Note (118) — SECRET SERVICE SECRETS
Reading edition
Culper answers Bolton’s eighteenth letter.
“No. 25 October 26th, 1779.
“Sir: Your No. 18 with the enclosed came to hand, and was immediately forwarded to 723. And the inclosed blanks are his returns, which hope may be satisfactory at this conjuncture. I have again heard Count D’Estaing with his whole fleet are in Delaware Bay. This Glorious assistance together with the dejection of our Enemies, bids fair for our delivery, the pleasing hopes of which hath almost transported all our friends. But here much may be done toward our destruction within the space of a week, and to the great advantage of the enemy, to prevent which requires your immediate operations. From the effect of that Infernal Tryon’s expedition into this county last year and branding a number of cattle that he left behind, last week a demand for 198 was made, not one quarter of that number was ever marked; and about 30 head was drove up but are not satisfied, and insist upon the whole number, and are now at Smith Town with carts from Lloyd’s Neck and a number of wagons are hourly expected with a number of Troops at that place, for hay. They have nearly collected all the forage in Queens County and carrying it to Brooklyn; in one word, every preparation is a making for their defence—I hope you will not forget to grant us assistance as soon as possible. Your letter to Mr. C——r, Junr. was instantly forwarded, forgot to mention it in my last, then being in such haste, as I had not time before dark and 725 I expected was a waiting. I received 20 Guineas from 725 which I sent to 723. I have nothing more to say—and may God grant us Success. And am
“Your very Humble Servt., “Samuel Culper.”