2022-07-02. [22] In the same letter he finally bowed out of the spy business. Later in 1776, Richard Woodhull asked his son to come with him to test his bartering skills for a deal with Colonel Jonathan Cook, the head of the commissary in New York City. Certainly they had an emotional reunion and talked about the rebellion. Perhaps Sprouts wealthy grandfather has servants churning out breeches for his grandchildren! The job was not without its risks, though, and Woodhull cut it close on many occasions. These agents reported on British activity from their homes in New York City, on Long Island, New York, and in Connecticut. Woodhull returned to Anna and told him of this, and Anna told him that Selah had died of dysentery on the Jersey two months earlier; however, Robert Rogers had bribed the captain of the ship to say that Selah had died and that Samuel Tallmadge, Benjamin Tallmadge's deceased brother, was the one who survived. Basing his operation in his British-occupied hometown of Setauket, New York, Woodhull enlists the aid of local tavern keeper Anna Strong to ferry crucial intelligence to their friends in the Continental Army, Caleb Brewster and Benjamin Tallmadge, who in turn bring the intelligence to General George Washington himself. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Nicholas was the son of one of the earliest settlers in the area of Eden (Bar Harbor), Maine, John Thomas III, and his wife, Elizabeth Peck. Abraham and Anna spending time together in Anna's barn. Abraham Woodhull - Wikipedia Woodhull and Tallmadge deserve to be honored and taught. P.S. Who was Abraham Woodhall? Fueled by a strong desire to avenge his cousins allegedly brutal murder, Woodhull threw himself into his new job with a passion. Over time, he began to fear for his safety, and Benjamin Tallmadges reports to Washington reflect Woodhulls growing timidity. Abraham Woodhull was a noted hero of the American Revolution. Woodhull's father helped him in getting his way out of the case, and Woodhull and ranger captain Robert Rogers both investigated the murder. I fight this fight for you. Woodhull offered to send some cabbage to them, but they said that their brigade was being shipped out for Trenton, New Jersey soon. Abraham had in fact joined the county militia in 1775 with no apparent objection from his father, but became disenchanted and quit after two months. [8] His plan was to travel to Manhattan, ostensibly to visit his married sister, Mary Underhill, and her husband, Amos, at their boarding house. We feature smart, groundbreaking research and well-written narratives from expert writers. At one point he neared an encampment of Loyalist soldiers commanded by General William Tryon. Anna remained alone on the family farm during the American Revolution, where she assisted with General Washington's Culper Spy Ring. A little boy wearing a feminine gown would be confusing and strange to the average 21st-century viewer, and distracting enough to detract from the main storyline. Richard Woodhull | Historica Wiki | Fandom 2022-07-02. And dont forget to join the fun over at TURN to a Historians Facebook Page and tumblr account. Captain Simcoe, a gruff and raucous character, had taken over the same outfit of Rangers once commanded by legendary tracker Robert Rogers. Rogers followed Woodhull to his secret hideout in the basement of his burnt-down farm, and Woodhull was told that he had to work with Rogers to get revenge on Andre before Rogers would kill him. List of American Revolutionary War battles, Turn: Washington's Spies official site entries. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Anna Smith Strong - Honoring Our Patriots This is a 1790 portrait by American painter Ralph Earl . Tallmadge wrote Washington on October 11, 1780 that Arnold knew not a single link in the chain of my correspondence, but that the Culper operatives were too apprehensive of danger to give their immediate usual intelligence.[20] Woodhull and Townsend laid low but returned to providing information. [5] In February 1779 he sent information on troop movements, supply problems, naval matters, the total strength of enemy forces around New York, the possibility of reinforcements, and other military plans; the report was seven pages long. As I write this letter you are upstairs in your mothers arms, sleeping peacefully. And if you werent sure what I was talking about when I mentioned stays earlier, dont forget to check out Baumgartners very helpful glossary of clothing terms, too. Following the directions of Benjamin Tallmadge, his childhood friend and General George Washingtons director of military intelligence, Woodhull operated under the code name "Samuel Culper." [6] In March Woodhull sent intelligence on British plans to raid the port of New London, Connecticut. AMC. He died in 1826 in Setauket. More on the way soon! He delivered messages via dead drop, burying them in a box in a pasture that he rented on Woodhull's property. Abraham Woodhull (October 7, 1750 January 23, 1826) was a leading member of the Culper Spy Ring in New York City and Setauket, New York, during the American Revolutionary War. Washington sent another vial of ink.