Today’s post is written by Jackie Kilby, Archives Technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD.
After the end of the American Revolutionary War numerous veterans were disabled, or invalid, and petitioned for pensions to the United States Congress and/or their State Governments. One such person was Caleb Brewster, a name made recognizable by the television show Turn: Washington’s Spies, as played by Daniel Henshall, and the book Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring, by Alexander Rose.
Caleb Brewster was essential to the communication of the Culper Spy Ring, as he coordinated the exchange of intelligence and instructions between Major Benjamin Tallmadge and General George Washington and the spy ring. Brewster did not join the Intelligence Service until 1778, but joined the Revolutionary War effort in 1776.
Caleb Brewster was injured on December 7, 1782 during a naval exchange with British troops on Long Island Sound. He was hit by a musket ball through his shoulder, or “breast,” as he described in his letter to President George Washington. Due to this injury he was placed on an invalid list. After the end of the war, Brewster was supposed to receive a pension through the Continental Congress, and then the United States Congress. Continue reading