America’s First Spy!

America’s First Spy!

America's First Spy!

Must SeeTop 10 Florida Condos For Sale

American Revolutionary War hero Enoch Crosby was a shoemaker who infiltrated the Redcoats in 1776 as a spy gathering intelligence. Acting as a loyalist, he was welcomed into the British encampments where he learned their plans and promptly delivered the information back to General Washington’s friend, John Jay. In a mock trial he was found guilty of being a British Spy and imprisoned. However, on either Washington’s or Jay’s orders, he was allowed to escape. Prison guards were instructed to shoot high or wide to give the impression they were trying to gun him down. Four of these fake capture and escape events are documented. The "guilty" verdict estranged Crosby from family, friends and neighbors, but this strong patriot continued to serve his country as America’s first spy.

Author James Fenimore Cooper had heard about a spy from his friend John Jay, though Jay never mentioned Crosby’s name in fear of eventual retaliation. It has always been believed that Cooper’s novel The Spy was based on Crosby in the character Harvey Birch.

After years of intelligence gathering, Crosby retired and, with his brother, purchased a farm in Brewster, New York, where he lived out his remaining fifty years. His only request of the government was that on his death, his name be cleared to restore his reputation and prove his patriotic acts during the war.

Built in 1789, Enoch Crosby’s 4,200 square foot house sits on 4 acres of the original farm in Brewster. It contains 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 fireplaces with a new kitchen in the main house. The property also has a 2 bedroom, 2 bath guest house, a 55’ heated pool with spa and a cabana with full bath. Other buildings consist of multiple barns, a greenhouse and workshop with studio above.

The colonial home of Enoch Crosby, considered the first U.S. secret agent, is for sale at $1.4 million.

Source: www.elliman.com