Part 23

“The wagons went from Smith Town yesterday, loaded, but am informed the Troops all stayed behind waiting their return. We have 20 Horse and 4 foot bilited about in houses, but no wagons have loaded here yet, they are exceedingly afraid and keep a very strict guard at the foot of Seaton’s Neck. Coll. Floyd, E. Jones, above the Mill, J. Thompson’s, P. Lions, John Bayles is Head Quarters Main guard in Kelly’s House. They are not expected to stay here more than 10 days, some say not longer than a week. It will be precarious to attack them, they may be reinforced in one day’s time. They are continually reconnoitering the shores and the weather is very uncertain. I am told the New York Paper saith Admrl. Parker hath taken 5 ships of the line from the French. I think something is the matter or they must have been here before now. I give over all hope of their coming to our relief this winter, and it is a killing thought to me. We shall see more distress this winter than ever since the war began. The inhabitants of this Island at present live a miserable life, which you may readily judge when having the refuse of three kingdoms and thirteen States amongst them. Plundering and rapine increaseth at no small rate. I am tired of this business, it gives me a deal of trouble, especially when disappointments happen. Could not consent to be any longer an assistant if I was not almost an Enthusiast for our success.--I am perfectly acquainted with a full year’s anxiety, which no one can scarcely have an idea of but those that experience, and not long since there was not the breadth of your finger betwixt me and death--but so long as I reside here my faithful endeavours shall never be wanting. 725 loudly complains of his fatigue and declares he will not come so often. Should the enemy be stationed here this winter it will be very dangerous for him to come. You say you will take all the pains possible to secure Coll. Floyd and Mr. Seaton’s goods. I hope they may be saved and the public get the benefit. I have no love for Coll. Floyd nor for no Tory under Heaven, but in my present situation am obliged to cultivate his friendship, and for that reason dare not mention to him what you purposed. I do not doubt he would be glad to hear it and perhaps keep it entirely secret for his own interest, but yet he would view me with an Evil Eye. I have not as yet heard of 725 arrival but as the weather is now favorable expect him this night, and shall expect his return on the 20th Instant, when shall hope to be ready for him, and shall if no accident hath befallen C. Jur. hope to see him soon. And in the interim remain your most obt. H. Servt.

“SAML. CULLPER.”[69]

(121) _British counterfeiting money._

“No. 14 NEW YORK, 27th Nov. 1779.

“_Sir._ It is now said by the most knowing ones that a considerable part of the Army is to go to Georgia as soon as it is known that D’Estaing has left the Coast, and some think that several Regiments will be sent to the West Indies. Charlestown is fixed on as the grand object this campaign and winter.

“The spirits of the Tory’s is amazingly elated with the reports of the Army in Georgia. It has been repeated some time past that Parker has taken seven sail of French Men of War in the West Indies, and on Friday an account was brought by a Cartel from Boston that there had been an engagement between the grand Fleets in the Channel, in which the combined fleets of France and Spain were defeated with the loss of .. ships sunk and taken. The former account is now thought premature, and the latter improbable, as it is said to have happened on the 2d. of September and the packet left Falmouth the 7th, and brings no such account.

“The Tories are extremely anxious for the fate of the British Fleet. They think that the success of the contest depends entirely on it. They have hopes that England will be able to form some alliance this winter, which will enable them to carry on the War here another campaign, which they flatter themselves will end in their favour, as they think America will not be able to keep an Army together another campaign. Truth reasons that their currency will be entirely depreciated, and that there will not be provision in the country to supply an Army another campaign. That of the currency I am afraid will prove true, as they are indefatigable in increasing the quantity of it. Several reams of the paper made for the last emission struck by Congress have been procured from Philadelphia. I have taken much pains to find out some of those concerned, but could not accomplish it. But that there is such paper brought in you may depend on as a fact. A large ship was sent into the Hook yesterday but it is not known where she is from. The Men of War at the Hook have taken in water for several months and on Friday the Admiral went down with all his baggage. A Fleet for Cork and a number of vessels for England will sail in a few days, some of which are loaded with valuable cargoes. However, some think that they will not sail till D’Estaing has left the Coast, or till there is some arrival from England. Privateering is now almost over, not more than six now out and few fitting. There has not any prizes of value arrived for some time past.

“I am, Your humble Servt.

“SAML. CULPER, JUNR.”

(122) _Woodhull would kill Simcoe._

“No. 30 729 December 12, 1779.

