2 Replies Latest reply on Feb 8, 2016 2:53 PM by Alan Walker

Spies and deserter lists in the Revolutionary War

pfschatz Jan 23, 2016 10:09 AM

George Washington had a network of spies during the Revolutionary War. The names of some of the spies were listed as deserters as a means of providing cover. According to some sources, at the end of the war, Washington had their names removed from the deserter lists. This enabled the men to receive benefits (i.e., pensions, land bounties) for their service. Is there any documentation that verifies this action by Washington?

Re: Spies and deserter lists in the Revolutionary War

Alan Walker Feb 8, 2016 12:58 PM (in response to pfschatz)

Hi Paul,

We apologize for the delay in responding.

Record Group 93 (War Department Collection of Revolutionary War Records) is where
you want to check first.
Here is the listing of its records: War Department Collection of Revolutionary War Records

These records are housed at the National Archives Building (Archives I) in Washington, DC.
Contact Archives1reference@nara.gov for help in accessing the records.

Here are some other resources for your research; Military Resources: American Revolution
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- Re: Spies and deserter lists in the Revolutionary War
  
  Alan Walker Feb 8, 2016 2:53 PM (in response to Alan Walker)
  
  Here is a page from our partner site, Fold3: Revolutionary War Service Records Fold3: Military Records http://www.archives.gov/research/military/american-revolution/
  
  A reference report for records about prisoners during the Revolutionary War:
  http://www.archives.gov/research/military/american-revolution/prisoners-1776-1783.pdf
  
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