1783
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Ben was awoken by the sound of crying. He opened his eyes, but he wasn't sure why he bothered. It was the middle of the night and the room was pitch black. It took him a moment to reorient himself. He always had to do so, or he would just assume he was back in his tent during the war. But he wasn't there; he hadn't been there in nearly two years.
He was lying on his stomach, half laying on top of Molly with his face pressed against her chest. He didn't want to get up. He was warm and comfortable, but the crying persisted. And then he could feel her stirring beneath him, and that's when he knew he couldn't ignore it any longer.
Without a word, he rolled off her and pushed himself to his feet. As he stumbled across the room to where the crib was, he found himself forced to squint his eyes. Molly had collected the tinderbox from her side of the bed and lit a candle.
"What does he need?" Molly yawned. She was sat up in bed, trying to rub the sleep from her eyes.
But their baby didn't need anything. As soon as Ben picked him up, he stopped crying.
"I don't know." Ben mumbled, bringing him over to their bed. "Maybe a bad dream." He sat beside her again, and they both began examining him to make sure it was nothing.
Their son. It still felt strange for both of them to say that. Nathan Tallmadge was one year old. They had been talking about it for months now, but neither of them could decide who he looked more like.
He was named for his grandfather, Reverend Nathaniel Tallmadge, and for Nathaniel Sackett, and for Nathan Hale; Ben's friend from university who was hanged by the British for espionage towards the beginning of the war.
"Oh well, I suppose he just got lonely." Ben was the one yawning now.
They tiredly agreed and settled back into bed, with Nathan laying between them now. Molly didn't blow out the candle. It wasn't long before sleep took all three of them once more.
"More tea?"
Molly gladly pushed her teacup forward so her father-in-law could refill it. It was the next morning. Ben had already left for work. Reverend Nathaniel Tallmadge sat across from her at their small dining table, with his grandson in his arms.
After the Reverend was rescued from Setauket all those years ago, he had moved to rebel-controlled Connecticut, to live with old family friends. Shortly after the Battle of Yorktown, Ben and Molly had decided to move there as well, rather than return home to Setauket. It would take years to finally organize the evacuation of all the redcoats and loyalists who wished to leave the colonies. Besides, Molly had missed the Reverend's company. She didn't mind staying with him until Ben was finally discharged from the Continental Army.
It had been two years since General Cornwallis surrendered at the Battle of Yorktown. And it had been two years since peace negotiations began between the colonies and the British. But now it was 1783, and the articles of peace had been decided for months now, and the Treaty of Paris was to be signed at any time. And then the colonies could finally become what Selah and Congress were calling the United States. Molly still hadn't decided if she liked the name; she still thought it might be too lengthy.
They were still living in Connecticut though. Now she and Ben had their own home, and the Reverend had been living with them for the past two years. So, when Ben was finally discharged, they decided it was easier to stay there. After all, now they had Nathan.
Their home in Bridgeport was small; only a little larger than Abe and Mary's old farmhouse. In a lot of ways, Molly was grateful that her father-in-law agreed to live with them. It was strange for both Ben and Molly to return to mundane life. A lot had changed because of the war; they had also changed because of the war. But the Reverend hadn't changed. He was still the same man they had always known, and that familiarity made things more comforting.
"When are you and Ben to head to Setauket?" the Reverend asked, lightly bouncing his grandson on his knee.
"We're still waiting to hear back from Selah."
They had been corresponding on the subject for quite some time. Selah was still in Philadelphia, working as a member of Congress. He wrote to them that Washington was interested in visiting Setauket and having a dinner with all the members of the Culper Ring. They were still trying to decide on a date, and now they were waiting to hear back.
Ben would visit the post office on his way home from work, and hopefully return with
After Ben graduated from university back in 1773, he was a teacher in Connecticut. But that was only for a short time. After his mother died, he returned to Setauket. But now that they were back in Connecticut, and now that Ben was officially discharged from the Continental Army, he had no problem finding another teaching position.
Molly was anxious to receive more word from her brother. Despite her own problems with Setauket, she was excited to visit again. In truth, she hadn't seen their other friends since the war ended.
She remembered the end of the war well. No one knew that Yorktown would be the final battle in the revolution.
