Fairfield, February 14, 1781.

Sir. My appointment on the 6th Inst. was frustrated until the 9th by bad weather, when I crossed and from information found I would not accomplish my business without endangering particular persons, as there were numerous crews of Reffugees scattered in the town, which made it impossible for me to see the person I wished. I thought it most prudent to return immediately, and take with me an additional boat when I crossed again, both for my own safety, and to annoy them if they fell in my way. On the 12th, at night I crossed again with three boats, and affected my purpose, and on the morning following just as we were embarking to return I discovered a boat rowing from the eastward. I lay concealed till she came opposite to me when I detached one of my boats in pursuit; she discovering our strength immediately came on shore and proved to be a cruising refugee boat carrying eight men, a list of their names and character I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency. The interest of my country induces me to inform your Excellency that there is a constant communication kept up for trade and intelligence by the enemy boats, bringing over goods and taking provisions in return, and in such force that renders it impossible and many times makes it dangerous to transact my business with my present command. An addition of one or two boats will make my appointments certain, and when not on command should be able to keep the coast clear from any enterprise they would form. I am with Respect your Excellency’s most Humble Servant,

Caleb Brewster.

Joseph Easton Trowbridge, Capt. of the Boat. Henry Gibbs, Benjamin Prescott: These three are from New Haven and have been condemned to the mines for illicit trade but broke goal. James Smith, Capt. of the Kings Militia Volunteers. From the Block House on Tredwells Banks are Thomas Davis, Thomas Wilson, Christopher Young, Job Mosier. The above prisoners I have sent to your Excellency under a Couporal and six men and would wish your Excellencys directions with the boat, apparel and arms.

Caleb Brewster.

Camp Highland, 17 Feb. 1781.

Dear General. Last night six prisoners were brought to the Provost Guard in Fishkill, who belonged to the State of Connecticut. Three of them viz. Jos Easton Trowbridge, Henry Gibbs and Benjamin Prescott were sentenced last October to be confined in Symsbury Mines Eighteen Months. The two former escaped on their way and joined the enemy. Prescott, a brother in law to Roger Sherman Esq. made interest through his brother for a pardon, which he obtained and immediately fled to New York. One Willson, one of the number, has been guilty of putting of very large sums of Counterfeit money which I am able to prove against him but he has had no trial.

Major Brush and Capt. Conklin have been long confined in the Provost in New York and there appears very little prospect of their consenting to exchange them unless some characters of repute with them are given for them—these gentlemen are persons who deserve the attention of every Friend to his Country, and I am enclined to believe Smith, who is a Captain of their Militia and Trowbridge who has a commission for one of their Whale boats would be acceptable to them: If they may be offered for these two men, who are confined in a most vigorous manner and have long suffered in confinement, your Excellency will relieve the Distress of two numerous families suffering greatly by the absence of these gentlemen. I am sir, Yr. most Obedt. Servt.

Sam H. Parsons.

“729   374   the eo   1781.

“Sir. Your several favours of the fo of 215 and of the ee instant have been received and observe the contents. I have but little to communicate at this time. Genl. Phillips hath embarked some days ago with all the infantry, the Seventy-Six Regiment and two German Regiments. The whole said to amount to sixteen hundred men, generally believed are bound to the assistance of Arnold. They had not sailed last Thursday and am of opinion they will not go. They certainly have not a sufficient convoy. A few days past a small boat arrived from Arnold in forty eight hours but nothing could be learned from her. There’s nothing from any other quarter, save Britain declaring war against the United States of Holland and their taking St. Estutias and one hundred and sixty sail of ships. See the papers inclosed. The enemy are very low on the same account. I think they must make peace shortly. The Memorial of Prussia mentioned in the News Paper is not thought to be genuine here. C. Jur. is again in 727 and entering into business as heretofore and you may soon I hope receive his dispatches. And remain your very Humbl. Servt.

“Saml Culper.”

Setauket, April 23d, 1781.

Sir. Inclosed I send you the report of a faithful person that I employed a few days past to visit the several places therein mentioned, and think you may place much confidence therein. I do assure you it’s more than I could possibly do. The number of men at Lloyd’s Neck is certainly not more than 500 nor less than 400 fighting men. There’s of the Yagers and Anspach Regt. about 800 cantoned from Oysterbay to Herrick’s. Sometimes a picket is at Dosons. I think some of them might be taken. I have made further enquire about the embarcation under General Phillips and am assured that better information respecting him cannot be procured than what have transmitted. The enemy on the Island to all appearance rest as easy as if they had no enemies to fear. Hope you may disturb them ere long.

A few days past I had a visit from C. Junr. and am sorry to inform you that he will not write any more on any account whatever. And as yet neither of us can think of a suitable person to establish. Yet nevertheless shall when receive your determination as proposed further endeavour. If should fail shall be exceedingly sorry. I can always procure verbal accounts from C. Junr. and other persons of good observation similar to the present, but it cannot be done without expense. A few days past a Spy left Rhode Island and went to New York in as much haste as perhaps ever any person traveled. Having nothing further to say at present I remain yours Sincerely,

Samuel Culper.

