NATHANIEL SACKETT

Inscription

NATHANIEL SACKETT
SERVED ON COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
DISPATCHED BY GEN. WASHINGTON
IN 1777 TO GATHER INTELLIGENCE
ON BRITISH & LOYALIST
ACTIVITIES. LIVED NEAR HERE.
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2021

By declaring their independence in 1776 the American Colonies initiated a conflict known as the American Revolution with one of the words most powerful nations, Great Britain. While some colonists desired independence there were also a number of colonists, known as Loyalists, devoted to the Crown. At times, Loyalists stole supplies, burned buildings, and posed a significant threat to the success of American forces during the war.

In New York there were large numbers of the Loyalists who wreaked havoc. In Mamakating, NY Nathaniel Sackett was dispatched by General George Washington to gather intelligence on British and Loyalist activities in the area. While Sackett did not serve in the military during the war, he served on the Committee of Safety and the Committee for Detecting Conspiracies during the Revolution. In a letter from George Washington to Nathaniel Sackett, dated February 4, 1777, Washington relays the following orders:

Sir, the advantage of obtaining the earliest and best Intelligence of the designs of the Enemy- The good character given of you by Colo. Duer- and your capacity for an undertaking of this kind, have induced me to entrust the Management of this business to your care till further orders on this head. For your own trouble in this business I agree, on behalf of the Public to allow you Fifty Dollars pr Kallender Month-and here with you a Warrant upon the Paymaster Genl for the Sum of Five hundred Dollar to pay those whom you may find it necessary to Imploy in the transaction of this business- An Acct of disbursements of which you are to render me. Given at Head Quarters at Morristown this day 4th day of Feby 1777.

While travelling around New York Sackett sent Washington his reports on enemy activity. These early spy games with Washington and Sackett led to the creation of the Culpepper Ring, a complex American spy ring geared toward gathering intelligence on British activities during the war.