Colonel William Bradford (died 1778) was a Continental Army officer.
Biography[]
Season 2[]
In the Continental Army camp at Morristown, Major Bradford reads “The Thoughts of a Free Man” aloud to some of his fellow soldiers. Ben accuses him of treason and starts a brawl. When Bradford’s fellow officers overwhelm Ben, Caleb jumps in to help. Ben thanks Caleb, and admits Caleb was right about the danger of signaling Abe.[1]
In Washington’s tent at Valley Forge, Major Bradford, General Charles Lee’s aide, briefs Washington on a plan to attack the British as they retreat to New York. Washington asks Lee if he endorses the plan, given that he usually acts with caution. Lee admits that he has learned from Washington’s bold field tactics, and apologizes for ever doubting Washington’s leadership. Afterwards, Ben tells Bradford he wants to offer up his dragoons to General Lee and apologizes for their past disagreements. Bradford accepts Ben’s offer, but reminds Ben that he will answer directly to him.[2]
Lee commands his men to attack the British as they cross New Jersey, assuring his men that they’ll outnumber the Redcoats 6,000 to 1,500. When Ben asks how Lee came to know the British troop numbers, Lee attributes it to his scouts, then assigns Ben to lead the charge. At Kerr’s Farm, Ben leads his dragoons into battle, only to realize that Lee has led them into a trap. Caleb arrives news for Ben. As the Rebels get pummeled by British fire, Bradford orders his men to fall back. Ben yells at Lee for pulling back instead of holding the line as Washington expected. Lee orders Ben to move out of the way or be hanged for desertion. Ben and Bradford draw their swords on each other. To their surprise, Washington arrives with reinforcements and demands to know why Lee is retreating. He orders Lee to the rear, then barks out orders to attack the enemy.
That night, as the army celebrates their victory, a drunken Bradford notices Ben and follows him, taunting him and trying to goad him into a fight, but Caleb knocks him unconscious, and they move his body to a cabin. At Washington’s tent, Ben informs him that they uncovered a conspiracy plot against Washington that includes Bradford. Ben asks Washington’s guard, Hickey, to bring Bradford to the tent. Hickey goes to the holding cell and readies his knife to kill Bradford, stating that they’ll both be discovered. Caleb emerges from the shadows and catches Hickey red-handed. Ben and Washington decide to hang Bradford and Hickey for counterfeiting, so no one will know how close they came to bringing down the revolution.[3]
Season 3[]
The night before the execution, Ben and Caleb interrogate Bradford and Thomas Hickey about receiving money from Mr. Matthews and Governor Tryon. Ben asks who else in the camp is being paid off by the British and says that in exchange for information, the men will hang for counterfeiting instead. "I wish to be hanged for treason," Hickey says. "To mutiny against you traitors is an act of honor." Bradford suggests Ben trade them for Culper instead. General Washington offers to free the first man who discloses the "true name of our agent Culper." When Hickey and Bradford fall silent, General Washington realizes they don't know that Culper is an alias.
The next day, the hanging is held in the camp in Valley Forge. Bradford and Hickey are escorted to the hangman’s noose. The Provost Marshal announces Bradford and Hickey's charges as counterfeiting, but Hickey interjects. "My aim was to kill Washington!" he starts. The hooded executioner quickly shoves both men off the platform, decapitating Hickey and revealing Caleb as the executioner in the process.[4]
Behind the Scenes[]
William Bradford was portrayed by Mitch Eakins in Seasons 2 and 3 of Turn: Washington's Spies.
Appearances[]
Turn: Washington's Spies - "Thoughts of a Free Man" (first appearance)- Turn: Washington's Spies - "The Prodigal"
- Turn: Washington's Spies - "Gunpowder, Treason, and Plot"
Turn: Washington's Spies - "Valediction"- Turn: Washington's Spies - "Cold Murdering Bastards" (mentioned only)