Note (103) — GENERAL WASHINGTON’S SPIES
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Besides what will be found in these pages regarding Nathaniel Woodhull, there is much of interest that appears to have escaped the historians in the Journals of the Provincial Congress of the State of New York. There are still preserved many letters written by cousins of Abraham Woodhull, among the most interesting of them being those from the Reverend John Woodhull, son of Culper Senior’s uncle John, and therefore one of his first cousins. In writing to his wife, he describes the Battle of Long Island as he witnessed it from a distance as follows:
“Near Midnight, Aug. 27, 1776.
“My Dear Sally:—The solemn Day is come at last,—Long Island is made a field of Blood—now the cannon & small arms make a continued roar, even at this time of Night: Day before yesterday the battle began, and with some intermission has continued till now, yea now is roaring in my ears and God only knows when it will end.
“Yesterday morning it was very hot, as yet we have no account which may be fully depended on, only that in general that Howe has landed with most of his men upon Long Island. Small parties engaged till yesterday morning, when they made an attack upon us, they were beat back three times, the last time our People pursued them too far, when a strong reinforcement of the Enemy endeavored to cut off our retreat and did us a good deal of damage, tis reported that General Sullivan and Stirling are missing. Tis also said we have made great havoc amongst them—but I can tell but very little for certainty as yet, except that there is a mighty Battle which is continuing—May a good God grant that it end in our favor and for the glory of his Name! Goodnight!”
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“Aug. 30th, 1776.
“My Dear Sally:—Thro’ divine goodness I am very well as are our congregation in general that are here. Adam Woods has the ague. General Washington has thought proper to draw his men from Long Island, this was done last night.
“The enemy are now firing upon New York, from Long Island; our men here are drawing up to be in readiness, in case we are needed.
“How many were lost upon the Island is yet uncertain, some say we have 700 missing and that we have killed twice as many of the enemy, tho I believe it is but guess work as yet.
“Generals Sullivan and Stirling who are missing are said to be prisoners, it is also said general Grant on the other side is killed, they talk of another General of theirs Killed.
“It is reported that Col. Atly is wounded and a prisoner. Think it likely that our people will burn New York, and retreat into the chain of Forts which are above it—when that is done am in hopes our Enemies will get no farther. Poor Long Island! I know not what will become of my Relations there. May God help them. They are left to the mercy of our Cruel Enemy.
“Our men are in high spirits and I trust we shall, thro’ ye help of God soon break the power of our Foes.
“My Love to the Girls, my little son, and the Neighbors. Remember me to Elsy and the boys—and accept yourself the best affections of your....
“John Woodhull.”