[12]. Woodhull was forced to work by himself, and he attempted to plant evidence for Major Hewlett so that it would appear as if he had made a discovery of some of the Sons of Liberty's activities. So, perhaps there are some parts of the Culper Ring, we will never know, Your email address will not be published. Their reports are believed to have uncovered Benedict Arnolds treason, and led to the capture of British Major John Andre, who was working with Arnold to undermine the Continental Army. Under the alias "Samuel Culper Jr.," Townsend sent information by courier to Woodhulls farm in Setauket. Gen. Charles Scott, added their own comments and couriers then sped the messages to Washington at Continental Army headquarters in New Jersey. To appear as a devoted subject of King George III he publically took an oath of loyalty in Setauket. Abraham Woodhull (1750 - 1826), a key figure of the Culper Ring, was born into a prosperous family in Setauket, a small agricultural community on the north shore of Long Island, New York. The exact circumstances of Nathaniels death remain elusive but stories popular at the time held that he was wounded in action, captured, maltreated, and died miserably. Possibly after testing his old friends allegiance, Tallmadge probably dropped his bomb; it was he who secured his early release from Governor Trumbull, and would Woodhull be willing to spy for the American cause? Where your own reasoning forges your path rather than blindly following others. The two of them spent a moment together before Abraham found out that Major Hewlett's horse Bucephalus had been poisoned through his apples, and Captain Simcoe blamed the poisoning on rebel sympathizers. Margaret Smith [20] Tallmadge to Washington, October 11, 1780, GW Papers, accessed April 24, 2014 via. Woodhull was secretly engaged to Anna Strong in 1773 before his brother Thomas, a soldier in the British Army, was killed while quelling a protest at King's College and his father decided to marry him to his brother's fiancee Mary, leading to Abraham and Anna parting. Watching you fall and get up over and over again swelled my heart with pride and joy. There is nothing I love more than watching you in your crib, but tonight I am wide awake, alone with my thoughts, unable to rest as dark intentions keep my mind preoccupied. [2] His parents were Judge Richard Woodhull and Mary Woodhull (ne Smith).[3]. The couple had three children. He was the only surviving son of aging parents, and he stayed on the family farm to attend to his family and their property.[4]. Ben has asked me to assist in balancing the scales. After collecting the messages, Woodhull waited for signals from his neighbor and fellow conspirator, Anna Strong, who communicated by hanging specific laundry out on her line. Local orchard owner Lucas Brewster was blamed for the poisoning, and he was arrested. ae 53 years and 1 day Abraham Thomas was the son of Nicholas Thomas (1753-1838) and his first wife, Lucy Somes (1759-1792). One of the facts he provided was that a spy ring was operating on Long Island, and before long suspected spies were being arrested throughout the area. Later that day, 22 August 1777, Benjamin Tallmadge raided Setauket to free his father and the other accused townspeople, taking over the town. Tallmadge then sent the information to General George Washington. When they returned to their room, they had passionate sex. Normally Woodhull was a farmer in the town of Setauket on Long Islands north shore where he cared for his elderly parents. I concur great article. http://allthingsliberty.com/2014/03/james-rivington-kings-printer-patriot-spy/. With Jamie Bell, Seth Numrich, Daniel Henshall, Meegan Warner. In addition, the Culper Ring likely helped prevent a British attack against French forces that had arrived in Rhode Island to assist the colonists. The formed an unlikely alliance, and Rogers helped Abraham in covering up Eastin's murder. . Woodhull began spying in October 1778 and sent his first "Samuel Culper" letter on October 29, 1778, after he had sworn an oath of loyalty to the Crown as cover. Abraham Woodhull: The Spy Named Samuel Culper . His first intelligence in October addressed British troop strengths and their shortages in provisions. [16] Washington to Tallmadge, October 6 1779, Writings of George Washington, Vol. This is a dangerous endeavor. The court case fell apart, leading to uproar. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Presbyterian Church-Setauket, Setauket- East Setauket, NYAbraham Woodhull / Place of burialSetauket Presbyterian Church and Burial Ground, also known as First Presbyterian Church of Brookhaven, is a historic Presbyterian church and cemetery at 5 Caroline Avenue in the hamlet of Setauket, Suffolk County, New York. [11][13], Warren Walker suggested in 1956 that James Fenimore Cooper's character Harvey Birch had been based upon the work of "Samuel Culper" as a spy. [21], In 1781 British and Loyalist units still patrolled Long Island and though Woodhull continued reporting, he remained concerned about his safety. If you are interested in working with us or have a great story, please get in touch. In July 1778 Woodhull paid for his daring when a Continental naval patrol intercepted his boat and Rebel authorities threw him into a Connecticut jail. INTEL - Culper Spy Ring