In homely words Brewster modestly records one of his brave exploits on a sheet accompanying the above letter, which reads as follows:
“Fairfield, November 13th, 1780.
“Dear Sir. Returned this evening from the Island. I left on Saturday. Culper was not at home and had to weight till this morning for him.
“Forrage is at Corum yet in stack where tavern is kept. Their remains about forty Ruffigeus yet at Mastick on Mr. Smith’s place. They have no connon, nothing but muskets.
“I took a prize a coming across today. A fine large boat from New Haven, which had been to carry passengers over. We run up long side of them and made them believe we came from Lloyd’s Neck. They enformed me who secreted the persons in New Haven four weeks and their connections, and I wrote it all down before they found out their mistake. We up sail and came off together and they engaged to pilot us to a gard on the west side of New Haven harbour to take them. We got two thirds across the Sound before they found out their mistake and I got them safe under guard. I am Dear Sir, your most obedient humbil servant,
“C. Brewster.”
Major Tallmadge quickly responded to the advice of Culper and Brewster. Indeed, so quickly that Fort St. George was captured sooner than Woodhull expected it would be.[(131)]
A TYPICAL WASHINGTON LETTER
See [page 191].