Part 5

These letters, with those significant words, “You must keep a very good look out,” were on their way, but had not had time to reach Major Tallmadge when he was surprised by a night attack. Lord Rawdon, with nearly all of the British light horse, accompanied by a body of light infantry, had come upon them under cover of the darkness and compelled them to fight, principally with the broadsword, until Colonel Sheldon found it necessary to order their retreat. Tallmadge lost in the affray a fine horse, most of his field baggage, and the money and letters that General Washington had sent him for the Culpers. Upon receipt of this information at Headquarters, General Washington replied to Major Tallmadge on July 5th, as follows:

“_Sir_: I have just received your letter of the 3d. The loss of your papers was certainly a most unlucky accident and shows how dangerous it is to keep papers of any consequence at an advanced post. I beg you will take care to guard against the like in future. If you will send me a trusty person I will replace the guineas.

“I observe yourself and other officers have lost some cloathing. Though I have not given an order of the kind before, yet in this particular exigence I am ready to give one on the Clothier to those officers who have been the sufferers for such articles as are absolutely necessary. You will be pleased to communicate this to Col. Sheldon and request him to send the Pay Master with a proper return to Head Quarters.

“The person who is most indangered by the acquisition of your letter is one Higday, who lives not far from the Bowery, on the Island of New York. I wish you could endeavour to give him the speediest notice of what has happened. My anxiety on his account is great. If he is really the man he has been represented to be, he will in all probability fall a sacrifice. I am, etc.”

Nine days later, Samuel Culper’s seventeenth letter, dated July 9th, was forwarded to Major Tallmadge. He begins by saying it is a long time since he has heard from him and cannot tell if he wants him to continue the correspondence, and continues, saying: “I yesterday had an opportunity of seeing Mr. Culper, Junr. and repeated again all my instructions ever received from you. I have kept no secret from him and have consulted every thing and he’s determined to pursue every step that he may judge for advantage and is determined as soon as I can communicate to him your authority for my engaging him he will disengage himself from every other business which at present affords him a handsome living--He’s allowed to be a person of good sense and judgment and his firmness and friendship towards our Country I do assure you need not doubt. I have known him several years and confident he is a sincere friend, and will be frugal of all moneys he may receive, and hath undertaken it solely for to be some advantage to our distressed Country, and have determined to forward you for the future weekly intelligence if possible, as I have concluded to remain here as long as I possibly can (although I look upon myself all the time in danger) for the sole purpose of advantage to our correspondence.

“Below is what intelligence I could gain from C. Junr. It is but trifling but he assured theres nothing more worthy of notice. On the 4th, 10 sail arrived from Halifax under Convoy of the Romulus of 44 guns with about one hundred of the new raised Scotch, believe the Duke of Athol’s. Same day 10 Sail sailed for Cork. On the 6th, 10 sail of Merchantmen from the West Indies, but brought nothing new, only that Admiral Byron was cruising for a reinforcement that was expected to join Count d’Estaing. On the 4th, a Packet from Georgia with an account of Genl. Provost being with his army 16 miles south of C. Town, on St. John’s Island. Hardly any thing is said about the enemy in that quarter. He tells me the spirits of the enemy in general are much lower than heretofore and that he heard a very noted refugee say there would certainly be a peace or a Spanish war in four weeks. The times grows worse within the Enemy’s lines and Protection for those called rebels is almost banished, in fact Refugees are let loose to plunder within and without their lines. Parties of them are hiding in the woods and laying wait for the unwary and ignorant to deceive them, putting on the character of people from your shore, and have succeeded in their design too well. Carried off 10 or 12 men and stripped their houses lately from about 20. The roads from here to 10 is infested by them, and likewise the shores. It makes our correspondence very dangerous and requires great care and a strict observance of the before mentioned characters and circumstances. Sincerely,

“SAMUEL CULPER.

“N.B.: Culper Junr. should now be furnished with some money. I gave him 4 half Joes on the 8th. instant.”

Meanwhile, General Washington had prepared instructions for the Culpers, a copy of which is still preserved among the papers of Colonel Tallmadge, as follows:

“INSTRUCTIONS

“C---- Junr, to remain in the City, to collect all the useful information he can--to do this he should mix as much as possible among the officers and Refugees, visit the Coffee Houses, and all public places. He is to pay particular attention to the movements by land and water in and about the city especially.

