Q&A with Peggy Wirgau

 

 

 

Peggy Wirgau is the author of the new novel To Outwit Them All. She also has written the novel The Stars in April. She lives in Colorado. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write To Outwit Them All, and how was the book’s title chosen?

 

A: The idea for the novel began when I saw a list of important women in American history. One name stood out, or rather, a number—355. She was the only female member of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution, and her name remains unknown to this day.

 

The story shows how ordinary citizens believed so strongly in freedom during the Revolution that they were willing to risk everything to obtain it. And now, thanks to them and countless others, we will celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026.

 

The title came from an actual letter written in 1778. In the summer of that year, a coded letter was sent to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, George Washington’s Director of Intelligence and founder of the Culper Ring. It was written by Abraham Woodhull, aka Culper Senior.

 

In the letter, Woodhull stated, “I intend to visit (New York) before long and think by the assistance of a (lady) of my acquaintance, shall be able to outwit them all.” The lady Woodhull referred to is believed to be the Ring member known as 355.

 

Q: How did you research the book, and did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: I began by studying all I could find about the Culper Ring. In addition to resources such as Washington’s Spies by Alexander Rose and George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring by Bill Bleyer, I poured over obscure articles in the New York Public Library’s historical collection and peppered historians in New York and Long Island with questions.

 

In the process, one book I discovered was George Washington’s Secret Six by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger, which lists several possible candidates for 355, why each might have fit the bill, and also why not. One was Betty Floyd, cousin to Culper Junior/Robert Townsend and the niece of William Floyd, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

 

This was the biggest surprise for me. Although there are few concrete facts about her, what we do know led me to consider the possibility of her involvement with the Culper Ring. She became the main character in the book, and the story is told through her eyes.

 

Q: What did you see as the right balance between fiction and history as you wrote the book?

 

A: As an author of historical fiction, I wanted to write a suspenseful and engaging story while weaving in as much truth as possible. I needed to show what the Culper Ring’s mission was, how they operated, and their contributions to the Patriot cause during the Revolution.

 

In addition, I wanted to shine a light on Betty Floyd, a plausible way she could have become a Culper Ring spy, and how she might have gained the trust of British officers occupying New York.

 

She needed to have certain strengths and the right sort of personality that made her role as a spy somewhat perfect for her. However, I also imagined her as a young woman with mixed emotions, faults, and self-doubt.

 

To add to the authenticity, I included individuals who actually were a main part of the Ring or ancillary members, as well as real New York Loyalists and military leaders, such as British General Henry Clinton, and Director of Intelligence Major John André.

 

What took place between André and U.S. General Benedict Arnold is important to the story as well as to history, and Betty describes it as she may have experienced it.

 

Some of what happens to Betty then is based on truth, although there are gaps in the historical record. Those cracks between what we know and don’t know allowed the story to develop. As I wrote, I kept asking—What if?

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?

 

A: To Outwit Them All is a story of courage, patriotism, and forgiveness. It’s also timely, coinciding with America’s 250th birthday next year, as we look back on the people and events that led our nation to independence.

 

I would love readers to get a sense of the Culper Ring’s role in the Revolution, especially that of a brave, unknown woman who risked everything to become a Culper spy.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: My heart is drawn to unsung women in history. I’m doing more research into American Revolutionary women for the next novel, but I haven’t nailed down a definite idea yet.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I love hearing from readers! You can find me at www.peggywirgau.com. And please look for To Outwit Them All at your favorite independent bookstore or www.bookshop.org and leave a review. Thank you!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb