No. 3. 729-22-eo-1780.
Sir. Inclosed you have a blank—Something fearful not sending the right and have inclosed three—We seem to be very unfortunate in forwarding dispaches. Almost every appointment the weather is rough. I have no verbal accounts worthy of notice. I am a going to 727 tomorrow and shall return on fg, when shall hope to 691 you fully. In the Interum I am yours Sincerely to Serve,
Saml. Culper.
A missing letter evidently unjustly complained of Townsend, for one, dated from Setauket April 23d, reads:
“In my No. 2, informed you of the neglect of 723. (Then entirely ignorant of his informing of you previous to that he should continue no longer) and resolved to visit him on the 19th past, and returned this day after making every effort possible with his utter denial—and found yours of the 10th instant waiting, mentioning an interview of us three on the 1st of May, which if possible shall be compleat. As I shall see you soon I forbear stating his reasons and the probability of its being no great damage, and the hope that I have you shall not be neglected. I shall now give you what intelligence can be obtained at this time. A person formerly an inhabitant of Cavarick, came through you about 20 days ago from Canada, since which an embarcation of four thousand men reports say will most certainly take place for that quarter unless your movements prevent. The Troops that sailed from 727 some time gone and destined for the southward, have left all their heavy baggage behind and are directed to return as soon as the subjection of South Carolina is completed. A vessel arrived a few days ago from Jamaica, the captain is an acquaintance of Culper, Jr. and told him that upwards of twenty sail of ships had been drove up on that Island and lost—that a Packet had arrived there left London the 12th of February, declaring that 25 sail of the Line, 150 Transports with 20 thousand on board had left Brest, their destination unknown. It is said with us that Washington hath pledged his honor to the army that a Naval force will be to their assistance by the 10th of June. Best judges say that their regular troops amount to no more than six thousand, and Militia and other vagabonds about 4 thousand, and only two or three small frigates. I am in past and at present much indisposed. Nothing more material to say. Hope to see you soon. I am &c.
“Saml. Culper.”
It was necessary to search other letters to discover Townsend’s reason for withdrawing at this particular time. It will be recalled he had promised General Washington that he would endeavor to shorten the line of communication and for this purpose he had selected his cousin, James Townsend. When the messages were ready Townsend set off, and managed to get safely across the river. However, he did not return at the appointed time and for some days Culper’s iron nerves were shattered, fearing that the British had their secret and that his fate was sealed. But what had actually happened had a less serious termination. James Townsend, realizing the importance of the messages he was carrying and perhaps because it was a new experience for him, became bewildered and although uncertain of the house at which he was to stop called at one Deansonbury, where were two young people fond of questioning strangers. They at once permitted him to believe that they were Tories. His first idea was to assume intoxication but when he found them determined to make him talk he recalled Washington’s instructions to put on the airs of a Tory and before long he was able to convince them that he was one of the king’s most loyal subjects. John, the elder brother of the household in his affidavit declares he was hiding where he could hear without being seen, but that “he heard no more, his spirits rose, he flew into the room and took him prisoner.”[19] He was of course detained, but was fortunately a prisoner in the American Army. His pockets were searched and their contents forwarded to headquarters. There seemed to be nothing very remarkable among them. A poem of 20 lines spread over two sheets of paper and folded into sixteen must have seemed insignificant. The title “The Lady’s Dress” and the initials S. T. which had been altered to appear like S. B. were alike uninteresting. But to Washington it was different. These were the stain letters and upon applying the counterpart the message showed up between the widely spaced lines. Washington kept the original and it is now among the treasures in Washington. The release of James Townsend was difficult, even after the papers in the case had reached Headquarters, lest knowledge of his errand might betray the Culpers to the British spies in the American camp.
* * * * *
Woodhull’s No. 4, dated Setauket May 4, 1780, would indicate that they did not get together on May 1st. He says:
“I have had an interview with C. Junr. and am sorry to find he declines serving any longer, as hinted in my last. If any person can be pointed out by 711 at N. Y. who can be safely relyed on to supply C. Junr’s place, I will make myself known to him, and settle a plan for the purpose. C. Junr. will nevertheless afford every assistance in his power, and give verbal information as he can collect. I have recd 20 guines sometime ago, which you sent me and with them have been paying off the expenses already accrued, and find a ballance still due me. As soon as convenient could wish you to forward me an additional sum. I have for some time suspected that Daniel Diehel living with Hugh Wallace has been employed by 711—If this be the case would wish to be informed of it. I shall probably see Jno. Bolton this evening and therefore forbear, and shall refer you to him, and am yours, &c.