Part 8

“Your letter came to hand and found me very ill with a fever, and still continues. All that I could do was to send Austin Roe with directions, who returned this day in great haste with the enclosed dispatches from Culper Junior. Also assures of the arrival of Admiral Graves with six ships of the line and is joined by three more out of New York, also one of 50 and two of 40 guns and has sailed for Rhode Island and is supposed they will be there before this can possibly reach you. Also 8000 Troops are this day embarking at Whitestone for the before mentioned port. I am told for certain that the French have only seven sail of the line. I greatly fear their destination. We hourly expect a number of the enemy in this quarter, for what end I know not. You must excuse all imperfections at this time on the account of my before mentioned fever. Nevertheless you have perhaps all the needful--and pray for your success and exercions. And am yours sincerely,

“SAML. CULPER.”

[Illustration: Alexander Hamilton, without waiting for the return of Washington, forwards Culper’s message to Lafayette.

_See page 84._ ]

There being some question about finding Tallmadge at that moment Woodhull crossed John Bolton’s name from one of the letters and probably Brewster found a man to carry it directly to Headquarters, where it was received by Alexander Hamilton before 4 p. m. July 21st. As General Washington was not there Hamilton sent the news by a special messenger to General Lafayette, then on his way to Newport.[21] Likewise Major Tallmadge, as soon as the news reached him sent the information to General Washington and also to Generals Robert Howe and William Heath. General Washington later, upon studying the details, figuratively sharpened his quill pens and with them accomplished more than might have been possible at that moment with the sword. Hours went by, in fact several days, for the British transports were slow in arriving at Frog’s Neck, but they were fairly on their way to Newport when a man whom none could suspect, left at the British outpost a package that he claimed he had picked up along the road. It was found to be the details of General Washington’s plan of attack on New York. Already it was time for the American forces to strike the blow--they might be expected at any moment. The British signal fires were lighted,[22] and promptly came sailing back the fleet. A few days later as an excuse for the affair, in a letter to Lord George Germain Sir Henry Clinton said: “Washington must have learned that my armament had not proceeded to Rhode Island. He (I apprehend in consequence of this) re-crossed the river, and is now near Orange-town”. But in fact General Washington was not prepared to attack New York at that time and had no intention of doing so. In Sir Henry Clinton’s letter he says:

“On the 18th, by a courier from the east end of Long Island, the first intelligence was received of the arrival, on the 10th, of the French off Rhode-Island, which I transmitted immediately to Admiral Arbuthnot.

“In the hope that I might yet be in time to undertake something offensive against the enemy, either by a land attack solely, or, if the Admiral should have found it advisable, a joint attempt with the fleet, I determined as speedily as possible to put a body of troops afloat in the Sound, ready for operation to the eastward, if further information should warrant it, and not too distant to return rapidly, and act against the rebel army, should they, in my absence, form an enterprize against these posts.

“Many causes conspired to retard the arrival of transports at Frog’s-neck, from which place my embarkation was only effected the 27th. During this time all hopes of success from a coup de main were of course wafted away.

“The Camilla and Amphitrite, which were appointed to convey us, joining the same day, I proceeded with the transports to Huntington-bay, where I was honoured with such accounts from the Admiral of the attention the enemy had given to fortify themselves, that I no longer entertained an idea of making any attempt solely with the troops. I cannot judge what might have been expected from a joint operation; but I presume that, in the aspect affairs bore at that time, it was not to be undertaken with propriety.

“On the 31st therefore I returned to White-stone, where I disembarked the troops, keeping the transports in readiness to receive them again, if necessary; and the army encamped near the shore.

“During this time, Washington, by a rapid movement, had, with an army increased to 12,000 men, passed the North-river, and was moving towards King’s-bridge, when he must have learned that my armament had not proceeded to Rhode-Island. He (I apprehend in consequence of this) re-crossed the river, and is now near Orange Town.

“The Admiral is near Gardiner’s-Island, to which place I shall, if possible, proceed to confer with him and his Officers.”[23]

General Washington now ordered a chain of Dragoons to be posted between New London and Headquarters. There were to be 3 every 15 miles apart, to convey messages from the Culpers and the French Fleet. Colonel Sheldon complied under protest, as his letter following shows:

... “I have this morning early sent off an officer with a sufficient number of my most trusty Dragoons to post them at every fifteen miles distance, or as near that as the necessity of forage would admit. The officer is instructed to move on the Dragoons to Tower Hill, if Mr. Shaw cannot furnish the expresses beyond New London. The stages at which the officer is ordered to post the Dragoons, are as follows: Beginning at the Eastward, namely New London, Lyme, Guilford, New Haven, Stratford, Green Farms, and Stamford. I do not post another party between Stamford and Head Quarters lest the plunderers from below, which infest the intermediate country should take off the men or seize on the Dispatches when they should arrive.

