“During this time, Washington, by a rapid movement, had, with an army increased to 12,000 men, passed the North-river, and was moving towards King’s-bridge, when he must have learned that my armament had not proceeded to Rhode-Island. He (I apprehend in consequence of this) re-crossed the river, and is now near Orange Town.
“The Admiral is near Gardiner’s-Island, to which place I shall, if possible, proceed to confer with him and his Officers.”[23]
General Washington now ordered a chain of Dragoons to be posted between New London and Headquarters. There were to be 3 every 15 miles apart, to convey messages from the Culpers and the French Fleet. Colonel Sheldon complied under protest, as his letter following shows:
... “I have this morning early sent off an officer with a sufficient number of my most trusty Dragoons to post them at every fifteen miles distance, or as near that as the necessity of forage would admit. The officer is instructed to move on the Dragoons to Tower Hill, if Mr. Shaw cannot furnish the expresses beyond New London. The stages at which the officer is ordered to post the Dragoons, are as follows: Beginning at the Eastward, namely New London, Lyme, Guilford, New Haven, Stratford, Green Farms, and Stamford. I do not post another party between Stamford and Head Quarters lest the plunderers from below, which infest the intermediate country should take off the men or seize on the Dispatches when they should arrive.
“While I with the utmost cheerfulness and alacrity obey your Excellency’s orders I cannot but regret the necessity of detaching so many of my Dragoons from the field. I do not mention this as if your Excellency had not considered the expense of furniture and equipment of Dragoons, but to beg for the Honour of the Regiment and the good of the service, your Excellency would be pleased to excuse them from this duty as soon as possible.
“Elisha Sheldon.”
Samuel Culper’s next letter is dated the 6th of August, and reads:
“Sir, Your several dates of the 23d and 26th of July came to hand on the 4th inst, and observe the contents. Being still in a feble state (but mending) was obliged again to have recourse to Austin Roe, and dispatched him the same evening with such directions as thought proper. He this instant returned with the enclosed from Culper, Junior. I hope it contains all the needful. Roe hath no verbal account worthy of notice. Also you have enclosed the state of the Garrison at Lloyd’s Neck, but it is not satisfactory to me, but is the best that could be procured this time. Coll. Simcoe with his regiment of Rangers, and three companies of Queens County Militia Foot, and about thirty of Coll. Ludlow’s Regiment, have been for some time past in the County, the main body at Southampton, some at the River Head, some at South Mills, about 30 at Coram. What they have come down here for is unknown.
“I purpose to go to 727 for the benefit of our 115, and have 130 ready for you, em. Also have the promise of the exact state of Lloyd’s Neck, which shall then transmit. Am in great haste and in the interium am Your Sincerely,
“Saml. Culper.”