MEMOIRS LIFE. ADVENTURES, AND MILITARY EXPLOITS ISMEL PUTIAM, SENIOR MAJOR-GENERAL IN THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES, AND NEXT IN RANK TO GENERAL WASHINGTlWr^r--^ ITHACA, N. Y.: MACK, ANDRUS & COMPANY. 18 4 5. THE LIFE mmUi ISIilEL PIfTMl. Israel Putnam, who, through a regu- \T gradation of promotion, became the snior Major General in the army of the Jnited States, and next in rank to General Vashington, was born at Salem, in the Pro- ince, now State of Massachusetts, on the 7th of January, 1718. His father, Capt. Jos ih Putnam, was the son of Mr. John Pu', am, who, with two brothers, came from thi^ outh of England, and were among the first settlers of Salem. When we thus behold a person, from the humble walks of life, starting unnoticed in the career of fame, and, by an undeviating progress through a life of honor, arriving at the highest dignity in the state ; curiosity is .strongly excited, and philosophy loves to 4 LIFE OF PUTNAM. trace the path of glory from the craxile of obscurity to the summit of elevation. Although our ancestors, the first settlers of this land, amidst the extreme pressure of poverty and danger, early instituted schools for the education of youth, destined for the learned professions; yet it was thought suf- ficient to instruct those destined to labor on the earth, in reading, writing, and such ru- diments of arithmetic as might be requisite for keeping the accounts of their little trans- actions with each other. Few farmers' sons had more advantages, none less. In this state of mediocrity it was young Put- nam's lot to be placed. His early instruct tion was not considerable, and the active scenes of life in which he was afterwards engaged, prevented the opportunity of great hterary improvement. His numerous ori- ginal letters, though deficient in schoolastic accuracy, always display the goodness of his heart, and frequently the strength of his native genius. He had a certain h>--nic mode of expression, and an unaffect*. :\ pi- grammatic turn, which characterized most of his writings. To compensate partially for the deficien- cy of education, (though nothing can re- move or counterbalance the inconvenien- cies experienced from it in public life,) he derived from his parents the source of innu- LIFE OF PUTNAM. i> nierable advantages in the stamina of a vigorous constitution. Nature, liberal in bestowing on him bodily strength, hardi- ness, and'activity, was by no means parsi- monious in mental endowments. While we leave the qualities of the understanding to be developed in the process of life, it may not be improper, in this place, to des- ignate some of the circumstances which were calculated to distinguish him after- wards as a partisan officer. His disposition was as frank and gener- ous as his mind was fearless and indepen- dent. He disguised nothing ; indeed, he seemed incapable of disguise. Perhaps, in the intercourse he was ultimately obliged to have with an artful w^orld, his sincerity, on some occasions, outwent his discretion. Although he had too much suavity in his nature to commence a quarrel, he had too much sensibility not to feel, and too much honor not to resent, an intended insult.^ — The first time he w^ent to Boston, he was insV/'^J for his rusticity by a bo}^ twice his siUrlind age ; after bearing the sarcasms until his patience was worn out, he chal- lenged, engaged, and vanquished his un- mannerly antagonist, to the great diversion of a crowd of spectators. While a strip- ling his ambition was to perform the labor of a man, and to excel in athletick diver- 1* 6 LIFE OP PUTNAM. sions. In that rude, but masculine age, whenever the village youth assembled on their usual occasions of festivity, pitching the bar, running, leaping and wrestling were favorite amusements. At such gym- nastic exercises (in which during the hero- ic times of ancient Greece and Rome, con- quest was considered as the promise of fu- ture military fame) he bore the palm from almost every ring. Before the refinements of luxury, and the consequent increase of expenses had rendered the maintenance of a family in- convenient or burdensome in America, the sexes entered into matrimony at an early age. Competence, attainable by all, was the limit of pursuit. After the hardships of making a new settlement were overcome, and the evils of penury removed, the inhab- itants enjoyed, in the lot of equality, inno- cence, and security, scenes equally delight- ful with those pictured by the glowing im- agination of the poets in their favorite pas- toral hfe, or fabulous golden age. Indeed, the condition of mankind was never more enviable. Neither disparity of age and for- tune, nor schemes of ambition and grand- eur, nor the pride and avarice of high-mind- ed and mercenary parents, interposed those obstacles to the union of congenial souls, which frequently in more polished sodety LIFE OF PUTNAM. 7 prevent, imbitter or destroy all the felicity of the connubial state. Mr. Putnam, be- fore the twenty-first year of his age, tnar^ ried Miss Pope, daughter of Mr. John Pope of Salem, by whom he had ten childreti, seven of whom are still living. He lost the wife of his youth in 1764. Some time after, he married Mrs. Gardiner, widow of the late Mr. Gardiuer, of Gardiner's Isl- and, by whom he had no issue. She died in 1777. ]n the year 1739, he removed from Sa- lem to Pomfret, an inland fertile town in Connecticut, forty miles east of Hartford: having here purchased a considerable tract of land, he applied himself successfully to agriculture. The first years on a farm are not, how- ever, exempt from disasters and disappoint- ments, which can only be remedied by Stubborn and patient industry. Our farmer^ sufficiently Occupied in building a house and barn, felling woods, making fences, sowing grain, planting orchards, and ta* king care of his stock, had to encounter, in turn, the calamities occasioned by drought ^ in summer, blast in harvest, loss of cattle | in winter, and the desolation of his sheep- \ fold by wolves. In one night he had sev- enty fine sheep and goats killed, besides many lambs and kids wounded. This hdv- 8 LIFE OP PUTNAM. oc was committed by a she-wolf, which* with her annual whelps, liad for several years infested the vicinity. The young were commonly destroyed by the vigilance of the hunters, but the old one was too sa" gacious to come within reach of gun-shot : upon being closely pursued, she would gen- erally fly to the western woods, and return the next winter with another litter of whelps. This wolf, at length, became such an in^ tolerable nuisance, thai Mr. Putnam enter- ed into a combination with five of his neigh- bors to hunt alternately until they could destroy her. Two, by rotation, were to be constantly in pursuit. It was known, that, having lost the toes from one foot, by a steel trap, she made one track shorter than the other. By this vestige, the pursuers recog- nized, in a light snow, the route of this per- nicious animal. Having followed her to Connecticut river, and found she had re- turned back in a direct course towards Pomfret, they immediately returned, and by ten o'clock the next morning, the blood hounds had driven her into a den, about three miles distant from the house of Mr. Putnam. The people soon collected with dogs, guns, straw, fire and sulphur, to at- tack the common enemy. With this ap- paratus several unsuccessful efforts were LIFE OF PUTNAM. 