After the Battle of Yorktown, Washington and the Continental Army were marching North once more – this time with nearly 8,000 British prisoners in tow. Now that Cornwallis was defeated, the South was practically all under rebel control. Reinforcements were no longer needed, so now they could march back in the direction of New York. But first, they were stopping in Philadelphia so Washington could meet with Congress. Apparently, Congress had heard word from British diplomats; King George wanted to discuss war negotiations.
Word had already reached the city by time the army arrived. Crowds of people; men, women, and children; lines the streets as the army began its march through town. They were all celebrating the victory at Yorktown. Molly was riding beside Ben and Caleb. Since the battle, Washington had significantly reduced the restrictions placed on all the camp. His paranoia regarding other turncoats seemed to be no more.
Molly could tell that Ben was getting tired of her and Caleb. For the last several hours, she and Caleb had been passing the time by singing sea shanties. Molly had always found the songs amusing. When Caleb was first working as a sailor, he would come home again and teach Molly the new work songs they sang, so she knew far more than Ben would've liked. Ben found the songs amusing as well, but whenever Molly sang the especially crude parts, he always found himself blushing. She and Caleb were alternating between lines of one of the bawdier songs.
I took her to a tavern
And treated her with wine
Little did I think that she was one
Of the rakish kind
I handled her, I dandled her
And much to my surprise
Turns out she was a fire ship
Rigged up in a disguise
And in the morning she was gone
My money was gone, too
My clothes she'd hocked, my watch she stole
My seabag bid adieu
But she left behind a souvenir
I'll have you all to know
And in nine days, to my surprise
There was fire down below.
"Will you two please stop that?" Ben snapped.
They laughed but complied. After all, they finished singing all the lyrics. They rode for a few minutes in silence. But then Caleb couldn't hold his tongue anyone. He was still in awe at the crowds they kept passing all throughout the city.
"Can you believe this shite?" Caleb said, "The whole bloody town turned out." He paused, and then looked over at Ben, a wicked grin on his face. "The ladies will be lining up for a roll."
Molly snorted in amusement, but Ben kept looking straight ahead, poker faced.
Caleb shrugged, "Course, I'm speaking about meself when I say that. After all, Major, we know your line will only consist of one."
That's when Ben leaned over and took a swing at Caleb. He purposely missed and burst into laughter as he watched Caleb push himself back and just about fall out of his saddle. Molly looked between the two of them, a smile tugging on her lips. It felt like old times.
Eventually, the army found a place right at the city limits to temporarily set up their tents once again. Caleb had wandered back into the city, and Molly found herself following behind Ben. They were going to Congress to see Selah. Washington was already in front of the building, surrounded by a small crowd when they arrived.
"Hail the glorious Washington!"
"Philadelphia and Congress welcome you, General."
George Washington was a tall man, and Molly could see his head peeking out above the crowd. He was smiling, but he looked uncomfortable. Ben noticed too.
"The General has never liked when they call him that?" Ben whispered to her.
"Call him what?"
"His Excellency, or glorious, that sort of stuff. He thinks it makes him sound too much like a king."
"Well, because it does." She deadpanned. She opened her mouth to say more, but then she heard a familiar voice behind them. They both turned, and there stood Selah Strong.
"Selah." Ben greeted, giving him a hug.
"I heard Cornwallis pled illness rather than personally surrender his sword." Selah moved to hug Molly next.
Ben nodded, "Well, 8,000 men captured, officers sent home in disgrace. I think I would've hid under my sickbed if I were him."
"Oh, Moll, I have someone I want you to meet." Selah took her hand and began to lead her away from the crowd. Ben followed.
He led them across the square to where a small cluster of men had gathered.
"What's this, Strong?"
"Already causing trouble for the General?"
The men chuckled and kept their teasing going. These men were Selah's fellow Congressmen. Selah ignored most of them and addressed the man nearest to him. He was middle-aged and had a serious aura. One would've thought he was a testy man, until he opened his mouth.
"Mr. Adams, this is my sister, Molly Strong. Molly, this is Mr. Samuel Adams. Congressman from Massachusetts."
They shook hands briefly.
"Please, madam." Mr. Adams bowed his head slightly.
"Mr. Adams was a maltster before the war."
Molly perked up at that.
"Really?" she asked.