The person that procured the enclosed knows not the smallest link in our chain if need should require I mean to employ him at times knowing him to be capable, and much used to armies and fortifications.

May 8.

Sir. Your favor of the 28th of April is before me and observe the contents. Agreeable to your request I immediately repaired to New York and have done all that in me lay to engage a proper person, but have failed as no one will write on any account. I can only obtain verbal accounts for you and that but seldom, as the enemy have lately been made to believe that a line of intelligence is supported here. They are jealous of every person that they may see from this part. I have received from you three English and seven French Guineas, the former have placed to your credit, the latter have returned, they being not permitted to pass and consequently are of no use to me.

You may now see the following intelligence. The latest accounts from Europe says that the Dutch have not declared war against Great Britain, but as one of the neutral powers have referred their situation to the Congress, sitting at Petersburgh, which is looked upon here as great wisdom and will soon be productive of peace. The British when I left New York consisted of 7 ships of the line, 2 of 50 and 4 of 44 Guns, and two or three smaller Ships, which on their arrival landed 7 or 800 sick and wounded, and have replaced them again with negroes, boys, carmen, fishermen—never was so warm a press in America before. Gentlemen’s servants going to market did not escape. The fleet have laid down Staten Island, and were to sail yesterday, supposed to cruise of the Capes of Virginia. The following regiments have embarked and are under orders for embarcation and said to be bound to Virginia. Regiment of Anspach, the 43d and 17th Dragoons and Infantry of the same; the remainder of the 76th and 80th. The whole Culper Junior says will amount to 2000 men and not more than 4000 will be left in Garrison. It is a matter of surprise that they will leave the Garrison so weak and gives reason to believe that some troops are expected from Europe, or that they are going to make some attack near at hand. It is reported the French Army are about marching westward, if they should the enemy will not leave New York on their expedition. I have directed 725 to cross again on the tenth inst. I am yours, &c.

Saml. Culper.

P. S. All hands agree that the Capt. of the Confederacy gave his ship away. The Crew have all been taken on board the British Fleet against their will. It is the opinion of some that ⅓ of the men on board the fleet had rather fight against them.

Setauket, May 27th, 1781.

Sir. Your favour of the 13th instant hath come to hand, and note the contents—I have proposed the affair to the person mentioned in your last but can only send him down at times, he cannot reside there at present, and cannot procure any person as yet to do it. Austin Roe hath just returned from New York but brings nothing material. Pensacola is taken by the Spaniards and there’s a fleet preparing to sail for Europe, probably will be ready in about ten days, their said to be conveyed by five ships of war. The troops were all ordered to leave Long Island a few days past but before they got to Brooklyn were ordered to return to their quarters again. What this maneuver was for cannot say. It is reported that the second division of French have arrived at Boston. You desired to know the state of the enemy at Kingsbridge. I have directed an enquirie. They’re most certainly very weak there. But I think you cannot surprise them and were you to make any movement there you may depend they could move their whole force there in twelve hours. Their regular troops certainly doth not much exceed four thousand. And I am assured that the Militia and others that they could muster on an emergency would amount to five thousand more, some say six.

I have forwarded the papers regular and have expended the ten guineas. A few days past several men from New Haven were at Setauket. Two of them were named Thompson and Brother. Further cannot describe. They brought on Shoes and Flour and other necessaries of life. There’s a person been to New York this week, I suppose you are not unacquainted with his errand. Hope he hath rendered a good account. I am in haste. And remain your very humble servant,

Saml. Culper.

General Phillips is dead and General Robinson, commonly called Jimmy, goes to take the command in Virginia.

Setauket, June 4th, 1781.

Dear Sir. Your favour of the 23d of May is just come to hand—together with five Guineas. Austin Roe hath just returned from New York but brings very little intelligence. He says all is silence and no kind of movement about to take place. Admiral Arbuthnot is off Sandy Hook. And the Fleet for Europe mentioned in my last are in number near one hundred and are about to sail. The Confederacy is one of their Convoys. Further cannot say. The Enemy are much alarmed at so large a French Fleet arriving in the West Indies. See the papers forwarded with the Magazine. We think here that a peace must shortly take place.