“How their transports are secured against attempt to destroy them--whether by armed vessels upon the flanks, or by chains, Booms, or any contrivances to keep off fire Rafts.

“The number of men destined for the defence of the City and Environs, endeavoring to designate the particular corps, and where each is posted.

“To be particular in describing the place where the works cross the Island in the Rear of the City--how many Redoubts are upon the line from River to River, how many Cannon in each, and of what weight and whether the Redoubts are closed or open next the city.

“Whether there are any Works upon the Island of New York between those near the City and the works at Fort Knyphausen or Washington, and if any, whereabouts and of what kind.

“To be very particular to find out whether any works are thrown up on Harlem River, near Harlem Town, and whether Horn’s Hook is fortifyed. If so, how many men are kept at each place, and what number and what sized Cannon are in those works.

“To enquire whether they have dug Pits within and in front of the lines and Works in general, three or four feet deep, in which sharp pointed stakes are fixed. These are intended to receive and wound men who attempt a surprise at night.

“The state of the provisions, Forage and Fuel to be attended to, as also the Health and Spirits of the Army, Navy and City.

“These are the principal matters to be observed within the Island and about the City of New York. Many more may occur to a person of C. Junr’s penetration which he will note and communicate.

“C---- Senior’s station to be upon Long Island to receive and transmit the intelligence of C---- Junior.

“As it is imagined that the only post of consequence which the enemy will attempt to hold upon Long Island in case of attack will be at Brooklyn, I would recommend that some inhabitant in the neighborhood of that place, and seemingly in the interest of the enemy, should be procured, who might probably gain daily admission into the Garrison by carrying on marketing, and from him intelligence might be gained every day or two of what was passing within, as the strength of the Garrison, the number and size of the Cannon, &c.

“Proper persons to be procured at convenient distances along the Sound from Brooklyn to Newton whose business it shall be to observe and report what is passing upon the water, as whether any Vessels or Boats with troops are moving, their number and which way they seem bound.

“There can be scarcely any need of recommending the greatest Caution and secrecy in a Business so critical and dangerous. The following seem to be the best general rules:

“To intrust none but the persons fixed upon to transmit the Business.

“To deliver the dispatches to none upon our side but those who shall be pitched upon for the purpose of receiving them and to transmit them and any intelligence that may be obtained to no one but the Commander-in-Chief.”

Robert Townsend acknowledges receipt of the above instructions in his second letter, dated July 15th,(112) and in transmitting it Samuel Culper added the following:

“Mr. C. Junr. informed me at our interview that Christopher Duychenik, Sail Maker of 10, formerly Chairman of the Committee of Mechanics, is amongst you and is positively an agent for David Mathews, Mayor of 10, under the direction of Tryon he assisted Mathews, John Rome and others in affecting their escape. Mr. C. Jr. wishes for some of that Ink or Stain that he may paint out his character to you. Don’t fail to forward it immediately, and when you receive the History of his conduct be very caucious how you handle it for if it should get to the above mentioned persons ears C. Jr. tells me they would immediately suspect him. In the mean time I would advise and is approved on by Culper, Junr. Obtain the Mayor’s signature and let a letter be wrote suitable for deception, and let it be handed him by some person of good address, praying his assistance to escape from the tyranny of Congress, which is the term used by the Mayor--or something like this plan I do not doubt will have the desired effect. John Rome is Secretary to M. Genl. Jones. It is not in my power to favour you with the Mayor’s signature at present. I am your &c.

“SAMUEL CULPER.”

General Washington forwarded the ink as requested, together with the following letter, dated West Point, July 25, 1779.

“_Sir_: All the white Ink I now have (indeed all that there is any prospect of getting soon)[13] is sent in phial No. 1 by Col. Webb. The liquid in No. 2 is the counterpart which renders the other visible by wetting the paper with a fine brush after the first has been used and is dry. You will send these to C----r, Junr., as soon as possible, and I beg that no mention may ever be made of your having received such liquids from me or any one else. In all cases and at all times this procedure and circumspection is necessary, but it is indispensably so now as I am informed that Govr. Tryon has a preparation of the same acid or something similar to it, which may lead to a detection if it is ever known that a matter of this sort has passed from me.”

[Illustration: John Jay’s letter to General Washington introducing through his brother James Jay, the invisible ink that was used so successfully by the Culpers. The secret of its manufacture still remains a mystery.

