Benjamin F. Thompson to Henry Packer Dering, 1809

Abstract

Benjamin F. Thompson, the historian and author, replies to Sag Harbor customs collector Henry Packer Dering's letter. Thompson discusses current politics, Judge Woodhull and Judge Strong, along with church politics, with a particular focus on the role of ministers in the community and the difficulties of changing ministers. Most likely, Judge Woodhull refers to Abraham Woodhull of Setauket, who was Suffolk County Justice from 1799-1810, although he is better known as the Revolutionary War spy "Samuel Culper Senior." It is also likely that the "Judge Strong" refers to Selah Strong, the husband of Culper Spy Ring contributor Anna Smith Strong.