Washington spymaster

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Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Sign up. Sign up to receive the First Reading newsletter, your guide to the world of Canadian politics. Though not formally educated, Washington learned mathematics and writing throughout his childhood and young adulthood. In , at the age of twenty, Washington obtained an appointment of Major in the Virginia militia.

Though Washington rose to the rank of colonel during the early years of the French and Indian War, a key military defeat along with a series of power struggles within the colonial army led to Washington's resignation. Having learned a great deal from these struggles, Washington joined the staff of British General Edward Braddock as an aide. Over the next few years, Washington redeemed himself in the eyes of the military elite owing to a series of tactical successes. In order to win, he needed to out-maneuver and out-smart the enemy.

Washington recognized the need for an organized approach to espionage. He knew that spying was a field that was fraught with risk. With his forces small in numbers, Washington knew that a larger population of civilians could be called upon to help fight the war. These observations and realities sparked the formation of the Culper Spy Ring, which included a mix of military officials and civilians.

As the war waged on, the Culper Ring emerged as one of the most successful and best-known operations of the era. The members of the ring performed a complicated, clandestine ballet. A message might then be communicated by Anna Strong, who would hang clothes on her clothesline in a specific manner to indicate that intelligence had been gathered.

The actions of the ring helped to seal the fate of the British. With this advance warning, Washington was able to prepare his defense, forcing the British to change their plans and cancel the surprise attacks. The ring also worked deftly to capture a British spy, Major John Andre, who was caught colluding with Benedict Arnold.

Under resolutions passed by Congress, military intelligence operations branched out in several directions. Small, nimble networks evolved, providing Washington with vital information and intriguing methods of communication. The General deployed his own agents, such as Hercules Mulligan, a tailor, who could easily conceal and deliver messages through his business.