Peter Townsend’s famous relatives Peter Townsend was also related to Robert Townsend, one of George Washington’s spies in the “Culper Gang” during the American Revolution. Robert, known as “Culper, Jr.,” operated a merchant shipping firm in New York City and was very instrumental in spying on the British. Yet another Townsend, Solomon, was drawn to the patriots’ cause by several factors, not least of which was the takeover of his family’s Long Island home, Raynham Hall, by British Col. John Simcoe for use as his headquarters. Simcoe was acquainted with Maj. John Andre, and some sources believe Andre was Simcoe’s guest on occasion.
Solomon was captain of a merchant vessel, the Glasgow, which was berthed in London when hostilities caused the end of trade between the states and England. Stranded in London, he made his way to Passy, near Paris. There he met Benjamin Franklin, who had him sign the Oath of Allegiance to the 13 colonies, effectively giving him safe passage back home.
RevWar ping!
Decoded on History Channel had a cool show about the Culper Gang last week. Interesting stuff.
Interesting read.
Talkin’ bout mmmmmmy g-g-g-generation!
And then, a rousing chorus of “The Kids are All Right” was sung.
I have a bumper sticker on my office wall
“We Brake for Wild Flowers”
“Townsend Tennessee”
I was so impressed about this chain when I first found out about it years ago in the history books. So simple (but not necessarily to carry out), yet so effective.
Then I found out the locals in my home in SE CT built a chain likewise across the Thames River up toward Norwich (where I lived a while). Wow. Makes me wonder if any more were built in the country.
I know there were chevaux-de-fris in the Delaware by Ft. Mifflin/Ft. Mercer (Philly), but don’t remember if they had chain also.
Amazing stuff. Seems like ground-penetrating radar might be of some value for colonial period archeology.
Good one!