The Culper Ring was a successful operation that provided Washington with valuable information on the British Army headquartered in New York from October 1778 to the end of the war. Tallmadges recruitment of Woodhull enabled them to put their plans into action. Creator: Thomas R. Bayles Identifier: aql:14389 trb-000045 trb-000045.tif. I had to help win this fight. Accessed 18 May 2016. https://allthingsliberty.com/2014/05/abraham-woodhull-the-spy-named-samuel-culper/. Excellent sketch of the Culper Rings two Principal Agents Mike. As you know, after the war Washington actually questioned whether the funds used for this operation had been worth the results. Washington sent Caleb Brewster out to Setauket to notify Woodhull of the situation. He also noted that Howe left New York with most of his army, but he left 200 Hessians in the city, while the city was defended by a dozen 24-pounders and 6 16-pounders at Canal Street. Abraham Woodhull - Abraham was a key member of the Culper Spy Ring. Our work has been featured by the New York Times, TIME magazine, History Channel, Discovery Channel, Smithsonian, Mental Floss, NPR, and more. We live in daily fear of death and destruction, this added to my usual anxiety hath almost unmanned me, Woodhull wrote to Tallmadge in June. [7] Tallmadge then set up a spy network in New York, with Woodhull as the lead agent. He was killed while putting down a riot at King's College. Whatever tactic the major used, Woodhull accepted the offer. They have taken over everything, using brute force and the heels of their boots to make their presence known. The patriots withdrew from Setauket, but Anna decided to leave Selah's side and stay in Setauket to help Abraham. A Letter From Abraham Woodhull to His Son Thomas View source A Letter From Abraham Woodhull to His Son Thomas is an entry from the Turn: Washington's Spies official site. The three would look out for each other and do many things together, including escorting Abe to secretly gain a kiss from Anna Strong. Woodhull enlisted Robert Townsend, a merchant who conducted business in Manhattan, to gather intelligence about British military plans. Woodhull was tortured, being thrown in a cage with patriots; he did not disclose his true loyalties, and he was beaten and hated by the imprisoned patriots. Fifth generation from Richard Woodhull, the original grantee of a large portion of Brookhaven Town. Working together, Woodhull and Townsend warned Washington about British activities as the 1779 campaign developed and they discovered British plans to wreck American finances by counterfeiting Continental currency. When I came home after seeing Ben, I sat down and watched you playing on the floor near the fireplace. [4] He was motivated by the murder of his cousin Brigadier General Nathaniel Woodhull of the New York militia, who was wounded by sword and bayonet cuts after he had been captured on August 29, 1776. The two proceeded to strip down and have sex in Baker's bed, with Abraham telling Anna that he could do so because it was his house, and Anna responded by telling him to prove it. Abraham decided to help Caleb in escaping New York after their meeting, and Caleb was able to escape on a rowboat as Abraham and Anna distracted British guards by offering them some beer from the Strong tavern. TV Show. By that time Washington and Tallmadge had developed other agents in New York City and the Culper Rings role diminished. Did Abraham Woodhull have a son named Thomas? 16, accessed April 19 2014 via http://etext.virginia.edu. Great article. Abraham Woodhull, spy for General George Washington, nearly got himself hanged on one of his first missions. [18] John Bolton to Washington, May 8, 1780, GW Papers, accessed April 19, 2014, via http://memory.loc.gov. His role in the ambush led to him being involved in the revolutioanry cause, although he only did it because Simcoe had been harassing Anna Strong while was quartered at her house. I wish also to know where their shipping lies, and if they appear to be taking measures and what measures for their security in case of a French fleets entering the harbor.[16] However as a commander who needed timely and accurate intelligence, Washington sometimes found Woodhulls skittishness irritating, as he wrote to Tallmadge in September 1779, I have been expecting for some time past a communication from Culper. Abraham pretended to have had sex with Anna, telling the officer that her "roll is already buttered." He was a Presbyterian, occupying a "Pew of Authority" in the old church and doing much toward the building of the new church. Under the system that Tallmadge designed, Woodhull travelled to New York every few weeks on business, mixed with Crown soldiers, listened for news, and observed activities. . The correspondence between the general and Tallmadge shows that Washington often relied heavily on Culper Ring information during times of crisis. network. [3], Woodhull returned to Setauket and began his spying in October. While he was a staunch loyalist, his son Abraham Woodhull would become the leader of the pro-patriot Culper Ring . Yes, a gown, as in a dress. Sometimes boys even wore stays, too. It was later decided by Tallmadge and Washington that Woodhull would be given the alias