Spymaster-in-Chief: George Washington’s Wartime Espionage

On Display 12/2/2025 – 1/7/2026

During the Revolutionary War, a large network of colonial spies worked in secret to disrupt British forces. When George Washington took command of the Continental Army in July 1775, he strengthened intelligence efforts by planting false information and writing coded letters to gain an edge over the larger and more experienced British Army. Washington’s account book of wartime spending reveals information about these secret operations.

On July 15, 1775, just weeks into his role as commander in chief, George Washington made his first secret service payment to a spy in Boston for information on the British stationed in the city. His decision to hide the informant’s name shows the high risk involved.

To 333 1/3 Dollars given to ______* to induce him to go into the Town of Boston; to establish a secret Correspondence for the purpose of conveying intelligence of the Enemy’s movements & designs . . . . . 100

*The names of Persons who are employed within the Enemy Lines, or who may fall within their power cannot be inserted

George Washington’s Revolutionary War Account Book, 1775-1783. National Archives, General Records of the Department of the Treasury

View in the National Archives Catalog

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