Where history fails to provide, authors of historical fiction can fill the gap. In her new novel To Outwit Them All, author Peggy Wirgau delves into the Revolutionary War history of the Culper Spy Ring.
The ring was a network of spies active during the war, organized by Major Benjamin Tallmadge and General George Washington to provide information on British Army operations in the city of New York, the British headquarters.
Its members operated mostly in New York, Long Island and Connecticut between late October 1778 and the British evacuation of New York in 1783.
More specifically, she tells the story of the unknown woman referred to in Abraham Woodhull’s correspondence – only once – as “a lady of my acquaintance.” Woodhull supplies her only a number, 355 (Culper code for “lady”). Wirgau provides a name, a family, and a budding romance with British Major John Andre.
Wirgau’s 355 is modeled after the historical Betty Floyd, relative of William Floyd, and she includes multiple layers of period detail about British-occupied New York City.
On the latest episode of the Long Island History Project podcast you’ll hear more about how she pursued her research and how she brought Betty to life along with other members of the Culper Ring.
You can listen to the episode here.
The Long Island History Project is an independent podcast featuring stories and interviews with people passionate about Long Island history. It is hosted by academic librarian Chris Kretz.
Book Purchases made through this Amazon link support the New York Almanack’s mission to report new publications relevant to New York State.
Leave a Reply