Samuel Culper.
Col. Floyd.”
CULPER SENIOR’S MOST URGENT MESSAGE.
See [page 83].
As soon as the letters were ready Roe started back[20] and reached Woodhull in time to get the messages across the Sound that same evening. With them Woodhull sent what is probably the shortest and most exciting message he ever wrote. It reads:
“Sir. The enclosed requires your immediate departure this day by all means let not an hour pass: for this day must not be lost. You have news of the greatest consequence perhaps that ever happened to your country. John Bolton must order your returne when he thinks proper.
“S. C.”
Besides the stain letter Woodhull enclosed with the above one of his own, from information that Roe was able to communicate. It reads:
“Your letter came to hand and found me very ill with a fever, and still continues. All that I could do was to send Austin Roe with directions, who returned this day in great haste with the enclosed dispatches from Culper Junior. Also assures of the arrival of Admiral Graves with six ships of the line and is joined by three more out of New York, also one of 50 and two of 40 guns and has sailed for Rhode Island and is supposed they will be there before this can possibly reach you. Also 8000 Troops are this day embarking at Whitestone for the before mentioned port. I am told for certain that the French have only seven sail of the line. I greatly fear their destination. We hourly expect a number of the enemy in this quarter, for what end I know not. You must excuse all imperfections at this time on the account of my before mentioned fever. Nevertheless you have perhaps all the needful—and pray for your success and exercions. And am yours sincerely,