She was sure, to anyone else, this conversation would appear boring. But, since Selah had a tavern for so long, she and her brother had become interested in all aspects of tavern-owning and of alcohol brewing. Malt was the grain that was used to make ale. Maltster would produce the grain and sell the ingredient to a brewer, who would go through the fermentation process and make ale. The brewers worked for companies who, in turn, sold the finished ale to taverns.
"I must say, sir, out of all the Congressmen, I assumed my brother was the only one with a connection to taverns."
Mr. Adams chuckled, "That's what my wife said as well when I told her about my acquaintance with Mr. Strong.
They continued their pleasantries, but then Molly noticed that Ben and Selah were beginning to walk away.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"I'm taking him to see Anna. I'll be back."
"Oh… aye." She stammered.
She couldn't remember the last time Anna had spoken of Selah. She and Anna had made peace long ago, but now Molly could feel a new sense of worry passing over her.
"Don't worry, Mr. Strong, I'll sacrifice my company until your return." He chuckled.
They continued their pleasantries, but now Molly couldn't get her mind off her brother and her sister-in-law. She honestly had no idea what would happen. But her worry seemed to be in vain. Because Anna and Selah made amends, and they had been living together as husband in wife in Philadelphia ever since.
They remembered when Washington stayed in the city nearly a month as the peace talks escalated, so the army stayed camped outside of the city.
Despite that though, Selah invited Molly and Ben to stay at his home until the army was to leave the city. Selah's small estate was located in the city, near where Congress met. It was a good-sized home with plenty of furnishings and even a cook and a few servants.
Molly had asked before about Selah's dealings in the city. He had gotten involved in investing and trade, and he even did the books for a few local taverns. Molly knew just from the state of his home that Selah had managed to acquire much more wealth than he let on. He seemed to be doing just as well (if not better) than he had been in Setauket before his arrest.
They remembered their time in the city well. Ben and Molly eloped in Philadelphia. It seemed fitting seeing as that had been their original plan all those years ago.
When the army was to finally leave, that's when they agreed that Caleb and Molly would diverge from the army and Molly would go to Connecticut to reunite with Reverend Tallmadge. As the war was coming to a close, many of the soldiers were being discharged and sent home, and they were taking their families – the camp followers – with them.
It wasn't necessarily safe to travel – there were still skirmishes all throughout the colonies as news of the war's end spread slowly – but Molly trusted Caleb. His time as a smuggler meant that he knew what backroads to take and what areas were safer than other.
Molly had enjoyed her trip with Caleb. It would be one of the last trips for a long time. They rode through New Jersey, through New York, and into Connecticut. And the entire time, Caleb was hyper. He was back to his old self; now especially proud because he had managed to fine Abe, and shoot Simcoe, and now it looked like they could all go home soon.
"Well, Tallgirl." He had started calling her that. "I expect this'll be the last you see of your ol' smuggler friend. Now that you're a respectable lady; a married woman; it just wouldn't be right for us to keep seeing each other like this."
He kept teasing her, and she was glad for it. It felt like old times.
"I don't need anymore of that talk from you," she snapped, trying to stop herself from grinning, "Because if you don't visit us in Connecticut, then I'll have to resort to tracking you down and skinning you myself."
He chuckled.
"Now that's something I'd like to see! You know, I'm still surprised you never accepted my offer when I said we should run off and become privateers."
She rolled her eyes. She hadn't forgotten about that. When he first became a privateer, and when Ben decided he would sign up for the Continental Army, Caleb joked that the only way for Molly to fight to was be becoming a pirate. She still liked the idea of it, but she knew she wouldn't have survived the war if she took him up on his offer.
They rode in silence for a while. But they were already in Connecticut, and in a few hours, she knew their trip would come to an end. And she still needed to tell him something; it had been gnawing at her for awhile now; but she didn't know how she wanted to approach it. Finally, she spoke up.
"I need to tell you something."
"Hm?"
"I'm pregnant."
He turned completely in his saddle to look at her. She could see the surprise on his face as he eyed her stomach for a moment. He didn't say anything for a long time.
"Well, I know for a fact it's not mine."
She snorted in amusement.
"I also know for a fact it's not yours." She chuckled.
"No, really, congratulations! But, ol' Benny didn't say anything."
"He doesn't know yet. I didn't know till only recently."
He swore, biting his lip.
"So I suppose I'm not done playing courier yet?" he joked. "I've got to deliver word to the Major after all."
"Well, if you don't mind."
But then his tone became more serious and he sighed.
