8. The Culper Ring was an immensely secretive and highly successful spy ring during the American War of Independence, acquiring vital intelligence from behind British lines
The Culper Ring was a spy ring formed at the command of General George Washington in the summer of 1778, during the British occupation of New York City in the American Revolutionary War, as a response to the need to penetrate the secure city and gain vital intelligence on the activities and movements of the British Army. Organized by Major Benjamin Tallmadge, the spies – notably Abraham Woodhull and Robert Townsend – ferried information out of New York City and the surrounding region to the Continental Army at great risk to themselves and their families.
The Culper Ring served as the source of countless valuable pieces of information, without which it is arguable that the British would have emerged victorious in the conflict. Among the important intelligence acquired was:
– The British planned a surprise attack on newly arrived French forces under Lieutenant General Rochambeau at Newport, Rhode Island.
– The British planned to counterfeit American currency on genuine press paper.
– Major General William Tryon’s raid in Connecticut in July 1779 was a diversionary tactic in the attempt to compel Washington to divide his forces
– General Benedict Arnold was plotting with Head of the British Secret Service Major John Andre to surrender the fort at West Point.
It has also been suggested that the Culper Ring exposed and thwarted an attempt on Washington’s own life, but this is unverified.