Note 24 — SECRET SERVICE SECRETS

Note. Before these accounts are finally closed, justice and propriety call upon me to signify that there are Persons within the British Lines—if they are not dead or removed, who have a claim upon the Public under the strongest assurances of compensation from me for their services in conveying me private intelligence; and which when exhibited I shall think myself in honor bound to pay. Why these claims have not made their appearance ere this, unless from either of the causes above mentioned—or from a disinclination in them to come forth till the B. force is entirely removed from the United States, I know not—But I have thought it an incumbent duty on me to bring the matter to view that it may be held in remembrance in case such claims should hereafter appear. Go: Washington. [The private account book of Culper Senior, in the Library at East Hampton, L. I., shows that he received the balance due him on August 2, 1790. There is nothing to show that Robert Townsend ever asked for or received his. Before the capture of Major André he was anxious for assurances that if he used his own money to promote the service he would be compensated at the close of the war. Later it is probable that he preferred not to risk discovery by preparing an itemized bill, as Woodhull was obliged to do.]