"What?"
"Well, not you two have put a lot of pressure on me. Shite, Moll. I haven't even got a lady, and now I'm supposed to find one, and I can have a kid as well. But you and Tallboy have already got the jump on me."
She tilted her head in confusion.
"Don't look at me like that. I'm serious." But then he broke out into a wide grin. "There's no way we're not forcing our kids to be childhood friends as well."
For the rest of their ride through the countryside, they talked incessantly about all the things they were going to do to ensure their kids wound up friends. They both even volunteered to take turns teaching them about all the ways they could cause mayhem on one of their properties.
After all, the two of them were experts on the subject.
But that was then, this is now; the year is now 1783; and a date was finally decided on when the group was to meet for their reunion.
Ben and Molly had been traveling all morning. After a couple hours of riding, they met up with the rest of what would be their party in Schuylerville, New York. Caleb, Selah, Anna, and Washington were waiting for them. Although the group had been corresponding regularly, most of them had not seen each other in person in well over a year; and some even longer. Their reunion was filled with the usual greetings and pleasantries, and handshakes and hugs.
"Don't crush the little guy." Caleb joked, trying to stop Molly from tightening their hug.
She reached up and grabbed him by the chin. He was cleanshaven and dressed in civilian clothes – not in his sailing clothes they had all gotten so used to seeing over the years. And she wasn't used to seeing him cleanshaven, she ran her thumb over his chin, and jokingly tsked under her breath.
"Careful there, Brewster. You know, for a minute there, I almost mistook you for a gentleman and not a smuggler."
"Careful yourself, Tallgirl." He winked.
Molly quickly found herself being crowded by the others. Caleb was the only one who had met Nathan, and Anna and Selah were fawning over their nephew. Although Anna and Selah had their disagreements before, they had decided to remain married when the war ended.
"Oh, yes, there's a Strong alright." Selah chuckled.
"What are you talking about?" Anna teased. "If we're going based on looks, he looks more like Benjamin."
"No. I know what a Strong looks like, and this lad has Strong eyes."
And then it was time to speak with Washington.
Molly had not personally spoken to Washington in years. Not since before the war was over. Ben was still fond of the man and corresponded with him often. But now that they were able to see each other in person again; to meet together, and not for a meeting related to the ring, Molly found herself remembering how they had always had a mutual understanding when working together.
Ben joined them in an instant.
"Sir," he was having trouble containing his excitement, "I officially present my wife, Mary Floyd Tallmadge. And our son, Nathan."
She wasn't sure why, but Ben enjoyed introducing her by her full Christian name. She supposed it did sound more official that way.
"Named for your friend, Mr. Hale?" Washington asked, looking down at the fussing child in Molly's arms.
"Yes, sir."
"Very fitting, Major."
Nathan kept squirming, so Molly handed him off to Ben.
"Here, take him." She said quietly. He would usually quiet down if they passed him back and forth a few times. Ben held him to his chest, and then he stepped aside to talk more with Caleb.
"It is nice to see you again, Madam." Washington said.
"You as well sir. I hope you do not still consider me fallen out of favor."
She smirked slightly, seeing the hesitant look cross onto Washington's face.
"I'm kidding." She smiled.
A beat.
"You are right though. I'm not sure why I never made amends with you before the war ended."
"Think nothing of it. That was a long time ago."
There was a brief moment of tension between them.
In fact, Washington could've made amends with Molly years ago. From the Battle of Yorktown to only six months ago, Ben had still been an officer in the Continental Army. He had half lived in New York, half lived in Connecticut, working with Washington to oversee the evacuation of the city by the British. It was much more complicated than simply having all the redcoats leave at once. It had been a meticulous process that had taken nearly two years.
He could've easily written a letter and had it delivered via Ben, or he could've even verbally told Ben to pass on a message. But he didn't. Molly hadn't thought much of her falling out in a long time. She had been upset about it at one point, but now she wondered, Perhaps, he's bad at making apologies to. After all, I never apologized for disobeying orders. Luckily, Washington thought of something to change the subject.
"He is a handsome child."
"Thank you."
And with that comment, Molly knew she was forgiven, and she hoped Washington knew she held no bitter feelings towards him either.
"We'd better be heading on if we're ever to reach home by sundown." Caleb said.
They agreed and moved back to their carriages and horses. And they crossed into Long Island together.
