Part 6

“_Sir_, It is not my opinion that Culper Junior should be advised to give up his present employment. I would imagine that with a little industry he will be able to carry on his intelligence with greater security to himself and greater advantages to us, under cover of his usual business, than if he were to dedicate himself wholly to the giving of information. It may afford him opportunities of collecting intelligence that he could not obtain so well in any other manner. It prevents also those suspicions which would become natural should he throw himself out of the line of his present employment. He may rest assured of every proper attention being paid to his services. One thing appears to me deserving of his particular consideration, as it will not only render his communications less exposed to detection, but relieve the fears of such persons as may be entrusted with its conveyance to the second link in the chain, and of course very much facilitate the object we have in view; I mean, that he should occasionally write his information on the blank leaves of a pamphlet, on the first, second, and other pages of a common pocket book, or on the blank leaves at each end of registers, almanacks, or any new publication or book of small value. He should be determined in the choice of these books principally by the goodness of the blank paper, as the ink is not easily legible unless it is on paper of a good quality. Having settled a plan of this kind with his friend, he may forward them without risk of search or the scrutiny of the enemy, as this is chiefly directed against paper made up in the form of letters.

“I would add a further hint on this subject. Even letters may be made more subservient to this communication, than they have yet been. He may write a familiar letter on domestic affairs, or on some little matters of business, to his friend at Setauket or elsewhere, interlining with the stain his secret intelligence, or writing it on the opposite blank side of the letter. But that his friend may know how to distinguish these from letters addressed solely to himself, he may always leave such as contain secret information without date or place (dating it with the stain), or fold them up in a particular manner, which may be concerted between the parties. This last appears to be the best mark of the two, and may be the signal of their being designated for me. The first mentioned mode, however, or that of the books, appears to me the one least liable to detection. I am, &c.

“GO. WASHINGTON.”

FOOTNOTES to “GENERAL WASHINGTON’S SPIES”:

[12] This, as related by John Jay and Robert Townsend to James Fenimore Cooper, has been woven into fiction as the basis of the tenth chapter of _The Spy_.

[13] James Jay, brother of John Jay, claims the credit of this invention. In a letter to Thomas Jefferson he says: “The curious experiments in Sympathetic Inks, fluids with which if one writes on the whitest paper the letters immediately become invisible, are generally known; and so is likewise the facility with which the writing with any one of them may be rendered visible. For this reason I presume the subject has been considered as a matter of mere curiosity and entertainment, and has never been applied to any use in Politics or War. When the affairs of America, previous to the commencement of hostilities, began to wear a serious aspect, and threatened to issue in civil war, it occurred to me that a fluid might possibly be discovered for invisible writing, which would elude the generally known means of detection, and yet could be rendered visible by a suitable counterpart. Sensible of the great advantages, both in a political and military line, which we might derive from such a mode of procuring and transmitting intelligence, I set about the work. After innumerable experiments, I succeeded to my wish. From England I sent to my brother John in New York, considerable quantities of these preparations. He furnished Silas Deane with them when that gentleman first went to France. When Mr. Deane was in Paris, he writ to me in London, requesting further supplies of them, which I accordingly sent him. In the course of the war, General Washington was also furnished with them, and I have letters from him acknowledging their great utility, and requesting further supplies. Gordon in his history of the Revolution relates the fact, but without mentioning the author of the contrivance.

“By means of this mode of conveying intelligence, I transmitted to America the first authentic account which Congress received, of the determination of the British Ministry to reduce the Colonies to unconditional submission; the ministry at the time concealing this design, and holding out conciliatory measures. My method of communication was this: To prevent the suspicion which might arise were I to write to my brother John only, who was a member of Congress, I writ with black ink a short letter to him, and likewise to 1 or 2 other persons of the family, none exceeding 3 or 4 lines in black ink. The residue of the blank paper I filled up, invisibly, with such intelligence and matters as I thought would be useful to the American Cause. All these letters were left open, and sent in that condition to the Director or Secretary of the General Post Office, with a letter insinuating that I thought it could not be the intentions of Government, in their restraining laws, to put a stop to family intercourse; and therefore requesting the party to read over the letters, and if nothing improper appeared in them, that he would permit them to pass in the mail to New York. They passed accordingly, and on their arrival in New York were sent into the American Lines. In this invisible writing I sent to Franklin and Deane, by the mail from London to Paris, a plan of the intended Expedition under Burgoyne from Canada.”

[14] See it on page 218.

[15] Oakman & Townsend was the firm name, Henry Oakman being the partner at this time, supplying ships and the public with dry-goods and groceries.

