"George Washington's Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved The American Revolution" Is A Fascinating Story About American History

Have You Heard Of The Culper Spy Ring?

It's been said that George Washington didn't out-fight the British to win the American Revolution--he out-spied them.

This book pays homage to unsung heroes of our nation's war for independence by recognizing six individuals who have remained in relative obscurity despite their brave efforts to provide General Washington with key intelligence.

Deciphering the identities of these patriot spies was uniquely challenging because the spies worked under anonymity to protect themselves.  To be detected would result in public hanging from the British gallows.

Since Washington kept the correspondence from his secret spies, historians have been able to put the puzzle pieces together to confirm the names of all but one.  It wasn't until the 1920's that the leader of the ring was ascertained by a lucky break for historian, Morton Pennypacker.  

The spy ring consisted of ordinary citizens so as not to attract attention:  Robert Townsend, Abraham Woodhull, Caleb Brewster, Austin Roe, James Rivington, and Agent 355 (the mystery woman whose identity remains unknown).  

Under the leadership and direction of Major Benjamin Tallmadge, the secret six gathered information and risked their lives to deliver the correspondence to Washington. 

Early Espionage

Members of the spy ring were referred to by code names or numbers, including the two leaders--Culper Senior and Culper Junior.  When letter writing became too risky, the ring began composing letters in invisible ink which could only be read when another substance was applied to it.  The group also hid correspondence in plain sight, like within books, and developed their own code to communicate.

Thanks to these selfless patriots, a British counterfeiting scheme was thwarted, an ambush of French reinforcements was stopped, a British naval codebook was acquired, and Benedict Arnold's plot to surrender West Point to the enemy was unsuccessful.  Washington was able to plot his moves very strategically thanks to his "feelers" on the ground in the middle of enemy territory.  

Well-Researched Novel

Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger, with the help of a team of researchers and historians, have sifted through mountains of correspondence, books, logs, and conducted interviews with descendants to make sense of the paper trail connecting all the members of this spy ring and ascribing the credit due them.

The novel is well-crafted to read more like a spy novel than a boring history book. The historical figures discussed are brought to life, and the reader imagines being in their shoes and dealing with the constant stress they must have felt, never knowing if they would be caught.

We've all heard what an honorable man George Washington was, and this book adds new layers to his character.  Washington was clearly very humble, dependent on God, and he cared about the men in his charge.  He treated others fairly, even his enemies.

At the end of the book, the authors include a summary of the fates of each secret operative as well as an entire section devoted to unmasking the possible identity of the mysterious lady--Agent 355.  They also share the interesting fact that the exploits of the secret six spy ring are taught to new CIA agents during their introductory training.  

This Book Should Be Read In Schools

Kids today are out of touch with the brave and daring exploits of America's early patriots who risked everything in their fight for freedom--freedom that is perpetually under attack.  They could benefit from reading this book. We must always be diligent to protect the freedom our forefathers fought to give us, and we must preserve it for the next generation.  This book will renew your appreciation for the indomitable American Spirit!

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