Setauket, Long Island
"You alright?"
Ben turned to look at her. She was sat in one of the pews, cradling Nathan in her arms.
They were in the church; his father's church that was commandeered and used as Major Hewlett's headquarters and stables during the war. But now the redcoats had not occupied Setauket in over a year, and the building had been converted back into a church.
"Yes, I'm fine."
She got to her feet and walked over to where he was still standing, towards the front of the church. Near where his father used to preach.
"Now that we know it's in one piece again, maybe your father will agree to come see it."
He smiled, "Maybe."
They both already knew the answer though. Reverend Tallmadge had told them enough times that he had no desire to visit his old home. He still held resentment towards their neighbors for the way they had turned on him. They didn't blame him. Those same neighbors had turned on them too.
"Come on, they'll be waiting for us."
They held hands as they went out of the church and began to walk down the hill and into town. The others were already in front of the former Strong Tavern. Washington was surrounded by the townspeople. Now that the war was over, many of them flocked to him.
"Pleasure to meet you."
"It's an honor."
Molly rolled her eyes. Those same neighbors had been praying for Washington's defeat years earlier.
"Liars." She whispered.
Ben lightly elbowed her in the side. And then they walked closer to where Abe and Caleb were talking. Abe was wearing as apron over his clothes, with a rag in his hands.
Molly had written to Mary often over the past years. They had returned to Setauket, but they were financially struggling. When Mary became a camp follower and Abe a redcoat, they were forced to leave behind their home. They still had their home, but now they had no money to afford seed so they could grow crops. And no one in town was willing to lend them the money; they all knew Abe's past luck growing cabbages.
So, Abe and Mary had gone to Mr. DeJong and they had been working at the tavern. Trying to save enough to afford seed.
"Come here you bastard." Ben laughed stepped forward and pulled Abe into a hug.
"Welcome home."
Abe moved to hug Molly next.
"And who's this little guy?' he laughed.
Abe and Mary hadn't met Nathan either. Before anyone had a chance to respond, a familiar, shrill voice pierced through the air.
"Woodhull." It was Maarten DeJong. He looked the same. "What are you doing? I said more ale." He scolded.
He walked out of the tavern and towards them. And that's when Molly saw Mary and Thomas on his heels.
"Mary!" Molly pushed passed everyone to see her friend.
They hugged and Mary began excitedly fussing over Nathan. And while she did so, Molly fussed over how big Thomas had gotten. He was eight years old now.
"We didn't know you were coming."
"I know. I'm sorry I didn't write. We wanted it to be a surprise."
They turned, hearing part of the conversation happening behind them.
"Maarten." Selah greeted, with mock pleasantness.
"Selah Strong?" DeJong was on the defensive immediately. "This… no, as I said. This tavern was purchased lawfully."
"Under the king's law. Which is no more. I've come to negotiate the sale of Strong Manor with interested parties, as my wife and I are moving to Connecticut."
They had talked about it on the ride to Setauket. Selah's term in Congress was going to be up soon. He was going to run for reelection, but he and Anna had tired of living in the city. They decided they wanted to move to Connecticut, and they were considering living near Bridgeport.
As for Strong Manor, none of them had visited their family estate in years. After the attainder, it was commandeered by the military. But, since they won the war, Congress decided that they had the power to overrule all the previous attainders and other confiscations from the British.
"But I'll give you the chance to buy my tavern at a very good price." Selah added.
DeJong was going to say more, but that's when he caught sight of Washington, who was approaching their group now. DeJong fumbled as he removed his hat and bowed his head.
"His Excellency." He stammered. "Welcome to our humble town. I am Maarten DeJong. Please allow me to host your entourage at Whitehall."
"Kiss ass." Mary whispered, and the comment made Molly snort in amusement.
"Thank you, Mr. DeJong." Washington replied. He eyed Abe for a moment.
Although Abe had been a part of the ring longer than most of them, Abe had never met Washington before.
Washington continued, "I should think the simple hearth of this tavern will do. I wonder If my company might dine in private this night?"
"Of course! Woodhull, make up the table."
Molly cringed upon hearing that. Although she had not disliked her work at the tavern, it felt wrong to see Abe and Mary stuck working there. It felt wrong to see Mary with an apron wrapped around her skirts; the same apron Molly used to wear.
Washington stopped DeJong before he could say more.