_See page 51._ ]

It is not surprising that General Washington so frequently expressed satisfaction with the intelligence that Robert Townsend was now furnishing. His third letter as well as those that follow is a good example. No. 3 is dated 10 July 29, 1779:

“_Sir_, Since my last the number of the Enemy within these lines have not been augmented by any arrivals. The Romelus, Daphne and Delaware did not sail as I advised you, owing, I believe, to the unexpected account of your taking the Garrison at Stony Point. The account was truly alarming to the Torys--However, like true Philosophers, they soon reconciled themselves to it by saying that it would tend to their advantage in the end, as it would tend to rouse the British Troops, which in their opinion is all thats wanted to put a final end to the war. General Clinton, I am told, was much alarmed. He left New York the next evening attended with all the Horse (himself mounted on the lowest and meanest amongst them) which was then in Town, and it is said, declared that he wou’d make W. pay for it.--

“The Greyhound Frigate, with Lord Cornwallis, General Patterson, late Adjt. of the Army, & Col. Stewart, son of Lord Bute, arrived the 21st Inst. Nothing can be collected more than from news papers, as no private letters came by her. It is generally believed by the Torys that the Fleet said to have on board 5000 Troops for N. Y. and 2000 for Carolina, sailed before the Greyhound. The most intelligent of the Torys expect a Spanish War, and affect to wish it, as they suppose that England has at this time a Fleet much superior to the united Fleets of France and Spain.

“The LeBlond Frigate arrived on Monday last from Penobscot with Dispatches, in consequence of which (it is said) Sir Geo. Collier with the Raisonable sails tomorrow. I cannot learn whether any other Ships goes with him. The movement of the Troops in consequence of the taking of Stony point, has prevented my obtaining an account of their situation. The 54th Regiment marched in town from the Bridge on Monday last. A number of Transports are ordered to be ready to take on Troops, said to be the 54th Regt., Queens Rangers and Lord Rawdon’s Corps, and to be commanded by Lord Cornwallis--it is said by some of the officers that they are intended for Carolina. This is also the general opinion. I believe they are bound to the Southward, as I heard a Pilot belonging to Cape Fear, North Carolina, say that he expected to go with them. General Vaughan is positively going home, and some say General Clinton. It is positively said that preperations are making to Fortify Governor’s Island, the Narrows at Staten Island, the Gorge at Fort Knyphausen, repair the Fortifications at Paulus Hook & the Battery at New York; all of which places are to be put in the best state of defense.

“The times now are extreamly difficult--guard boats are kept out every night in the North and East Rivers to prevent any boats from passing, & I am informed that some persons have been searched on Long Island; therefore whenever you think that my intelligence is of no service, beg you will notify me, ’till which time I will continue as usual. Privateering flags very much. I have recd. your Dictionary,[14] and will be glad to have the Stain as soon as possible, when shall endeavour to find some shorter route to forward my letters. I am, Sir, Your Hbl. Servant,

“SAMUEL CULPER, JUNR.”

August 6th is the date of Townsend’s 4th letter. It was written altogether in the stain and required the services of two of the General’s secretaries to copy it. The first half of the first page is in the handwriting of Alexander Hamilton but the rest of the three pages was written by McHenry.(113)

Meanwhile, Samuel Culper continued to advise Robert Townsend that he should give up his business in New York.[15] In a letter to Tallmadge, dated August 12th, he writes:(114)

“I do assure you he is a sincere friend and capable of rendering service to our country. And as such a one I have again most earnestly endeavoured, and begged him to disengage himself from all concerns that may interfere with the Public business he hath undertaken.”

Jonas Hawkins called for Townsend’s fifth letter, but fearing capture destroyed it before reaching Woodhull. He advised Tallmadge of this in a letter, mostly in cipher, dated August 15th.(115) The sixth shared the same fate. Woodhull called for the next, which follows:

No. 7.

LONG ISLAND, Sept. 11th, 1779.

“_Sir_, Your No. 11 & 12 have come to hand, the contents I duly note. I am very sorry that No. 5 was destroyed, tho’ I can’t say that it contained any intelligence that wou’d have been of material consequence--The bearer thought himself in danger. I believe it was merely imaginary. From timidity and the situation of affairs at that time, he did not choose to come to N.Yk; I therefore met him at a place quite out of danger on Long-Island. I then made an appointment for No. 6, at wch. time he came, I wrote it, and took it over the Ferry that he might run no hazard from the Inspector of Letters there. However he was so much intimidated that it shared the same fate as No. 5.

“I have now the pleasure of seeing our mutual friend Saml. Culper, Sen. who will run every hazard to forward this.

“I had informed you in No. 6, of the arrival of the British Fleet consisting of about 70 sail, under convoy of Adml. Arbuthnot in the Europa of 64 Guns & Russel of 74 Guns--The number of the Troops from the best information I can collect does not exceed 3000. They are all new troops, and in bad health, and are now encamped in and about Bedford; three miles from Brooklyn Ferry. The 44th. and 3 Hessian Regts. embarked a few days ago, and are to sail this day--Their destination said to be for Quebec--This is generally believed--Sir James Wallace in the Experiment sails sometime for Georgia, with one Store Ship and two or three other vessels, but no Troops. No prospect of any other movement further than some vessels are fitting for Horses. The general opinion is that there will be no Campaign opened from N.York. The most knowing and judicious of the Torys think that some troops must be sent to the West Indies. They have now given up all hope of the second division so much talked of, as they think they will be wanted at home. Their spirits in general was much dejected with the accounts of a Spanish war, and Lord North’s declaration that he had formed no alliances nor had any prospect of forming any. Their spirits are now in some measure elevated with the accounts of the destruction of the American Fleet at Penobscot.--I hope it will be but a temporary elevation. It certainly is a bad stroke, and I think it cou’d not be owing to want of inteligence of Sir Geo. Collier’s sailing. A vessel arrived a few days ago from St. Kitts, but nothing transpires further than that the French had embarked 6000 Troops, with an intent, as is supposed, to take Antegua. The most judicious of the Tory’s think that the Spaniards have by this invaded Jamaica, and make no doubt but that they will succeed. A fleet of 12 sail of victualers arrived yesterday from Cork--Another fleet was to sail in about four weeks after them, but they are not expected soon as its thought that the Spanish War will occasion a general embargo for some time, for the purpose of manning their fleet. The Guards, 54th, and two Hessian Regts. do duty in and about N.York. The guards are in the City, 54th encamped at Greenwich, one Hessian Regt. Near Jones’s on DeLancey’s land, and the other near the water works. The number on Staten Island I do not know--On Long Island the new troops as mentioned, a Regt. of Horse about Flushing, a guard of about 30 men of the 3d. Battalian of DeLancey’s Brigade, with a party of the Militia Horse are at Jamaica, as a guard for the General. He might have been taken off with much ease sometime ago, but it would now be very difficult, and the Queens Rangers are at Oyster Bay. Their number is about 450, near 100 of which are mounted. The 3d. Batallian of DeLancey’s brigade are at Lloyd’s Neck. From the vicinity of the Queens Rangers, who can be there by means of an alarm gun in two hours, I think it would by no means be advisable to attack them. They were alarmed on Thursday night last, and was there in one and a half hours after the alarm.

“My being unwell for a week past, and my engagement in business has prevented my obtaining a more particular account of the situation of the enemy. I intended to have disingaged myself from business agreeable to the solicitations of my friend Samuel Culper, Sen; but find it will be attended with more difficulty than I expected, owing to my having a partner, as I can make no excuse to do it. Untill I can, will continue to write as usual, and shall be less expensive.

“The Europa, Russel, Renown and four or five Frigates are now in port. It is thought by many that all the large ships on this station will be ordered to the West Indies to re-inforce Byron.

“The works at the Battery goes on very slow. The Hessians are repairing the Fort on Bunker hill, with some alterations. A very large Fort is building at Brooklyn on the west side of the road, and abt 80 rods due north from Cobble Hill. A large number of the Militia of Kings and Queens County are at work on it. The Militia of Suffolk have not as yet complyed. The orders, a copy of which you will have forwarded. I fear if they do not comply that devastation will attend that Loyal County. No late accounts from Georgia, the last were that their lines was more contracted. It is the general opinion that nothing more can be done there till they have re-inforcement which it is thought will be sent about the beginning of October. You may rest assured that I will use every endeavour to comply with your requests. I have made some overtures to a person to convey letters by a shorter route, and flatter myself that I shall succeed.

“I am, Sir, Your most obedt. Servt,

“CULPER JUN.”

The General thought it was not necessary for Townsend to give up his business, and so replied from Headquarters at West Point, September 24, 1779: