[59] Of ten messengers sent out by different routes to Howe, not one returned to Burgoyne.—Winsor’s Narrative and Critical History of America, Vol. VI, p. 312.
[60] In full a copy of the letter from which the above extracts are taken may be examined in the collection at East Hampton, L. I.
[61] The boldness with which some of the English magazines mentioned affairs in America during the Revolution is surprising. How many of these were inspired by Robert Townsend it would be interesting to know. In fact even Rivington might have been surprised had he discovered how often among the news items he had troubled Townsend to prepare and mail for him to the English magazines there were extra items written by Townsend that he had never seen. One that was published after the surrender of Cornwallis, calculated to destroy the morale of the troops, appears on page 676 in the December, 1781, issue of the same London magazine. It reads: “By only showing themselves one morning for a few hours near Kingsbridge, and sending the French baker boys round, to make a rattling among the broken bricks and rubbish, at the mouth of the Rariton. This was enough for him (Clinton). He instantly sent off express upon express, demanding assistance ... from Lord Cornwallis, who, at that very instant was besieged, at the distance of nearly 500 miles from New York, by that very army which still kept him in such alarm.”
[62] See Recollections of Washington by G. W. P. Custis, p. 294.
A CREW THAT DOUBLE CROSSED
The spies were never safe; to them sometimes friends were as dangerous as foes. The British and Americans upon several occasions captured their own men, but perhaps only once was the same whale boat captured by both sides. The discovery that they were detaining their own men certainly embarrassed the British officers in this particular instance. It was no less than William Heron who by capture they were not only detaining but from him their own men had taken the boat and outfit and it was necessary for them to get his things together again. William Heron’s home was in Reading, Connecticut, and he was at the time a member of the state legislature.
Hiram he called himself in correspondence with British Headquarters, and as Hiram he was known to Washington’s secret service. Perhaps none, aside from General Parsons, knew that Heron was their most active spy, even Governor Trumbull being deceived into giving him a commission as a privateersman. His trips across the Sound with messages for British Headquarters were frequent and he was most active particularly during the weeks of Arnold’s treason. When he visited West Point he was entertained by Arnold and slept under his roof. Parsons gave him a letter of introduction in which he vouches for him and Arnold trusted him with letters he wished to reach British Headquarters.
At the time of his capture which was in April, 1781, he was negotiating to make a second Arnold of Parsons.[63] Matters were progressing nicely when he crossed the Sound and landed near Oyster Bay with messages for Headquarters. Soon he was surrounded by British troops and found himself and crew prisoners. His actions must have appeared suspicious for that they claimed to be bearers of a flag did not deter their captors from making away with the boat and all that was in it. The available correspondence on the subject is interesting. First is a letter dated Westbury 21st April, 1781.
To Major Kissam. Sir, I had the honor to receive yours this evening and have forwarded the letter to Major DeLancey immediately. The bearers of flags of truces agreeable to General Orders are to be sent back as soon as they have delivered their dispatches, but if Wm. Heron has to transact business in his private affairs on this Island, he must first obtain his Ex. Gov. Robertson’s particular leave for that purpose; and shall therefore have the honor to wait upon you, Sir, tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock, in order to see whether Heron’s request is likely to be granted, and till that time I beg to detain him at your house or any other proper place. I am with great regard, Sir, Your most obedt. humble servant,