“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.