Mulligan eventually became an agent of the Culper Ring and was responsible for a number of intelligence reports. Mulligan had previously been arrested for agitating anti-British sentiment, and Arnold had him arrested for having questionable American contacts. Although he was released after no evidence showed him to be a spy, his short captivity further convinced Townsend of the dangers he faced. This event led Tallmadge to direct Culper Ring activities more towards tactical intelligence for Tallmadge's dragoons rather than undercover operations in New York. As the end of the war drew near, and American forces focused on Yorktown and Lord Charles Cornwallis, the Culper Ring became less significant for Washington. However, even after the British Parliament overruled King George III and ordered a cessation of arms, Washington remained skeptical of British intentions. Reports suggested that British forces in New York still continued to fortify their lines. Nevertheless, Culper activity was limited and ended for a short time. However, when a British delegate reached Paris in 1782 to discuss peace negotiations, Washington reactivated the Ring. Upon this request to reactivate, Townsend wrote what is likely his last report on September 19, 1782: The last packet ... has indeed brought the clearest and unequivocal Proofs that the independence of America is unconditionally to be acknowledged, nor will there be any conditions insisted on for those who have joined the King's Standard...Sir Guy himself says that he thinks it not improbable that the next Packet may bring orders for an evacuation of N. York. A fleet is getting ready to sail for the Bay of Fundy about the first of October to transport a large number of Refugees to that Quarter. ... Indeed, I never saw such general distress and dissatisfaction in my life as is painted in the countenance of every Tory at N.Y. After the war, Townsend ended his business connections in New York and moved back to Oyster Bay. He never married, sharing his family's home and growing old with his sister Sally. Townsend likely had a son named Robert Townsend, Jr., and it is unclear who the child's mother was. One possibility is Townsend's housekeeper Mary Banvard, to whom Robert Sr. left $500 in his will. Another possibility is that the mother was a Culper Ring member known today only as Agent 355, but this is unlikely. Indeed, there is some question as to whether Robert, Jr. was Townsend's son at all. Solomon Townsend once claimed that Townsend's brother William was actually the father. Townsend died on March 7, 1838 at age 84, and he took his "Culper" identity to the grave.