A few days past a number of men commanded by one Stephen Smith a Deserter from Coll. Ludloe’s Regiment, much abused and plundered several houses at a place caled Drowned Meadow; broke their windows, fired into their houses, whipped and threatened both old and young. The like hath happened on the South Side of Long Island and eighteen out of forty two, by thirty men under the command of one Henry Nicol, were made prisoners. We live in daily fear of death and destruction. This added to my usual anxiety hath almost unmanned me. I must now (as painful as it is to me) disappoint your expectations, and out of my power to avoid if matters were ever so secure on my part which is the reverse. I dare not visit New York myself and those that have been employed will serve no longer, through fear. I am fully persuaded by various circumstances and observation that have made from time to time, that if it were in my power to continue it regular without any interval, should shortly be devoted to ruin, and it appears clear to me that it would be presumption to take one step further at present—And could not expect that protection from Heaven that have hitherto enjoyed. You must acknowledge and readily conclude that have done all that I could, and stood by you when others have failed, and have not left you in the darkest hour but when our affairs appear as clear as the Sun in the Heavens, and promiseth a speedy and I hope a happy conclusion. Inclosed you have an account of transports as requested and should be exceedingly happy to see you. And in the Interum wishing you health and prosperity I remain your ever mindful and Humble Servant,

Samuel Culper.

Sir. Your favour was handed me some days past requesting some information relative to the Enemy. My circumstances would not admit me to undertake to visit the several quarters of the Enemy. I therefore dispached one of the usual carriers with the contents of your letter to our esteemed friends at —— and their return is as follows: Lloyd’s Neck is supposed to be in a weak condition, is commanded by Major Hubbel, their number doth not exceed two hundred men, without discipline and off their guard and daily decreasing. They subsist entirely by trading to your shore. Their protection by water is a Brig, Sloop and Gaily. At Success one mile or two from Herricks north side of Hempstead Plains Coll. Murray’s Horse, two Regiments of Yagers and Anspach in the whole about one thousand men. Encamped near Brooklyn Church Coll. Ludloe’s Regt. at Flatbush. That’s all can say with any precision with respect to Long Island. At York Island they are encamped from the City to the Bridge, and fortifying on the banks of the River near the City, and it is expected they will contract their lines and only attempt to defend a part of York Island near the town if they should be attacked. They have a number of ships ready to sink in the River if an Enemy should appear. There’s only two ships of any consequence in the Harbor, the Lion and Centurion. Their design appears only to act on the defensive and be as little expense to the Crown as possible. God grant their time may be short for we have much reason to fear within their lines that Carleton’s finger will be heavier than Clinton’s Thigh. He’s called a Tyrant at New York by the inhabitants in general and makes them do soldiers duty in the City without distinction. The first gentlemen in the City stand at Officers doors Soldier like. I believe the overturne and regulations that he hath made here was only to promote his favorites, and burden the inhabitants. I cannot be assured that they have sold any horses belonging to the Crown as yet, although it hath been reported so here fifty times. We have no accounts from Europe or West Indies lately. Many say the troops from Charlestown are expected at New York and that they have actually left St Augustine and Georgia. I am sorry to see trade flourish as it doth, Never was such an intercourse with your shore before. I believe not one day or scarcely an hour but live stock and produce of all kinds are landed on Long Island on vessels pushing into the Enemy’s posts. Capt. William Davidson of Milford is now selling a cargo at New York. Could mention numbers but forbear. Many that are called first characters with you are concerned in it. Most of our friends are encouraging it here and supplying them with goods. To prevent which I could earnestly advise the State of New York to issue a proclamation, declaring all within these lines Enemies to their country who shall procure any merchandise whatever from New York more than for their families use. I have not a doubt but something of this kind would do much service. I am convinced that if some measures are not taken to prevent it will be of bad consequence and occasion bloodshed on your shore, which hope may be prevented by some speedy measures. Wishing you Health and Success I remain your Humble Servt.

Samuel Culper.

“Greenfield, March 31st, 1783.

“Sir. I had the honor to write Your Excellency on the 29th inst. on which day I crossed to Long Island as then proposed, from whence I have just returned. From every enquiry & a variety of information, it appears to be reduced to a certainty that a general peace has been concluded on in Europe, an authenticated account of which great event I hope Your Excellency has received before this time.

“I saw several of my old correspondents from New York, who inform that although official information respecting a Peace had not yet reached N. Y. yet preparations were making for the Garrison to be ready to leave that place. They inform that a considerable number of the Loyalists are about setting off for Nova Scotia; that the foreign troops are preparing to embark as they are to sail first if there should not be transports enough to remove the whole & in that case the British Troops will remove on to Staten Island. They are in expectation of Transports from Europe, as they have only about eighty for that service at New York.

“From the present auspicious appearance of our public affairs and from a persuasion that the American Troops will soon be in possession of New York, I have to request that Your Excellency would be pleased to suffer me, with my detachment, to be among the first who may go into the City. I have many reasons for making this early request but the principal argument which I would offer, and which I am conscious will have due weight in Your Excellency’s breast, is that particular attention may be paid to certain Characters in New York, who have served us very essentially, and who may other ways be treated amiss. It is a favor which they will by all means expect, and some of them will not wish to have the nature of their services divulged....

“Benj. Tallmadge.”