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of Litchfield's most reveared Revolutionary Heroes, Colonel
Benjamin Tallmadge, did not make his home here until the end
of the conflict. His work to establish an intellegence service
for General Washington, as well as his service in battle as
commander of a regiment of Dragoons, won him the respect of
his adopted hometown and the nation.
Tallmadge
established the Culper Spy Ring and provided Washington with
critical
intellegence throughout the war. One of his most brilliant
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successes was the detection of Benedict Arnold's treason and the
capture of Major John Andre. For Tallmadge, Andre's execution was
difficult. Despite his memories of his friend and classmate Nathan
Hale, who was hanged earlier in the war as a spy, Tallmadge lamented
the loss of Andre. He wrote in his memoir, "I became so deeply
attached to Major Andre, that I can remember no instance where my
affections were so fully absorbed in any man. When I saw him swinging
under the gibbet, it seemed for a time as if I could not support
it. All the spectators seemed to be overwhelmed by the affecting
spectacle, and many were suffused in tears." Memoir of Colonel
Benjamin Tallmadge, The Society of the Sons of the Revolution,
1904, p. 57
Litchfield
Historical Society,
Lecture Poster |
The
Culper Spy Ring has provided the inspiration for local events
such as the talk described by this poster, as well as comic
books and music
Tallmadge's work
as an intellegence officer required the creation of a secret
code, the use of invisible ink, and a level of discretion
that resulted in continued mystery about the identity of all
participants. Today, spies and intelligence agencies are looked
upon as mysterious and interesting, whereas during the Revolution,
espionage was viewed as a very low activity that few wanted
to be involved with. Even in his memoir, Tallmadge remained
silent about much of the operation.
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The
Ingraham Memorial Research Library houses the Society's large collection
of Benjamin Tallmadge Papers. To read more of his writings to Washington
and his family, visit the library.
     
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