Agent 355 facts for kids
Agent 355 was the code name of a female spy during the American Revolution. She was part of a secret group called the Culper Ring. Agent 355 was one of the first spies for the United States. Her real identity is still unknown today. The number 355 was a code that meant "lady" in the Culper Ring's system. She was active until at least 1780.
Biography
The only direct mention of Agent 355 comes from a letter. This letter was sent by Abraham Woodhull, who used the spy name "Samuel Culper Sr." He wrote to General George Washington. Woodhull said Agent 355 "hath been ever serviceable to this correspondence." This means she was always helpful to their spy network.
The true identity of Agent 355 is a mystery. But we know some things about her. She worked with the American Patriots during the Revolutionary War. She was probably recruited into the spy ring by Woodhull. The way her code name was made suggests she might have been an important person in society. She likely lived in New York City at that time. She also had contact with Major John André and Benedict Arnold.
One idea is that Agent 355 was Anna Strong. She was Woodhull's neighbor. Anna Strong may have helped the Culper Ring. She supposedly signaled to other spies. She would hang clothes on her clothesline in a special way. This showed where Caleb Brewster could safely meet them. Brewster would then raid British ships.
Another idea is that Agent 355 was the partner of Robert Townsend. Townsend was also a spy. Some stories say Townsend was in love with Agent 355. Other possible people for Agent 355 include Sarah Horton Townsend and Elizabeth Burgin.
Some people even think there was no single Agent 355. They believe the code 355 just meant "a woman." This woman might have had useful information. But she was not officially part of the spy ring.
Agent 355 is believed to have played a big role. She helped expose Benedict Arnold as a traitor. Arnold switched sides to the British. She also helped in the arrest of Major André. André was later executed in Tappan, New York. Agent 355 might have been from an important family. This family would have supported the British. This would have allowed her to get close to British commanders.
Agent 355 was arrested in 1780. This happened after Benedict Arnold became a traitor. She was put on HMS Jersey. This was a British prison ship. Some stories say she gave birth to a boy there. His name was Robert Townsend Jr. She then supposedly died on the prison ship. However, some historians disagree. Alexander Rose says that "females were not kept aboard prison ships." He also says there is "no record whatsoever of a birth."
The idea that Agent 355 was Anna Strong might explain the prison ship story. Anna's husband, Selah Strong, was held on the Jersey. Anna was allowed to bring him food. Her visits to the ship might have led to the legend. People might have thought Agent 355 herself was imprisoned there.
In popular culture
Agent 355 has become a popular character in books and shows.
- In the comic book series Y: The Last Man, a main character is a modern spy. She uses the name Agent 355. In this story, the Culper Ring is still active today.
- Idara Victor plays a fictional Agent 355 in the TV show Turn: Washington's Spies. In the show, Agent 355 is a former slave named Abigail. She was owned by Anna Strong. Abigail is forced to work for John André. She gathers information from André's home. She hides it in gifts for her son. Her son is cared for by Anna.
- In the TV show White Collar, the main characters look into a Culper Ring mystery. This is based on letters owned by a descendant of Agent 355.
- Rebel Spy by Veronica Rossi is a young adult novel. It tells a new story about Agent 355. It was published in 2020.
- The 355 is a spy movie released in 2022. It features a group of women spies. They form a team called 355. They do this to honor the original Agent 355.
