“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:
“On the 10th I was to see Culper Junior, at a house he appointed twelve miles west from here, and set out with all my letters to meet him, and just before I arrived at the appointed place I suddenly met a foraging party of 40 horse and 200 foot and about 100 wagons. Was much surprised but after answering a few questions passed them unmolested.
“But to my great mortification Culper Junior did not come that day. I waited all the next, and sent a person westward to several houses where I thought likely to find him, but could hear nothing of him. I am much concerned. Fear some accident hath befallen him, but yet wish to entertain a favorable thought that he may be sick. The wagons went from Smith Town yesterday loaded but am informed the troops all stayed behind waiting their return. We have 20 horse and 4 foot bilited about in houses, but no wagons have loaded here yet. They are exceedingly afraid and keep a very strict guard at the foot of Seaton’s Neck. Coll. Floyd, E. Jones above the Mill. J. Thompson, P. Lions. John Bayles is Head Quarters. Main guard in Kelly’s House. They are not expected to stay here more than 10 days, some say not longer than a week. The inhabitants of this Island at present live a miserable life, which you may readily judge when having the refuge of three kingdoms and thirteen States amongst them, plundering and repine increaseth at no small rate. I am tired of this business, it gives me a deal of trouble, expecially when disappointment happens. Could not consent to be any longer an assistant if I was not almost an enthusiast for our success. I am perfectly acquainted with a full year’s anxiety, which no one can scarcely have an idea of, but those that experience. Not long since, there was not the breadth of your finger betwixt me and death. But so long as I reside here my faithful endeavours shall never be wanting.”