significance
the job of being a spy is not an easy one. In fact one night Samuel Culper almost got caught writing a secret message to Washington, He then said that him worrying all the time was not good for his health. Culper Senior eventually stepped back from his position and replaced him self with Culper Junior, a young Quaker merchant from Long Island; Samuel Culper vowed to never reveal his name. By the year 1779 The culper spies recruited a whole team of average civilians. Though they grew to bigger numbers the secrecy stayed the same. There were many close calls in which some members almost got caught. When Benedict Arnold Betrayed The Patriots the Culper Spies scattered for weeks, and many were questioned. This did not stop them, the Culper spy ring continued to make an impact until 1783 when the battles stopped. Washington till his death never knew anyone of the Culper Spie names but he had the highest respect for them. Culper Junior's identity was not found until 1938 when a historian connected the hand writing between Culper Junior and Robert Townsend, These silent soldiers did not do this for the recognition but to better the country. The Culper Spy ring is credited with giving warning of Benedict Arnolds betrayal. This Spy ring became the most effective espionage service on either side of the War by exploiting British movements, fortification and plans for New york. One of the greatest achievements was in 1780 when they discovered Britons plan to ambush the French. This would of damaged the French Alliance with the Patriots and evidently lost us the war. The Culper Spy ring had only a few people that made a big impact on the course of History. The Culper Spy ring lasted for 6 years.
- Robert Townsend (Culper Jr.) (1753-1838)
- Aaron Woodhull ( Culper Sr. ) (1750-1826)
- Austin Roe (1749- 1830)
- Anna Strong (1740-1812)
- Caleb Brewster (1747-1827)
- Benjamin Tallmadge (1754-1835)