Samuel Culper, and the Culper spy ring was born. [11] Culper to Tallmadge, April 101779, GW Papers, accessed January 26, 2014, via http://memory.loc.gov. His parents were Judge Richard Woodhull and Mary Woodhull (ne Smith). The war is raging now, and General Washington has been driven out of York City and the Royal Army has taken over there. He thus enlisted the aid of Anna Strong, the wife of Selah Strong, a tavern keeper who was jailed aboard a British prison ship when the Culper Ring was formed. Together, they had 11 children. His position as a merchant in New York City put him in an excellent position to learn British plans from his Crown business contacts. To protect their identities Tallmadge assigned aliases for their correspondence; Tallmadge went by John Bolton and Woodhull used the name Samuel Culper. It was the beginning of what became known as the Culper Ring., Woodhull was good at the espionage business. Woodhull held several important local positions in his later years, including magistrate of Setauket, judge of the Court of Common Pleas and first judge of Suffolk County. It was then that I knew I could no longer remain idle in this war. [8], Yet for all of his success, the pressure of spying and leading a double life severely strained Woodhull. He said the man who placed the Phrygian cap on the Liberty Pole at King's College back in 1773 (referring to himself), as his actions lead to his brother's death; this was his way of telling Anna about what happened that led to their engagement being broken. Im sure you know that the value of intelligence is often intangible, and therefore not always apparant until viewed with the benefit of hindsight. At one point he neared an encampment of Loyalist soldiers commanded by General William Tryon. Tuskegee Airman Clarence D. Lester Broke Barriers, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Name: Abraham Woodhull, Birth Year: 1750, Birth date: October 7, 1750, Birth State: New York, Birth City: Setauket, Birth Country: United States. Abraham Woodhull performed Patriotic Service in New York in the American Revolution. Click on the title of a post to view the comments and join the conversation! [23] Woodhulls expense report submitted in July was the final curtain on his clandestine service.[24]. Look at the above painting and take a guess as to how much airtime would be needed to explain that boys outfit to a modern-day viewer.) He was recruited by Benjamin Tallmadge and served the Continental Army for many years. What General Washington, the ultimate consumer of Culper Ring intelligence, thought of the operation is unclear. While this piece underscores some of the glaring inaccuracies of the TV series TURN, it also highlights the intrigue and anxiety spies like Woodhull must have experienced day to day. Once they were several years old, boys and girls would then make the transition to outfits that were miniature versions of mens and womens adult clothing. Wikipedia. A Letter From Abraham Woodhull to His Son Thomas is an entry from the Turn: Washington's Spies official site. your tumblr account link is wrong. Neither man recorded the details of their meeting but we can make some inferences by the result. JMS you are correct as with any untranscribed 18th century documents, reading and understading the Culper letters is a tough task. Now that York City is dark to the rebel army, they need a man who can get inside and gather information. Continental Army Major Benjamin Tallmadge began working with Abraham Woodhull in the summer of 1778 at the height of the Revolutionary War to provide Washington information on British Army operations in their headquarters in New York City. Washington planned a naval attack on New York City and pressed Tallmadge for Woodhull to at all times keep his attention on changes of situation, or the new positions which may be taken by the enemy. Abraham Woodfull Facts - The Revolutions Great Spy What a fun anecdote thanks for sharing! [7] Tallmadge added two couriers to the operation to speed the reports from New York City to Setauket. Gen. Charles Scott, October 31, 1778, George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress (hereafter, GW Papers), accessed January 26, 2014 via http://memory.loc.gov. Robert Townsend went into business with his brother Solomon, but the business failed, and Townsend never got back on his feet. Before he left Connecticut, Woodhull was probably stunned when he received a visit from Benjamin Tallmadge, who he knew as a fellow Setauket native. Capt. Abraham Woodhull, Esq. (1750 - 1826) - Genealogy In late August, Woodhull received an unexpectedly early release from jail by order of Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull. Application of another solution developed the ink to reappear. [15] Tallmadge assigned Townsend the alias Samuel Culper Junior.. Woodhull refused to give any names to the Congress, and he found out that his interrogator was Benjamin Tallmadge, another childhood friend who had joined a regiment of Connecticut dragoons in the Continental Army. The TV show TURN took plenty of historical liberties; for instance, there is no evidence of a love affair between Abraham Woodhull and Anna Strong. As depicted in the show, Abraham Woodhull was