Part 24
“_Sir._ Your favour of the k Instant hath been duly received, and observe the contents. I am pleased with your intention of apprehending Aiqlai Bqyim. Pray be active and vigilent to secure our Country. No man’s character stands in better light with the Enemy and hath been a particular friend of Tryon’s. And whilst resided at his native town held a constant correspondence with Tryon & Coll. Burch. He never faild in his request for favors when asked for. Could obtain permission for five hundred pounds worth of goods at one time, when others could not for fifty. You may rest assured that B. & J. Nwcluqp are his bosom friends and know his heart. Not long since, B. Nwcluqp told me he was very uneasy about him. Said he had been expected back for some time, asked me if I had not heard nothing about him and desired if possible to enquire after him. Said this was the second time he had been out in the service of Government and was afraid he would be found out. He is largely in debt at 727 and his departure appeared like one fleeing for refuge but it was all to cloak his villany. Arnolds affair hath now become an old story, I am sorry for the death of Major André but better so than to lose the post. He was seeking your ruin. C. Junr. is now with me and shall refer you to his letter for intelligence. I was in hopes you might have come and seen him. I have enclosed you receipt for fifteen Guineas. The other five pieces were too light and could not be of any service to me, two of which were Quarter Joes, and have sent them back again.
“S. CULPER.”
(130) _Bad money is returned to Washington._
“PINE BRIDGE, Oct. 17th, ’80
“_Sir._ I have this moment recd. the enclosed from the C. .s. As circumstances have since turned out I wish I had met C. Junr. as mentioned in my last to Your Excellency.
“C. has returned me five of the Guineas which I recd. of your Excellency at Tappan, for reasons which are mentioned in his enclosed letter. I will forward them to Hd. Qrs. or otherwise dispose of them as I may be directed.
“With respect to the person mentioned in C. Senior’s letter, I really believe he is a very dangerous man among us, and from the charges adduced against him by C. should suppose he ought to be apprehended. I am informed he has lately been to Rhode Island; his business may be guessed at. The person mentioned in C. Senior’s letter as friends to Aiqlai Bqyim are the brothers of the person who had a permit from Genl. Parsons to cross with Lt. Brewster, but has since been prohibited agreeable to your Excellency’s order through me. I am very confident Genl. Parsons was much deceived in the man....
“BENJ. TALLMADGE.”
(131) _Woodhull congratulates Tallmadge._
“729 427 fo 1780
“_Dear Sir._ I congratulate you on your success within the bounds of 729. The burning the forage is agreeable to me and must hurt the enemy much. It cannot be replaced and was what I advised 725 to do some time ago but was opposed by a person of some consequence in this place and so gave up the matter. In order to continue your success and endeavours I rode yesterday above sixty miles, and now can inform you that the 17th Dragoons at Hemstead, about 200 grenadiers at Newtown, 1000 Hessians at Flushing. Some few at Jamaica, 900 Yeagers and Anspach Germans cantoned from Herrick along the north side of Hempstead Plains and some to Oyster Bay. About sixty occupies the fort at the last mentioned place, about 200 consisting of Ludloes. A Major Coldens Volunteers at Lloyd’s Neck. There about 50 Refugees at and about Tredles farme near Smiths Town possess a small fort, two field pieces, but are under no command each man thinks himself equal to their Capt. Luke, and are disagreeing continually. Good judges say they can be taken at any time with ease and is thought they will leave that quarter soon, if they should not be attacked. The woods afford a cover almost to their works. Last week the enemy lost a Frigate going through Helgate bound to the fleet at this east end, and sunk immediately. To serve you I purpose if possible to ride the circuit of these lines and return on the 20th day of December, at which time let 725 cross again. Perhaps you may think the time long but cannot well be sooner. If you should think proper to send him about the 10th it will be agreeable and will write you all I can. Perhaps may hear something of importance, or you may wish to give me some instructions which is ever agreeable. I have had but a few minutes to write and please excuse the imperfections you may discover. The intelligence is the best concerning the enemy and am
“Yours Sincerely, “SAML. CULPER.”
(132) _Culper Senior pleads for Samuel Townsend._
SETAUKET, Feby. 8th, 1781.
_Sir_, I returned from New York yesterday but have nothing of much importance to communicate--The English Fleet of Transports and Merchantmen of about seventy sail left Sandy Hook about the middle of last week--A private ship arrived from England on Friday last, with the king’s speech (see the papers enclosed) and an account of Admiral Darby with thirty four sail of the line being in sight of the combined fleets consisting of fifty sail--The Enemies papers gives a large account of Arnold’s success in Virginia but is not fully believed. Genl. Clinton is said to be dissatisfied with Arnolds conduct--we have nothing from the Carolinas or any other quarter worthy of notice. The prisoners are used very hard, numbers are confined in the Dungeons, and condemned rooms supported only on bread and water. In particular one Mr. Saml. Townsend, said to be one of your Commissary’s, who suffers beyond expression. I can say but little about the situation of the army. The 17th Dragoons is at Hempstead, Coll. Ludlow’s Regt. of DeLancey’s Brigade and the Jersey Volunteers is at Lloyd’s Neck. A very considerable part of the Yaugers and Anspack Regiments are cantoned from Oyster Bay to Herricks--Three Battallions of Hessian Grenadeers are cantoned from Jamaica to Flushing, and think the 37th Regiment is also at Flushing. All the grenadeers and infantry are cantoned at Bedford and Newtown--the 17th of Foot is at Flatbush. There’s one Battallion of Hessian Grenadeers on York Island near Kings Bridge which is all I can say with any certainty. To conclude, the Enemy expect a large French Fleet in the Spring--and their spirits are very low--The principal inhabitants that are most obnoxious to you still continue to offer their property to sale. It appears to me that we need not doubt of success, and that it is not far distant--But, nevertheless must urge you to be vigilent and active. In particular be watchful of the Enemies among you who are daily forwarding supplies to the Enemy. I could mention numbers that I know are guilty and many circumstances that might detect others but am fearful it would lead to a discovery. At all hazards, I will mention one Robert Bown, of Shrewsbury in Jersey that I assure you keeps up a connection with the Refugees and hath frequently had them at his house. I have given you such information as this repeatedly but could never hear you made any use of it. It was not long ago that I declared to you of a certain person being in your lines and in the Enemy’s service, and but a few days ago he found his way into New York and waited on the Commander in Chief. It is now a full year that I have supported this correspondence and have forwarded frequent dispatches--and the expenses incurred amounts to one hundred and seven pounds eighteen shillings, and all I have received is 29 Guineas. The balance is due me and in want thereof, wish it could be forwarded soon. Agreeable to your request hope shall soon be able to place a person at 727 as heretofore, and am yours sincerely,
SAML. CULPER.
(133) _Brewster captures boat and crew._
FAIRFIELD, February 14, 1781.
_Sir._ My appointment on the 6th Inst. was frustrated until the 9th by bad weather, when I crossed and from information found I would not accomplish my business without endangering
## particular persons, as there were numerous crews of Reffugees
scattered in the town, which made it impossible for me to see the person I wished. I thought it most prudent to return immediately, and take with me an additional boat when I crossed again, both for my own safety, and to annoy them if they fell in my way. On the 12th, at night I crossed again with three boats, and affected my purpose, and on the morning following just as we were embarking to return I discovered a boat rowing from the eastward. I lay concealed till she came opposite to me when I detached one of my boats in pursuit; she discovering our strength immediately came on shore and proved to be a cruising refugee boat carrying eight men, a list of their names and character I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency. The interest of my country induces me to inform your Excellency that there is a constant communication kept up for trade and intelligence by the enemy boats, bringing over goods and taking provisions in return, and in such force that renders it impossible and many times makes it dangerous to transact my business with my present command. An addition of one or two boats will make my appointments certain, and when not on command should be able to keep the coast clear from any enterprise they would form. I am with Respect your Excellency’s most Humble Servant,
CALEB BREWSTER.
Joseph Easton Trowbridge, Capt. of the Boat. Henry Gibbs, Benjamin Prescott: These three are from New Haven and have been condemned to the mines for illicit trade but broke goal. James Smith, Capt. of the Kings Militia Volunteers. From the Block House on Tredwells Banks are Thomas Davis, Thomas Wilson, Christopher Young, Job Mosier. The above prisoners I have sent to your Excellency under a Couporal and six men and would wish your Excellencys directions with the boat, apparel and arms.
CALEB BREWSTER.
(134) _Gen. Parsons wants Brush and Conklin released._
CAMP HIGHLAND, 17 Feb. 1781.
_Dear General._ Last night six prisoners were brought to the Provost Guard in Fishkill, who belonged to the State of Connecticut. Three of them viz. Jos Easton Trowbridge, Henry Gibbs and Benjamin Prescott were sentenced last October to be confined in Symsbury Mines Eighteen Months. The two former escaped on their way and joined the enemy. Prescott, a brother in law to Roger Sherman Esq. made interest through his brother for a pardon, which he obtained and immediately fled to New York. One Willson, one of the number, has been guilty of putting of very large sums of Counterfeit money which I am able to prove against him but he has had no trial.
Major Brush and Capt. Conklin have been long confined in the Provost in New York and there appears very little prospect of their consenting to exchange them unless some characters of repute with them are given for them--these gentlemen are persons who deserve the attention of every Friend to his Country, and I am enclined to believe Smith, who is a Captain of their Militia and Trowbridge who has a commission for one of their Whale boats would be acceptable to them: If they may be offered for these two men, who are confined in a most vigorous manner and have long suffered in confinement, your Excellency will relieve the Distress of two numerous families suffering greatly by the absence of these gentlemen. I am sir, Yr. most Obedt. Servt.
SAM H. PARSONS.
(135) _Townsend back in New York._
“729 374 the eo 1781.
“_Sir._ Your several favours of the fo of 215 and of the ee instant have been received and observe the contents. I have but little to communicate at this time. Genl. Phillips hath embarked some days ago with all the infantry, the Seventy-Six Regiment and two German Regiments. The whole said to amount to sixteen hundred men, generally believed are bound to the assistance of Arnold. They had not sailed last Thursday and am of opinion they will not go. They certainly have not a sufficient convoy. A few days past a small boat arrived from Arnold in forty eight hours but nothing could be learned from her. There’s nothing from any other quarter, save Britain declaring war against the United States of Holland and their taking St. Estutias and one hundred and sixty sail of ships. See the papers inclosed. The enemy are very low on the same account. I think they must make peace shortly. The Memorial of Prussia mentioned in the News Paper is not thought to be genuine here. C. Jur. is again in 727 and entering into business as heretofore and you may soon I hope receive his dispatches. And remain your very Humbl. Servt.
“SAML CULPER.”
(136) _Woodhull reports a visit from Culper Junior._
SETAUKET, April 23d, 1781.
_Sir._ Inclosed I send you the report of a faithful person that I employed a few days past to visit the several places therein mentioned, and think you may place much confidence therein. I do assure you it’s more than I could possibly do. The number of men at Lloyd’s Neck is certainly not more than 500 nor less than 400 fighting men. There’s of the Yagers and Anspach Regt. about 800 cantoned from Oysterbay to Herrick’s. Sometimes a picket is at Dosons. I think some of them might be taken. I have made further enquire about the embarcation under General Phillips and am assured that better information respecting him cannot be procured than what have transmitted. The enemy on the Island to all appearance rest as easy as if they had no enemies to fear. Hope you may disturb them ere long.
A few days past I had a visit from C. Junr. and am sorry to inform you that he will not write any more on any account whatever. And as yet neither of us can think of a suitable person to establish. Yet nevertheless shall when receive your determination as proposed further endeavour. If should fail shall be exceedingly sorry. I can always procure verbal accounts from C. Junr. and other persons of good observation similar to the present, but it cannot be done without expense. A few days past a Spy left Rhode Island and went to New York in as much haste as perhaps ever any person traveled. Having nothing further to say at present I remain yours Sincerely,
SAMUEL CULPER.
The person that procured the enclosed knows not the smallest link in our chain if need should require I mean to employ him at times knowing him to be capable, and much used to armies and fortifications.
(137) _Woodhull finds no one will write from New York._
May 8.
_Sir._ Your favor of the 28th of April is before me and observe the contents. Agreeable to your request I immediately repaired to New York and have done all that in me lay to engage a proper person, but have failed as no one will write on any account. I can only obtain verbal accounts for you and that but seldom, as the enemy have lately been made to believe that a line of intelligence is supported here. They are jealous of every person that they may see from this part. I have received from you three English and seven French Guineas, the former have placed to your credit, the latter have returned, they being not permitted to pass and consequently are of no use to me.
You may now see the following intelligence. The latest accounts from Europe says that the Dutch have not declared war against Great Britain, but as one of the neutral powers have referred their situation to the Congress, sitting at Petersburgh, which is looked upon here as great wisdom and will soon be productive of peace. The British when I left New York consisted of 7 ships of the line, 2 of 50 and 4 of 44 Guns, and two or three smaller Ships, which on their arrival landed 7 or 800 sick and wounded, and have replaced them again with negroes, boys, carmen, fishermen--never was so warm a press in America before. Gentlemen’s servants going to market did not escape. The fleet have laid down Staten Island, and were to sail yesterday, supposed to cruise of the Capes of Virginia. The following regiments have embarked and are under orders for embarcation and said to be bound to Virginia. Regiment of Anspach, the 43d and 17th Dragoons and Infantry of the same; the remainder of the 76th and 80th. The whole Culper Junior says will amount to 2000 men and not more than 4000 will be left in Garrison. It is a matter of surprise that they will leave the Garrison so weak and gives reason to believe that some troops are expected from Europe, or that they are going to make some attack near at hand. It is reported the French Army are about marching westward, if they should the enemy will not leave New York on their expedition. I have directed 725 to cross again on the tenth inst. I am yours, &c.
SAML. CULPER.
P. S. All hands agree that the Capt. of the Confederacy gave his ship away. The Crew have all been taken on board the British Fleet against their will. It is the opinion of some that ⅓ of the men on board the fleet had rather fight against them.
(138) _British march troops towards N. Y. then back again._
SETAUKET, May 27th, 1781.
_Sir._ Your favour of the 13th instant hath come to hand, and note the contents--I have proposed the affair to the person mentioned in your last but can only send him down at times, he cannot reside there at present, and cannot procure any person as yet to do it. Austin Roe hath just returned from New York but brings nothing material. Pensacola is taken by the Spaniards and there’s a fleet preparing to sail for Europe, probably will be ready in about ten days, their said to be conveyed by five ships of war. The troops were all ordered to leave Long Island a few days past but before they got to Brooklyn were ordered to return to their quarters again. What this maneuver was for cannot say. It is reported that the second division of French have arrived at Boston. You desired to know the state of the enemy at Kingsbridge. I have directed an enquirie. They’re most certainly very weak there. But I think you cannot surprise them and were you to make any movement there you may depend they could move their whole force there in twelve hours. Their regular troops certainly doth not much exceed four thousand. And I am assured that the Militia and others that they could muster on an emergency would amount to five thousand more, some say six.
I have forwarded the papers regular and have expended the ten guineas. A few days past several men from New Haven were at Setauket. Two of them were named Thompson and Brother. Further cannot describe. They brought on Shoes and Flour and other necessaries of life. There’s a person been to New York this week, I suppose you are not unacquainted with his errand. Hope he hath rendered a good account. I am in haste. And remain your very humble servant,
SAML. CULPER.
General Phillips is dead and General Robinson, commonly called Jimmy, goes to take the command in Virginia.
(139) _Stephen Smith shoots up Port Jefferson._[71]
SETAUKET, June 4th, 1781.
_Dear Sir._ Your favour of the 23d of May is just come to hand--together with five Guineas. Austin Roe hath just returned from New York but brings very little intelligence. He says all is silence and no kind of movement about to take place. Admiral Arbuthnot is off Sandy Hook. And the Fleet for Europe mentioned in my last are in number near one hundred and are about to sail. The Confederacy is one of their Convoys. Further cannot say. The Enemy are much alarmed at so large a French Fleet arriving in the West Indies. See the papers forwarded with the Magazine. We think here that a peace must shortly take place.
A few days past a number of men commanded by one Stephen Smith a Deserter from Coll. Ludloe’s Regiment, much abused and plundered several houses at a place caled Drowned Meadow; broke their windows, fired into their houses, whipped and threatened both old and young. The like hath happened on the South Side of Long Island and eighteen out of forty two, by thirty men under the command of one Henry Nicol, were made prisoners. We live in daily fear of death and destruction. This added to my usual anxiety hath almost unmanned me. I must now (as painful as it is to me) disappoint your expectations, and out of my power to avoid if matters were ever so secure on my part which is the reverse. I dare not visit New York myself and those that have been employed will serve no longer, through fear. I am fully persuaded by various circumstances and observation that have made from time to time, that if it were in my power to continue it regular without any interval, should shortly be devoted to ruin, and it appears clear to me that it would be presumption to take one step further at present--And could not expect that protection from Heaven that have hitherto enjoyed. You must acknowledge and readily conclude that have done all that I could, and stood by you when others have failed, and have not left you in the darkest hour but when our affairs appear as clear as the Sun in the Heavens, and promiseth a speedy and I hope a happy conclusion. Inclosed you have an account of transports as requested and should be exceedingly happy to see you. And in the Interum wishing you health and prosperity I remain your ever mindful and Humble Servant,
SAMUEL CULPER.
(140) _Woodhull explains how Robert Townsend used British uniform._