Methods and Aims of Spies during the American Revolution

Culper Spy Ring Code

Benjamin Thompson Letter to an unidentified recipient, containing a message in invisble ink.

Letter describing the tacticts of Ann Bates, who posed as a peddler to get close to the revolutionary army

The ways that military personnel attempted to conceal their own information, and collect that of their enemies were vast. Individuals utilized the science and technologies available to them to create means of protecting information. This included developing cyphers, such as the one George Washington used to communicate with his generals. This also included invisible ink, as well as the use of cut outs designed to reveal hidden messages when placed over inconspicuous letters. Another useful tool for gathering information was simple social engineering. Individuals who occupied trusted positions in the rebel forces, or who could get close to military personnel without arousing suspicion were valuable assets to the British army.