Turpin Hero
performed by Jake Bugg

In autumn 1776, in Setauket, New York, Abe Woodhull tells his wife, Mary, the war will end by Christmas. After a battle in New Jersey, Ben Tallmadge escapes in Queen's Rangers attire but not before being shot by Robert Rogers. Ben goes to meet General Charles Scott to insist his men were ambushed, as the enemy knew they were coming. Ben suggests a spy should be hired, but the general declines. At a tavern, Abe defends the proprietors in a fight instigated by British Captain Joyce. British Major Hewlett orders Joyce back to England to be court martialled and cashiered, and releases Abe into the care of his father, Judge Richard Woodhull. Richard warns his son to stay away from people who chose "the wrong side". In Brooklyn Harbor, Rogers is paid as a mercenary. Major John Andre asks him to ambush a rebel safe house in Connecticut. Rogers refuses when Andre balks on doubling his price. The next day, Joyce is found dead just outside Abe's farm. The new British captain, John Graves Simcoe, launches an investigation into the murder; the tavern owner and Abe are prime suspects. Abe meets his old friend Caleb Brewster, who tries to recruit him into a spy ring. Abe initially refuses but does not report his friends to the authorities. Abe is intercepted when headed home across the water and is accused of smuggling, and perhaps spying. When Abe returns to town, he is arrested and questioned by Hewlett and Judge Woodhull. Abe claims a group of rebels attacked him, and he gives a list of false names from neighboring Hempstead. Several days later, Abe's father visits Abe to tell him no men by those names exist. Abe has lied to his father, who because of it says he will no longer protect Abe.