“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.