Note (137) — AFTERMATH
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Woodhull finds no one will write from New York.
May 8.
Sir. Your favor of the 28th of April is before me and observe the contents. Agreeable to your request I immediately repaired to New York and have done all that in me lay to engage a proper person, but have failed as no one will write on any account. I can only obtain verbal accounts for you and that but seldom, as the enemy have lately been made to believe that a line of intelligence is supported here. They are jealous of every person that they may see from this part. I have received from you three English and seven French Guineas, the former have placed to your credit, the latter have returned, they being not permitted to pass and consequently are of no use to me.
You may now see the following intelligence. The latest accounts from Europe says that the Dutch have not declared war against Great Britain, but as one of the neutral powers have referred their situation to the Congress, sitting at Petersburgh, which is looked upon here as great wisdom and will soon be productive of peace. The British when I left New York consisted of 7 ships of the line, 2 of 50 and 4 of 44 Guns, and two or three smaller Ships, which on their arrival landed 7 or 800 sick and wounded, and have replaced them again with negroes, boys, carmen, fishermen—never was so warm a press in America before. Gentlemen’s servants going to market did not escape. The fleet have laid down Staten Island, and were to sail yesterday, supposed to cruise of the Capes of Virginia. The following regiments have embarked and are under orders for embarcation and said to be bound to Virginia. Regiment of Anspach, the 43d and 17th Dragoons and Infantry of the same; the remainder of the 76th and 80th. The whole Culper Junior says will amount to 2000 men and not more than 4000 will be left in Garrison. It is a matter of surprise that they will leave the Garrison so weak and gives reason to believe that some troops are expected from Europe, or that they are going to make some attack near at hand. It is reported the French Army are about marching westward, if they should the enemy will not leave New York on their expedition. I have directed 725 to cross again on the tenth inst. I am yours, &c.
Saml. Culper.
P. S. All hands agree that the Capt. of the Confederacy gave his ship away. The Crew have all been taken on board the British Fleet against their will. It is the opinion of some that ⅓ of the men on board the fleet had rather fight against them.