"Mr. Woodhull is to be the man of honor."
It was late into the evening. They had found a box to use as a makeshift crib for Nathan, and he was sleeping in the other room, with Thomas playing near him; keeping an eye on things. And the rest of the party was sat around a large table in the main tavern hall. Washington and Abe each at the heads of the table, and Ben, Caleb, Anna, Selah, Mary, and Molly on the edges.
Caleb was in the middle of a story; one he had purposely been waiting to tell everyone.
"…So, so, here's the thing. Like I met her, and we'd both had too much to drink, but then she says she thinks she can handle more than I can."
They were all quietly chuckling at the story.
"…And I says, no, I don't believe you. So we start drinking. And I'm amazed because, my God, that woman can handle her ale. So there I am, just about soused because she drank me under the table like. And that's how I learned her name. Her name is Anne Lewis. And, uh, she is…" Caleb hesitated to say more.
But Ben picked up for him, "She is about to be Anne Brewster."
The volume in the room rose as they all clamored to ask more. Molly and Ben were the only two Caleb had told about his engagement. They hadn't met her yet, but they were excited to. Caleb said she was a barmaid in New York, and when he was there towards the end of his enlistment, they met and quickly formed an acquaintance. Apparently, her brother was a sailor as well.
"Really?"
"No!"
"Yes yes! But I was gonna say a fine woman." Caleb chuckled. "So I have my Annie," he looked at Anna, "and you, Benny boy, have your Mary."
Molly and Mary exchanged a glance as the table began to quiet down once more.
"Congratulations Lieutenant." Mary said. "If you'll excuse me, this Mary needs to get her son to bed."
Everyone began to talk over themselves again.
"Mary!"
"No, come on."
"No, Mary, it's too early for that."
But finally they all complied, and they stood with Mary as she moved to leave the table.
"It was an honor to meet you, Madam." Washington said.
Mary bowed her head slightly, "The honor was mine, General."
They remained standing after she had left the room.
"Another toast is in order." Washington said.
Caleb reached for the bottle in the center of the table and refilled his and Molly's glasses. They both had too much to drink, but neither had any intention of slowing down. They all lifted their glasses.
"To the signal gallantry of an emissary unsung, but not uncelebrated."
Before they could drink, they heard Abe clear his throat.
"Your Excellency, uh," he began, "although I'm appreciative to the recognition, to be sure, all I truly require is the recompense. Surely Major Tallmadge has made you aware of my situation."
Molly drained her glass in one gulp. She reached for the bottle for a refill.
Ben said he and Abe had had this conversation many times. Apparently, shortly after returning home and discovering that no one would give him a loan, Abe traveled to New York and found Ben. Throughout the duration of the war, he had saved all his records, receipts, invoices to account for his expenses – mainly things like travel expenses from all his trips into the city. Abe said that his farm had suffered because of his service – and that was true - and he'd like some form of compensation. He thought he was owed at least that much.
But, then, there was nothing Ben or Washington could do. There were still financial problems happening in Congress, and those issues had been put on hold so that they could begin to negotiate a peace treaty with England. It was bad timing all around.
Ben had already asked Molly not to bring it up to the others, but the truth was, they were struggling financially as well. Though Ben had been an officer in the Continental Army for over seven years, he hadn't been fully compensated for his services either. He agreed to take a cut in pay, because Congress didn't have enough money to issue him the full amount.
Molly understood where Abe was coming from. She was also annoyed by the politics involved with what was owed to them as well.
"Abe," Ben lowered his voice, "the details of this matter are highly confidential."
"Only to me." Selah looked around the table for a second. "I will excuse myself so that you may discuss your business."
He made his way out of the room, and the rest of them took a seat once more.
"I propose a toast." Anna was trying to diffuse the tension in the room. "To those members not present by whose service and sacrifice we prevailed." She paused before offering the first name. "Robert Townsend."
"Aye."
"Aye"
"Hear, hear."
Molly hadn't seen Robert since the end of the war. Shortly after arriving in Connecticut, Caleb had left to return to the rest of the army. One day, Molly hired a sailor to ferry her across the Sound, to Oyster Bay.
They hadn't received intelligence from Robert since the victory at Yorktown. She was uncertain if he was still in the city; seeing as it was quickly going to be under Patriot control. So she thought she would visit his father's home to inquire about him.
When she arrived at Samuel Townsend's house though, she didn't expect to see the barn rebuilt – the same barn Caleb had burnt down all those years ago. And she didn't expect to see Robert Townsend working in the yard near the barn.
"Robert?"
He turned. He was dressed much more casually than she'd ever seen. His black coat was gone, and his shirt hung was sloppily tucked into his trousers, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. His hair was also tied back much looser than normal. It was simply held with a ribbon, not braided.
"Ms. Strong?"
He brushed the dirt off his hands as they neared each other.
"I wasn't expecting to see you here." He said. "Did you write to my father?"
"No, I didn't."
She opened her mouth to say more, but no words came out. She wasn't sure where to start. After all, the last time they had personally corresponded was after she and Caleb had been tortured by Simcoe.
"We saw the Gazette." She decided to say.
He smirked, "Hm. Yes, that. Well, I was glad to hear I could've been some help."
He quietly chuckled.
"You know, for a moment, I thought perhaps Mr. Woodhull sent you."
Her eyebrows furrowed together.
"Why would Abe send for me?'
"He stopped by recently. Wanted to know my thoughts on compensation."
"Well, I'm sure the General intends to provide you some form of compensation." She stammered. Finances weren't her forte. She knew how economics worked, but at the same time, it rarely made sense to her.
"No, even if he offers, I have already decided I will refuse to accept."
"Robert—"
"No, I'm serious. I didn't volunteer to help for money. If my pockets are to be emptied because of my contributions, then I am glad for it. I do not want recognition."
Molly felt a smirk tugging on her lips. Robert was a Quaker through and through.
"I agree." She admitted after a moment.
And she meant it. She had thought about that for a long time; practically since she first became a part of the ring. She never did this for money; she did it for Ben, for their future life in the colonies.
A beat.
"What are you doing back here anyway? What happened to your position at the Coffeehouse?"
He looked troubled, and it took him a long time before he finally responded.
"Did you know about Rivington?" he asked.
"Know what?"
Robert scoffed and looked away for a moment. She was taken aback by his reaction. Did she not know something?
"What happened to Rivington?"
"Nothing's happened to him, I…" he stopped himself. "When I snuck down to the cellar, to make up all those false naval charts, Rivington caught me."
"Oh, my God. And you…?"
She didn't want to say it, but he understood what she meant. She meant to ask if Robert had killed the man.
"Oh, thank God no." Robert chuckled, glad it hadn't come to that. "No, he realized what I was doing. And that's when he told me he knew what I had been doing for the past years…" he paused. "Yes, he knew about you too."
She blinked in surprise, not quite comprehending. Rivington had known about them all along? That they were spies.
"But you got away?"
"He let me go."
"Rivington?" she scoffed, "James Rivington, one of New York's most prominent loyalists let you go?"
He nodded.
"You saw the paper, didn't you? He even published the false charts. Didn't alert anyone."
"Why would he do that?"
Robert shrugged, "He didn't say specifics, all he said was to finish my work and to leave the city at first light."
Molly began chewing on her lip. If Rivington willingly published those charts, then he knew what the consequences could be. She knew for a fact that, if Anna and Mary had noticed the discrepancy in the charts, that meant that the British high command had noticed it as well. News of the false charts would be traced back to Rivington's. If he let Robert go, then Rivington would be blamed for the error. Rivington would be accused of sabotage rather than Robert.
"Why do you think he did it?" she finally asked.
"Well, all I know it that the two of us were not the only people in the city passing ourselves off as loyalists."
She didn't know what to say. She had always found herself surprised throughout the duration of the war. If Rivington had been a secret Patriot all along, then that meant he had been using his influence to protect Robert and Molly for most of the time he knew them.
"I apologize. Come inside."
Molly smirked, "Oh, I assumed I wasn't allowed inside? After what happened last time."
He scoffed in amusement, "My father may have his own objections, but please, this time you actually will be visiting as my guest."
He offered her his arm, and she gladly accepted it. And they began to walk towards the main house, glad they could be reacquainted once more.
Molly and Robert wrote to one another weekly. She told him about this dinner, but he declined the invitation. He preferred that his involvement to become a story lost to time.
Anna continued, "Abigail and Cicero."
As far as she knew, none of them had received word from Abigail or Cicero in years. She assumed they had fled to Canada.
"And Akinbode." Molly added.
A part of her still felt regretful for how they ended their last encounter. She owed her life to Akinbode. But she had never gotten a chance to repay him; she didn't see him again after that day at the millhouse. She hoped he had managed to find Abigail in the city, and that he had fled with them to Canada.
"Aye."
"Aye."
"Hear, hear."
Ben spoke up then.
"And Nathaniel Sackett."
"Aye."
"Hear, hear."
Anna said one final name.
"And Judge Woodhull."
They all glanced at Abe, and they could tell he was grateful they had included his father in their toasts. Although the man was not fond of most of them seated there; he had been willing to risk his life to save Caleb. And they would never forget that.
"They gave us their service selflessly." Washington agreed.
"You know," Abe added, "none of us did this for the money. But my farm has suffered for my absence and I'm afraid I don't qualify for veteran's pay, so…"
"I have recently appealed to our Congress to establish a credible fund to pay for secret services."
"With all due respect, I can't wait for Congress. I have to plant now! Or I lose the season."
A beat.
"May I have a word in private with Mr. Woodhull?"
"Certainly, sir."
The rest of them joined Selah in the adjoining room. They split off into small group, talking quietly amongst themselves. Selah and Anna began to ask Caleb about his engagement. Ben and Molly went to where Nathan was sleeping in his makeshift crib. He was sound asleep, so they didn't disturb him.
"It's so foolish." Molly was slurring slightly. She was tipsy from all the ale. "That for all that we did during the war, and now we have to struggle because of it. Your father, both of us, we had nothing because of the war."
He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer. She could feel his lips on the top of her head.
"You know, I was talking with Selah earlier. He said he's not the only representative whose term is ending."
"Aye, and then there will be new men; younger men. There are already plenty of members who didn't serve in the war. And now they'll be left to make all our decisions for us."
A beat.
"Selah suggested I should run."
"You? A Congressman?"
She looked up at him, and she knew he was serious. And suddenly she forgot all her anger; she always did when she was with him. She moved her hand to the back of his neck and pulled him down so that their lips met in a kiss. And while they did so, her thoughts were filled with the fact that they were home again, this time finally married and they had a child, and the war was over, and neither of them had any idea what the future would bring.
Author's Note: The sea shanty Molly and Caleb sing is the same one Caleb sings in 4x02 right before he's captured.
Rivington was actually a member of the Culper Ring. His name is even directly referenced in the Codebook. I have no idea why the show's creator's omitted/altered this fact.
Historically, Ben's military career was from 1776 to 1783. When the army disbanded, he was actually given the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (for higher veteran benefits). After that, he returned to his home in Connecticut (where he was teaching before the war). In the 1790s, he was working as a postmaster. From 1801 to 1817, he was involved in politics, and during this time he became a member of Congress. In the 1810s to 1820s, he became involved in a couple organizations to support Revolutionary War veterans. He apparently became a sort of businessman in his later life. He died a few weeks after his 81st birthday in 1835.
The historical Mary Floyd Tallmadge could not be more different than Molly. Historically, her father was an officer in the Continental Army - that was how/why she and Ben originally met. Mary and Ben were married in 1784. They had 7 kids. (None of their kids were named Nathan.) She published a recipe book at the turn of the century, and you can still find some of her recipes online. She died in 1805. Ben did remarry - to Maria Hallett.
As we all know, historians still don't know who Agent 355 was. There are a lot of theories. Some believe it was Anna Strong – who was Abraham's neighbor. She did supposedly signal for Caleb using black petticoats; she would also travel with Abe into the city and pose as his wife from time to time. Others believe 355 was a wealthy woman living in York City during the war. Possibly the daughter of a loyalist family. She would've been invited to officers' parties/other events and had more chances to eavesdrop on the British high command. A woman like this may have befriended Robert Townsend and would pass along information to him. 355 may have been one/some of Abe or Robert's sisters. Abe excuse for visiting the city so often was so that he could visit his sister's family. The same applies to Robert; he had sisters living on Long Island and in York City. Or 355 might've been a string of multiple women who included random tips to Abe or Robert throughout the duration of the war. There's even one conspiracy theory that Peggy Shippen may have been 355. But this is one of the weakest theories. But historians just don't know.
Lastly, there is one final saucy scene in "Things We Lost in the Fire". I hope you enjoy :)
