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Anna Smith Strong Chapter Chapter History |
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Anna “Nancy” Smith Strong was the only female member of the celebrated Culper Spy Ring in Setauket, New York. During the American Revolutionary War, her assignment was to signal the arrival of Caleb Brewster who came periodically across the Devil’s Belt (Long Island Sound) to get the Spy Ring’s messages. Anna accomplished this signaling by means of a homespun device that fooled all by the wisdom of its simplicity. |
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When Chief Spy, Abraham Woodhull, saw Anna’s black petticoat hanging on her clothesline, he knew Caleb was in town. Then, counting the white handkerchiefs scattered through her wash, he knew which cove Caleb’s boat was hidden. Abraham then contacted Caleb in order to pass along vital, secret messages to General George Washington which he received from another spy member, Robert Townsend, based in New York City. |
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Setauket Presbyterian Church |
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Townsend’s messages were brought to Abraham by a Setauket horseman, Austin Roe, who rode at least weekly to New York City to get them. After adding his own observations, Abraham passed the messages to Caleb who rowed his whale boat back across the Sound and passed them to General Washington. For her courageous participation in the Culper Spy Ring, we honor the memory of Anna Smith Strong by naming our Chapter after this true American patriot.
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Setauket Caroline Church |
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The DAR Insignia is the property of, and is copyrighted by, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. |