“_Sir_: Inclosed you have a blank just come to hand from C. Junr., which I conclude contains some important intelligence, and as this is the appointed night, and very good hope it will soon reach your hands. On Monday last the Foraging Party left us, after collecting the Forage in general as far Eastward as this township extends, some from South Hold and South Hampton. The Forage collected in this county is all carried to Huntington; and are as fast as possible sending it to N. York. As soon as they get it all from that place the enemy will most certainly leave there, except the Garrison on Lloyd’s Neck. We are not a little comforted after our distress, with the pleasing hope that the Enemy will not trouble us any farther this winter, and glad our correspondence will not be interrepted or subject to greater danger than usual. The said misfortune attending our endeavours to the Southward hath greatly lifted up our Enemies and dejected our friends, and deeply affected me and allmost ready to conclude that the day of our deliverance is farther distant than we ever glanced a thought, and that all the Carolinas will fall into their hands, as is most certain a large embarcation destined for Charles Town is about to take place, and believe Clinton will go himself. But yet hope such measures will be adopted that they may be spaird and protected. Culper Junior is entirely out of the Counterpart, and unable to read any future blanks that may come. Don’t fail to forward it next opportunity, and we cannot get any person to run the risk written with common ink. C. Jur. is to be with me on the 25th, hope if the weather is favorable you will incline to come as we greatly desire to see you. We would gladly if possible meet you half way. I have the pleasure to inform you my fears are much abated since the troops have been with us. Their approach was like death to me. Did not know wether to stand or fall. Had they been the Queens Rangers or legion should have been with you before now. Were I now in the State of New Jersey without fear of Law or Gospel would certainly 344 Gqm. Ucngqi for his usage to me. I have nothing further to say at present, and am

“Yours sincerely, “SAML. CULPER.”

(123) _British sail for Charleston._

“No. 17 729 Dec. 27th, 1779.

“_Sir_, In my last I informed you that a considerable number of the enemy were under orders for Embarkation. The number does not exceed seven thousand. I have now to inform you that they have all Embarked, and part of the Transports fell down to the Hook a few days ago. They were to sail the 26th Inst. under Convoy of the Russel, Robust, Europa, Defiance, Raisonable, Roebuck, Renown, Romulus & Perseus. Genl. Clinton goes in the Romulus. The time that it will necessarily take for this to get to hand makes it almost useless to inform you that they are positively going to Charlestown. Governor Martin with a considerable number of North Carolina Refugees, and all the Officers who have been on furloe from Georgia, goes with the expedition. Five vessels are loaded with ordnance stores, and they have taken fifty chests of Arms for the purpose of arming the Tory’s and Negroes. It is said that they are to act on a very different plan from what they formerly have, i.e. to settle the Country as they Conquer it, by securing all those whom they may suppose dangerous; and to give the most noted Tory’s a considerable command. It is said that Clinton will go home immediately after taking possession of Charlestown, and leave the command to Lord Cornwallis. The most sanguine of the Tory’s flatter themselves that the British army will be in possession of both the Carolinas May next. I sincerely hope that such measures will be taken as may disappoint their expectations, even to the taking of Charlestown. If the Garrison destin’d to defend it will have a Retrospect to Georgia, and immitate them I think they may hold it. Clinton will make a vigorous push for it, for I believe he thinks that it is necessary to do something to distinguish himself before he returns to England.

“The Garrison at New-York is left under the command of Tryon & Knyphausen. It is now entirely out of wood, and can get none but what they bring from a considerable distance by land. A considerable number of teams are ordered from Queens County to Brooklyn Ferry, each to carry a load of wood, and to continue there for six days to cart wood from the nearest wood land for the use of the Army. If the creeks continue shut any time, the inhabitants will be greatly distressed for the want of fuel. The Markets are well supply’d with fresh provisions of every kind, and will continue so while there is any cattle in Connecticut & New Jersey. A considerable number of cattle and other provisions is daily brought over from Connecticut to the East end of Long Island, and from thence conveyed to New York; and there has ever been regular supplies from Shrewsbury, Middletown, and every other part of East Jersey. It is almost needless to mention Kings Bridge, for it has been, and ever will be a practice to get supplies in that way.

“No arrivals since my last, and none from Europe since the September Packet. The Fleet for Europe, consisting of near one hundred sail, sailed from Sandy Hook the 23d Inst. under convoy of the Solebay & Lioness, Frigates.

“The expense of conveying letters obliges me to request that you will send me Twenty Guineas pr. next conveyance. I am now entirely out of the Counterpart of the Stain.

“I am, Yours, &c &c.

“SAML. CULPER, JUN.”

(124) _Prison ship set on fire._

“729   374   eg   1780.

