Tallmadge, Benjamin (1754-1835) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00767 Author/Creator: Tallmadge, Benjamin (1754-1835) Place Written: Fairfield, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 June 1779 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 31.7 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Relates that he enclosed to Samuel Broome of Boston a set of bills of exchange drawn by Captain [Simonot De Valcourt?] from Valcourt's father. Encloses an extract [from his contract with Broome], copying the information for Knox. Discusses the details of the contract. Writes, "The Depreciation of our paper money, & my wish to forward the Bills to France soon, makes it necessary to have some limited time that I may regulate some matters of foreign trade accordingly ... " Reports "I am happy to inform you that the Grand Army under Genl Washington are on their [march] for Fish Kills-" Also notes, "Ld. Stirling had flung his division into fort Arnold yesterday" (referring to William Alexander).
Benjamin Tallmadge was George Washington's head intelligence officer operating out of New York City, Long Island, and Connecticut. He organized the Culper Spy Ring, charged with infiltrating British-occupied New York. Some contemporary rumors suggested that Tallmadge's ring also uncovered Benedict Arnold's treachery, but this has not been proven. Tallmadge famously burned 300 tons of hay the British were stockpiling in Long Island to prepare for the winter of 1780-1781. He was also close friends and classmates with Nathan Hale.
Fort Arnold was renamed Fort Clinton after Benedict Arnold's traitorous actions were revealed.
[draft] [partial]
...The Depreciation [3] of our paper money, & my wish to forward the Bills to France soon, makes it necessary to have some limited time that I may regulate some matters [inserted: & in this period I presume you can fully fortify yourself] of foreign trade accordingly...
I am happy to inform you that the Grand Army under Gen.l Washington are on their marc[inserted: h] for Fish Kills- & that Ld. Sterling had flung his division into fort Arnold yesterday.
I am your most obedt.
Hble Servt.
Benja. Tallmadge
Mr Knox
[address]
William Knox Esqr
[docket]
Benja Tallmadge Es
To Wm Knox
June 79-
Business
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