Katharina Buczek
For instance, a major named John André loved to party and was known for constantly being in the company of charming women.
Some of the Culper Ring’s most beneficial intelligence was even gathered when André and other men of his standing were in town. For instance, one tip gathered regarding Benedict Arnold’s betrayal was facilitated with the help of André.
This intriguing and mysterious legend of “Agent 355” as a deceiving and resourceful socialite is just one of many theories about the woman’s identity, though.
In fact, many scholars instead believe that this woman was Anna Smith Strong– one of Woodhull’s hometown friends and later cousin-in-law.
That theory claims that Strong issued signals to the other secret service spies by hanging specific laundry items out on her clothesline.
A black petticoat, for instance, meant that Woodhull had a message for Brewster to transport to Fairfield. The number of handkerchiefs that Strong put on her clothesline also correlated to different covert meeting sites.
The tale of Strong also led the way for another “Agent 355” legend– which paints “355” as Townsend’s wife who had become imprisoned on a British prison ship known as HMS Jersey. It was on that ship where Townsend’s wife died and also potentially birthed their son beforehand.
Again, though, there is a lack of evidence to support this theory. It is believed that Strong visited the Jersey once, though, in 1778– after Strong’s husband, Selah, was incarcerated.
According to historical records, Selah was imprisoned in the Jersey, and Strong was allowed to bring him food.
The final theory regarding “Agent 355” points toward Townsend’s and Woodhull’s younger sisters, Sally Townsend and Mary Underhill.
At the time, Sally was a teenager who also reportedly contributed her spy services to the Culper Spy Ring.
