a liberal reward for the services of the C----s, (of whose fidelity and ability I entertain a high opinion) it is certainly but reasonable, from patriotism and every other principle, that their exertions should be proportionately great, to subserve essentially the interest of the Public. All the interior and minute arrangements of the Correspondence, I request you will settle with them as expeditiously and as advantageously as may be: and especially that you will urge, in very forcible terms, the necessity of having the communications as circumstantial, frequent and expeditious, as possible. The great object of information you are very well acquainted with--such as, Arrivals, Embarkations, Preparations for Movements, alterations of Positions, situation of Posts, Fortifications, Garrisons, strength or weakness of each, distribution and strength of Corps, and in general every thing which can be interesting and important for us to know. Besides these, you are also sensible there are many things, upon a smaller scale, which are necessary to be reported: and that whatever intelligence is communicated ought to be not in general terms, but in detail, and with the greatest precision.
At present I am anxious to know (for the reports have been very numerous vague and uncertain) whether another embarkation is preparing, and if so to what amount, and where destined. What the present force of the Enemy is; particularly on Long Island, in New York and at King’s Bridge. What Corps are at the latter place, how strong, and where posted exactly--and indeed what the situation, prospect, and designs of the enemy are, so far as they can be penetrated into.
The need of this information was anticipated both by Major Tallmadge and by the Culpers. Therefore much of it was in the intelligence forwarded by Culper Senior on May 8th.(137) That trip was quickly followed by another, from which he returned on May 19th, and wrote:
SIR. Your very pressing letter of the 3d inst. came to hand. And it is a matter of grief to me that I cannot completely execute your request. When at New York myself, together with Culper Junior almost racked our invention to point out a proper person and made several attempts but failed--no person will write. The enemy have got some hint of me for when passing at Brooklyn Ferry was strictly examined and told some vilian supported a correspondence from this place. I do assure you am greatly alarmed--and wished to be relieved from my present anxiety. I shall not think it safe for me to go to New York very soon--and can only supply you with verbal accounts as hath been the case for some time. If that will answer let me know as shall continue as heretofore until I hear from you. Austin Roe came from New York yesterday, who saith, Culper Junior informed as is the following.--Admiral Arbuthnot together with the troops mentioned in my last, sailed on Sunday last supposed to stop up the Delaware. And is something expected that Admiral Arbuthnot will soon appear at Block Island. The enemy have impressed 300 of your prisoners and put them on board of the ships of war--this is fact--Nothing material from any other quarter except a late arrival from Europe, and brings a prospect of peace. See the paper, and private accounts declare that the Russian Ambassador hath left the Court of Britain. I believe this is fact. I intended to have wrote you a very long letter but have not time now, but have neglected nothing that is of importance. Capt. Hazard with a party of refugees are about to take up their quarters again at Fort St. George. In haste am Yours Sincerely,
SAML. CULPER.
The above was followed by his letters of May 27th(138) and June 4th(139) and then on the 27th of June he wrote, saying:
Your letter of the 23d instant was handed me yesterday by Mr. S. and observe the contents. Sorry it had not arrived one day earlier, that might have directed Austin Roe, agreeable thereto. I cannot think I would be safe in going to New York for reasons mentioned heretofore and the most can do in complyance with your very urgent request, is, have engaged a faithful and capable friend to report to me agreeable to your queries, on the 4th of July. Sooner could not obtain it.