Sir. Yours of the 29th of August came to hand and observe the contents. Since my last the 17th Dragoons removed to Smith Town, and encamped in widow Blidenburg’s orchard. It is said they will stay there 12 days but very uncertain. No one expected they would move from Setauket so soon. Coll. Birch hath left the Regiment and is appointed Commandant of New York, Capt. Archdale commands the Regiment. I must call on you for more cash having advanced considerable to carry it on. Enclosed you have Culper Jrs. Dispatch. In great haste am yours &c.
Saml. Culper.
Major Tallmadge’s letter from Lower Salem, Sept. 13th, and General Washington’s of the 16th, throw further light upon the service. It may be noticed that practically all of Culper Junior’s stain letters were now being deciphered by Major Tallmadge, each time with an apology for so doing. He was not aware at that time that had he failed to decipher them Major André would have been able to join Arnold and the treason plot might not have been discovered until it was too late.
Lower Salem, Sept. 13th, 1780.
Sir. I have the honor to enclose dispatches from the Culpers which have this moment come to hand. As C. Junrs. was an answer in part to my last on the plan of our future correspondence, it was necessary for me to decipher it. Your Excellency will observe what he writes respecting his services and as he informs he can shorten the route on certain conditions, Your Excellency’s assurance will regulate his future services. This much I can observe respecting the man, he is a Gentleman of business, of Education and honor—Culper Senior’s frequent Expresses to N. Y. for the papers which are forwarded to your Excellency, and to resolve questions proposed by other Genl. Officers at other periods, has expended the money which has been furnished him, as we were considerably in arrears when the last money was handed him. I have just engaged a man to bring letters from N. Y. via Kingsbridge if necessary; but cannot as yet tell whether C. Junr. will deliver him dispatches—His name and services I believe are well known to your Excellency.
I received Major Humphrey’s letter of the 11th last evening, and immediately wrote to have the boat cross, which I am confident will not be delayed only by the present heavy wind and rain. Your Excellency may depend on my Exertions in the matter. I shall fold this letter very small to prevent being discovered if the Express should chance to be taken. [It was folded to size 2¾ × 4]....
Benja. Tallmadge.
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Head Quarters, Bergin County, 16th Sept. 1780.
Dr: Sir. I have recd yours of the 13th as I have your several late favors with their enclosures—It is impossible for me, circumstanced as matters are, to give a positive answer to C. Junior’s request, as I cannot, without knowing his views, tell what are his expectations—Of this, both you and he may rest assured, that should he continue servicable and faithful, and should the issue of our affairs prove as favorable as we hope, I shall be ready to recommend him to the public, if public employ shall be his aim, and if not that I shall think myself bound to represent his conduct in the light it deserves[24] and procure him a compensation of another kind. I shall take the first good opportunity of sending you a further sum of money for contingencies. I am Dear Sir, Yours, &c.