“While I with the utmost cheerfulness and alacrity obey your Excellency’s orders I cannot but regret the necessity of detaching so many of my Dragoons from the field. I do not mention this as if your Excellency had not considered the expense of furniture and equipment of Dragoons, but to beg for the Honour of the Regiment and the good of the service, your Excellency would be pleased to excuse them from this duty as soon as possible.

“ELISHA SHELDON.”

Samuel Culper’s next letter is dated the 6th of August, and reads:

“_Sir_, Your several dates of the 23d and 26th of July came to hand on the 4th inst, and observe the contents. Being still in a feble state (but mending) was obliged again to have recourse to Austin Roe, and dispatched him the same evening with such directions as thought proper. He this instant returned with the enclosed from Culper, Junior. I hope it contains all the needful. Roe hath no verbal account worthy of notice. Also you have enclosed the state of the Garrison at Lloyd’s Neck, but it is not satisfactory to me, but is the best that could be procured this time. Coll. Simcoe with his regiment of Rangers, and three companies of Queens County Militia Foot, and about thirty of Coll. Ludlow’s Regiment, have been for some time past in the County, the main body at Southampton, some at the River Head, some at South Mills, about 30 at Coram. What they have come down here for is unknown.

“I purpose to go to 727 for the benefit of our 115, and have 130 ready for you, em. Also have the promise of the exact state of Lloyd’s Neck, which shall then transmit. Am in great haste and in the interium am Your Sincerely,

“SAML. CULPER.”

General Washington answered from Headquarters August 11, saying:

_Dear Sir_: I have received your letter from North Castle with its enclosures. I am very much pleased that the Correspondence with C---- is again opened. I have the greatest dependence in his good intentions and I am persuaded when he pleases to exert himself he can give the most useful intelligence. The shorter the line of communication so much the better. With respect to the proposed incursion I do not think it advisable under present circumstances. Although the Enemy appear to be small, dispersed parties, yet the risque in an attempt more than counterbalances the advantage which might be obtained.

G. W.

An interesting letter followed Woodhull’s visit to New York, which is dated August 16, 1780, and reads as follows:

“_Sir_, I have this day returned from New York and am happy to inform you that Culper Junior hath engaged to serve as heretofore. I have nothing to enclose from him to you, as there’s not a word of intelligence worthy of notice in New York. I have the satisfaction to assure you that the judicious Torys in New York are more dejected now than ever I knew before, on account of the neutrality entered into by the Powers of Europe. A few victualling ships were to sail yesterday to the fleet now laying in Gardiner’s Bay. Clinton, with about 7000 men are cantoned from Whitestone to Jamaica for this ten days past have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness together with the fleet that still lays at Whitestone. Common reports say they are about to proceed to Rhode Island, but it is very uncertain. No person can tell, but, by all means be upon your guard. There is in this county the Queens Rangers, three companies of Queens County Militia Troop, Coll. Fanning’s Regiment, the 17th Dragoons, German Huzzars, all marching to the Eastward, also three Regiments more were ordered to march recently. Say they are to embark at the east end of this Island. We have a report that the second division of French hath arrived. Hope it may be true. Tryon, Patterson and Mathews are about to sail immediately in the packet for Europe. The person I depended upon to procure a very accurate account of Lloyd’s Neck, is taken very ill and hath put it out of my power to forward it now. I have ordered 725 to return here again on the f i instant, and intend to send you as frequent dispatches as possible as long as things are in such motion. In the interim wishing you health and prosperity I am &c.

“S. CULPER.

“N.B. Next opportunity you’ll have the papers regular as heretofore. Should have sent them now but lost them out of my pocket on the road.

“I forgot to mention that General Clinton in person was escourted through this Town yesterday by the mounted Rangers, 17th Dragoons, and German Huzzars, in all about two hundred and forty horse.”

The hazard of their employment is calmly illustrated in the next letter addressed to Major Tallmadge: It was necessary for them to kill a man whilst waiting for Culper’s messages. Brewster writes:

FAIRFIELD, Aug. 18th, 1780.

_Sir._ I came from Long Island this after noon but have got no Dispaches. Culper has been down to New York. I waited till this morning and he was to send them by two oclock, but before he sent them I was attacked by Glover and Hoyght. I left one man taken and one wounded. We killed one on the spot. The man that was taken went after water. I shall want two men before I come across again. I have got two boats in fine order. I wish you send me seven men and I engage to take some of their boats. Mister Muirson will give you a particular account of our cruse. Austin told me that Sir Henry Clinton went down to the east end of the Island on the sixteenth. Don’t fail to let me have two crews if you can of Continental soldiers. With respect, your friend and humble servant,

CALEB BREWSTER.

Through Major Tallmadge General Washington answered the above from Headquarters at Orange Town, August 21, 1780, as follows:

_Dear Sir._ I recd. yours of yesterday morning last evening. It is unfortunate that Lt. B---- could not bring off C---- Junr’s dispatches, as I imagine they were of consequence. You will therefore endeavour to procure them as soon as possible.

I have information from another quarter, that Sir Henry Clinton had gone towards the East end of Long Island, and that the troops at Whitestone are again embarking. Should the last piece of intelligence reach you, well authenticated, you will be pleased to transmit it immediately to Genl. Heath at Newport, as well as to me, as you will always do anything which seems to interest the French Army and Navy.

If there are any other Continental Crews upon the Sound besides those under Lt. Brewster’s directions, they are there without my knowledge. You will therefore desire him in my name to take what hands he wants from them, and to report who the others are and what business they are upon. I am Dear Sir, yr. most obt. Sert.

GO: WASHINGTON.

Brewster was roused to action. Therefore without waiting to hear from the General or Major he again crossed to Long Island, as his letter following shows:

FAIRFIELD, Aug. 21, 1780.

_Dear Sir._ I this morning came from the Island. I got three boats last Saturday night and went over in search of Glover and Hoyght, but could hear nothing of them. They never stayed to bury their dead man. They carried another away with them mortally wounded. Setauket is full of troops. It is thought they are going eastward. Austin came to me yesterday and told me I had best not come on till the middle of next week as the troops is so thick in Town and marching eastward. I wrote to you the eighteenth instant which I expect has come to hand. Skinner is so he will be able to do duty soon as he will be wanted. I heard nothing from Culper this time. I should been back the next time had not the wind been so high. There was a small fleet of large ships went to the Westward this morning. Capt. Jarvis supplied me with men this time to cross. I shall want one man to make up my crew for one boat and should be exceeding glad of five more to man the other boat for the cussed refugees are so thick I cant go amiss of them....

C. BREWSTER.

As soon as Brewster had delivered the above message he crossed to the Island again. His next letter follows:

FAIRFIELD, August 27th, 1780.

_Dear Sir_: I returned this morning from the Island. I crossed on 22d. inst. and was detained by Culper until last night. I did not see Culper, he is sick. He did not appoint any time for me that I know of. It was with great difficulty that I got the dispatches. The troops are very thick. They are at Miller’s Place, and Coram, Setauket and the Branch, and are like to stay some time, and the Refugee boats are with them. Glover and Hoyt has been to Drowned Meadow and disarmed them all, on Friday last, and I was obliged to lie still for the want of another boats crew. There is a fine boat at Stanford that rows with eight oars that belongs to the public, under Capt. John Suttin, with a crew of Continental Soldiers that was ordered by General Howe, and I believe that Jubis Fish has one or two boats at Horse Neck, but I am not certain what public property and Continental Soldiers. This is a fine time to take some of the Officers. They are out with their hounds every day. I lay up back of Esqr. Strongs yesterday and there came a Lieutenant of 17th Regiment within gun shot of us, looking for Esqr. Strong’s hounds afoot, but he begged so hard I thought it not best to take him as it was so near his house. They are riding continually from one staghorn to the other. The troops are all come from the Eastward, as far as Miller’s Place. Sir Henry Clinton gone to New York and the British fleet has sailed from Gardiner’s Bay....

C. BREWSTER.

A letter from George Washington to Colonel Sheldon, dated as above, informs him that one of his Dragoon Express had been captured by the British at Pines Bridge and carried into New York. Fortunately he had none of the above messages at the time. But Colonel Sheldon had work for Major Tallmadge aside from the messages, which may account for the following dated Sept. 1st and 5th not reaching Major Tallmadge until the 9th.

SETAUKET, September 1st, 1780.

_Sir._ When Culper Junior’s last dispatch came to hand he directed me to wait on him at Jericho yesterday, but my present state would not admit--therefore sent the express which handed him your enclosed--But he hath returned without any answer. The reason is he had not the counterpart. And in regard of the state of affairs in general he assured the express they remained as heretofore or as when wrote you last, nothing new, everything appeared to be at a stand, and the enemy much embarissed expecting an attack. I am sorry you have to wait so long for an answer but it must still unavoidably be lengthened until the 10th, as Culper Junior said he could not be in New York before the 8th.

