BOOK REVIEW: Spies, Patriots and Traitors by Kenneth Daigler

To paraphrase the most interesting man in the world... I don't usually do book reviews on the Yankee Doodle Spies blog. Still, when I do, it's about a great book that highlights the importance of the American Revolution from a military intelligence perspective. This new book definitely made the list.

Kenneth Daigler spent his career as a CIA officer, where he learned the craft of espionage firsthand. In his latest book, Spies, Patriots, and Traitors, he reveals some of the nation's darkest espionage secrets. But they are secrets that have puzzled historians for over 200 years: secrets of the American Revolution. There have been a few books on this subject in recent decades, but none have the breadth and scope of this one. And none are as well documented and well written. Daigler covers a wide range of espionage activities and presents the big picture while diving deep into areas that are sure to fascinate the reader. He starts at the beginning—showing that even the political unrest that led to armed rebellion had an intelligence component. In a sense, he depicts a nation born of secrecy and covert activities.

A Case Officer's Perspective on the Two Big Cases

One of the many things that sets this work apart from others of its kind is the author's personal experience in the espionage trade. He draws on that to analyze numerous cases and explains the timeless aspects of espionage: planning, security, and communications. He shows that the absence of these three elements led to two failures—one for us and one for the British. 

Interestingly, these are the most famous espionage cases of the war: Nathan Hale and Benedict Arnold. In the case of Hale, the entire operational cycle was as ineffective as it could be. The author notes that Hale was inherently unqualified for the mission, which was poorly defined. Unsurprisingly, it failed on all fronts and ended in disaster. 

Daigler also points out that, despite some operational shortcomings, Arnold's case could have succeeded. However, Arnold's personal traits—ego, greed, arrogance—caused him to pressure his former handler, the inexperienced Major John Andre, into making a series of mistakes that eventually cost the British the operation and Andre his life.

Benedict Arnold

Lesser-Known Spies

 Daigler explores lesser-known cases with just as much enthusiasm: the establishment (or lack thereof) of counterintelligence under John Jay; Nathaniel Greene's skilled use of intelligence to secure victory in the southern campaign; the "secret war" in Europe; and Washington's efforts to employ intelligence, counterintelligence, and deception to surprise the British at Yorktown. The author also offers a perspective on the Culper Ring that differs from other accounts, highlighting that it was just one of many agencies Washington relied on—albeit a crucial one. 

Daigler details the activities of Benjamin Tallmadge—not only with his Culper Ring but also in other roles he served for Washington. The book recounts the daring exploits of the little-known John Honeyman, who spied on the Hessians during the darkest days just before the surprise attack on Trenton. Another noteworthy part of the book is his discussion of the plot against Washington and the British effort to destabilize the American economy through counterfeiting Continental dollars.

Benjamin Tallmadge

Other Pluses

James Armistead

The book is full of engaging illustrations of both well-known and lesser-known figures in the intelligence world. The author has also created a timeline of espionage during the American Revolution and, most helpfully for the layperson, a Glossary of Tradecraft Terms. He offers a powerful look at the struggles of African Americans, many of whom were slaves used by both sides. 

Ultimately, neither side treated them very well for their service, although there are some notable exceptions. The story of the African slaves is best exemplified by James Armistead, owned by a Virginia planter, who infiltrated British lines during the Yorktown campaign. 

His bravery and resourcefulness provided critical intelligence while under the noses of the British. He also discusses the role of counterintelligence, the British approach to espionage, and, of course, George Washington’s role as the Case Officer in Chief (my words).

Did intelligence win the war for American independence?

The author concludes with a discussion of that topic. One must conclude that intelligence played a crucial role in America's survival during the early years of the war and its ultimate victory. This does not mean that British intelligence was lacking. They had excellent worldwide coverage of American interests, and their Loyalist allies provided ready-made pools of agents, some already organized into cells. However, their leadership failed to capitalize on the opportunity. In contrast, George Washington clearly developed, over the course of an eight-year war, the ability to use intelligence and counterintelligence more effectively than the British high command. And that made all the difference.

