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The exhibit is based on spy letters from the William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Gallery of Letters provides a brief description of each letter and links to more information about the stories of the spies in the letter or the secret methods used to make the letter. Enjoy!
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April/May
1775 -- Rachel Revere to Paul Revere
From the Gold Star Collection Rachel Revere gave this letter and some money to a friend to deliver to her husband Paul Revere after his "Midnight Ride." Rachel didn't know that her friend was a British spy! He delivered the letter to the British and pocketed the money. Go to:
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May 6,
1775 -- Benjamin Thompson to ?
From the Gold Star Collection This letter was written in invisible ink by Benjamin Thompson, one of the first scientists in Colonial America. He was a spy for the British Army. Go to:
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July 17,
1777 -- William Howe to John Burgoyne
From the Gold Star Collection William Howe sent John Burgoyne this letter in the quill of a pen. Go to:
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August
10, 1777 -- Henry Clinton to John Burgoyne
From the Gold Star Collection Henry Clinton's letter to John Burgoyne was meant to be read through a mask or grille. This is the letter with the mask laid over it, revealing the real message that Clinton wanted to convey to Burgoyne. The full text of the letter and an image of the mask are available by selecting the following Letter link. Go to:
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May 10,
1779 -- John André to Joseph Stansbury
From the Clinton Collection John André sent this letter to Benedict Arnold through his agent Joseph Stansbury. The letter instructed Arnold in the types of information to gather for the British and the ways to relay this information secretly. Go to:
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June 27,
1779 -- George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge
From the Clinton Collection British troops captured this letter from Benjamin Tallmadge as he was carrying it from George Washington to the Culper Gang. The letter illustrates the spy network which worked in New York City and Long Island alerting Washington of British troop movements. Go to:
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July 12,
1780 -- Benedict Arnold to John André
From the Clinton Collection In this letter Benedict Arnold provided the British with key information about American and French troop movements he learned from George Washington. Arnold also promised the British more crucial information once he became commander of West Point. Go to:
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July 15,
1780 -- Benedict Arnold to John André
From the Goldstar Collection Benedict Arnold offered to sell West Point for 20,000 pounds in this letter. Go to:
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September
29, 1780 -- John André to Henry Clinton
From the Clinton Collection John André wrote this letter to Henry Clinton the day before he was executed. Go to:
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May 29,
1781 -- George Washington to Dr. Baker
From the Gold Star Collection This letter was captured by British troops and may have helped them to learn of George Washington's whereabouts. Go to:
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August
15, 1781 -- Baron Ottendorf to ?
From the Clinton Collection This letter is the report of a daring female spy. Miss Jenny infiltrated the American forces and reported back to the British leaders. Go to:
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Undated/Unsigned
Letter
From the Clinton Collection This letter refers to a female spy who frequently spied for the British. Ann Bates pretended she was a peddler and sold her gadgets to the American army while she spied. Go to:
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