Concealing
In order to transport information from one source to another, American spies developed many different techniques of how to conceal sensitive information and letters while traveling. These techniques included hiding them within hollowed out quills, boots, hollowed out musket bullets, and within sewn buttons (1). These techniques, however, were used by both British and Americans. British riders were frequently stopped by American soldiers and citizens and inspected for British letters or American information (2). Many of the confiscated letters were collected by citizens (3).
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Concealed Letter to General Clinton (4)
Quill Letter
This letter was a letter to General Clinton from an unknown source. This letter was cut into two thin strips in order to fit in a hollowed out quill. This technique made disposing of the letter easy if necessary. Although a British correspondence, American spies used the similar techniques to conceal and transport information (5).
1. Clements Library, "Secret Methods and Techniques," Spy Letters of the American Revolution (Accessed February 8, 2016) http://clements.umich.edu/.
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. William Howe, William Howe to John Burgoyne, "Quill Letter," July 17, 1777. Spy Letters of the American Revolutionary War, Clements Library.
5. Clements Library. "Secret Methods and Techniques."
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. William Howe, William Howe to John Burgoyne, "Quill Letter," July 17, 1777. Spy Letters of the American Revolutionary War, Clements Library.
5. Clements Library. "Secret Methods and Techniques."