General Washington answered from Headquarters August 11, saying:
Dear Sir: I have received your letter from North Castle with its enclosures. I am very much pleased that the Correspondence with C—— is again opened. I have the greatest dependence in his good intentions and I am persuaded when he pleases to exert himself he can give the most useful intelligence. The shorter the line of communication so much the better. With respect to the proposed incursion I do not think it advisable under present circumstances. Although the Enemy appear to be small, dispersed parties, yet the risque in an attempt more than counterbalances the advantage which might be obtained.
G. W.
An interesting letter followed Woodhull’s visit to New York, which is dated August 16, 1780, and reads as follows:
“Sir, I have this day returned from New York and am happy to inform you that Culper Junior hath engaged to serve as heretofore. I have nothing to enclose from him to you, as there’s not a word of intelligence worthy of notice in New York. I have the satisfaction to assure you that the judicious Torys in New York are more dejected now than ever I knew before, on account of the neutrality entered into by the Powers of Europe. A few victualling ships were to sail yesterday to the fleet now laying in Gardiner’s Bay. Clinton, with about 7000 men are cantoned from Whitestone to Jamaica for this ten days past have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness together with the fleet that still lays at Whitestone. Common reports say they are about to proceed to Rhode Island, but it is very uncertain. No person can tell, but, by all means be upon your guard. There is in this county the Queens Rangers, three companies of Queens County Militia Troop, Coll. Fanning’s Regiment, the 17th Dragoons, German Huzzars, all marching to the Eastward, also three Regiments more were ordered to march recently. Say they are to embark at the east end of this Island. We have a report that the second division of French hath arrived. Hope it may be true. Tryon, Patterson and Mathews are about to sail immediately in the packet for Europe. The person I depended upon to procure a very accurate account of Lloyd’s Neck, is taken very ill and hath put it out of my power to forward it now. I have ordered 725 to return here again on the f i instant, and intend to send you as frequent dispatches as possible as long as things are in such motion. In the interim wishing you health and prosperity I am &c.
“S. Culper.
“N.B. Next opportunity you’ll have the papers regular as heretofore. Should have sent them now but lost them out of my pocket on the road.
“I forgot to mention that General Clinton in person was escourted through this Town yesterday by the mounted Rangers, 17th Dragoons, and German Huzzars, in all about two hundred and forty horse.”
The hazard of their employment is calmly illustrated in the next letter addressed to Major Tallmadge: It was necessary for them to kill a man whilst waiting for Culper’s messages. Brewster writes:
Fairfield, Aug. 18th, 1780.