Washington's Spymaster: A Revolutionary War Memoir of Espionage, Patriotism, and the Legendary Culper Spy Ring—Firsthand Accounts from George Washington’s Intelligence Officer

by Benjamin Tallmadge

Only 21 at the start of the America's Revolutionary War, Benjamin Tallmadge was an enthusiastic patriot. Appointed by George Washington to organize intelligence in British-occupied New York, Tallmadge formed the famous Culper Spy Ring, whom he mentions in this volume without giving names.

Scenes of battle, the discovery of Benedict Arnold's betrayal, the execution of his classmate, Nathan Hale, were all part of Tallmadge's experiences in the war.

Written primarily for his children, this memoir is nevertheless an important document by one of America's great heroes. His description of Washington's parting in New York from his officers after the victory is especially moving and shows a more human side of the great leader.

For the first time, this long out-of-print book is available in an affordable, well-formatted edition for e-readers and smartphones.

Be sure to LOOK INSIDE or download a sample.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American Revolution, Biography, Memoir, American History, American Revolutionary War

78 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1858

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I soon left the paternal abode and entered the tented field.”

As a student of history I love primary sources. What letters and journals of participants suffer in bias they make up in immediacy. Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge was a Revolutionary War hero, known to viewers of AMC’s TURN as Washington’s spymaster. (They got that much right.)
His brother along with thousands of other captured Americans “… perished in prison by severe usage, sickness, etc.”

He was also a participant in most major and many minor military actions in and around New York City throughout the war. Though these memoirs were written forty years after the fact, they provide a literate (Tallmadge graduated from Yale in 1773) record of American leadership and battlefield fortunes.

“At this time a very dense fog began to rise … I recollect this particular providential occurrence perfectly well.”

Twice Tallmadge recounts events as evidence of ‘providential” intervention, one happening in December 1782 after Yorktown, when most history books assume general military action had ceased.

“What is most worth of notice, is the fact that when these two attempts were to have been made, in which doubtless many lives would have been lost, the preliminary articles [of peace] had been actually signed … not known to us.”

Interestingly, no mention is made of American Captain Nathan Hale, but much of British Major John Andre. Both were hung as spies.

[Andre] “a most elegant and accomplished gentleman.”

An easy read, despite the stilted language of the era. Some of which sounds slightly humorous to modern ears.

“A large body of the garrison were stationed at the place appointed for our landing, which probably would have annoyed us greatly.”

[Dori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing insight into early American history

I was quite surprised by the insight provided into behind the scene s of our country's pursuit of independence. Mr. Tallmadge painted a poignant picture of George Washington the man and leader. I'm so thankful he took the time to pen this memoir because of this and because I just discovered he is my great grandfather many times removed. Proud to have his blood coursing through my veins.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy birthday, Ben! I finished your memoir.

As a whole, this is a pretty spanking good primary source. Ben doesn't talk about his involvement with the ring at all; however, he does provide a couple hints to the ring's timeline. I appreciate the condensity of this memoir. It doesn't cover Ben's entire life; it's more like a speedrun of the war from his POV. I also appreciate how the book itself was written in good taste. Throughout his account, Ben reads as humble and grateful of the opportunities he had in his life -- I particularly love how highly he writes about "not losing a single man" in his regiment during sieges or battles; he also writes highly about capturing prisoners of war; he never writes about being proud of killing, he's proud of the lives that were saved. In so many memoirs, there are times when the author will badmouth individuals or provide some sort of commentary on events they disagree with. Ben does the complete opposite. Everyone (Patriots and redcoats) are written about with respect. Even when Ben discusses General Lee's incompetence and when Ben discusses Benedict Arnold's betrayal, he does not provide his personal commentary, he just acknowledges the events that transpired bc they are part of the history of the war.

A final note: One of the things Ben is most proud of is never being in a duel, and that's one of the most wholesome things I've ever read.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My continued quest to read books on lesser know Revolutionary War figures brings me to this autobiography of Benjamin Tallmadge. In the current time he is best know for running the Revolutions best known spy ring the Culper Ring. The Ring is mentioned very briefly twice in the book and even then it is very vague. He tells the story of how he came to join the Continental Army and the engagements he fought in which encompassed the entire war. Except for his Long Island raid/battle his accounts are fairly brief and to the point. He does give a nice description of Washington’s farewell to his officers at Faunces Tavern as Washington is preparing to depart for Mt. Vernon. His description and detail into the capture and hanging of John Andre is good as well. His son then gives a short account of his service after the war, serving in Congress. All in all a good short read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm watching the 'Turn' series and this is a great memoir to understanding the real persons involved in our country's independence.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tallmage's memoir is a quick read and provides interesting descriptions of Washington, with whom Tallmage worked closely as a young colonel during the Revolution. But I was disappointed by one major omission: there was nothing in the book about the spy ring that Tallmage built for Washington in his position as this country's first intelligence officer! Books have been written about that spy ring, which played such a big role in helping us win the war, so I was hoping to hear a first-hand account of it. But I guess Tallmage, the son of a minister and a man of great principle, was probably concerned about protecting the identities of those individuals, so that no doubt accounts for the omission. I also wanted to learn about Tallmage's political career which followed the Revolution, but he ends his story right after the war. It's still interesting to read someone's first-hand account of fighting in one of the most important wars in world history. We don't have too many of those from soldiers who fought in the Revolution.

[Diana Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became very interested in this man especially after watching the series “Turn” and reading the book “Washington's Spies” by Alexander Rose. In this memoir Tallmadge writes a good deal about his participation in the war, battles etc. but next to nil about the biggest contribution to the war effort, the “Culper” spy ring. So I am wondering, is he just a humble man or was running a spy ring secretive or embarrassing? I am sure Andre would appreciate his remarks in this work, I felt deeply for Andre, after all he was a gentleman and would have much preferred that Arnold the traitor would have swung in his stead. The memoir is worth reading if you have a passion for history as it is a first person narrative.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a quick read and, at times, a captivating first-hand account of a major figure of the Revolutionary War. I️ am taking off a star because I️ was disappointed he never mentioned the Culper Ring, which is such a HUGE part of his contribution to the war effort. However, beyond the “we marched here and then we marched here” sections, there were some wonderful passages about his deep respect for George Washington.

[Mirella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real American Hero

A very enjoyable read for anyone interested in the American Revolution.

5 stars for Benjamin Tallmadge, a hero and role model by every sense of the word, brave, bold, honorable, upright and inspirational.

4 stars for content - you can see part of what made Tallmadge an outstanding leader in his directness, clarity and brevity. This reads like an executive summary. I would’ve liked to have more details and anecdotes - the man who led the continental army’s intelligence (spy ring) unit, made a fortune, fought Thomas Jefferson fiercely against slavery, and gave considerable financial contributions to promote moral issues makes no mention of these.

1 Star for this particular edition - it seems that some software was used to scan the older text and no care was taken to editing the electronic “translation”... lots of words mis-written like “clown” instead of “down” (multiple times!) and punctuation in wrong places. I regret paying an extra couple of dollars for this “annotated” version - there were only a couple of them, one of them pointing to a celebrity book, which makes me think this entire edition was an advertisement. Otherwise just emphasis placed on some text with italics. Not worth it.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I was a little disappointed in this book. Based on the title, I was expecting something more about the Culper Spy Ring -- a topic that fascinates me. However, Tallmadge only refers to the Ring in a couple of very veiled references. (The first one so much so that I would have missed the reference entirely if it hadn't been for the footnotes.) This was mostly about his experiences in the Revolutionary War, and even that on a mostly surface level. However, it was an interesting read, and fun for me since I'm teaching the Revolution right now. My favorite parts of the book were his description of George Washington's leave of the troops and then the officers. They help remind me that historical figures were human, too.

[Historic Scents Candle co. · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this! it's so fascinating to see the war through the eyes of someone who was there and who personally knew General Washington, and it was also interesting how he mentioned his "personal correspondence" with the General, which we now know is the correspondence regarding the Culper spyring, but at the time when Tallmadge wrote this, those involved in the ring never publicly came out/told others about who were involved in the ring. It wouldn't be till the late 1920s that their identities would be known. But, in Tallmadges' memoir, he mentions meeting with people who served behind enemy lines in NY to ensure their protection because during the war, they "were considered to be of Tory character" but they "served faithfully and with intelligence". such a good read, highly suggest!

[Kamas Kirian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and interesting read about one of George Washington's military men. I originally was interested in his story from seeing the TV series Turn: Washington's Spies. This memoir just barely, briefly, mentions some private communications he had and which I am assuming are references to the Culper Spy Ring. Everything else is about his actual military operations during the war, including some of the actions that are portrayed in the TV show but not about the spying. So, if you are looking for insights into the Culper Spy Ring, this isn't the volume for you.

The eBook was formatted well with only a couple of spelling/grammar errors, likely from an uncorrected OCR.

[Dayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Col. Benjamin Tallmadge, you are a great human being with morals and integrity. Your story needed to be told. I read many biographies about Major Andre, who was carrying the map of West Point, and so, obviously in "cahoots" with Benedict Arnold, but so much more innocent. Arnold escaped to Great Britain, Major Andre was hung.

Col. Tallmadge was assigned the prisoner Major Andre. So many have fallen in love with Andre. His loveliness and charm is without peer. So I was not surprised when Col. Tallmadge said that he cried when the noose was put around the neck of Major Andre.

[Barbara Shenkle · Rating 2 out of 5]

A most interesting account of Col Benjamin Tallmadge's experience serving Genl Washington during the revolution war and though it was not intended to reflect his thoughts but to record the war experience

Which he has recorded meticulously. Col Tallmadge has cited the wars highlights (I found myself wishing for more details) and succeeded in his chronology which ss a valuable addition to other accounts written.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been fascinated with Col. Tallmadge ever since reading about the Culper Ring and even more so after watching Turn: Washington's Spies. This one was a no brainer for me to pick up and read. I wish more from that era had done similarly.

Very cool to read a first hand account of the days and nights he faced. The battles he was apart of and then a small bit of life post war. I had hoped for more direct accounts of his dealing with the Culper Ring but a great story nonetheless.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical reads and especially those based on eyewitness events. This is a Col. Tallmadge's memoir of the time he served GEN Washington in the Battle of NY during the summer of 1776 and the subsequent years. It is a quick read and his story of being there when MAJ John Andre was executed is very moving. Very recommended.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memoir of Col. Benjamin Tallmadge by Benjamin Tallmadge

At the request of his children, Tallmadge wrote his memoir to provide an account of the incidents in which he participated during the American Revolutionary War. The memoir covers Benjamin Tallmadge’s life from his birth in 1754 in Brookhaven, New York to his retirement, in Litchfield Connecticut. Included are his personal views on the Battles of Trenton, Fort St. George, Monmouth, Stony Point, and the Siege of Yorktown in which he directly participated.

The book, originally published in 1858, is a quick enjoyable read written in 18th century prose.

If you are interested in history, this book gives a first person account of the American Revolutionary War so often not found in most non-fiction history books. I recommend this book.

[Keith Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I (we) should know our history

This is a wonderful, brief account of a time in our past that gives us a glimpse of the mindsets of those who fought for us to have better opportunities. While our future is yet to be determined, and our past was far from perfect, we must never forget what occurred and we must attempt to understand why.

[William Barron]

Interesting view of the Revolutionary War

First hand account, written for his children. Includes his role in capturing Major Andre, relationship with Washington, and his leadership of light cavalry.

[Paul J. Perillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent military style review of a distinguished life well spent

I have never before read a military autobiography. This personal recounting of Col. Talmadge's experiences really filled some gaps for me in his life. What a blessing to read of this life so well spent!

[Kimberly Feathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting reading

A wonderful first-hand telling of the Revolutionary War by a hero of great character. In an age where fact blends with fiction, it’s imperative to read eye witness authors. An easy to read account that lifts the readers spirit and leaves her with much to ponder.

[E.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some parts were hard to understand because im not familiar with military lingo but beyond that it was suprisingly easy to decipher. Less than 100 pages, could be read in an afternoon, and packed with fascinating details

[Edward Shuman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting reading

Not totally what I expected. He talked a lot about the war but little about his intelligence gather or the spurs he supposedly was involved with.

[George Polansky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for those that are interested in American Revolution.

[Jonathan Palo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical, even if nothing more than a journal

[DIANA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Eddie Piedalue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man will forever have my heart 😭😭

[Nicolette Ferris]

I wanted more spying info!!

[Carol Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Washington's Spymaster

I have been reading the 14 Colony by Steve Berry. I became very interested in Benjamin Tallmadge. He is mentioned a lot through out the book. I wanted to find out more about the Society of Cincinnati but couldn't find any book on it . I decided to research Benjamin Tallmadge. I downloaded this book. This is a fantastic book on the spying that was done during the Revolutionary War. Tallmadge wrote this memoir to his son. Tallmadge was the head of the Culpor Spy Ring during the Revolutionary war. Throughout his life he never talked about what happened during the war. This is the first time he wrote anything down. He wanted his children to know the importance why the Revolutionary war was fought and what role he played.

[James Spurgeon]

I read this book following the completion of the book "Washington's Spies." I highly recommend this as an addendum to that book as it gives a more personal account to the man in charge of the Culper Spy Ring that we know little of today but was instrumental in the war effort. Tallmadge, even long after the war, still doesn't reveal the names of those in the Culper Ring with the exception of Caleb Brewster. The only way to know where he is referencing the work of the spy ring is by reading the other book first as it is only mentioned indirectly a couple of times.