Washington's Spies: The Story Of America's First Spy Ring (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
I like historical works on lesser known or unknown subjects and "Washington's Spies" is one of those books. I had no idea that George Washington, with all the other things he was doing to keep the fledgling American government and army together, set up a spy ring to keep tabs on the British. Washington never had more than a few spies at his disposal but those few provided information that eventually led to American independence. Every one of those "agents" risked his or her life everything they went into the field. It has taken a long long time for these intrepid few to get the recognition they deserve and Rose covered the subject well and with excellence. Fascinating and well written look at the "behind the scenes" spy activities of mainly the American Revolutionary forces, but also of the British efforts, (including the shameful case of Major Andre, and Benedict Arnold!) Oddly, the book begins with a chapter or two about the doomed Nathan Hale, early patriot turned captured spy, who is quickly hung, and then there is no more about him. The main portion of the book then shifts to the development & usefulness of the "Culpepper Ring", Gen. Washington's ultra secret group of civilian rebels who risked their very lives for several years to bring Washington and his military leaders current status of the British troops, ships, deployment of supplies, etc. in the New York/New Jersey area. Their military handler, Benjamin Tallmadge, definitely emerges as a hero, both in his military actions and his careful dedication to his spy ring, with Townsend and Woodhull being two of the key civilian spies we follow. Luckily for those of us who always wonder, "What happened to them after all the fighting ended?" the author includes a lengthy "Epilogue", providing details of each man and woman's post war careers, family life, illnesses and ultimate fates. While enjoying the dramatic moments of danger and interaction between Loyalists and Rebels, and the "background story" on so many key figures of the Revolutionary period, this account definitely reads as a history more than an episodic story, often interspersed with letter excerpts, geographical references, political asides, etc. However, apparently the 2014 AMC television series "TURN" is based off of this book, so I am very interested now in watching an episode or two of that show, just to see how the producers took the historical account and created a story. Not for the casual reader, but definitely a good addition for those interested in the Revolutionary War era.
What do You think about Washington's Spies: The Story Of America's First Spy Ring (2014)?
I thought this was going to be more of a story and it wasn't.... just not my cup of tea
—divergent1