a cabbage farmer. Abraham's wife Mary convinced him that he had to shoot the courier, Corporal Eastin (the man who had been sent to escort Woodhull to New York previously), and not kill Hewlett as he had planned to do. Ben says this fight is for freedom. He married Mary Townsend on December 6th, 1753 at St. Georges Church. PDF In Real Life: Abraham Woodhull - Woodhull Genealogy Richard Woodhull (died 1780) was the father of Culper Ring spy and farmer Abraham Woodhull. Abraham Woodhull | Wiki | TUR Amino Hewlett allowed him to do so, so the British guard would have to keep a distance from him in order for him to carry out his act. In AMCs drama TURN: Washingtons Spies, we follow Abraham Woodhull and company as they play a cunning game of deceit and trickery to gather intelligence for the Continental Army in the American War for Independence. Ironically, Woodhulls exploits could not be recognized after the war so its information like that presented in Mikes article that puts the things to right. He filed his last intelligence report, not written in code but still signed with the alias Samuel Culper, on February 21, 1783, while the British planned the wars closing act, the evacuation of New York City. We work with various museums, historical societies and media outlets around the world. [13] Culper to John Bolton, June 5, 1779, GW Papers, accessed March 29, 2014 via http://memory.loc.gov; Rose, Washingtons Spies, 129. Bantam, 2014. In the ensuing encounter, Woodhull was rescued by the redcoats, who killed Cyrus. Woodhull became involved in the revolution around the same time, with Anna convincing him that he should side with the patriots against the British. Woodhull's tip from the fellow boarder led him to the west wharf on 17 October 1777, where he spotted 32-gun frigateAlarm and 28-gun frigateSybilmoored at Peck's Slip along with the 18-gun sloopTobago. Jesse Smith Woodhull (1796 - 1844) - Genealogy Fall River Press, 2014. This ruined Woodhull's plan to spy in New York, so he decided to inform his guard that he could wait outside of the city when he entered Manhattan for his studies. Letter Dear Thomas , As I write this letter you are upstairs in your mother 's arms, sleeping peacefully. Townsend also owned a share of a coffee house popular with British officers operated by James Rivington, printer of the Loyalist Royal Gazette. Woodhull prefaced the information with the admonishment that the intelligence contained news of the greatest consequence perhaps that ever happened to your country.. [21] Carl Van Doren, Secret History of the American Revolution: An Account of the Conspiracies of Benedict Arnold and Numerous Others, Drawn from the Secret Service Papers of the British Headquarters in North America, now for the First Time Examined and Made Public (Garden City, NY, Garden City Publishing, 1941), 380. While in the city, he was able to observe naval strength, troop numbers, and glean potentially important information by eavesdropping on the conversations of British soldiers. Also, if you havent seen the preview for next Sundays episode yet, you can view it here. Woodhull turned out to be a very effective spy, and his reports were uncannily accurate. Later in their encounter, Simcoe challenged him to a duel, and Woodhull decided to accept before Ensign Baker arrived and rescued him from Simcoe and his men. Woodhull was a descendant of Richard Lawrence Woodhull, a wealthy settler of Setauket, and was also related to New York militia Brigadier General Nathaniel Woodhull. [19], But on the heels of this victory came a threat to their security. Anna found out about the duel from Simcoe and warned Richard Woodhull, and the two headed to stop the duel. [5] Culper to Maj. Benjamin Tallmadge, November 23, 1778, GW Papers, accessed January 26, 2014, via http://memory.loc.gov. After the United States gained independence, Woodhull served as a magistrate, as had his father before him, and served as a judge in Suffolk County, New York. Was is from Morton Pennypacker? Son of Richard W. & Margaret Smith. Your email address will not be published. He began providing information to the British in 1779, and started a correspondence with Major John Andre, the head of British intelligence. Documents answer this question positively without doubt. [17] Washington to Tallmadge, September 22 1779, Writings of George Washington, Vol. 16, accessed April 19 2014 via http://etext.virginia.edu. A young man who I have known since I was only a few years older than you are now. Craft's comments since in the first sentence, he refers to the "peace, security and national, JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 2018. Woodhull would copy what information he could gather onto paper, and on his way back home to Setauket, he would hide the information in a prearranged location, a hidden cove on Long Island Sound. He will inform me what new works are erected on Long Island besides those at Brooklyn, and where, and of what nature. [1] Samuel Culper to Brig. In the court case, Simcoe had trouble loading the musketball that hit Richard Woodhull into Tallmadge's gun, as it was a Pennsylvania rifle; only a Brown Bess British musket could use that type of ball.
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