Note (140) — AFTERMATH

Woodhull explains how Robert Townsend used British uniform.

Sir. Your favour was handed me some days past requesting some information relative to the Enemy. My circumstances would not admit me to undertake to visit the several quarters of the Enemy. I therefore dispached one of the usual carriers with the contents of your letter to our esteemed friends at —— and their return is as follows: Lloyd’s Neck is supposed to be in a weak condition, is commanded by Major Hubbel, their number doth not exceed two hundred men, without discipline and off their guard and daily decreasing. They subsist entirely by trading to your shore. Their protection by water is a Brig, Sloop and Gaily. At Success one mile or two from Herricks north side of Hempstead Plains Coll. Murray’s Horse, two Regiments of Yagers and Anspach in the whole about one thousand men. Encamped near Brooklyn Church Coll. Ludloe’s Regt. at Flatbush. That’s all can say with any precision with respect to Long Island. At York Island they are encamped from the City to the Bridge, and fortifying on the banks of the River near the City, and it is expected they will contract their lines and only attempt to defend a part of York Island near the town if they should be attacked. They have a number of ships ready to sink in the River if an Enemy should appear. There’s only two ships of any consequence in the Harbor, the Lion and Centurion. Their design appears only to act on the defensive and be as little expense to the Crown as possible. God grant their time may be short for we have much reason to fear within their lines that Carleton’s finger will be heavier than Clinton’s Thigh. He’s called a Tyrant at New York by the inhabitants in general and makes them do soldiers duty in the City without distinction. The first gentlemen in the City stand at Officers doors Soldier like. I believe the overturne and regulations that he hath made here was only to promote his favorites, and burden the inhabitants. I cannot be assured that they have sold any horses belonging to the Crown as yet, although it hath been reported so here fifty times. We have no accounts from Europe or West Indies lately. Many say the troops from Charlestown are expected at New York and that they have actually left St Augustine and Georgia. I am sorry to see trade flourish as it doth, Never was such an intercourse with your shore before. I believe not one day or scarcely an hour but live stock and produce of all kinds are landed on Long Island on vessels pushing into the Enemy’s posts. Capt. William Davidson of Milford is now selling a cargo at New York. Could mention numbers but forbear. Many that are called first characters with you are concerned in it. Most of our friends are encouraging it here and supplying them with goods. To prevent which I could earnestly advise the State of New York to issue a proclamation, declaring all within these lines Enemies to their country who shall procure any merchandise whatever from New York more than for their families use. I have not a doubt but something of this kind would do much service. I am convinced that if some measures are not taken to prevent it will be of bad consequence and occasion bloodshed on your shore, which hope may be prevented by some speedy measures. Wishing you Health and Success I remain your Humble Servt.

Samuel Culper.