z^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 ^^ tii m m 1.1 ?.■«■" 11.25 1.4 m ■ 1.6 V FholDgFaphic ^Sciaices Corporation M WHT MAIN trniT WIUTIt.N.V. MSM (7U)I71-4S03 o / At ^ >. CIHM/ECMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Instituta for Historical IMicroraproductiont / Inatitut Canadian da microraproductiona hiatoriquaa Technical and Bibliographic Notea/Note* tachniquas at bibliographiquas The Inatituta haa attamptad to obtain tha baat original copy availabia for filming. 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AN othar original eopiaa ara fllmad baginning on tha first paga with a printad or illuatratad impraa* slon, and anding on tha laat paga with a printad or illuatratad impraaaion. Tha laat raeordad frama on aaeh mierofieha Shan contain tha symbol -^ (moaning "CON- TINUED"), or tha symbol 7 (moaning "END"). ¥vhlchavar appliaa. Laa axamplalraa originaux dont la couvartura an papiar aat ImprimAa sont fllmto an commanpant par la pramiar plat at an tarminant soit par la darnlAra paga qui comporta una amprainta d'imprasslon ou d'illustratlon, soit par la sacond plat, salon la caa. Toua las autras axamplairas originaux sont fiimAa an commandant par la pramlAra paga qui comporta una amprainta d'impraaaion ou d'illuatratlon at t\ tarminant par la darniara paga qui comporta una talla amprainta. Un daa symbolaa suivanta spparaltra sur la darniira imaga da chaqua mierofieha. salon la caa: la symbols -^ signlfla "A SUIVRE". la symbols ▼ signlfla "FIN". Mapa. plataa. charta. ate., may ba fllmad at diffarant reduction ratioa. Thoaa too large to ba entirely included in one expoeure era filmed beginning in the upper left hand comer, left to right end top to bottom, aa many framae aa required. The followinj diagrama illuatrata the method: Laa cartea. planches, tablaeux. etc.. peuvent itre fllm*8 i daa taux da rMuctlon diffirents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atra reproduit en un «eul clichA. il est film* A partir da Tangle sup4rieur geuche, do gauche i droite, et do haut en bee. an pranent le nombre d'imagee nAcessaira. 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"«' • $ ^- m -m- t i^f , V : ■^ ■ \ ■f^S ©lEi^f iPnriPFrAKD Drrrw^ dy ' /hm/f a/f ' -^^Sj Ortgmal Picture hy Triimbiill. n,tbMed Ay .ttmmt/^Axuy. yf«9. C^mr* S0att. M»t*ut. ..;V?^j;/;t :•- I ■^■' ^K ':-^ '•t ' ■^, u,: ^--^ ^ t . I. ^Js^ 'f'M. - ■*^. m. ,w.. ^;-::^'^ ?:■:;■: \ '.I. ^i^jifri; .,;:::•• »■ •^••i %f: AN -fl- . ESSAY • oir THB .7 ''■ • ji '^fl^-' ■// / ^ ' ■ OF THB {^ HONOURABLE MAJOR GENERAL ^ ISRAEL PUTNAM. - " ADDRESSED TO THE STATE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI IN CONNECTICUT, ^1 And first published by their order. r -. BY COL. DAVID HUMPHREYS. V ._ /j,- h WITH ¥'-.. ■» . f ■ NOTES AND ADDITIONS. ^ ^vj^ WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING AN % HISTORICAL AND TOPOORAPHIQAL SKETCH OP BY S. SWETT. -.■ - ,»*' rvi BOSTON : PUBLISHED BY SAMUEL AVERY, JSTo. 89 Court Street, m ' 1818. ■'ft.' .«ii^; 1:-\V. t\ Iv^' ,1 ■ ■»" ' !)• ,'V. I f t It l\ >\ -■t' J * f' ■ ~mk< •l'.:- t ■.-&■.&%,.. , Tf».r fjW — '" • 'M. . 1*- 'ft f- ■f/?' ■•'# '*•> ir: TO THE ^ «' .. HON. COL. JEREMIAH WADSWORTH, President of the State Society of the Cincinnati in Connecticut, &c. ■?* Ifv DEAH Sir, w-:^^:M^ Unavoidable absence will prevent me from performing the grateful task assigned me by the State Society of the Cincinnati on the fourth day of July next. Though I can« not personally address them, I wish to demon- strate, by some token of affectionate remem- brance, the sense I entertain of the honour they have more than once conferred upon me by their suffrages. . Meditating in what manner to accomplish this object, it occurred to me, that an attempt to preserve the actions of General Putnam, in the archives of our State Society, would be acceptable to its members, as they had all served with great satisfaction under his imme- diate orders. An essay on the life of a per- v * t-t^ "^S'-^U"!"- -»-^v> 'i .-Tr w- r i'' ■' . ■"'"''"■■ .;-; ^f*' 9. LETTER TO COLONEL WADS WORTH. 8on 80 elevated in military rank, and so con- versant in extraordinary scenes, could not be destitute of amusement and instruction, and would possess the advantage of presenting for imitation a respectable model of public and private virtues. General Putnam 's universally acknowledg- ed to have been as brave and as honest a man as ever America produced; but the distin- guishing features of his character, and the par- ticular transactions of his life, arc but imper- fectly known. He seems to have been form- ed on purpose for the age in which he lived. His native courage, unshaken integrity, and established reputation as a soldier, were ne- cessary in the early stages of our opposition to the designs of Great Britain, and gave un- bounded confidence to our troops in their first conflicts in the field of battle. The enclosed manuscript justly claims in- dulgence for its venial errors, as it is the first effort in Biography that has been made on this continent. The attempt, 1 am conscious, is laudable, whatever may be the failure in point of execution. I am happy to find the Society of the Cin- cinnati is now generally regarded in a favoura- /:. ,- LETTER TO COLONEL WADSWORTH. 