Note 22 — SECRET SERVICE SECRETS

As early as 1778 the British on Long Island had a method of transmitting important news that was as rapid almost as the telegraph is today. For this purpose beacons were established and a system of signals arranged. Among the papers of Major John Kissam have been preserved some of the instructions which so clearly state the eminences upon which these beacons were erected that there would be little trouble in locating them at the present day. Following are unabridged copies of these instructions:

Signals: Col. Hamilton will be so good as to place a man at the most convenient heights, to see Laurel Hill and Morris’s house. He will observe what signals are made from there—if there are 3 guns from Laurel hill and 3 fires from there or Morris’s house,

2 guns and 2 fires ditto, or

1 gun and 1 fire from ditto, and report the same to the commander in chief on board the Grand Duke at Whitestone. Ol. DeLancey, Aid de Camp.

Signals by day and night for Long Island and Kingsbridge. To be made from Norwich hill, Sutton’s hill and Flushing Heights in Queens County, L. I. viz.

1st. On the Enemy’s landing in force eastward of Norwich: by night, 1 beacon fired at each, by day 1 large smoke at each.

2d. On Enemy landing in force westward of Norwich hill; by night 2 beacons fired at each; by day, 2 large smokes at each.

Signals acknowledged from Morris’s house. By night; 1st signal, 1 rocket, 2d. signal, 2 rockets. By day none none

N.B. The fires and smoke to be kept up while the Enemy remain on the Island, or until otherwise observed. After every signal a Light Dragoon to be sent from Morris’s house to Head Quarters with the intelligence.

Mem. Norwich hill is 2 miles south of Oyster Bay, Sutton’s Hill [now Beacon hill] is 3 miles from Cowneck Point; Flushing Heights are near Ustic’s house.

Appointed by the Commander in Chief, Wm. Tryon M. G.

Scorpion A copy P. Brown.

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Hempstead Plains, July 30, 1778.

To Major Kissam. Sir, In the absence of Col. Hamilton you will take command of the Queens County Militia, & execute such measures as you shall think necessary for the benefit and protection of the County. In particular you will observe the following directions respecting the Beacons on Cow Neck and near Norwich, and take steps requisite for their being carried into execution.

Whenever any Beacons to the Eastward are seen on fire, you will immediately set fire to those under your care, making one fire or more, as you observe those to the Eastward have done, in every instance following their example: and whenever you have so done, you will send an express to the commanding officer of the King’s forces at Jamaica, informing him that 1, 2, or 3 beacons (as the fact shall be) are fired to the Eastward.

In all cases when you have certain intelligence of the Enemy being landed on this Island in force, you will fire all the 3 beacons, and dispatch an express as above with the information, always keeping up the fires until the intelligence shall have reached New York. You will of course have a distinct beacon at each place in readiness to be fired, and if it should happen in the day time, encourage the smoke as much as possible.

A corporal and 4 men are to mount guard at each place on them, night and day, always keeping a centinel looking out for signals. These men you will change weekly, or at your discretion and excuse them from all military duty. A compensation will moreover be made them in proportion to their diligence and service.

These directions are to be strictly observed by the Guard at each of the 2 places fixed on by Brigr. Genl. DeLancey for the erection of the beacons, and the guard stationed on the hill near Norwich will also observe to send an express to Cow neck whenever the beacons under their care are fired. Wm. Tryon. M: G:

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Scorpion off New City Island, Jan. 30, 79

Signals.—If the Rebels are attacking any vessels; or landing or landed between this station and Hempstead Bay; the Signals by night are 2 fires on Lawrence Hewlett’s Point; by day, 2 smokes on the same.—If the attack is made in Cow Bay the signal by night is 1 fire on Lawrence Hewlett’s Point: if by day 1 smoke on the same.—The above signals will be answered from the Scorpion; by day by hoisting the colors, or hauling them down, if hoisted previously; by night with lights, false-fires or musquets. Philip Brown.