9 made to force her from the den. The hounds came back badly wounded, and re- fused to return. The smoke of blazing straw had no effect. Nor did the fumes of burnt brimstone, with which the cavern was filled, compel her to quit the retire- ment. Wearied with such fruitless at- tempts, which had brought the time to ten o'clock at night, Mr. Putnam tried once more to make his dog enter, but in vain. — He proposed to his negro man to go down into the cavern and shoot the wolf : the ne- gro dechned the hazardous service. Then it was, that their master, angry at the dis- appointment, and declaring that he was ashamed to have a coward in his family, re- solved himself to destroy the ferocious beast, lest she should escape through some unknown fissure of the rock. His neigh- bors strongly remonstrated against the per- ilous enterprise : but he knowing that wild animals were intimidated by fire, and hav- ing provided several strips of birch bark, the only combustible material which he could obtain, that would afford light in this deep and darksome cave, prepared for his de^ scent. Having accordingly divested him- self of his coat and waistcoat, and having a long rope fastened round his legs, by which he might be pulled back at a concerted sig^ 10 LIFE OF PUTNAM. nal, he entered head foremost, with the blazing torch in his hand. The aperture of the den, on the east side of a very high ledge of rocks, is about two feet square ; from thence it descends ob- liquely fifteen feet, then running horizontal- ly about ten more, it ascends gradually six- teen feet towards its termination. The sides of this subterraneous cavity are com- posed of smooth and solid rocks, which seem to have been divided from each other by some former earthquake. The top and bottom are also of stone, and the entrance, in winter, being covered with ice, is ex- ceedingly shppery. It is in no place high enough for a man to raise himself upright : nor in any part more than three feet in width. Having groped his passage to the horizon- tal part of the den, the most terrifying dark- ness appeared in front of the dim circle of light afforded by his torch. It was silent as the house of death. None but monsters of the desert had ever before explored this solitary mansion of horror. He, cautious- ly proceeding onward, came to the ascent, w^hich he slowly mounted on his hands and knees, until he discovered the glaring eye- balls of the wolf, which was sitting at the extremity of the cavern. Startled at the sight of fire, she gnashed her teeth and LIFE OF PUTNAM. 11 gave a sullen growl. As soon as he had made the necessary discovery, he kicked the rope as a signal for pulling him out. The people at the mouth of the den, w^ho had listened with painful anxiety, hearing the growling of the wolf, and supposing their friend to be in the most iminent dan- ger, drew him forth with such celerity that his shirt was stripped over his head, and his skin severely lacerated. After he had adjusted his clothes and loaded his gun with nine buckshot, holding a torch in one hand and the musket in the other, he de- scended the second time. When he drew nearer than before, the wolf, assuming a still more fierce and terrible appearance, howling, rolling her eyes, snapping her teeth, and dropping her head between her legs, was evidently in the attitude and on the point of springing at him. At the crit- ical instant, he levelled and fired at her head. Stunned with the shock, and suffo- cated with the smoke, he immediately found himself drawn out of the cave. But having refreshed himself, and permitted the smoke to dissipate, he went down the third time. Once more he came witiiin sight of the wolf, which appearing very passive, he applied the torch to her nose ; and perceiv- ing her dead, he took hold of her ears, and then kicking the rope (still tied round his 13 LIFE OF PUTNAM. legs) the people above, with no small exul- tation, dragged them both out together. 1 have offered these facts in greater de- tail, because they contain a display of char- acter ; and because they have been erro- neously related in several European publi- cations, and very much mutilated in the history of Connecticut, a work as replete with falsehood as destitute of genius, lately printed in London. Prosperity, at length, began to attend the agricultural affairs of Mr. Putnam. He was acknowleded to be a skilful and inde- fatigable manager. His fields were mostly enclosed with stone walls. His crops com- monly succeeded, because the land was well tilled and manured. His pastures and meadows became luxuriant. His cattle were of the best breed and in good order. His garden and fruit trees prohfic With the avails of the surplusage of his produce, foreign articles were purchased. Within doors he found the compensation of his la- bors in the plenty of excellent provisions, as well as in the happiness of domestic so- ciety. A more particular description of his tran- sition from narrow to easy circumstances might be given ; but the mind that shall have acquired an idea of the habits of la- bor and simplicity, to which the industrious LIFE OF PUTNAM. 13 colonists were accustomed, will readily supply the omission. But the time had now arrived, which was to turn the instruments of husbandry into weapons of hostility, and to exchange the hunting of wolves, who had ravaged the sheepfolds, for the pursuit after savages who had desolated the frontiers. Mr. Put- nam was about thirty-seven years old when the war between England and France, which preceded the last, broke out in A- merica. His reputation must have been favorably known to the government, since among the first troops that were levied by Connecticut, in 1775, he was appointed to the command of a company in Lyman's regiment of Provincials. As he was extremely popular, he found no difficulty in enlisting his complement of recruits from the most hardy, enterprising, and respectable young men of his neighbor- hood. The regiment joined the army, at the opening of the campaign, not far dis- tant from Crown-Point. Soon after his ar- rival at camp, he became acquainted with the famous partisan Captain, afterwards Major Rogers ; with whom he was fre- quently associated in traversing the wilder- ness, reconnoitering the enemy's lines, gain- ing intelligence, and taking straggling pris- oners : as well as in beating up the quar- 2 14 LIFE OF PUTNAM. ters and surprising the advanced pickets of their army. For these operations a corps of rangers was formed from the irregulars. The first time Rogers and Putnam were detached with a party of these Hght troops, it was the fortune of the latter to preserve, with his own hand, the life of the former, and to cement their friendship with the blood of one of their enemies. The object of this expedition was to ob- tain an accurate knowledge of the position and state of the works at Crown Point. — ■ It was impracticable to approach v^ith thenr party near enough for this purpose, with- out being discovered. Alone, the underta- king was sufficiently hazardous on account of the swarms of hostile Indians, who in- fested the woods. Our two partisans, how- ever, left all their men at a convenient dis- tance, with strict orders to continue con- cealed until their return. Having thus cau- tiously taken their arrangements, they ad- vanced with the profoundest silence in the evening ; and lay, during the night, contig- uous to the fortress. Early in the morning they approached so close as to be able to give satisfactory information to the general who had sent them, on the several points to which their attention had been directed : but Capt. Rogers, being at a little distance from Capt. Putnam, fortuitously met ery nerve to reach them as soon as jDossi- ble, which they effected the same night. — TS'ext day, Vvhen they had returned as far as Sabbath-day-point, they discovered, on shore, the before-mentioned detachment of 300 men, who had passed them in the night, and who now, on perceiving our party, took to their boats with the greatest alacrity, and rowed O'it to give battle. — •■ They advanced in line^ maintaining a good mein, and feHcitating themselves upon the prospect of an easy conquest, from the great superiority of their numbers. Flush- ed with these expectations, they were per- mitted to come within pistol-shot before a gun was fired. At once, the wall-pieces and blunder-busses, which had been brought to rake them in the most vulnerable point, were discharged. As no such reception had been foreseen, the assailants were 20 LirE OP PUTNAM. • thrown into the utmost disorder. Their terror and confusion were greatly increased by a well-directed and most destructive fire of the small arms. The larger pieces • )eiiig re-loaded, without annoyance, coniinued, alternately with the musketry, to make dreadful havoc, until the rout was com- pleted, and the enemy driven back to Ti- conderoga. in this action, one of the bark canoes contained twenty Indians, of whom fifteen were killed. Great numbers from other boats, both of French and Indians, were seen to fiill overboard : but the ac- count of their total loss could never be as- certained. Rogers and Putnam had but one man killed and two slightly wounded. They now landed on the point, and having refreshed their men at leisure, returned in 'good order to the British camp. Soon after these rencounters, a singular kind of race was run by our nimble-footed Provincial and an active young Frencman. "The liberty of each was l)y turns at stake. General Webb, wanting a prisoner for the sake of intelligence, sent Captain Putnam with five men to procure one. The Gap- tain concealed himself near the road which leads from Ticonderoga to the Ovens. — His men seemed fond of showing them- selves, which unsoldierlike conduct he pro- iiibited with the severest reprehension.