SECRET SERVICE SECRETS

The hazard of transmitting letters in the ordinary way between Headquarters and the Culpers continued to increase. It taxed the ingenuity of General Washington, as his preceding letter indicates; and Major Tallmadge carefully studied the subject. The first crude use of a few ciphers (ten for New York and twenty for Setauket) was no longer deemed sufficient. Early in July, 1779, Major Tallmadge prepared a “pocket dictionary” in which a new code was arranged. Copies were furnished the Culpers as well as Headquarters. Reference to it is in a letter from Washington dated July 27, 1779,[16] and a copy of the code is now among the letters of General Washington in the Library of Congress.

In letters Major Tallmadge’s name was never used on Long Island. He was always addressed as John Bolton. He had also a number, which was 721. Abraham Woodhull was always addressed as Samuel Culper or Culper Senior, and was known by the number 722. Robert Townsend was Culper Junior, and his number was 723. Austin Roe[17] 724, Caleb Brewster 725, George Washington 711, New York 727, Long Island 728, Setauket 729, etc.

The stain letters were doubtless the most clever, but only fragments of them have survived. However, copies of those that reached Headquarters were made by Alexander Hamilton and other trusted members of the General’s official family, and these are still preserved among the Washington Papers. Sometimes they reached the General in a manner that alarmed him, as the following extract shows:

“C----r, Jr. should avoid making use of the Stain upon a Blank sheet of paper (which is the usual way of its coming to me). This circumstance alone is sufficient to raise suspicions. A much better way is to write a letter in the Tory stile with some mixture of family matters and between the lines and on the remaining part of the sheet communicate with the stain the intended intelligence. Such a letter would pass through the hands of the enemy unsuspected and even if the agents should be unfaithful or negligent, no discovery would be made to his prejudice, as these people are not to know that there is concealed writing in the letter and the intelligent part of it would be an evidence in its favor.”

Probably Major Tallmadge had not explained that Townsend’s method was to conceal the sheet by forwarding with it to him an entire package of the same folded letter-paper, in which there was no way of discovering this particular sheet except by knowing its position.

It was such a letter from Townsend that Culper Senior mentions in his of September 19th.(116) He also relates how it became necessary for him to expose himself in order to protect Brewster, who with his boat was waiting for it. Culper Junior’s tenth letter is dated October 9th.(117) In it he says:

“A considerable number of Troops are on the West end of Long Island. The 17th Dragoons at Hemstead, the mounted Legion and Queens Rangers at Jericho, and the Foot belonging to the Legion are at Oyster Bay. No arrivals of any consequence since my last, except those mentioned. The spirits of the troops flag much, but still some flatter themselves that there is yet a probability of England rising superior to all her enemies. There does not appear the least prospect of this place being vacated this fall, tho I believe they would be glad to have them at home.”

With this Samuel Culper encloses his twenty-fifth letter, in which he relates how he was captured and escaped, as follows:

“Inclosed you have S. C. Junrs. letter, which wish safe to hand. He desired me to send for some more of that Stain. It is too great a risque to write with ink in this country of robbers. I this day just saved my life. Soon after I left Hempstead Plains and got into the woods I was attacked by four armed men, one of them I had frequently seen in N.York. They searched every pocket and lining of my clothes, shoes, and also my saddle, which the enclosed was in, but thank kind Providence they did not find it. I had but one dollar in money about me. It was so little they did not take it, and so came off clear. Don’t mention this for I keep it a secret for fear it should intimidate all concerned here--and am Yours Sincerely,

“SAML. CULPER.”

Meanwhile General Washington was dictating a letter to Major Tallmadge, which reads:

“_Head Quarters_ WEST POINT, 9th October, 1779.

_Dear Sir_, I have your favr of the 8th inclosing a letter for Major Jameson who is in South Carolina. It shall be forwarded by the first opportunity. Should a certain operation take place, it will be necessary to establish a very regular communication with Long Island. These things are better settled personally than by letter, I shall therefore be glad to see you at Head Quarters. After leaving some person who can be intrusted with the receipt of C-- letters, and who can forward them and any observations upon the Sound, be pleased to ride over.”

Townsend’s next letter, dated October 21, and written entirely with the stain, was copied at Headquarters, and reads:

“I am this day favord with yours of the 12th Inst. and note the contents. The fleet from Newport, contrary to my information, sailed the day I wrote to you. I was led into this error by persons whom I thought could give me the best information, as they belonged to Newport and intended going in the fleet. They have been deceived for from that belief they were left behind. I informed you that a number of vessels had been prepared to sink at Sandy Hook, four of which were sunk two days after I wrote you. The Russel, Europa, Raisonable, Defiance, Roebuck and several Frigates and a number of armed transports still continue at the Hook. The Renown (dismasted) Solebay and Towey Frigates are still in the Harbour.