“724 returned from 727 last night with a blank for 711 which I have inclosed and forwarded, together with the Newspapers. The papers declare the willful burning of the Prison Ship by one Woodberry of Connecticut, on the 5th inst. No account of Sir H. Clinton yet. Verbal accounts sent me from a person thats had the perusal of the English papers say the debates run much higher than ever, some having fought duels. Lord Charles Gorden declared in the Parliament he had in Scotland 150 thousand men ready to take vengeance on the present ministry. Hope it may be true.

“SAML. CULPER.”

(125) _Robinson quotes Rivington._

_Esteemed Friend._

I enclose for the amusement of yourself, our friend Wistar &c three New York Papers--Yesterday about Forty transports full of Troops, sailed up the North River, and at three in the morning the troops at Elizabeth Town moved out, when there was an abundance of firing, which continued till ten. It is supposed that those in transports are designed to take possession of the strong country above, and that the movement from Elizabeth was intended to draw off the attention of the Rebels--I was just now informed by _Rivington_ that the troops returned to Elizabeth Town last evening--but there is yet no account from them.

The _Rebels_ affect to console themselves for the loss of Charlestown, by attributing it to the want of Provisions--this indeed gives the affair a better appearance than if it had been timidly surrendered amidst a plentiful supply of every thing necessary for its defence, and I find their well wishers here are somewhat comforted by this circumstance, and say that had the garrison been properly supplied they would have laughed at all the efforts that Clinton could have made against them--so strong by nature and well fortified by art, was that Capital--and people who were there say that no deficiency of skill or courage appeared in the besieged. Its fall they say must be attributed to some fatality which prevented their being properly furnished with Provisions. Ten days before the Capitulation the Garrison and Inhabitants had nothing but Rice, and on the 12th of May there was only two days allowance of that left. The Rebel officers are outrageous against their Commisary, and say he will be hanged. When they reckoned upon three months provisions there was only twenty days in store.

The malcontents build great hopes upon a French Fleet and Troops that is expected--and indeed _we_ are not clear of apprehension on that account. They are expected at the eastward--and as several Flags which have been due for some time, do not come, we fear they are detained on that account. My Respects to both families. I am with Esteem,

Your assured Friend, WM. T. ROBINSON.

June 24th, 1780.

(126) _Code words here freely used._

“729   29   fn   1780.

“_Sir._ I have now to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the ff Instant--and one of an earlier date, as also eu 230. The 121 I 691 my last before had time to 156 it. Was taken very cmm with the 73 151, but am now 60, though very 349. My 151 hath put it out of my power to make any 322 about the 178 in these 476. Genl. 712 hath returned to 727 some 121 ago. The en Regt. D. is in 729. ei Companies of 309 are at Smith Town. Queens Rangers and Fannings Regts. are yet East of here, where know not. The whole number is about 1500. It appears probable they will continue in these parts some time. Their wanton waste of the necessities of life (which will occasion people to perish for want of subsistance unless can be procured elsewhere) hath given rise to a prevailing opinion that this is the last visit we shall ever have from them, and that they will leave 727 soon. I was told so when at 727, but could see nothing that looked like it. There’s the same accounts in 727 from 745 as mentioned in your 356. Hope the flame begun may increase, and fill with horror all those cursed destroyers of mankind. The 585 keep up a constant communication with your courts, and carries large sums of counterfeit paper currency of every emission and puts it into the hands of Tory’s for to pay their taxes with. This I do assure from undoubted authority is their practice. I shall at a more convenient time write you further on the subject of treachery, and some discoveries that I hope soon to make. Inclosed you have a blank from C. Jur. just come to hand, and yours enclosed to him shall be delivered into his hands on Wednesday next. On the f 616 let 725 cross again. In the interim am yours sincerl.

“SAML. CULPER.”

(127) _Major Tallmadge deciphers Townsend’s letters._

“BEDFORD, Aug. 28th, 1780.

“_Sir._ I have the Honor to enclose a letter from C. Junr., & one from Lt. B...r which have just come to hand. I have also recd. a letter from C... Junr. of which the following is an extract:

N. Y. Aug. 23d, 1780.

“C. Senr. was in Town & wrote you by the last conveyance. The present offers nothing material. Clinton seems now preparing to act on the defensive. He is fortifying on L. I. opposite Frog’s Point, the Heights of Harlem, & the Island eastward of Hellgate. However some of our most knowing politicians say that Rhode Island is still the object, & that he is only waiting the arrival of three Regts that are expected from Carolina, and some Hanoverian Troops that are expected some time in September, and that Arbuthnot is to keep off N. Port till that time. Others think that this garrison will be put in the best state of defence & that Arbuthnot will go to the West Indies.

“A fleet of Transports, Victuallers, & some private vessels under convoy of the Renown, will sail for England in a few days. The 22d, 76th, Robinsons, and two Hessian Regts, do duty in Town. Forty two pieces of Cannon are mounted on the Battery.

