Caleb Brewster

Church in Setauket

Caleb Brewster (born September 12, 1747 in Setauket , Province of New York , † February 13, 1827 in Black Rock , Connecticut ) was an American spy . During the American Revolutionary War he was a member of the Culper Ring , which brought secret messages between Major Benjamin Tallmadge , Abraham Woodhull and other spies in New York State .

Beginnings

Brewster was born on September 12, 1747 in the small town of Setauket on Long Island . His father was Benjamin Brewster and his mother was Mehitable Brewster.

Work for the Culper Ring

On August 25, 1778, Benjamin Tallmadge convinced George Washington that Abraham Woodhull would be a suitable spy on Long Island. Brewster served as a courier between Woodhull and the Washington camp. On February 4, 1781, Brewster's identity was revealed so that he could no longer work in secret. Still, the British failed to capture Brewster.

Further life

United States Revenue Cutter Service coat of arms

Brewster later married Anne Lewis and from 1793 worked for the United States Revenue Cutter Service , the predecessor of today's Coast Guard . He was a member of this group until 1816 , with a three-year hiatus because of inconsistencies with the policy carried out by President John Adams . He eventually commanded a ship of the service from 1812 to 1816 until he and his wife returned to his farm in Black Rock, Connecticut in 1816. He died there on February 13, 1827.

Film adaptations

In the US history series Turn: Washington's Spies , which deals with the espionage association Culper Ring , which is under George Washington's command, Caleb Brewster plays an important role as the spy ring's liaison officer.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Alexander Rose: Washington's Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring. Ed .: Bantam Dell. New York 2007, ISBN 978-0-553-38329-4 .