9' f ble manner. Mankind, with few exceptions, are disposed to do justice to the motives on which it was founded. For ourselves, we can never recall to mind the occasion, without feeling the most tender emotions of friendship and sensibility. At the dissolution of the ar- my, when we retired to separate walks of life, from the toils of a successful war, in which we had been associated during a very important part of our lives, the pleasing idea, and the fond hope of meeting once a year, which gave birth to our fraternal institution^ were necessa- ry consolations to sooth the pangs that tore our bosoms at the melancholy hour of parting. When our hands touched, perhaps for the. last time, and our tongues refused to perfoi m their office in bidding farewell, heaven witnessed and approved the purity of our intentions in the ardour of our affections. May we per- severe in the union of our friendship, and the exertion of our benevolence; regardless of the censures of jealous suspicion, which charges our designs with selfishness, and ascribes our actions to improper motives ; while we real- ize sentiments of a nobler nature in our anni- versary festivities, and our hearts dilate with aQ honest joy, in opening the hand of benefi- A* ^' LETTER TO COLONEL WADSWORTH. cence to the indigent widow and unprotected orphan of our departed friends. •* I pray you, my dear Sir, to present my most respectful compliments to the members of the Society, and to assure them, on my part, that whensoever it shall be in my power, I shall esteem it the felicity of my life to at- tend their anniversaries. -^ ■ I have the honour to be, ^' With sentiments of the highest consideration and "fifil^i esteem. Your most obedient and most humble serrani; 9,T : J ,., D. HUMPHREYS. MounUVemon, in Virginia, ^' June 4, 1788. '•^- ;. , 1 'i^%:i'.l 'J.Y '._ 'ii .,' V..',; ■.-■ 1 ^ii bow- .'h;^ ':■»', TF'H ■£'. '/ f '•« • 0«?l 'hy 1 '^ ;;Vj'"^ ' ' ■ > J>'»v.-<,;t,' » '' ■' '^ '■ ■■! *. ■ ' '• - -t : ' I'-'O'fii U'iU^; ' '.■.' ■- ■ -■ i ir /' tK ■:,'*' »^ft«J?^?* « ^ 10 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAIH. !<'.' and obliterate the memorial of some deed which would have constituted the delight and admiration of the world. So transient and indistinguishable are the traits of character, so various and inexplicable the springs of action, so obscure and perisha- ble the remembrance of human affairs, that, unless attempts are made to sketch the pic- ture, while the present generation is living, the likeness will be for ever lost, or only preserv- ed by a va^ue recollection ; disguised perhaps, by the whimsical colourings of a creative im- agination. It will, doubtless, hereafter be an object of regret, that those who, having themselves been conspicuous actors on the theatre of pub- lic life, and who, in conjunction with a knowl- edge of facts, possess abilities to paint those characters, and describe those events which, during the progress of the American Revolu- tion, interested and astonished mankind, should feel an insuperable reluctance to assume the task — a tasK which, if executed with 6delity, must, from the dignity of its subject, become grateful to the patriots of all nations, and profitable in example to the remotest posteri- iy. £qua1ly severe will be the mortification of contemplating the reveries and fictions which !;ave been substituted by hacknied wri- ters in the place of historical facts. Nor should we suppress our indignation against that class of professional authors, who, placed in the vale of penury and obscurity, at an immense "■;' ssK-'f LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. II distance from the scenes of action, and all op- portunities of acouirin^ the ' necessary docu- ments, with InsuneraDie effrontery, ohtrude their fallac: .'s and crude performances on a credulous public. Did the result of their lu- cubrations terminate only in relieving their own distresses, or gratifying their individual vanity, it might be passea in silent contempt. But the effect is extensive, permanent, and perni- cious. The lie,^ however improbable or monstrous, which has once assumed the sem- blance of truth, by being ofteir repeated with minute and plausible particulars, is, at length, so thoroughly established, as to obtain uni- versal credit, defy contradiction, and frustrate every effort of refutation. Such is the mis- chief, such are the unhappy consequences on the bewildered mind, that the reader has no alternative, but to become the dupe of his credulity, or distrust the veracity of almost all human testimony. After having long bejen the sport of fiction, he will, perhaps, prooably run into the opposite extreme, ana give up all con- fidence in the annals of ancient as well as mod- ern times ; and thus the easy believer of fine fables and marvellous stories will find, at last, his historical faith change to scepticism, and end in infidelity. imense * The writer had here pHrileulArtv in his eye, the Rhapsody palmed upou thu puMic, uikIct llie luunu of a History, by a oerUin Frenchman, called D'Auberteiid : I'cihapi an much falsehood, fel- ly and uuluiilnv wac never before Hceumiilatcd in a single pcrform- ^ ■< K-' t I 12 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 't^-- « The numerous errors and falsehoods rela- tive to the