In his next letter,[(121)] written with the stain and dated November 27, 1779, Townsend mentions that the British have procured from Philadelphia “several Reams of the paper made for the last emission struck by Congress.” “I have taken much pains to find out some of those concerned, but could not accomplish it,” he adds.
* * * * *
Woodhull, his hand still trembling from fear, sends off his 29th letter, dated November 29th. It reads:
“Your No. 22 with the enclosed for C. Junr. came to hand and observed the contents. Your No. 23, with the Blank I received this morning. It is now late in the evening and just received the dispaches have hardly time to write any thing as I would, as I greatly desire to send 725 off from this place of danger. I cannot tell the sheets that are written with the stain and agreeable to your desire have requested the same from C. Junr. This place is very distressed.... Their coming was like death to me at first but have no fears about me at present and soon intend to visit N. Y. There’s about 400 in the town and following the wagons. They take all the forage and oats. I forbear to write any particulars for want of time and to avoid danger. I expect the enemy will leave us about next Monday and have the pleasing hope they will not visit us any more this winter. I have directed 725 to come on the 12th December, say the 11th. Hope the way will then be clear and safe. I expected the express on Saturday last. Excuse me at this time I cannot serve you better. I am, &c.
“Samuel Culper.”
In his letter of December 12th,[(122)] Woodhull encloses a blank from Culper Junior. They are to be together on the 25th (Christmas Day):
“Hope if the weather is favorable you will incline to come over, as we greatly desire to see you. We would gladly if possible meet you half way. I have the pleasure to inform you my fears are much abated since the troops have been with us. Their approach was like death to me. Did not know wheather to stand or fall. Had they been the Queens Rangers or Legion should have been with you before now. Were I now in the State of New Jersey[18] without fear of Law or Gospel, would certainly kill Col. Simcoe, for his usage to me.
“Saml. Culper.”
From Setauket, before he returned from his Christmas meeting, Townsend wrote a long letter[(123)] to “Mr. John Bolton” entirely undisguised. And soon one came from General Washington, in which he says:
Morristown, 5th Feby. 1780.