Sarah Townsend (spy) facts for kids

Sarah "Sally" Townsend (born around 1760, died 1842) was an important figure during the American Revolution. Many believe she was a secret informant for George Washington's Culper Ring. This was a special group of spies formed in 1778. Sarah lived in Oyster Bay and is thought to have shared information with her brother, Robert Townsend. Robert was a key member of the spy ring. Sarah passed away in December 1842 and rests at the Townsend Cemetery.

Sarah Townsend: A Revolutionary Spy?

Sarah Townsend is best known for her possible role in the Culper Ring. This was a secret spy network that helped the American side during the Revolutionary War. George Washington himself ordered its creation in 1778. The spies worked in New York City, which was then a British headquarters.

Sarah's brother, Robert Townsend, was recruited to gather information. He used the secret name "Culper Jr." Washington wanted the spies' real identities to stay hidden. They even used fake names and never met Washington in person.

The West Point Story

British officers sometimes stayed at the Townsend family home. One of them was John Graves Simcoe from the Queen's Rangers. He often had visits from John André, a high-ranking British army officer.

A popular story says that Sarah overheard Simcoe and André talking. They were supposedly discussing a plan to capture West Point. This plan involved Benedict Arnold, an American general who secretly turned against his country.

According to the legend, Sarah quickly told her brother Robert what she heard. This information then reached Washington's spies. It supposedly led to John André's capture. André was caught carrying secret documents about the West Point plan and was later hanged.

However, historians now believe this story might not be true. It first appeared more than 100 years after André's death. Also, the timing doesn't quite fit. The British officers left the Townsend home before Arnold's betrayal happened.

A Secret Valentine

John Graves Simcoe, the British officer, was interested in Sarah Townsend. In 1779, he wrote her a special message. It is known as America's first valentine! In this message, he asked her to be his valentine.

Part of his message said: "Say, must I all my joys forego and still maintain this outward show? / Say, shall this breast that’s pained to feel be ever clad in horrid steel? / Nor swell with other joys than those of conquest o’er unworthy foes? / Shall no fair maid with equal fire awake the flames of soft desire: / My bosom born, for transport, burn and raise my thoughts from Delia’s urn? / “Fond Youth,” the God of Love replies, “Your answer take from Sarah’s eyes.”"

Sarah was about 18 years old at the time. She did not choose Simcoe as her valentine. This was probably because they had very different political beliefs during the war. Still, it's thought they had a brief flirtation. The long valentine talks about the challenge of loving someone who is an enemy.

Sarah Townsend never married. It is said that this famous valentine was found among her belongings after she died. Today, the Raynham Hall Museum has a preserved windowpane. On it, a British officer scratched a message to "The adorable Miss Sally Townsend."

Sarah's Family Life

Sarah Townsend was the seventh of eight children. Her parents were Samuel and Sarah Townsend. They lived in Oyster Bay. Her father was a Quaker, and her mother was an Episcopalian.

Sarah never married. She grew old living with her brother, Robert, and her sister Phebe. She passed away in 1842. The house where she lived in Oyster Bay is now the Raynham Hall Museum. A drawing of Sarah at age 65 shows she looked a lot like her brother. She had a slim, long nose, a firm chin, and small, round glasses.