Robert Townsend (spy)
Robert Townsend | |
|---|---|
Only surviving portrait of Robert Townsend | |
| Born | November 25, 1753 |
| Died | March 7, 1838 (aged 84) Oyster Bay, New York |
| Burial place | Townsend Cemetery |
| Children | Robert Townsend, Jr. |
| Espionage activity | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service branch | Culper Ring |
| Service years | 1779–1782 |
| Codename |
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Robert Townsend (November 26 , 1753 – March 7, 1838) was a member of the Culper Ring during the American Revolution. He operated in New York City with the aliases "Samuel Culper, Jr." and "723" and gathered information as a service to General George Washington. He is one of the least-known operatives in the spy ring and once demanded Abraham Woodhull ("Samuel Culper") never to tell his name to anyone, even to Washington.