John Honeyman Washington's Spy

As publicity chair for my Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, I thought it would be nice to post tidbits on our chapter's Patriots on our Facebook page. In the case of John Honeyman, I found intrigue and controversy.

Born in Ireland of Scottish descent,  he came to the colonies as a British soldier to fight in the French and Indian War.  After the war ended, John settled in Philadelphia, married and engaged in trade as a butcher and weaver. It was during his time in Philadelphia that John began his assoication with George Washington.  They met whilst Washington attended meetings at the Continental Congress in 1774; where the General accepted the services of the former soldier. John Honeyman became one of General Washington's spies.  At a subsequent meeting in November 1776 in Fort Lee, General Washington asked Honeyman to pose as a Tory sympathizer and to spy on the British. In particular to establish relationships with the British military in Trenton. To that end, General Washington neatly arranged for Honeyman to be outted as a Tory sympathizer at the family's home in Griggstown.  

Forced to flee to the “safety” of British controlled Trenton, John made connections with the British military as a trader, peddling his meats and textiles. Such trading with the officer core made it possible for John to gather the requested intelligence. Prior to Christmas 1776, Honeyman was “captured” by the Continental Army and brought before General Washington.  Honeyman was able to provide his commander detailed information on the Hessian troops, their commanding officer, and maps of enemy locations. After the debrief, Honeyman was put into jail where he “escaped” and made his way back across the Delaware.

Washington Crossing the Delaware

Upon his return to Trenton, Honeyman told the Hessian commander of his capture and the disarray of the Continental troops, dis-information Washington hoped would lull the enemy into relaxing their defenses for the holiday. The ploy worked; Washington crossed the Delaware on Christmas night and the British handed defeat at the Battleof Trenton.

There are books, videos and even a play chronicling John Honeyman’s contribution to the Patriots victory. Even so, in today’s revisionist history, his accomplishments have come under attack. I found a wonderful piece on the CIA website in defense of John Honeyman and George Washington. Next time I’m in the Princeton area, I’ll have to pass by the Honeyman house to pay my respects. And that play looks like an interesting program for a chapter event…