— LIFE OF PUTx\AM. 21 This rebuke they imputed to unnecessary fear. The observation is as true as vulgar, that persons distinguishable for temerity v^hen there is no apparent danger, are gen- erally poltroons whenever danger approach- es. They had not lain long in the high grass, before a Frenchman and an Indian pjissed — the Indian was considerably in ad- vance. As soon as the former had gone by, Putnam, relying on the fidelity of his men, sprang up, ran, and ordered them to follow. After running about thirty rods, he seized the Frenchman by the shoulders and forced him to surrender : but his pris- oner looking round, perceiving no other enemy, and knowing the Indian would be ready in a moment to assist him, began to make an obstinate resistance. Putnam, finding himself betrayed by his men into a perilous dilemma, let go his hold, stepped back and snasped his piece, which was lev- elled at the Frenchniairs breast. It missed fire. Upon this he thought it most prudent to retreat. The Frenchman, in turn, cha- sed him back to his men, who at last raised themselves from the grass ; which his pur- suer espying in good time for himself, made his escape. Putnam, mortified that these men had frustrated his success, dismissed them with disgrace ; and, not long after, accomplished his object. 22 LIFE OF PUTNAM. Nothing worthy of remark happened du- ring this campaign except the loss of Os- wego. That fort, which had been built by General Shirley to protect the peltry trade, cover the country on the Mohawk River, and facilitate an invasion of Canada by Frontenac and Niagara, fell into the hands of the enemy, with a garrison of sixteen hundred men, and one hundred pieces of cannon. The active services of Captain Putnam on every occasion attracted the admiration of the public, and induced the legislature of Connecticut to promote him to a majority in 1757. Lord Louden was then commander-in- chief of the British forces in America. — The expedition against Crown Point, which, from the commencement of hostili- ties, had been in contemplation, seemed to give place to a more important operation that was meditated against Louisburg — But the arrival of the Brest squadron at that place prevented the attempt : and the loss of Fort William Henry served to class this with the two former unsuccessful cam- paigns. It was rumored, and partially- credited at the time, that General Webb, who commanded in the northern depart- ment, had early intimation of the move^ LIFE OF PUTNAM. 23 ment of the French army, and might have effectually succored the garrison. A few days before the siege, Major Put- nam, with two hundred men, escorted General V\'ebb from Fort William Henry. The object was to examine the state of this fortification, which stood at the south- ern extremity of Lake George. Several abortive attempts having been made by Major Rogers and others in the night sea- son. Major Putnam proposed to go down the lake in open daylight, land at ISortb- west Bay, and tarry on shore until he could make satisfactory discovery of the enemy's actual situation at Ticonderoga and the adjacent posts. The plan (which he suggested) of landing with only five men, sending back the boats, to prevent de- tection, was deemed too hazardous by the general. At length, however, he was per- mitted to proceed with eighteen volunteers in three whale boats : but before he arrived at Northwest Bay he discovered a body of men on an island. Immediately upon this, he left two boats to fish at a distance, that they might not occasion an alarm, and re- turned himself with the information. The general, seeing him rowing back with great velocity in a single boat, concluded the oth- ers were captured, and sent a skiff with or- ders for him alone to come on shore. Af- 24 LIFE OF PUTNAM. ter advising the general of the circumstan- ces, he urged the expediency of returning to make further discoveries, and bring off the boats. Leave was reluctantly given. He found his people, and passing still on- ward, discoverd (by the aid of a good per- spective glass) a large army in motion. — By this time several of the advanced ca- noes had nearly surrounded him, but, by the swiftness of his whaleboats, he escaped through the midst of them. On his re- turn, he informed the general minutely of all he had seen, and intimated his conviction that the expedition must obviously be des- tined against Fort William Henry. That commander, strictly enjoining silence on the subject, directed him to put his men under an oath of secrecy, and to prepare without loss of time, to return to the head quarters of the army. Major Putnam ob- served "he hoped his excellency did not in- tend to neglect so fair an opportunity of giving battle, should the enemy presume to land." " What do you think* we should do here V' replied the general. According- ly, the next day he returned, and the day after Co!onel Monro was ordered from Fort Edward, with his regiment, to rein- force the garrison. That officer took with liim all his rich baggage and camp equip- age, notwithstanding Major Putnam's ad- LIFF/OF PUTNAM. 25 /ice to the contrary. The day following his arrival, the enemy landed and besieged the place. In the month of August, five hundred men were employed, under the orders of Majors Rogers and Putnam, to watch the motions of the enemy near Ticonderoga. At {South Bay they separated the party in- to two equal divisions, and Rogers took a position on Wood Creek, twelve miles distant from Putnam. Upon being, some time afterwards, discovered, they formed a re-union, and concerted measures for re- turning to Fort Edward. As soon as the heavy dew, which had fallen the preced- ing night, would permit, the detachment moved in one body, Putnam being in front, D'Ell in the centre, and Rogers in the rear. The impervious growth of shrubs and un- derbrush that had sprung up, where the land had been partially cleared some years before, occasioned this change in the order of march. At the moment of moving, the famous French partisan, Molang, who had been sent with five hundred men to inter- cept our party, was not more than one mile and a half distant from them. Hav- ing heard the firing, he hastened to lay an ambuscade precisely in that part of the wood most favorable to his project. Ma- jor JPutnam was just emerging from the 3 26 LIFE CF PUTNAM. thicket into the common forest, when the enemy rose, and with discordant yells and whoops, commenced an attack upon the right of his division. Surprised, but undis- mayed, Putnam halted, returned the fire, and passed the word for the other divisions to advance for his support. D'E-U came. — The action, though widely scattered, and principally fought between man and man, soon grew general and intensely warm. It would be as difficult as useless to describe this irregular and ferocious mode of fight- ing. Rogers came not up : but, as he de- clared afterwards, formed a circular file, between our party and Wood Creek, to prevent their being taken in rear, or enfila- ded. Successful as he commonly was, his conduct did not always pass w^ithout an unfavorable imputation. Notwithstanding it was a current saying in the camp, "that Rogers always sent^ but Putnam led his men to action ;" yet, in justice, it ought to be remarked here, that the latter has nev- er been known, in relating the story of this day's disaster, to affix any stigma up- on the conduct of the former. Major Putnam, perceiving it would be impracticable to cross the creek, deter- mined to maintain his ground. Inspired by his example, the officers and men be- haved with great bravery : sometimes they LIFE OF PUTNAM. 