The Long Island-born, Yale-educated Benjamin Tallmadge seized his moment to shine in the American Revolution. Whether fighting the British on horseback with the 2nd Continental Dragoons or uncovering their secrets through his agents in the Culper Spy Ring, Tallmadge kept up a hectic pace. You can also throw in maritime battles on the Long Island Sound and daring raids behind enemy lines.

Historian Richard Welch documented Tallmadge’s eventful life in his 2014 book General Washington’s Commando: Benjamin Tallmadge in the Revolutionary War. On today’s episode he explains the significance of this important figure in Long Island and American history. He also helps illustrate the nature of British activity in the New York region, the documentary trail he followed, and what questions were left unanswered.

Further Research

• General Washington’s Commando: Benjamin Tallmadge in the Revolutionary War by Richard Welch (find in a library via WorldCat)
• Memoir of Col. Benjamin Tallmadge (Google Books)
• The Battle of Brooklyn/Long Island (American Battlefield Trust)
• The Death of John André (William Clements library)
• Audio Footnotes
  • All episodes on the American Revolution