George Washington, the Spymaster

I wish I had this book when I first started writing the Yankee Doodle Spies novels several years ago. Now that it’s available, it serves as an excellent non-fiction companion for those reading the series. You'll find many of the events and characters depicted through the fictional persons and actions in the Yankee Doodle Spies series, along with numerous historical figures and events as well.

I give this very excellent work, Four Tricorne Hats!

The First Patriot Spy?

Nathan Hale

Earlier this week marked the 236th anniversary of Nathan Hale's death. Hale is a minor yet significant figure in the first two books of the Yankee Doodle Spies Series.

On September 22, 1776, Nathan Hale, the first American (not rebel) spy, was hanged by the British. Born in 1755 on a farm near Coventry, Connecticut, Hale attended Yale and, after graduating in 1773, became a schoolteacher. Caught up in the patriotism sweeping the colonies after the battles of Lexington and Concord, he joined the Continental Army forming around Boston in 1775. Initially ambivalent, Hale decided to join the Cause after receiving a letter from his close friend, Benjamin Tallmadge, urging him to serve. Ironically, or perhaps causally, Tallmadge later became the head of Washington's intelligence unit (and a recurring character in Yankee Doodle Spies).

Hale rose to the rank of Captain in a Connecticut Regiment but later joined Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton's (also a peripheral figure in the series) elite Ranger battalion. Hale was, by all accounts, an extremely handsome man—tall for his era—and very well-spoken. Liked by everyone, his commander, Knowlton, held him in special regard. After the Continental Army retreated from its disastrous defense of Long Island, Lieutenant General George Washington needed to assess the strength, activities, and morale of the British occupiers. Washington was especially concerned about the timing and location of the inevitable British assault on the Island of New York (now called Manhattan). He asked Knowlton to provide an agent for this very high-risk mission. In a society obsessed with "honor," espionage was considered even dirtier than it is today. Because of that, none of the officers in Knowlton's unit volunteered. But Hale, who had yet to see combat and was bored with the administrative duties he had so far, offered his services.

Spying under spurious cover?

In a mission both daring and futile, he was clandestinely transported onto Long Island from Connecticut by longboat, disguised as an itinerant schoolmaster. In a lesson in tradecraft, the idea of a young schoolmaster traveling through a war zone seems desperate, if not downright absurd. However, Hale was indeed a schoolmaster, and it’s always easier to depict something similar to your own experience or background. The exact details of his capture are a matter of much debate. In his book, *Washington's Spies*, author Alexander Rose states that the renowned Loyalist Ranger Robert Roberts captured him. Roberts was a hero during the French and Indian War but switched allegiances and sold his services to the British during the American Revolution. According to Rose, Roberts and his men identified Hale on Long Island and lured him into a trap. Other accounts tell a different story. Regardless, the cover was blown.

A Spy Uncovered

What we do know for sure is that Hale was captured on September 21 and immediately brought in for questioning by the British commander, General William Howe. By then, the British Army had already invaded New York. Howe had just moved into the Beekman Mansion, near the current corner of 51st Street and 1st Avenue in Manhattan. Intelligence found on Hale, which was not in code or invisible ink, meant he was completely compromised.

The next morning, a Sunday, the former spy was marched north about a mile along the post road to the Park of Artillery, located next to a pub called the Dove Tavern, roughly 5 1/2 miles from the city limits. There, he was hanged. Hale's supposed quote before execution is somewhat debated, and several different accounts exist from various sources, all of which seem plausible. Traditionally, hanging was reserved for thieves and murderers, not soldiers, especially not officers. It’s likely Hale intended his last words to both dispel the dishonor of being labeled a spy and to serve as a model of patriotic sacrifice.

I have but one duty...

To me, the most credible statement reportedly made by Nathan Hale before his execution comes from the diary of a British officer named Lt. Robert MacKensie, who was serving in New York at the time. The entry is especially believable because it was written on the very day of Hale's execution.

"...He behaved with great composure and resolution, saying he thought it the duty of every good Officer, to obey any orders given him by his Commander-in-Chief; and desired the Spectators to be at all times prepared to meet death in whatever shape it might appear."