“The Captain of a Privateer which arrived on Friday last, says that he saw 12 sail of the French fleet the 25th Septr. off Georgia, not dismasted as the paper mentions but all well; and that the noted Sir James Wallace was taken.

“The 7th, 23d, and Lord Rowdon’s Corps embarked some days ago. The 7th and 23d. have disembarked and the 57th with some of the artillery have embarked in their place, and it’s said will sail in a few days. Some of the officers say they are going to Halifax, and it’s generally believed they are.

“The enemy have large magazines of wood and forage and are daily collecting more, particularly Hay. Some of the Comrs. of provision say they have enough of all kinds to last 9 months. I believe they have plenty for six months. There is considerable on board victuallers of this, and the quantity, I will inform you more particularly in my next. No arrivals of any consequence since my last, except the Robuste from Halifax which arrived yesterday. A number of transports have been taking water and ballast some days past and from which and some other circumstances it is concluded that another embarkation will take place. Some transports with some private vessels sailed yesterday for Newport under convey of the Hunter Sloop of War. No new forts erecting. That on Bayards Hill is completed, and also the one back of Jones’ house. The Battery and the fort on Governors Island is nearly completed. I entirely approve of your conveying letters, and shall in future follow it. But shall want some more stain immediately, as I have scarcely enough for another letter. S. Culper Senior will forward you a Receipt for the Guineas.

“SAML. CULPER, JUNR.”

Culper Senior’s next letter,(118) dated October 26th, he also, incorrectly numbers 25. Townsend’s next letter,(119) written with the stain, is dated October 29th, as is also the following from Culper Senior:

“Your No. 19 with the inclosed came to hand on the 26th, and have noted the contents and shall follow your directions as far as in me lay, and to compleat the same have desired an interview with Culper Jnr. which if by the movement of your army it should become necessary that the present rout of dispatches should be shortened must principally depend on his acquaintance. If any secrets are with you, and may tend to the common good by communicating them to us, and enable us to better judge and assist your measures, don’t fail to do it. I sincerely declare to you by all that is valuable and sacred that no person but him and me shall know it--depend nothing shall be wanting on my part to forward intelligence to you as frequent as possible. And forget not to urge 725 to his duty, which I must say he hath lately neglected. Mr. Jackson perfectly knows it. And he frequently objects to coming so often.

“I most impatiently wait the arrival of the Count De-Estaing, and your operations, and as the season is so far advanced, I greatly fear nothing will be done, but am not altogether without hopes.

“Since my last the sum of about £400. was subscribed in this town to be presented to General Clinton in order to obtain his favour and evade the threatening storme--but before it could be possibly forwarded, a general demand for all our Oxen, or cattle of equal value, was sent. None escaped except some of our Tory gentry, and we have concluded since to keep our money and let them take and be damned. It is truely cutting to see the most notorious escape this demand, and the virtuous distressed. I conceive in my own mind, that their views in taking the oxen and breaking up teams in general is through fear they may fall into your hands and be of service to your army. The enemy still continue to collect hay to the westward, without estimating it or giving receipts as heretofore, and are carrying it to Brooklyn Ferry and to Lloyd’s Neck. Unless prevented they will soon be at this place.

“Night before last a most horrid robbery was committed on the houses of Coll. Benj. Floyd and Mr. Seton, by three whale boats from your shore, commanded by Joseph Hulce and Fade Danolson, and one other master of boat, name unknown to me. 725 can well inform you of their names. From the best judgment I can form they took to the value in money, household goods, Bonds and Notes, of Three Thousand Pounds. They left nothing in the houses that was portable. They even took their clock and all their looking glasses, and all Seal Gold Cloths, perhaps none before theirs in America.

“I cannot put up with such a wanton waste of property, I know they are enemy’s to our cause, but yet their property should not go amongst such villians. I beg you would exert yourself and bring them to justice.”

Major Tallmadge supplements the above in a letter to the General dated Bedford, Novr. 1, 1779, in which he says:

“I have just recd. the enclosed despatches from the C----rs. I was obliged to touch the Counterpart on the enclosed letter written with the Stain to discover whether it was the right sheet or not as it was in a Quire.

