Note (132) — AFTERMATH

Culper Senior pleads for Samuel Townsend.

Setauket, Feby. 8th, 1781.

Sir, I returned from New York yesterday but have nothing of much importance to communicate—The English Fleet of Transports and Merchantmen of about seventy sail left Sandy Hook about the middle of last week—A private ship arrived from England on Friday last, with the king’s speech (see the papers enclosed) and an account of Admiral Darby with thirty four sail of the line being in sight of the combined fleets consisting of fifty sail—The Enemies papers gives a large account of Arnold’s success in Virginia but is not fully believed. Genl. Clinton is said to be dissatisfied with Arnolds conduct—we have nothing from the Carolinas or any other quarter worthy of notice. The prisoners are used very hard, numbers are confined in the Dungeons, and condemned rooms supported only on bread and water. In particular one Mr. Saml. Townsend, said to be one of your Commissary’s, who suffers beyond expression. I can say but little about the situation of the army. The 17th Dragoons is at Hempstead, Coll. Ludlow’s Regt. of DeLancey’s Brigade and the Jersey Volunteers is at Lloyd’s Neck. A very considerable part of the Yaugers and Anspack Regiments are cantoned from Oyster Bay to Herricks—Three Battallions of Hessian Grenadeers are cantoned from Jamaica to Flushing, and think the 37th Regiment is also at Flushing. All the grenadeers and infantry are cantoned at Bedford and Newtown—the 17th of Foot is at Flatbush. There’s one Battallion of Hessian Grenadeers on York Island near Kings Bridge which is all I can say with any certainty. To conclude, the Enemy expect a large French Fleet in the Spring—and their spirits are very low—The principal inhabitants that are most obnoxious to you still continue to offer their property to sale. It appears to me that we need not doubt of success, and that it is not far distant—But, nevertheless must urge you to be vigilent and active. In particular be watchful of the Enemies among you who are daily forwarding supplies to the Enemy. I could mention numbers that I know are guilty and many circumstances that might detect others but am fearful it would lead to a discovery. At all hazards, I will mention one Robert Bown, of Shrewsbury in Jersey that I assure you keeps up a connection with the Refugees and hath frequently had them at his house. I have given you such information as this repeatedly but could never hear you made any use of it. It was not long ago that I declared to you of a certain person being in your lines and in the Enemy’s service, and but a few days ago he found his way into New York and waited on the Commander in Chief. It is now a full year that I have supported this correspondence and have forwarded frequent dispatches—and the expenses incurred amounts to one hundred and seven pounds eighteen shillings, and all I have received is 29 Guineas. The balance is due me and in want thereof, wish it could be forwarded soon. Agreeable to your request hope shall soon be able to place a person at 727 as heretofore, and am yours sincerely,

Saml. Culper.