George Washington Letter, "Contrivance for conveying Intelligence," March 15, 1777

Secret communications and spy networks were a very important part of the process of intelligence-gathering during the Revolutionary War. Coded letters and spies often conveyed information that was pivotal to the outcomes of individual battles and the whole war itself. These documents show some of the ways in which officers were able to gather and communicate information secretly, as well as prevent the enemy from communicating intelligence.
George Washington used a network of spies, known as the Culper Gang, to spy on the British Army in New York City. The Culpers used a very complicated scheme involving many people to relay information from behind British lines in New York City to Washington in New Windsor, New York. Washington’s letter of June 27, 1779 in this set was intercepted by the British. Because of this, the Culper Gang began communicating in code in later letters.
After the Patriot defeat at Battle of Germantown (1777), a fox terrier that belonged to Loyalist General William Howe appeared at Washington's encampment.  Washington, under flag of truce, sent back the dog and what resulted was a polite exchange of notes between the two men.
 

Does this Washington letter predate coded spy letters?  How do you know? 

 

Divide students into small groups of 4.  Each group will analyze the letter from General George Washington for content.  Each group should pick a side to debate the differences of battle strategies.  George Washington vs. General Howe

Divide students into small groups of 4.  Each group will analyze the letter from General George Washington for content.  Each group should pick a side to debate the differences of battle strategies.  George Washington vs. General Howe

 

ELA: Develop a secret code. Write a letter in the code.