George Washington Spy Letter

In this letter, General George Washington offers Nathaniel Sackett $50 a month (more than $1,000 today) to spy for the Continental Army, plus another $500 to set up a spy network.

Letter Transcript:

To Mr. Nathaniel Sackett

Sir, 

The advantage of obtaining the earliest and best Intelligence of the designs of the enemy, the good character given of you by Colonel Duer added to 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 care and trouble in this business I agree on behalf of the public to allow you Fifty Dollars pr. Kalendar Month and herewith give you a warrant on the Paymaster Genl.  For the sum of Five hundd. Dollars to pay those whom you may find necessary to imploy in the transaction of this business, an acct. of the disbursements of which you are to render to me. 

Given under my hand at Morris town this 4th day of Feb., 1777 

George Washington

View the original letter on display in the Museum's Spying That Shaped History exhibit.

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