University Purchases Letter from George Washington to Local Spy Ring

Special Collections and University Archives at Stony Brook University recently acquired a letter written by George Washington to his Setauket-based spy ring during the Revolutionary War. Kristen Nyitray, head of Special Collections, placed the winning bid of $48,000 for the letter. The letter had been projected by Christie’s, a Manhattan auction house, to go for a price of $25,000 - $35,000.

The letter, dated Sept. 26, 1780, was sent from the famed American general and president to Benjamin Tallmadge to inform him how one of Washington’s top spies would be compensated once the Revolutionary War was won. Washington promised the spy, a merchant named Robert Townsend, public recognition and money.