27 fought aggregately in open view, and some- times individually under cover ; taking aim from behind the bodies of trees, and acting in a manner independent of each other. — For himself, having discharged his fusee several times, at length it missed fire, while the muzzle was pressed against the breast of a large and well proportioned savage. This warrior^ availing himself of the inde- fensible attitude of his adversary, with a tremendous wharwhoop sprang forward, with his lifted hatchet, and compelled him to surrender : and having disarmed and bound him fast to a tree, returned to the battle. The intrepid captains D'Ell and Harman, who now commanded, were forced to give ground for a little distance : the savages, conceiving this to be the certain harbinger of victory, rushed impetuously on with dreadful and redoubled cries. But our two partisans, collecting a handful of brave men, gave the pursuers so warm a reception as to oblige them, in turn, to retreat a little beyond the spot at which the action had commenced. Here they made a stand. — This change of ground occasioned the tree to which Putnam was tied, to be directly between the fire of the two parties. Hu- man imagination can hardly figure to itself a more deplorable situation. The balls 28 • LIFE OF PUTNAM. flew incessantly from either side, many struck the tree, while some passed through the sleeves and skirts of his coat. In ihis state of jeopardy, unable to move his body, to stir his limbs, or even to incline his head, he remained more than an liour. So equally balanced and so obstinate was the fight ! At one moment, while the battle swerved in favor of the enemy, a young savage chose an odd way of discovering his hu- mor. He found Putnam bound. He might have despatched him at a blow. — But he loved better to excite the terrors of the prisoner, by hurling a tomahawk at his head, or rather it should seem his object was to see how near he could throw it with- out touching him — the weapon stuck in the tree a number of times at a hair's breadth distance from the mark. When the Indian had finished his amusement, a French Bas- officer (a much more inveterate savage by nature, though descended from so humane and polished a nation) perceiving Putnam, came up to him, and, leveling a fusee with- in a foot of his breast, attempted to dis- charge it ; it missed fire — ineffectually, did the intended victim solicit the treatment due to his situation, by repeating, that he was a prisoner of war. The degenerate Frenchman did not understand the lan- guage of honor or nature ; deaf to their LIFE OP PUTNAM. 29 voice, and deaf to sensibility, he violently and repeatedly pushed the muzzle of his gun against Putnam's ribs, and finally gave him a cruel blow on the jaw with the butt of his piece. After this dastardly deed, he left him. At length the active intrepidity of D'Ell and Harman,'^ seconded by the persevering valor, of their followers, prevailed. They drove from the field the enemy, who left about 90 dead behind them. As they were retiring, Putnam was untied by the Indian who had made him prisoner, and whom he afterwards called master. Eaving been conducted for some distance from the place of action, he was stripped of his coat, vest^ stockings, and shoes ; loaded with as many of the packs of the wounded as could be piled upon him ; strongly pinioned, and his waists tied as closely together as they could be pulled with a cord. After he had marched, through no pleasant paths, in this painful manner, for many a tedious mile, the party (who were excessively fatigued) halted to breathe. His hands were now immoderately swelled from the tightness of the ligature : and the pain had become in- tolerable. His feet were so much scratch- * This worthy ofBcer is still living at Marlborough, in the state of Massachusetts. 3* 30 LIFE OF PUTIVAM* ed that the blood dropped fast from them. Exhausted with bearing a burden above his strength, and frantic with torments ex- quisite beyond endurance, he entreated the Irish interpreter to implore, as the last and only grace he desired of the savges, that they would knock him on the head and take his scalp at once, or loose his hands. A French officer, instantly interposing, or- dered his hands to be unbound, and some of the packs to be taken off. By this time the Indian who captured him, and had been absent with the wounded, coming up, gave him a pair of moccasins ; and expressed great indignation at the unworthy treat- ment his prisoner had suffered. That savage chief again returned to the care of the wounded, and the Indians, about two hundred in number, went before the rest of the party to the place where the whole were, that night, to encamp. They took with them Major Putnam, on whom (besides innumerable other outrages) they had the barbarity to inflict a deep wound with a tomahawk, in the left cheek. His sufferings were in this place to be consnrn- mated. A scene of horror, infinitely great- er than had ever met his eyes before, wa& now preparing. It was determined to roast him alive. For this purpose they led him into a dark forest, stripped him nakedr LlFr OF 1>0 TNAM. SI boUhd him to a tree, and piled dry brushy with other fuel, at a small distance in a cir- cle round him. They accompanied theii' labors as if for his funeral dirge, with screams and sounds inimitable but by sav age voices. Then they set the piles on fire. A sudden shower dampened the ri^ sing flame. Still they strove to kindle il^ until, at last, the blaze ran fiercely round the circle. Major Putnam soon began to feel the scorching heat. His hands were so tied that he could move his body. He often shifted sides as the fire approached^ This sight, at the very idea of which all but savages must shudder, afforded the highest diversion to his inhuman torment- ors, who demonstrated the delirium of their joy by correspondent yells, dances and ges^ ticulations. He saw clearly that his final hour was inevitably come. He S';mmon^d all his resolution, and composed his mind as far as the circumstances could admit, to bid an eternal farev\ell to all he held most dear. To quit the world would scarcely have cost a single pang, but for the idea of home, but for the remembrance of donies- tic endearments, of the affectionate partner of his soul, and of their beloved offspring. His thought was ultimately fixed on a hap- pier state of exisience- beyond the tortures lie WAS beginning to endure* The bitter^ 32 Lli'E OF PUTNAM. ness of death, even of that death which is accompanied with the keenest agonies, was in a manner, past— nature, with a feeble struggle, was quitting its last hold on sub- lunary things — when a French officer rushed through the crowd, opened a way by scattering the burning brands, and un- bound the victim. It was Molang himself — to whom a savage, unwilling to see an- other human sacrifice immolated, had run and communicated the tidings. The com- mandant spurned and severely reprimand- ed the barbarians, whose nocturnal powwas and hellish orgies he suddenly ended. Put- nam did not want for feeling or gratitude. The French commander, fearing to trust him alone with them, remained until he could deliver him in safety into the hands of his master. The savage approached his prisoner kindly, and seemed to treat him with par- ticular affection He offered him some hard biscuit, but finding that he could not chew them, on account of the blow he had received from the PVenchman, this more humane savage soaked some of the biscuit and made him suck the pulp-like part of it. Determined, however, not to lose his cap- tive, (the refreshment being finished,) he took the moccasins from his feet and tied them to one of his wrists ; then directing LIFE OF PUTNAM- 33 him to lie down on his back upon the bare ground, he stretched one arm to its full length, and bound it fast to a young tree; the other arm was extended and bound in the same manner — his legs were stretched apart and fastened to two sapHngs. Then a number of tall but slender poles were cut down : which, with some long bushes, were laid across his body from head to foot : on each side lay as many Indians as could conveniently find lodging, in order to pre- vent the possibility of his escape. In this disagreeable and painful posture he remain- ed until morning. During this night, the longest and most dreary conceivable, our hero used to relate thai he felt a ray of cheerfulness come casually across his mind, and could not even refrain from smiling, when he reflected on this ludicrous group for a painter, of which he himself was the principal figure. The next day he was allowed his blanket and moccasins, and permitted to march without carrying any pack, or receiving any insult. To allay his extreme hunger, a little bear's meat was given, which he sucked through his teeth. At night, the party arrived at Ticonderoga, and the pris- oner was placed under the care of a French guard. The savages, who had been prevented from glutting their diaboli- 34 LIFE OF PUTNAM. cal thirst for biood, took other opportuni- ties of manifesting their malevolence for the disappointment, b}^ horrid grimaces and angry gestures, but they were suffered no more to offer violence or personal indignity to him. After having been examined by the Mar- quis de Montcalm, Major Putnam was conducted to Montreal by a French officer, who treated him with the greatest indul- gence and humanity. At this place were several prisoners. — Colonel Peler Schuyler, remarkable for his philanthropy, generosity, and friendship, was of the number. No sooner had he heard of Major Putnam's arrival, than he went to the Interpreter's quarters, and in- quired, whether he had a provincial major in his custody ? He found Major Putnam in a comfortless condition— without hat, waist- coat, or hose — the remnant of his clothing miserabl}^ dirty, and ragged — his beard long and squahd — his legs torn by thorns and briars — his face gashed with wounds and swollen with bruises. Colonel Schuy- ler, irritated beyond all sufferance at such a sight, could scarcely restrain his speech within limits consistent with the prudence of a prisoner, and the meekness of a chris- *tian. Major Putnam was immediately treated according to his rank, clothed in a LIFE OF PUTNAM. 35 decent manner, and supplied with money, by that liberal and sympathetic patron of the distressed. The capture of Frontenack by General Bradstreet, afforded occasion for an ex- change of prisoners : Colonel Schnyler was comprehended in the cartel. A gen- erous spirit can never be satisfied with im- posing tasks for its generosity to accom- plish. Apprehensive, if it should be known that Putnam was a distinguished partisan, his liberation might be retarded, and know- ing that there were officers, who, from the length of their captivity, had a claim of priority to exchange ; he had, by his hap- py address, induced the governor to offer, that whatever officer he might think prop- er to nominate, should be included in the present cartel. With great politeness in manner, but seeming indifference as to ob- ject, he expressed his warmest acknowl- edgements to the governor, and said : ''There is an old man here, who is a pro- vincial major, and wishes to be at home with his wife and children. He can do no good here, or any where else : 1 can be- lieve your excellency had better keep some of the young men, who have no wife or children to care for, and let the old fellow ffo home with me." This justifiable finesse had the desired effect. 36 LfFE OF PUTNAM. We now arrive at the period, when the prowess of Britian, victorious alike by sea and land, in the new and in the old world had elevated her name to the zenith of na- tional glory. The conquest of Quebec opened the way for the total reduction of Canada. On the side of the Lakes, Am- herst having captin*ed the posts Ticondero- g;i and Crown-Point, applied himself to strengthen the latter. Putnam, who had been raised to the rank of lieutenant-colo- nel, and present at these operations, was employed the remainder of this and some part of the succeeding season, in superin- tending the parties which were detached to procure timber and other materials for the fortification. In 1760, General Amherst, a sagacious, humane, and experience! commander, planned the termination of the war in Can- ada, l)y a bloodless conquest. For this purpose, three armies were destined to co- operate by different routes against Montre- al, the only remaining place of strength the enemy held in that country. The corps formerly commanded by General Wolfe, now General Murray, was ordered to as- cend the river St. Lawrence ; another (un- der Col. Haviland) to penetrate by the Isle Aux Noix ; and the third, consisting of about ten thousand men, commanded by LIFE OF PUTNAM. 37 the general himself, after passing up the Mohawk river, and taking its course by (he Lake Ontario, was to form a junction by falling down the St. Lawrence- In this progress more than one occasion presented itself to manifest the intrepidity and soldier- ship of Lieutenant Colonel Putnam. Two armed vessels obstructed the passage and prevented the attack on Oswegatchie. — rutnam, with 1000 men, in 50 batteaux, undertook to board them. This dauntless officer, ever sparing of the blood of others, as prodigal of his own, to accomplish it with the less loss, put himself (with a cho- sen crew, a beetle and wedges) in the van, with a design to wedge the rudders, so that the vessels should not be able to turn their broadsides, or perl'orm any other manoeu- vre. All the men in his little fleet were or- dered to strip to their waistcoats, and ad- vance at the same time. He promised, if he lived, to join and show them the way up the sides. Animated by so daring an example, they moved swiftly, in profound stillness, as to certain victory or death. The people on board the ships, beholding the good countenance with which they ap- proached, ran one of the vessels on shore, and struck the colors of the other. Had it not been for the dastardly conduct of the ship's company, in the latter, who compel- 4 38 LIFE OF PUTNAM. led the captain to haul down his ensign, he would have given the assailants a bloody receplion : for the vessels were w^ell provi- ded with spears, nettings, and every cus- tomary instrument of annoyance as well as defence. It now remained to attack the fortress, which stood on an island, and seemed to have been rendered inaccessible bv a high abattis of black ash, that every where pro- jected over tiie water. Lieutenant Colonel Putnam proposed a mode of attack, and offered his services to carry it into effect. Ilie general approved the proposal. The sides of each boat were surrounded with fascines (musket proof)which covered the men complotfly. A wide plank, twenty feet in length, w^as then fitted to every boat in such a manner, by having an angular piece savvied from one extremity, that, when fastened by ropes on both sides of the bow, it might be raised or lowered at pleasure. The design was, that the plank should be held erect, while the oarsman forced the bow with the utmost exertion against the abattis ; and that, afterwards, being dropped on the pointed brush, it should serve as a kind of bridge to assist the men in passing over them. Lieutenant Colonel Putnam, having made his disposi- tions to attempt the escalade in many pla- LIFE OF PUTX\M. 39 ces at the same moment, advanced with his boats in admirable order. The g-arrison perceiving these extraordinary and unex- pected machines, waited not the assault, but capitulated. Lieutenant Colonel Put- nam was particularly honored by General Amherst, for his ingenuity in this invention, and promptitude in its execution. The three armies arrived at Montreal, within two days of each other ; and the conquest of Canada become complete without the loss of a single drop of blood. At no great distance from Montreal, is the savage village, called Cochnavvaga. Here our partisan found the Indian chief who had formerly made him prisoner. — That Indian was highly delighted to see his old acquaintance, whom he entertained in his own well-built stone house, with great friendsiiip and hospitality ; while his guest did not discover less satisfaction in an opportunity of shaking the brave sav- age by the hand, and proffering him pro- tection in this reverse of his military for- tunes. When the belligerent powers were con- siderably exhausted, a rupture took place between Great Britian and Spain, in the month of January, 1762, and an expedition was formed that campaign, under l^ord Albemarle, against the Havanna. 40 LIFE OF PUTNAM. A body of provincials, composed of five hundred men from the Jerseys, eight hun- dred from New York, and one thousand from Connecticut, joined his lordship. — Gen. Lyman, who raised the regiment of one thousand men in Connecticut, being the senior officer, commanded the whole : of course, the im mediate command of his regiment devolved upon Putnam. The fleet that carried these troops sailed from New York, and arrived safely on the coast of Cuba. T here a terrible storm arose, and the transport in which Lieutenant Col- onel Putnam had embarked with five hun- dred men, was wrecked on a rift of craggy rocks. The weather was so tempestuous, and the surf, which ran mountain-high, dashed with such violence against the ship, that the most experienced seamen expect- ed it would soon part asunder. The rest of the fleet, so far from being able to afiford assistance, v/ith difficulty rode out the gale. Jn this dep orable situation, as the only ex- pedient by which they could be saved, strict order was maintained, and all tiiose people who best understood the use of tools, instantly employed in constructing rafts from spars, plank, and whatever other materi;ds could be, procured- There hap- pened to be on board a large quantity of strong cords, (the same that are used in LIFE OF PUTNAM. 41 the whale fishery,) which, bein^ fastened to the raits, alter the first had with incon- ecivable hazard reached the shore, were of infinite service in preventing the others from driving out to sea, as also in dragging them athwart the billows, to the beach : by which means, every man was finally saved. With the same presence of mind to take advantage of circumstances, and the same precaution to prevent confusion, on similar occasions, how many valuable hves, prema- turely lost, might have been preserved as blessings to their families, their friends and their country i As soon as all were land- ed. Lieutenant Colonel Putnam fortified his camp, that he might not be exposed to in- sult from the inhabitants of the neighboring districts, or from chose of Carthagena, who were but twenty-four miles distant. Here the party remained unmolested several days, until the storm had so much abated as to permit the convoy to take them off. They soon joined the troops betbre the lia- vanna, who, having been several weeks in that unhealthy climate, already began to grow extremely sickly. The opportune arrival of the provincial reinforcement, in perfect health, coLitribu- ted not a little to forward the works, and hasten the reduction of that important place. But the provincials suffered so mis- 4* 42 ttFE of t>U'fNAiVi. erably by sickness, afterwards, that Vdfy few ever returned to their native land again. Although a general peace among Euro- pean powers was ratified in 1763, yet the savages, on our western frontiers, still con^ tinned their hostilities. After they had ta^ ken several posts, General Bradsireet was sent in 1764 wilh an army against them* Colonel Putnam, then, for the first time, appointed to the command of a regiment^ was on the expedition ; as was the Indian chief, (whom 1 have several times had oc- casion to mention as his capturer,) at the head of one hundred Cochnawnga warri^ ors. Before General Bradstreet reached Detroit, which the savages invested, cap- lain D'Klh the faithful friend and intrepid fellow -soldier of Colonel Putnam, had been slain in a desperate sally. He having been detached with five hundred men, in 1763, by General Amherst, to raise the siege* found means of throwing the succor into the fort. But the garrison (commanded by Major Gladwine, a brave and sensible offi- cer) had been so much weakened, by the lurking and insidious mode of war practised by the savages, that not a man could be spared to co-operate in an attack upon them. The commandant would even have dissuaded captain D'Ell from the attempt^ LlFfi OP PUTNAM, 4^ dti accbunt of the great disparity in iiuni- bors ; but the latter, relying on the disci- pline and courage of his men, replied, "God forbid that 1 should "ever disobey the or^ ders of my general," and immediately dis- posed them for action. Jt was obstinate and bloody. But the vastly superior num- ber of the savages, enabled them to enclose captain D'EIPs party on every side, anci compelled him, tinally, to fight his way, in retreating from one stone house to another. Having halted to breathe a moment, he' saw one of his bravest sergeants lying at a small distance, wounded throtigh the thighj ^nd wallowing in his blood. Whereupon he desit-ed some of the men to run and bring the sergeant to the house, but they declined it. Then declaring, '-that he nev- er would leave so brave a soldier in the field to be tortured by the savages,'' he ran and endeavored to help him up — at the in* stant, a volley of shot dropped them both dead together. The party continued re* treating, from house to house, until they regained the fort ; where it was found, the conflict had been so sharp, and lasted so long, that only fifty men remained alive of the five hundred who had salhed. Upon the arrival of General Bradstreet, the savages saw that all further efforts, in arms, would be in vain, and, accordinglyf 44 LIFtil OP PUTNAM. after many fallacious proposals for a peace, and frequent tergiversations in the negoti- ation, they conchidei! a treaty, which end- ed the war in America. Colonel Putnam, at the expiration of ten years fro in his first receiving a commission, after having seen as much service, endured as many hardships, encountered as many dangers, and acquired as many laurels, as any officer of his rank, with great satisfac- tion laid aside his uniform and returned to his plough. The various and uncommon scenes of war in which he had acted a re- spectable part ; his intercourse with the world, and intimacy with some of the first characters in the army, joined with occa- sional reading, had not only brought into view whatever talents he possessed from nature, but, at the same time, had extend- ed his knowledge and polished his man- ners to a considerable degree. Not having become inflated with pride or forgetful of his old connexions, he had the good will of his fe low-citizens. No character stood fairer in public eye for integrity, bravery, and patriotism. He was employed in sev- eral offices in his own town, and not unfre- quently elected to represent it in the gener- al assembly. The year after his return to private life, the mind of men were strangely iagitated, by an attempt of the British par- LIFE OF PUTNAM. 45 liament to introduce the memorable Stamp Act in A merica. This germe policy, whose growth was repressed by the moderate temperature in which it was kept by some administrations, did not fully disclose its fruit until nearly eleven years afterwards. On the twenty-second day of March, 1765, the Stamp Act received the royal as- sent. It was to take place in America on the first day of November following. 1 his innovation spread a sudden and universal alarm. The political pulse in the province, from Maine to Georgia^ throbbed in sym- pathy. The assemblies, in most of these colonies, that they might oppose it legally and in concert, appointed delegates to con- fer together on the subject. 'J his first con- gress met, early in October, at New York. They agreed upon a declaration of rights and grievances of the colonists : together with separate addresses to the king, lords, and commons of Great Britain. In the mean time the people had determined, in order to prevent the stamped paper from being distributed, that the stamp masters should not enter on the execution of their office. That appointment, in Connecticut, had been conferred upon Mr. Jngersol, a very dignified, sensible, and learned native of the colony, who, upon being solicited to resign, did not in the first instance, give a 46 LIFE OF PUTiVAM. satisrartory answer. In consequence of which, a great number of the substantial yeomanry, on horseback, furnished with provisions for themselves, and provender for their horses, assembled in the eastern countries, and began their march for New Haven, to receive the resignation of Mr. innrersol. A junction with another body was to have been formed in Branford. — But having learned at Hartford, that Mr. Ingersol would be in town the next day to claim protection from the assembly, they took quarters there, and kept out patrols during the whole night, to prevent his ar- rival without their knowdedge. The suc- ceeding morning they resumed their march and met Mr. Ingersol in Wethersfield. — They told him their business, and he, after some little hesitation, mounted on a table, and read his resignation. That finished, the multitude desired him to cry out, "lib- erty and property,'' three times ; which he did, and was answered by three loud huz- zas. He then dined with some of the principal men at a tavern, by whom he was treated with great politeness, and af- terwards was escorted by about tive hun- dred horse to Hartford, where he again read his resignation amidst the unbounded acclamations of the people. 1 have chosen to style this collection the yeomanry, the LIFE OF PI T-NAftl. 47 inultitude, or the people^ because 1 could not make use of the English word moh^ (which generally signifies a disorderly con- currence of the rabble) without conveying an erroneous idea. It is scarcely necessa- ry to add, that the people, their objects be- ing effected, without offering disturbance, dispersed to their homes. Colmel Putnam, who instigated the peo- ple to these measures, was prevented from attending by accident. But he was depu- ted soon after, with two other gentlemen to wait on Governor Fitch, on the same subject. The questions of the governor, and answers of Putnam, will serve to indi- cate the spirit of the times. After some conversation, the governor asked ''What shall 1 do, if the stamped paper should be sent to me by the king's authorily " Put- nam replied, ''Lock it up until we shall vis- it you again.'' "And what will you do then?*' "We shall expect you to give us the key of the room, in which it is deposit- ed ; and if you think fit, in order to screen yourself from blame, you may forewarn us upon our peril not to enter the room." — And what will you do afterwards?" — "Send it safely back again." But if I should refuse admission?" "In such a case, your house will be levelled with the dust in five minutes." It was supposed 48 LIFE OF PUTNAM. that a report of this conversation, was one reason why the stamped paper was never sent from iN^ew York to Connecticut. Such unanimity in the provincial assem- bUes, and decision in the yeomanry, carried beyond the Atlantic a conviction of the in- expediency of attempting to enforce the new revenue system. The stamp act be- ing repealed, and the measures in a man- ner quieted, Colonel Putnam continued to labor with his own hands at farming, with- out interruption, except (for a little time) by the loss of the first joint of his right thumb from one accident, and the com- pound fracture of his right thigh from an- other — that thigh being nmdered nearly an inch shorter than the left, occasioned him ever after to limp in his walk. In speaking of the troubles that ensued, 1 not only omit to say any thing on the ob- noxious claim asserted in the British decla- ratory act, the continuation of the duty on tea, the attempt to obtrude that article up- on the Americans, the abortion of this pro- ject, the Boston port bill, the alteration of the charter of Massachusetts, and other topics of uni\'«ersal notoriety ; but even waive all discussions of irritations on one part, and supplications on the other, which preceded the wur between Great Britain •and Jier colonies on this continent. It will LIFE OF PUTNAM. 49 ever be acknowledged by those wlio were best acquainted with facts, and it should be made known to posterity, that that king of England had not, in his extensive domin- ions, subjects more loyal, more dutiful, or more zealous for his glory, than the Amer- icans ; and that nothing short of a melan- choly persuasion, that the "measures which for many years had been systematically pursued by his ministers, were calculated to subvert their constitutions," could have dissolved their powerful attachment to that kingdom, which they fondly called their parent country. Here, without digression, to develope the cause, or describe ihe pro- gress, it may suffice to observe, the dispute now verged precipitately to an awful cri- sis. Most considerate men foresaw it would terminate in blood. But, rather than suffer the chains (which they believed in preparation) to be riveted, they nobly de- termined to sacrifice their lives. In vain did they deprecate the infatuation of those transatlantic counsels which drove them to deeds of desperation. Convinced of the rectitude of their cause, and doubtful of the issue, they felt the most painful solicitude for the fate of their country, on contempla- ting the superior strength of the nation with which it was to contend. America, thinly inhabited, under thirteen distinct colonial 5 50 LIFE OF rUTNAMc governments, could have little hope of suc- cess, but from the protection of Providence, and the unconquerable spirit of freedom which pervaded the mass of the people : it is true, since the peace, she had surprising- ly increased in w^ealth and population — but the resources of Britain almost exceeded credibility or conception. It is not won- derful then, that some good citizens, of weaker nerves, recoiled at the prospect ; while others, who had been officers in the late war, or who had witnessed, by travel- ling, the force of Great Britain, stood aloof. All eyes were now turned to find the men, who possessed of mihtary experience, would dare, in the approaching hour of se- verest trial, to lead their undisciphned fel- low-citizens to battle — for none were so stupid as not to comprehend thai want of success would have involved the leaders in the punishment of rebellion. Putnam was among the first and most conspicuous who stepped forth. Although the Americans had been, by many who wished their sub- jugation, indiscreetly as indiscriminately stigmatized with imputations of cowardice — he felt, he knew for himself, he was no coward ; and from what he had seen and known, he believed that his countrymen, driven to the extremity of defending their rights by arms, would find no difficulty in LIFE OF PUTNAM. 51 wiping away the ungenerous aspersion. — As he happened to be often at Boston, he held many conversations on these subjects with General Gage, the British command- er-in-chief, Lord Percy, Colonel Sheriff, Colonel Small, and many officers with whom he had formerly served, who were now at the head quarters. Being often questioned "in case the dispute should pro- ceed to hostilities, what part he would re- ally take V' He always answered, "with his country, and that, let whatever might happen, he was prepared to abide the con- sequence.'' Being interrogated "whether he, who had been a witness to the prowess and victories of the British fleets and ar- mies, did not think them equal to the con- quest of a country which was not the own- er of a single ship, regiment, or magazine ?" He rejoined, that "he could only say, jus- tice would be on our side, and the event with Providence : but that he had calcula- ted, if it required six years for the com- bined forces of England and her colonies to conquer such a feeble country as Canada ; it would at least, take a very long time for England alone to overcome her own wide- ly extended colonies, which were much stronger than Canada : That when men fought for every thing dear; in what they believed to be the most sacred of all cau- 53 LIFE OF PUTNAM. ses, and in their own native land, they would have great advantages over their en- emies, who were not in [he same situation ; and that, having taken into view all cir- cumstances, for his own part, he fully be- lieved that America would not be so easily conquered by England, as those gentlemen seemed to expect." Being once, in partic- ular, asked, "whether he did not seriously believe that a well appointed British army of five thousand veterans could march through the whole continent of America?" He replied briskly, — "no doubt ; if they be- haved civilly and paid well for every thing they wanted — but " — after a moment's pause, added — "if they should attempt it in a hostile manner, (though the American men were out of the question,) the women with their ladles and broomsticks, would knock them all on the head before they had got half way through." This was the tenor, our hero hath often told me, of these amicable interviews. And thus (as it com- monly happens in disputes about future events, which depend on opinion) they part- ed without conviction : no more to meet in a friendly manner, until after the appeal should have been made to heaven, and the issue confirmed by the sword. In the mean time, to provide against the worst contin- gency, the militia in the several colonies ttFE OF PUtr^AM. 53 vva§ sedulously trained ; and those select companies, the flower of our youth, which were denominated minutemen, agreeably to the indication of their name, held them- selves in readiness to march at a moment's Warning. At lengih the fatal day arrived, when hostilities commenced. General Gage, in the evening of the I8th of April, 1776, de- tached from Boston the grenadiers and light infantry of the army, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Smith, to destroy some military and other stores, deposited at Con- cord. About sunrise the next morning, the de- tachment, on marching into Lexington, fired upon a company of militia who had just re-assembled ; for