British Espionage

With a rich military tradition and vast empire stretching across the globe, the British were no strangers to espionage. In the American colonies, British military and civilian authorities ruled with an iron fist, ruthlessly ferreting out spies and informants suspected of aiding the rebellion. Military units comprised of Loyalists were routinely tasked with counterintelligence missions, and networks of informants were developed in occupied New York City and the surrounding area among an extensive Loyalist population eager to report suspicious persons or activities.

Masked British letter, 1777
artifact icon - click to for more details about the image “Masked” British letter, 1777
I am hopeful this example will produce many salutary consequences and deter others from entering into the like traitorous practices.
—General George Washington,
on the hanging of a Continental Army traitor

With a rich military tradition and vast empire stretching across the globe, the British were no strangers to espionage. In the American colonies, British military and civilian authorities ruled with an iron fist, ruthlessly ferreting out spies and informants suspected of aiding the rebellion. Military units comprised of Loyalists were routinely tasked with counterintelligence missions, and networks of informants were developed in occupied New York City and the surrounding area among an extensive Loyalist population eager to report suspicious persons or activities.