“With respect to the robbery lately committed at Setauket, as related by C. Senior, I have additional accounts of the same from others. In addition to the crime of plundering the distressed inhabitants of Long Island the perpetrators of such villany never bring their goods before any court for tryal and condemnation, but proceed to vend them at option. This species of Privateering (for it goes by this name) is attended with such numberless bad consequences, that to a gentleman of your Excellency’s feelings, I am confident I need not state them. If being so plundered by the enemy that the inhabitants have hardly a subsistance left, be not sufficient (for the marauders from our shore make no distinction between Whig and Tory further than what interest may point out) it surely cannot be reputable to leave it in the power of individuals to punish at pleasure, and enrich themselves by the plunder they take. Perhaps your Excellency may have seen the Proclamation lately issued by Governor Clinton prohibiting such practices. I would further observe that the boat that crosses for dispatches from C---- has been chased quite across the Sound by those plunderers, perhaps for the sake of being the more secret in their Villany, while our crew has suspected them to be the Enemy. Indeed if some stop cannot be put to such nefarious practices C---- will not risque, nor 725 go over for dispatches. I should be happy to have permission to take the men who have been concerned in this Robbery, and have them delivered over to the authority appointed by Governor Clinton (as mentioned in his proclamation) to take notice of such offenders, or other ways punish them. What would give a peculiar sanction to such a proceeding is that some of the Perpetrators of this villany belonged to Long island and of course to the State of New York.

“One of the gentlemen who was plundered was Col. Floyd, who not long since was brot. over a Prisoner, and is now on Parole. From a long and intimate acquaintance with this gentleman I believe him to be of more service to the Whig interest in Setauket than every other man in it, tho from his family connection I believe he has been in favor of Royal Government. The other gentleman, Mr. Seaton, is from England, and purchased a plantation at Setauket before the War began. This family is of the first fashion of any on the Island. The whole of their furniture, Jewels, Clothing, Money, Bonds, and papers of all kinds were brought off. I hope some steps may be taken to prevent such conduct in future ...

“BENJ. TALLMADGE.”

Townsend’s next letter, November 3d, announces that General Clinton and the Admiral were at Oyster Bay on Monday, observing the Harbour. In detail it reads:

“Being more hurried than usual these three days past and the Bearer coming unexpectedly, prevents my writing so particularly as I would wish. I have this day received yours of the 19th ulto. and I will endeavour to follow your instructions. No arrivals of any consequence since my last. The information I gave you, concerning the sailing of the fleet for Halifax, I thought so good that I might have given it for certain. I could not have wished for better unless from the Admiral or General. They did not sail, and I am since informed have disembarked. Eight or nine private vessels were to sail from the Hook for New Foundland a few days ago. They are in Ballast and are to take in Fish for the West Indies. I have not heard from the Hook these three days past, I therefore cannot say whether they have sailed. It was positively said the latter end of last week that several Regiments were to go into Suffolk County. But I believe it is now given over at least for the present. A considerable number of transports, (say 10000 tons) are under orders to take in troops but it is not said where they are going. Lord Cornwallis is said to be going with them. No forts or redoubts near this City but those I have mentioned. The people in general now think that the French Fleet will not be here this fall. We have no certain accounts from Georgia. General Clinton and the Admiral were at Oyster Bay on Monday observing the Harbour. It is positively said a number of Transports are to be sent there to winter. I believe it is to be depended upon that the heavy ships of war are to winter at Halifax. I will write you more particularly in my next. I am Yrs. &c.

“SAML. CULPER, JUNR.”

Woodhull’s No. 27, dated Nov. 5th, is only short, but written under excitement. He says: “I have just received the Dispatches, and verbal accounts, that Coll. Fanning’s Regt. is at Lloyd’s Neck, and the Prince of Wales American Regt. formerly commanded by Monfort Brown tarried last night at Jamaica on their way to Huntington. One regiment is ordered to Jerusalem South side Hempstead Planes. Much talk about their coming to this place soon, and we are greatly alarmed about it. Should they come here I shall most certainly retreat to your side as I think it will be impossible for me to be safe. Shall see Culper, Junr. on the 10th, inst. at which time shall hope to compleat your directions, and order affairs so that the damage I hope will not be great if it should become necessary to quit the Island. Depend I shall not do it without absolute necessity. If you have anything material to communicate to Culper Junr. let 725 come one night before (say on the 9th.) I give over entirely the arrival of the French fleet. Nothing is said about them in New York, and the movement of the enemy looks like their going into winter quarters. Friends are all well. I am, &c. Your most Obedt.

“SAML. CULPER.”

Abraham Woodhull’s next letter on November 13th covers six sheets(120) in which he says: