Revolutionary Sunday: Merchant, Reporter, Quaker, Spy: The Heroic and Sad Existence of Robert Townsend

           

        Robert Townsend was a mild-mannered merchant in Manhattan during the Revolutionary War. He was also a reporter for Rivington’s Royal Gazette,

a Tory newspaper (New York was British headquarters.)

            Townsend was a Quaker – opposed to war.

            One of the biggest sins for a Quaker is lying.

            Which is why Townsend was so tormented by his secret identity: Spy for George Washington.

            Robert Townsend was the key member of the Culper Spy Ring. Because he was a reporter, British officers came to him with information about their plans. They wanted to see their names in print!

            Townsend made the ultimate sacrifice for our country’s freedom: He traded his place in heaven. According to his religious beliefs he would be damned for his actions – and still he proceeded.

            After the war, Townsend was ashamed. He never revealed his identity. When George Washington visited Oyster Bay – Townsend’s home town, where he returned to live after the war – Townsend did not even greet him.

            Townsend never married. He died in his family’s home, living with his also-unmarried sister Sally. Like her brother, Sally sacrificed much for our cause.

Raynham Hall - Townsend's home in Oyster Bay. Now a museum!

            Give a thought for Robert Townsend’s tortured soul this holiday season. Pray that he found his peace.

Rest in Peace, Robert Townsend

Read more about Robert Townsend’s role in the Culper Spy Ring in my book, Upon Secrecy:

Upon Secrecy on Amazon.com