“C. Senr. will furnish you with the situation of the troops on Long Island.

“I was obliged to decypher C... Junr. letter, as I was convinced it referred to the future mode of our correspondence. After his next arrives, I hope to have no further occasion to decypher his letters, as I hope by that time our plans will be finished. After sending several times across the Sound to open a new communication with Culper Junior, without success, I have finally referred the whole matter to him, who I expect will appoint such place and pick on such persons for his confidential friends, as will best answer our purpose, and inform me thereof.

“Lt. B...r informs of several boats with Continental Crews, being along the Sound, which were appointed by Genl. Officers. Possibly Major Humpreys knows more about this matter. If they are not wanted on their present duty, one of them would be of very great service to Lt. B...r. I have the Honor to be, with great regard, Your Excellency’s most Obedt. Hbl. Sert.

“BENJ. TALLMADGE.”

(128) _Genealogy._

Samuel Townsend and his wife Sarah, parents of Robert Townsend, _alias_ Culper Junior, had eight children; Solomon, Samuel, Robert, William, David, Audrey, Sarah, and Phebe. Only the descendants of his son Solomon have survived to the present day.

* * * * *

SOLOMON,[70] son of Samuel and brother of Robert Townsend, also had eight children, namely, Hannah, Anne, Mary, Phebe, Samuel, Jacob, Peter, and Solomon.

* * * * *

_Hannah_, niece of Robert Townsend and daughter of Solomon, married Isaiah Townsend, of Albany. When he died, February 17, 1838, the merchants met and resolved to close all the stores and to attend his funeral. She died November 1, 1854. Her children were Isaiah, Anna, Robert, Franklin, who was Mayor of Albany in 1850–51, Howard, Frederick, and Mary. Isaiah married Harriet Townsend, Anna married Henry H. Martin, Robert married Harriet Monroe, Franklin married Anna King, Howard married Justina Van Rensselaer, Frederick married Sarah Rathbone, Mary married General William H. Walker.

* * * * *

_Anna_, niece of Robert Townsend and daughter of Solomon, married Effingham Lawrence, one-time first judge of the County of Queens. He was a son of Phebe Townsend, of Orange County, who in 1764 married Joseph Lawrence. His grandfather, Richard Lawrence, born in 1691, married Hannah Bowne, daughter of Samuel Bowne, and granddaughter of John Bowne, of Flushing, and his great-grandfather was Joseph Lawrence, who in 1690 married Mary Townley and inherited from his mother a large estate at Flushing and Little Neck. His great-great-grandfather was William Lawrence, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard “Bull” Smith, patentee of Smithtown. The town of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was so named in honor of this lady. Anna (Townsend) Lawrence had eight children: Townsend, Lydia, Henry, William, Effingham, Robert, Mary, and Edward. She died October 11, 1845.

* * * * *

_Mary_, niece of Robert Townsend and daughter of Solomon, married Edward Holland Nicoll, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Woodhull) Nicoll, and grandson of General Nathaniel Woodhull. She was born in 1789 and died in 1849. Her children were: Henry, born October 23, 1812, and died November 28, 1879; he married Anna Townsend Thorne, daughter of James and Phebe (Townsend) Thorne; Solomon Townsend Nicoll, born November 13, 1813, and died December 23, 1865; Edward Holland Nicoll, born December 25, 1815, died January 26, 1820. Solomon Townsend Nicoll, above, married Charlotte, daughter of Samuel Benjamin Nicoll, of Shelter Island. Their children were Annie, DeLancey, Benjamin, Mary Townsend, Edward Holland, and Charlotte. DeLancey Nicoll above, the well-known lawyer of New York City, is therefore a grandson of Robert Townsend’s niece.

* * * * *

_Phebe_, niece of Robert Townsend and daughter of Solomon, married James Thorne, of Albany. They had children: Sarah, Anna, Robert, Mary, Edward, John, James, and Martha.

* * * * *

_Samuel_ and _Jacob_ died unmarried.

* * * * *

_Peter S. Townsend_, nephew of Robert Townsend and son of Solomon, died March 26, 1849. His activities would fill a volume and are worthy of careful preservation.

* * * * *

_Solomon_, nephew of Robert Townsend and son of Solomon, was born October 8, 1805, and died April 2, 1880. He resided at “Raynham Hall,” Oyster Bay, married Helene, daughter of Dr. Charles Townsend, of Albany, and had six children: Solomon, Charles, Robert, Maurice, Edward, and Maria.

(129) _S. Culper urges Howell’s imprisonment._

“729   462   ei   1780