having been alarm- ed late at night, with reports that the regu- lars were advancing to demolish the stores, they collected on their parade, and were dismissed with orders to re-assemble at beat of drum. It is established by the affi- davits of more than thirty persons who were present, that the first fire, which kil- led eight of the militia, then beginning to disperse, was given by the British, without provocaiion. The spark of war thus kin- dled, ran with unexampled rapidity, and raged with unwonted violence. To repel ihe aggression, the people of the bordering 5* 54 LIFE OF PUTNAM. towns spontaneously rushed to arms, and poured their scattering shot from every convenient station upon the regulars ; vi^ho, after marching to Concord, and destroying the magazine, w^ould have found their re- treat intercepted, had they not been rein- forced by Lord Percy, with the battalion companies of three regiments, and a body of marines. Notwithstanding the junction, they were hard pushed, and pursued until they could find protection from their ^hips. Of the British, two hundred and eighty- three were killed, wounded, and taken. — The Americans had thirty-nine killed, nine- teen wounded, and two made prisoners. Nothing could exceed the celerity with which the intelligence flew every where, that blood had been shed by the British troops. The country, in motion, exhibited but one scene of hurry, preparation, and re- venge. Putnam, who was ploughing when he heard the news, left his plough in the middle of the field, unyoked his team, and without waiting to change his clothes, set off for the theatre of action ; but finding the British retreated to Boston, and invest- ed by a sufficient force to watch their movements, he came back to Connectiut, levied a regiment (under authority of the legislature) and speedily returned to Cam- bridge. He was now promoted to be a LIFE OF PUTNAM* 55 major general on the provinciai staff, by his colony : and in a little time confirmed by congress, in the same rank, on .the con- tinental estah'ishment. Not long after this period, the British commander-in-chief found the means to convey a proposal privately to General Put- nam, that if he would relinquish the rebel party, he might rely on being made a ma- jor general on the British establishment, and receiving a great pecuniary compensa- tion for his services. General Putnam spurned at the offer : which, however, he thought prudent at that time to conceal from public notice- It could scarcely have been expected? but by those credulous patriots who were prone to believe whatever they ardently desired, that officers assembled from colo- nies distinct in their manners and prejudi- ces, selected from laborious occupations to command a heterogeneous crowd of their equals, compelled to be soldiers only by the spur of occasion, should long be able to preserve harmony among themselves, and subordination among their followers. As the fact would be a phenomenon, the idea was treated with mirth and mockery by the friends to the British government. Yet this unshaken embryo of a military xiorps, composed of militia, minutemen, vol- 56 L\Pt 6P JPUtNAM. unteers and levies, with a biirlljsc^iie ap- pearance of multiformity in arms, accoutre- ments, clothing, and conduct, at last grew into a regular army---an army, which hav- ing vindicated the rights of human nature and establised the independence of a new empire, merited and obtained the glorious distinction of the patriotic army — the pat- riotic army whose praises for their forti- tude in adversity, bravery in battle, moder- ation in conquest, perseverance in support- ing the cruel extremities of hunger and na- kedness without a miirmur or sigh, as well as for their magnanimity in retiring to civil hfe at the moment of victory, with arms in their hands-, and without any just compen^ sation for their services, will only cease to celebrated, when time shall exist no more- The provincial generals having received advice that the British commander in-chief designed to take possession of the heights, on the peninsula of Charlestown, detach- ed a thousand men in the night of the 16th of June, under the orders of Gen- eral Warren, to entrench themselves upon one of those eminences, named Bunker- Hill. Though retarded by accidents from 'beginning the work until nearly ittidnight, yet, by dawn of day, they had constructed a redoubt about eight rods square, and com- imenced a breastwork from the left to the LIFE OF PUTNAM. 07 low grounds, which an insufferable fire from the shipping, floating batteries, and cannon on Cop's Hill, in Boston, prevent- ed them from completing. At mid-day, four battalions of foot, ten companies of grenadiers, ten companies of light infantry, with a proportion of artillery, commanded by Major General Howe, landed under a heavy cannonade from the ships, and advanced in three lines to the at- tack. The light infantry, being formed on their right, was directed to turn the left flank of the Americans ; and the grenadiers, supported by two battahons, to storm the redoubt in front. Meanwhile, on apphca- tion, these troops were augmented by the 47th regiment, the 1st battalion of marines, together with some companies of light in- fantry, and grenadiers, which formed an aggregate force of between two and three thousand men. But so diflicult was it to reinforce the Americans by sending detach- ments across the Neck, which was raked by the cannon of the shipping, that not more than fifteen hundred men were brought into action. Few instances can be produced in the annals of mankind, where soldiers who never had before faced an enemy, or heard the whisthng of a ball, behaved with such deliberate and perseve- ring valor. It was not until after the gren- 58 LIFE OF PUTNAM. adiers had been twice repulsed to their boats, General Warren slain, his troops exhausted of their amunition, their lines in a manner enfiladed by artillery, and the re- doubt half filled with British regulars, that the word w^as given to retire. In that for- lorn condition, the spectacle was astonish- ing as new, to behold these undisciplined men, most of them without bayonets, dis- puting with the butt end of their muskets against the British bayonet, and receding in sullen despair. Still the light infantry, on their left, would certainly have gained their rear, and exterminated this gallant corps, had not a body of four hundred Con- necticut men, with the captains Knoulton and Chester, after forming a temporary breastwork by pulling up one post and rail fence, and putting it upon another, per- formed prodigies of bravery. They held the enemy at bay, until the main body had relinquished the heights, and then retreat- ed across the Neck, with more regularity and less loss than could have been expect- ed. The British, who effected nothing the destruction of Charlestown by a wanton conflagration, had more than one half of their whole number killed and wounded : the Americans, only three hundred and fif- ty-five killed, wounded, and missing. In LIFE OP PUTNAM. 59 this battle, the presence and example of General Putnam, who arrived with the re- infoi ce ment, were not less conspicuous than useful. He did every thing that an intrep- id and experienced officer could accom- plish. The enemy pursued to Winter Hill —Putnam made a stand, and drove them back under cover of their ships. After this action, the British strongly for- tified themselves on the peninsulas of Bos- ton and Charlestown : while the provincials remained posted in the circumjacent coun- try, in such manner as to form a blockade. In the beginning of July, General Wash- ington, who had been constituted by Con- gress commander in chief of the American forces, arrived at Cambridge to take the command. Having formed the army into three grand divisions, consisting of about twelve regiments each, he appointed Ma- jor General Ward to command the right wing, Major General Lee the left wing, and Major General Putnam the reserve.— General Putnam's alertness, in accelerating the construction of the necessary defences,, was particularly noticed and highly ap- proved by the commander in chief. About the 20th of July, the declaration of Congress, setting forth the reasons of their taking up arms, was proclaimed at the head of the several divisions- It con- 60 LIB^E OF PUTiNAM. eluded with these patriotic and noble sen^ timents : "In our own native land, in de- fence of the freedom that is our birthri