Raynham Hall Museum has several stories to tell. It was the home of a distinguished Oyster Bay family during the Colonial and Victorian times; it was home to their black slaves; it tells the story of a rich ship-owning family who lost their money during the Civil War because of the halt of trade to the West Indies of rum and sugar; it is the home of the woman after whom Audrey Avenue (the major commercial street in the hamlet) was named; it was the home of immigrant servants; they were the family who helped bring the Long Island Rail Road to Oyster Bay; Robert Townsend who founded the Oyster Bay Enterprise Pilot in 1885, was a descendent of Samuel and Sarah Stoddard Townsend the founding family. They bought the house with many stories to tell - in 1740 and were instrumental in winning the war against the British as Robert Townsend, known as Culper Jr., was a spy in General George Washington's Long Island spy ring.

The story of the spy ring has taken the forefront, as a letter from General Washington has been found and will be exhibited at Raynham Hall Museum in the future.

The Friends of Raynham Hall hosted a museum tour and luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 16 as a result of the letter. Guests included State Assemblyman Steven Englebright (D-Setauket), E. Christian Filstrup, dean and director of libraries at SUNY Stony Brook, and Kristen Nyitray, head of special collections and university archives at SUNY Stony Brook. Discussion during the luncheon focused on an 18th-century letter recently purchased from Christie's by SUNY Stony Brook. The letter, which was penned by General George Washington in 1779, addresses members of the Culper Spy Ring who operated out of Setauket and what is now Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay. Stony Brook University, the owner of the letter, will work with both the Three Village Historical Society and Raynham Hall Museum in developing meaningful programs and exhibits that will bring the letter to life.

Funds for purchase of the letter came from New York State Assemblyman Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) and a generous donation from Henry and Marsha Laufer of Setauket, NY.

The following is a transcription of letter written by George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, regarding Culper, Jr. letter offered at auction at Christie's, NY on Nov. 15, 2005. Transcribed by Bill Bleyer, Newsday reporter:

Head Quarters Westpoint

24th Sept. 1779.

Sir,

I this morning received your letter of the 22nd with its several enclosures.

It is not my opinion that Culper Junior should be advised to give up his present employment. I would imagine that with a little industry he will be able to carry on his intelligence with greater security to himself, and greater advantages to us - under cover of his usual business, than if he were to dedicate himself his usual business, than if he were to dedicate himself wholly to the giving of information. It may afford him opportunities of collecting intelligence, that he could not derive so well in any other manner. It prevents also those suspicions which would become natural should he throw himself out of line of his present employment. - He may rest assured of every proper attention being paid to his services.

One thing appears to me deserving of his particular consideration, as it will not only render his communications less exposed to detection, but relieve the fears of such persons as may be entrusted with its conveyance to the second link in the chain - and of course very much facilitate the object we now have in view. - I mean that he should occasionally write his information on the blank leaves of a pamphlet - on the first second &c. pages of a common pocket book - on the blank leaves at each end of registers for the year - almanacks, or any new publication - or book of small value. He should be determined in the choice of these books, principally by the goodness of the blank paper as the ink is not easily legible unless it is on paper of good quality. Having settle a plan of this kind with his friend, he may forward them without risque of search, or the scrutiny of the enemy - as this is chiefly directed against paper made up in the form of letters.

I would add a further hint on this subject. Even letters may be made more subservient to his communications, than have been yet practiced. He may write a familiar letter on domestic affairs, or on some little matters of business to his friend at Satuket or elsewhere, interlining with the stain his secret intelligence, or writing it on the opposite blank side of the letter. - But that his friend may know how to distinguish these from letters addressed solely to himself - he may always leave such as contain secret information without a date or place (dating it with the stain); or fold them up in a particular manner, which may be concerted between the parties. This last appears to be the best mark of the two, and may be the signal for their being designed for me.

The first mentioned mode however, or that of the books, appears to me the one least liable to detection.

I am Sir

Your most obedient

and humble servt.

[signed] Go. Washington

Major Tallmadge

(Editor's Note: The letter, according to Richard Ryan, Townsend Society of America director, was dictated by General George Washington to Major Tallmadge as was the custom at that time.)