Since my last the infantry have marched to Huntington and encamped there; Fanning’s Regt., to Lloyd’s Neck, Simcoe’s Rangers to Oyster Bay, and there’s in Setauket the 17th Regiment Dragoons, Some Huzzars, Some Rangers, about 20 wagons, 300 horses, 250 men, 220 mounted. They are encamped round about Capt. Nathan Woodhull’s House and Persons Lyons’. The former is the Coll. Quarters. The officers mostly lodge in Camp at night. There’s every appearance of their continuing here some time as they appear quite easy and off their guard. Am fully of an opinion that 500 good men would make prisoners of them all, if secretly conducted on your shore as well as here. If you intend to attack direct Brewster to cross the night before, and will meet him and further advise at all haphazard. Aiqlai Bqyim of Southampton is now on your shore, and positively an agent for the enemy. He hath been a long time servicable in that way, and this is his second embassy. I know it to be true and have lately had a perfect knowledge of his conduct for this three years past, and have been solicited by his friend as an assistant.

A little time past a boat from New Haven, loaded with provisions met a number of Refugees here; one of the mens names was Trowbridge, an intimate acquaintance of John Clarke; and you may depend the refugees land on your shore and hide their boats. The other day I saw a man that had the appearance of a gentleman, told me he had been three weeks concealed in Middletown and Hartford--the former being his native place; but could not find out his name. He told me he had left 20 odd Thousand Pounds of Counterfeit money of your late emissions in the hands of the Toreys--to pay their taxes with. You’ll doubtless take some notice of this information--and anxiously wait for the arrival of our deliverance, and am Sincerely your

SAML. CULPER.

* * * * *

SETAUKET, September 5th, 1780.

My letter not being forwarded as could have desired on account of bad weather I have to inform you of the arrival of the Packet, but cannot learn any news. Coll. Birch is at Setauket and likely to continue there very probably until winter he having now just sent for field pieces, but the number before mentioned is lessened by the departure of the Rangers yesterday, in number 34, which may be deducted. For God’s sake attack them, you’ll certainly be successful, if you are secret about it. Trust not to small boats at this season, you have three strong vessels on your shore that will be sufficient to bring live hundred men. Setauket is exceedingly distressed. Pray offer some relief....

S. C.

* * * * *

NORTH CASTLE, September 9th, 1780.

_Sir._ The enclosed Dispatches from Culper have this moment come to hand, which are forwarded per line of expresses. C. writes with great sollicitude for troops to be sent from this side to attack those lying at Setauket. I need not repeat to your Excellency how exceedingly happy I should be to assist in such an Expedition, should it be thot. advisable. I expect Genl. Parsons will be here this afternoon to take the command of the Troops at this post....

BENJ. TALLMADGE.

Woodhull’s next letter, dated Sept. 12th, reads:

_Sir._ Yours of the 29th of August came to hand and observe the contents. Since my last the 17th Dragoons removed to Smith Town, and encamped in widow Blidenburg’s orchard. It is said they will stay there 12 days but very uncertain. No one expected they would move from Setauket so soon. Coll. Birch hath left the Regiment and is appointed Commandant of New York, Capt. Archdale commands the Regiment. I must call on you for more cash having advanced considerable to carry it on. Enclosed you have Culper Jrs. Dispatch. In great haste am yours &c.

SAML. CULPER.

Major Tallmadge’s letter from Lower Salem, Sept. 13th, and General Washington’s of the 16th, throw further light upon the service. It may be noticed that practically all of Culper Junior’s stain letters were now being deciphered by Major Tallmadge, each time with an apology for so doing. He was not aware at that time that had he failed to decipher them Major André would have been able to join Arnold and the treason plot might not have been discovered until it was too late.

LOWER SALEM, Sept. 13th, 1780.

_Sir._ I have the honor to enclose dispatches from the Culpers which have this moment come to hand. As C. Junrs. was an answer in part to my last on the plan of our future correspondence, it was necessary for me to decipher it. Your Excellency will observe what he writes respecting his services and as he informs he can shorten the route on certain conditions, Your Excellency’s assurance will regulate his future services. This much I can observe respecting the man, he is a Gentleman of business, of Education and honor--Culper Senior’s frequent Expresses to N. Y. for the papers which are forwarded to your Excellency, and to resolve questions proposed by other Genl. Officers at other periods, has expended the money which has been furnished him, as we were considerably in arrears when the last money was handed him. I have just engaged a man to bring letters from N. Y. via Kingsbridge if necessary; but cannot as yet tell whether C. Junr. will deliver him dispatches--His name and services I believe are well known to your Excellency.

I received Major Humphrey’s letter of the 11th last evening, and immediately wrote to have the boat cross, which I am confident will not be delayed only by the present heavy wind and rain. Your Excellency may depend on my Exertions in the matter. I shall fold this letter very small to prevent being discovered if the Express should chance to be taken. [It was folded to size 2¾ × 4]....

BENJA. TALLMADGE.

* * * * *

_Head Quarters_, BERGIN COUNTY, 16th Sept. 1780.