birth and achievements of Major- General Putnam, which have (at a fornLjr pe- riod) been circulated with assiduity on both sides of the Atlantic, and the uncertainty which appeared to prevail with respect to his real character,''*' first prodliced the resolution of writing this essay on his life, and induced the Eklitor to obtaint materials from that hero himself. If communications of such authentici- ty, if personal intimacy as an aid-de-camp to that genera], or if subsequent military em- ployments, which afforded access to sources| ./«'. * The following liae»are extracted from a poem, entitled **Th« Prospect of America i'* written b^ the late ingenious Dr. Ladd. i a'l-i ** Hail Putnam ! hail thou venerable name ! (^ .m, '* The' dark oblivion threats thy mis;hty fame, " II threats in rain-— for long shalt thou be known* :>: *' Who first in virtue and in buttle shone. " When fourscore years had blanchM thy laureird head, " Strong in thine age, the flame of war was spread." . , ^ ?/•;» ■i;4^^-: On which Dr. Ladd made this note : ■■h'-.-fifi', ' K " The brave Putnam seems to have been almost obscured amidst *' the glare of succeeding worthies; but his early and gallant ser- •• vices entitle him to an everiastin*!: remembrance." «^< Other bards have hIso asserted the gior^ of this venerable vete« ran. In the first concise review of the prmoipal Ameriaan heroes who signalized iheraVelves in the lust war, the same character ii thus represented : ^ -■ .... .,; " There stood stern Piitnnm, 8eam*d with many a soar, •• The veteran honours of an early war." The Fiaion of Columbu: Bo^k V, t The editor seizes with eagerness nn opportunity of acknowl- edging his obligations to Dr. Albigenoe Waldo, who was so oblit^ing as to commit to writing many anecdotes, communicated to him by General Putnam in the course of the present year. J, \ A multitude of proofs might be produced to demonstrate that militai7 facts cannot always be accurately known but by the com- mander in chief and his confidentiul uhicers. The Marquis de 'is^ ■m^- LIFE OF GEKfiRAL PUTNAM. 13 of intelligence not open to others, give the writer any advantages, the unbiassed mind will decide how far they exculpate him from the imputations of that officiousness, ignorance and presumption, which, in others, have been re- prehenaed with severity. He only wishes that a premature and unfavourable construction may not be formed of his motive or object Should this essay have any influence in correct- Chastelleux (whose opportunity to acquire genuine ioforraation, respecting those parts of the American war which he hath casualty mentioned, was better than that of any otitcr writer) givex an ac- count of a grand f<>r»ge which General He»th ordered to be made towards King's brhlgu in the autumn of 1780 The Marquis, who WHS present when the detachment marched, and to whom General Heath shewed the orders that were given to General Siark, the commanding officer of the expedition, observes that he had never seen, in manuscript, or print, more pertinent instructions. Now the face is, that this detachment, under the pretext ol a forage, was intended by the Commander in CItief to cooperate with the maia army in an attempt a^inst the enemy 'b posts on York Island ; and that General Heath h.mself was then ignorant of the real design. The Commander in Chief spent a whole campaign in ripening this pi*oject Boats, mounted on travelling carriages, were kept constantly with the army. The Marquis de la Favette, at the head of the Light Infantryi was to have made the attack ia the night on fort Washington. The period chosen for this enter'* prise was the very time, when the army were to break up their camp and march into winter quarters: so that the Commanderin Chief, moving in the dusk of the evenings would have been on the banks of the Hudson, with hi* whole force, to have supported the attack. The cautious manner in which the cooperation on the part of the troops sent })j/ General Henth, on the pretended f«rage» was to have been conducted, will be uuderatood from the foUuwuig secret instructions. , , ,-.- , To Brigadier General St AUK. Bead Quarters, Passaic Falls, JVW. 21, 1780. "Sia, " Colonel Humphreys, one of mv Aids de-camp, ii charged by me with orders of a private and particular nature, which he is to deliver to you, and whidi you arc to obey. He will inform you of the ucce»sity of this mode of commuoicatioo. *< I am, Sir, &o. "G. WASHINGTON." 2* ,m/.. - *__.'. "*;<',.;* : * ft'; ^. -w^ :%S u LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. iog mistakes, or rescuing from oblivion the ac- tions of that distinguished veteran ; should it create an emulation to copy his domestic, mau- 1 J and heroic virtues; or should it prompt some more skilful hand to portray the illus- trious group of patriots, sages and heroes, who have guided our councils, fdught our bat- ties, and adorned the memorable epocha of independance, it will be an ample compsnsa- i.i ** To Lieuteoant Colonel David IIuiiPHiiBYS, A. D. Camp. ** You are immediately to proceed to West Point, an'8 Neck, and to cut off the Refu< *' gee-corps at Morrissania. A few men, with some address, may ** spread such an alarm as to prevent an attempt of the eiiem} to ** retreat to Frog's Neck, from an apprehension of surrounding *• parlies. ** You will communicate these instructions to the commanding ** officer of tlie detachment, who, upon his approach to King's- " bridge, will receive orders from me as early as possible. ** Should the signals not be discovered, the troops will halt at " least six miles from the bridge, until further intelligence can be ** obtained. ^ AJi.^M» ^\ . ■ .'.^ ■ ■ !<,•■■■ ^,??P;'^^'j' '■•fc ;*n. LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. tion for the trouble, and excite a consolatorj reflection through every vicissitude of life* Israel Putnam, who, through a regular gradation of promotion, became the senior Ma- jor-Gene ral in the army of the United States, and next in rank to General Washington, was born at Salem, in the Province (now State) of Massachusetts, on the 7th day of January, 1718. His father. Captain Joseph Putnam, was the son of Mr. John Putnam, who, with two brothers, came from the south of England, and were ampng the first settlers of Salem. .. When we thus behold a person, from the humble walks of life, starting unnoticed in the " The absolute necessity of the most perfect secrecy is the coca- (< siuu of coiumunicatin,;; luy orders through this channel. ■ ..■,..,; *• Given at Head Quarters, Passaic Falls, " tliis 'Z'id day of J\'oc. i7m. ' "G. WASHINGTON." yever was a plan better arranged : and never did circumstances promise more sure or complete success. The British were not only unalarmt't.^, but our own troops were likewise entirely mis- guided in their expectations. The accidental intervention or some vessels prevented at tliis time the attempt ; which was more than once resuuicd afterwards. Notwithstanding this favourite project was not ultimately effected* it was evidently not less bold lo oob- veption or feasible in accomplishment, than tliat atiernpt«d so sue* cessfuUy at Trenton, or than that which was brought to so glorious ati issue iu the succestfful siege of York-Town. It is true the IVlarouis de Chastellenx, whose professional knowledge and fountain-head intelligence have enabled him to de- scribe several actions better than they are elsewhere dcsoribedy epeaks in this instance of an ulterior object ; and says, that secrets were preserved more inviolably iu the American tbab in the French arm}'. His words are: •* C'est que le secret est garde tres exactement a I'arititee Amer- '* icaine ; pen de persounes ont part a la confiance du Chel^ et «n *' general on y [)arle moins que dans les armees Francoises dcs ** operations de la guerre, et dc oe que Ton appelle ches noiil Igs \ *' jyouvelle*:* ■■■^'A » " ■■■'xi^'i,:icv;-r^nr'!'^i 16 LIFE OF GENERAL FtJTNAIkl. career of fame, and, by an undevlating pro- gress through a life of honour, arriving at the highest dignity in the state, curiosity is strong- ly excited, and philosophy loves to trace the path of glory from the cradle of obscurity to the summit of elevation. Although our ancestors, the first settlers of this land, amidst the extreme pressure of pov- erty and danger, early instituted schools for the education of youth designed for the learned professions, yet it was thought sufficient to in- struct those destined to labour on the earth, in reading, writing, and such rudiments of arithmetic as might be requisite for keeping the accounts of their little transactions with each other. Few farmer's sons had more advan- tages, none less. In this state of mediocrity it was the lot of young Putnam to be placed. His early instruction v(' as not considerable, and the active scenes of life in which he was afterwards engaged, prevented the opportunity of great literary improvement. His numerous original letters, though deficient in scholastic accuracy, always display the goodness of his heart, and frequently the strength of his native genius. He had a certain laconic mode of expression, and an unaffected epigrammatic turn, which characterised most of his writings. ^ To compensate partially for the deficiency of education (thougn nothing can remove or counterbalance the inconveniencies experienc- ed from it in public life) he derived from his parents the source of innumerable advantages LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. ■ Vi in the stamina of a vigorous constitution. Na- ture, liberal in bestowing . on him bodily strength, hardiness, and activity, was by no means parsimonious in mental endowments* While we leave the qualities of the under- standing to be developed in the process of life, it may not be improper, in this place, to designate some of the circumstances which were calculated to distinguish him afterwards as a partizan officer. «-- :^ ■■ * ;, /^ j* r ,,> .1 Courage, enterprise, activity, and perse- verance were the first characteristics df ~ his mind. There is a kind of mechanical couraffe, the offspring of pride, habit, or discipline, that may push a coward not only to perform his duty, but even to venture on acts of heroism. Putnam's courage was of a different species. It was ever attended with a serenity of soul, a clearness of conception, a degree of self-pos- session, and a superiority to all the vicissitudes of fortune, entirelv distinct from any thing that can be produced by the ferment of blood, and flutter <5f spirits ; which not unfrequently pre- cipitate men to action, when stimulated by in- toxication or some other transient exhilaration. The heroic character, thus founded on consti- tution and animal spirits, cherished by educa- tion and ideas of personal freedom, confirmed by temperance and habits of exercise, was completed by the dictate of reason, the love of his country, and an invincible sense of duty. f^uch were the qualities and principles that ennabled him to meet unappalled, the shafts of ^<,.».r,-,- r\ ■'■•-' '->*S^,.'''*-';-'l"- :.'?■' LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. ijt. ; 1 1'. adversity, and to pass in triumph through the furnace of affliction. His disposition was as frank and generous as his mind was fearless and independarit. He disguised nothing ; indeed he seemed incapa- ble of disguise. Perhaps in the intercourse he was ultimately obliged to have with an art- ful world, his sincerity, on some occasions, out- went his discretion. Although he had too much suavity in his nature to commence a quarrel, he had too much sensibility not to feel, and ^oo much honour not to resent an intend- ed insult. The first time he went to Boston he was insulted for his rusticity by a boy of twice his size and age ; after bearing the sar- casms until his patience was worn out, he chal- lenged, engaged, and vanquished his unman- nerly antagonist, to the great diversion of a crowd of spectators. While a stripling, his ambition was to perform the labour of a man, and to excel in athletic diversions. 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 favourite amusements. At such gymnastic exercises (in which, during the heroic times of ancient Greece and Rome, conquest was considered as the promise of fu- ture military fame) he bore the palm from al- most every ring. Before the refinements of luxury, and the consequent increase of expences had rendered the mainteniince of a family inconvenient or at. A LIFE or GENERAL PUTNAM* burdensome in America, the sexes entered in- to matrimony at an early age. Competence, attainable by all, was the limit of pursuit. After the hardships of making a new settle- ment were overcome, and the evils of penury removed, (he inhabitants enjoyed, in the lot of equality, innocence and security, scenes eoual- ]y delightful with those pictured by the glow- ing imagination of the poets in their favourite pastorailife, or fabulous golden age. Indeed, the condition of mankind was never more en- viable. Neither disparity of age and fortune, nor schemes of ambition and grandeur, nor the pride and avarice of high-minded and mer- cenary parents, interposed those obstacles to the union of congenial souls, which frequently in more polished society prevent, embitter or destroy all the felicity of the connubial state. Mr. Putnam before ne attained the twenty- first year of his age, married Miss Pope, daughter of Mr. John Pope of Salem, by whom he had ten children, 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. Gardiner of Gardiner^s Island, by whom he had no issue. She died in 1777. In the year 1739 he removed from Salem to Pomfret, an inland fertile town in Connecticut, forty miles east of Hartford : having here pur- chased a considerable tract of land he applied himself successfully to agriculture. ■In. .;? :i'j:A'm\!i- *(• ''*^*-A-'^. ■v. .i.^ 'ilt' '-nv ^f.--'.- «C* SO LIFB OF GENERAL PUTNAM. ''' The first jears, on a new 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 an house and barn, felling wooas, making fences, sowing grain, planting orchards and taking care of nis stock, had to encounter, in turn, the calamities occasioned by drought in summer, blast in harvest, loss of cattle in winter, and the dessolation of his sheep- fold by wolves. In one night he had seventy fine sheep and goats killed, besides many Iambs and kids wounded. This havoc was commit- ted by a she wolf, which, with her annud whelps, had for several years infested the vi- cinity. The young were commonly destroy- ed by the vigilance of the hunters, but the old one was too sagacious to come within reach of gunshot : upon being closely pursued she would generally fly to the western woods, and return the next winter with another litter of whelps. This wolf, at length became such an intol- erablt) nuisance, that Mr Putnam entered into a combination with five of his neighbours to hunt alternately until they could destroy her. Two bv rotation, were to be constantly in pur- suit. It was known, that, having lost the toes from one foot, by a steel trap, she mH'h one track shorter than the other. By diis vesiige, the pursuers recogniztd, in a light snow, the route of this pernicious animal. Having fol- lowed her to Connecticut river and found she V -l.; *■ LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 21 had turned back in a direct course towards Pomfret, they immediately returned, and by ten o'clock the next morning the blood-hounds I id driven her into a den, about three miles distant from the house of Mr. Putnam : The people soon collected with dogs, guns, straw, iire and sulphur to attack the common enemy. With this apparatus several unsuccessful ef- forts were made to force her from the den. The hounds came back badly wounded and rf ruscl 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 retirement. Wearied with such fruitless attempts (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 ^o down into the cavern and shoot the wolf: the negro declined the hazardous ser- vice. Then it was that the master, angry at the disappointment, and declaring that he M'as ashamed to have a coward in his family, resolved himself to destroy the ferocious beast, lest he should escape throu^'h some unknown fissure of the rock. His ne.^' ^^ours strongly remonstrated against the perilous enterprize : but he, knowing that wild animals were intimi- dated by nre, and having provided several strips of birch-bark, the only combustible ma- terial which he could obtain, that would afford li^ht in tlik deep and darksome cave, prepar- ed for his descent. Having, accordingly, di- :Jr # ■■■-\u --w[_-rf.-^-' ■ •^r---- te> •»>' 22 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. Tested himself ofliiscoat and waistcoat, and having a long rope fastened round his legs, by llhich he might oe pulled back, at a concert- ed signal^ he entered head foremost, with the blazing torch in his hand. The aperture of the den, on the east side of a very hiffh ledge of rocks, is about two feet square ; from thence it descends obliquely fif- teen feet, then running horizontally about ten more, it ascends gradually sixteen feet to- wards its termination. The sides of this sub^ terraneous cavity are composed of smooth and solid rocks, which ^aem to have been divided jftom each other by some former earthquake. The top and bottom are also of stone, and the entrance, in winter, being covered with ice, is exceedingly slippery. 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 afiorded by his torch. It was silent as thf) house of death. None but monsters of the desert had ever before explored this soli- tary man<«ion of horror. He, cautiously pro- ceeding onward, came to the ascent ; whicn he •lowly mounted on his hands and knees until he discovered the glaring eye-balls of the wolf, who was sitting at the extremity of the cavern. Started at the sight of nrc, she ffnashed her teeth, and gave a sullen i^rowl. As sppn as he had made tne necessary discov- -*,- - TR.^'7,-"-"' LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. » oat, and legs, by concert- with the st side of two feet iquely fif- ibout ten feet to- ■ this sub- 1100 th and jn divided irthquake. le, and the vith ice, is 3lace high f upright, t in width, e horizon- ying dark- 1 circle of silent as lonsters of d this soli- iousl;^ pro- ; whicn he knees until alls of the ■nity of the fire, she len ffrowl. ary discov- ■| ery, he kicked the rope as a signal for pulling him out. The people, at the mouth of the den, who had listened with painful anxiety, hearing the growling of the wolf, stnd suppos- ing their friend to be in the most imminent danger, drew him forth with such celerity that his shirt was stripped over his head and his skin severely lacerated. After he had adjust- ed his clothes, and loaded his gun with nine buck-shot, holding a torch in one hand and the musket in the other, he descended the se- cond time. When he drew nearer than before, the wolf, assuming a still more fierce and ter- rible appearance, howling, rolling her eyes, snapping her teeth, and dropping her head between her legs, was evidently m the atti- tude, and on the point of springing at him. At the critical instant he levelled and fired at her head. Stunned with the shock, and suffocated with the smoke, he immediately found himself (h-awn out of the cave. But having refreshed Iiimseir, and permitted the smoke to dissipate, he went down the third time. Once more he carne within sight of the wolf, who appearing very passive, he applied the torch to her nose, ancf perceiving her dead, he took hold of her ears, and then kicking the rope Tstill tied round his legs) the people above witli no small ex- ultation dragged them both out together. I have oflered tlicse facts in greater detail, because they contain a display of character ; and because they have been erroneously rela- ted in several European pubncations,and very ''m."- '^ • ' Av 24 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. :• much mutilated in the history of Connecticut, a work as replete with falsehood as destitute of genius, lately printed in London. Jrrosperity, at length, be^an to attend the agricultural affairs of Mr. Putnam. He was acknowledged to be a skilful and indefatigable manager. His fields were mostly enclosed with stone walls. His crops commonly suc- ceeded, because the land was well tilled and manured. His p'lstures and meadows became luxuriant. His cattle were of the best breed, and in good order. His garden and fruit-trees prolific. With the avails of the surplusage of his produce, foreign articles were purchased. Within doors he found the compensation of his labors in the plenty of excellent provisions, as well as in the happiness of domestic society* A more particular description of his transi- tion from narrow to easy circumstances might be given ; but the mind that shall have ac- quired an idea of the habits of labour and sim- plicity, to which the industrious colonists were accustomed, will readily supply the omission. The effect of this gradual acquisition of prop- erty, generally favorable to mdividual virtue and public felicity, should not however be passed over in silence. If there is something fascinating in the charms of a country life, from the contemplation of beautiful l}»ndscapes, there is likewise something elevating to the soul, in the consciousness of being lord of the soil, and having the power of creating them. The man can scarcely be guilty of a agrdid i I r: LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM 18 action, or even descend to an ungenerous thought, who, removed from the apprehensioii of want, sees his farm dailj meliorating and assuming whatever appearaace he pleases to prescribe. This situation converts tlie farmeif mto a species of rural philosopher, bj'^inspir- ing an fionest pride in nis rank as a freeman, flattering the natural propensity for personal independence, and nourishing an unlimited hospitality and philanthropy in his social char- acter. But the time had now arrived which was to turn the instruments of husbandry into wea- pons of hostility, and t exchange the hunting of wolves, who had ravaged the sheep-folds^ for the pursuit ufter savages, who had desola- ted tlie frontiers. Mr. Putnam was about 37 years old, when the war between England and France, which preceded the last, broke out in America. His reputation must have been favourably known to the government, since among the first troo])s that were levied by Connecticut, m 1755^ he was appointed to the command of a company in layman's regiment of Provincials. I have mentioned his age at this period expressly to obviate a prevalent opinion, that '^^ ^^'^s far advanced in life when he commenced his military service. As he was extremely popular, he found no difficulty in enlisting his complement of recruits from the most hardy, en^erprizing and respect- able young men of his neighbourhood. The* regiment joined the army, at the opening of •5 Hst' >\ 26 LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. the campaign, not far distant from Crown- Point. Soon after his arrival at camp, he be- came intimately acquainted with the famous partizan Captain, afterwards Major Rogers, with whom he was frequently associated in traversing the wilderness, reconnoitering the enemy's unes, gaining intelligence, and taking^ straggling prisoners, as well as in beating up the quarters and surprising the advanced pick- ets of their army. For these operations a corps of rangers was formed from the irregu- lars. The first time Rogers and Putnam were detached with a party of these light troops, it was the fortune of the latter to pre- serve, with his own hand, the life of the for- mer, and to cement their friendship with the blood of one of their enemies. The object of this expedition was to obtain an accurate knowledge of the position and state of the works at Crown-Point. It was impracticable to approach with their party near enough for this purpose, without being discovered. Alone, the undertaking was suf- ficiently hazardous, on account of the swarms of hostile Indians who infested the woods. Our two partizans, however, left all their men at a convenient distance, with strict orders to continue concealed until their return. Having thus cautiously taken their arrangements, they advanced with the profoundest silence in the evening ; and lay, during the night, contiguous to the fortress. Early in the morning they approached so close as to be able to give sat- ".W LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 27 isfactorj information to the General who had sent them, on the several points to which their attention had been directed : but Captain Rog- ers, being at a little distance from Captain Putnam, fortuitously met a stout Frenchman, who instantly seized his fusee with one hand, and with the other attempted to stab him, while he called to an adjacent guard for as- sistance. The guard answered. Putnam, per- ceiving the imminent danger of his friend, and that no time was to be lost, or further alarm given by firing, ran rapidly to them, while they were yet struggling, and with the but-end of his piece laid the Frenchman dead at his feet. The partizans, to elude pursuit, pre- cipitated their flight, joined the party, and re- turned without loss to the encampment. Not many occasions occurred for partizans to dis- play their talents in the course of this summer./ The war was chequered with various fortune in different quarters — such as the total defeat of General craddock, and the splendid victory of Sir William Johnson over the French troops, commanded by the Baron Dieskau. The brilliancy of this success was necessary to console the Americans for the disgrace of that disaster. Here I might, indeed, take a pride in contrasting the conduct of the British regulars, who had been ambuscaded on the Monongahela, with that of the Provincials (under Johnson) w^ho, having been attacked in their lines, gallantly repulsed the enemy, and took their general prisoner, did I consider < ''^ 28 LIFB OF GENERAL PUTNAM. i fnyselfat liberty to swell this essay with re- flections on events, in which Putnam was not directly concerned. The time for which the colonial troops engaged to serve terminated with the campaign. Putnam was reappointed, and again took the field in 1756. Few are so ignorant of war as not to know, that military adventures, in the night, are al- ways extremely liable to accidents. Captain Putnam, having been commanded to reconnoi- tre the enemy's camp at the Ovens near Ticon^ deroga^ took the brave Lieutenant Robert Durkee as his companion. In attempting to execute these orders, he narrowly missed be- ing taken himself in the first instance, and kill- ing his friend in the second. It was customa- ry for the British and Provincial troops to place their fires round their camp, which fre- quently exposed them to the enemy's scouts and patroles. A contrary practice, then un- known in the English army, prevailed among the French and Indians. The plan was much more rational ; they kept their fires in the cen- tre, lodged their men circularly at a distance, and posted their centinels in the surrounding darkness. Our partizans approached the camp, and supposing the Gentries were with- in the circle of fires, crept upon their hands and knees with the greatest possible caution, until, to their utter astonishment, they found themselves in the thickest of the enemy. The centinels, discovering them, fired ancl slightly wounded Durkee in the thigh. He and Put- LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. 29 nam had no alterative. Thej fled. The lat- ter, being foremost and scarcely able to see his hand before him, soon plunged into a clay- pit.^ Durkee, almost at the identical moment, came tumbling after. Putnam by no means pleased at findmg a companion, and believing him to be one of the enemy, lifted his toma- hawk to give the deadly blow, when Durkee, (who had followed so closely as to know him) enquired, whether he had escaped unhurt. Captain Putnam instantly recognizing the voice, dropped his weapon : and both, spring- ing from the pit, made good their retreat to the neighbouring ledges, amidst a shower of random shot. There they betook themselves to a large log, by the side of which they lodg- ed the remamder of the night. Before they lay down. Captain Putnam said he had a little rum in his canteen, which could never be more acceptable or necessary ; but on examining the canteen, which hung under his arm, he found the enemy had pierced it with their balls, and that there was not a drop of liquor left. The next day he found fourteen bullet holes in his blanket. In the same summer a body of the enemy, consisting of 600 men, attacked the baggage and provision waggons at a place called the half-way-brook ; it being equi-distant from Fort Edward, and the south end of Lake George. Having killed the oxen and plun- dered the waggons, they retreated with their booty without having met with such resistance LIFE OF GENEftAL I>UTl^AM. .1 I I as might have been expected from the strength t)f the escort. General Webb, upon receivmg intelligence of this disaster, ordered the Cap- tains Putnam and Rogers "to take 100 vol- " unteers in boats, with two wall-pieces and '* two blunderbussea, and to proceed down " Lake George to a certain point : there to " leave the batteaux under a proper guard, *' and thence to cross by land, so as to harrassj " and, if practicable, intercept the retreating ~ ** enemy at the narrows." These orders were executed with so much punctuality, that the party arrived at the destined place half an hour before the hostile boats came in view. Here they waited, under cover, until the ene- my (ignorant of these proceedings) entered the narrows with their batteaux loaded with plunder Then the volunteers poured upoi^ them volley after volley, killed many of the oarsmen, sunk a number of their batteaux, and would soon have destroyed the whole body of the enemy, had not the unusual precipitancy of their passage (favoured by tlie wind) car- ried them through the narrows into the wide part of South Bay, where they were out of the reach of musket-shot. The shattered rem- nant of the little fleet soon arrived at Ticou- deroga, and gave information that Putnam and Rogers were at the narrows. A fresh party was instantly detached to cut them in pieces, on their return to Fort-Edward. Our parli- zans, sensible of the probability of such an at- tempt, and being full twenty miles from their ^r:- XIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. boats, Strained evey nerve to reach them as soon as possible; which they effected the same night. Next day, when they bad returned as far as Sabbath-Day point, they discovered, o^ shore, the beforementioned detachment of 300 men, who had passed them in the night, and who now, on perceiving our party, took to their boats witn the greatest alacrity, and rowed out to give battle. They advanced in line, maintaining a good mein, and felicitating themselves upon the prospect of an easy con^ quest, from tne great superiority of their num-* bers. Flushed with these expectations, they v/ere permitted to come within pistol-shot be- fore a gun was fired. At once, the wall-pie- ces and blunderbusses, which had been brought to rake them in the most vulnerable point, were discharged. As no such reception had been foreseen, the assailants were thrown into the utmost disorder. Their terror and confu- sion were greatly increased by a well-directed and most destructive fire of the small arms. The larger pieces being reloaded, without an- noyance, continued alternately with the mus-* quetry to make dreadful havoc, until the rout was completed and the enemy driven back to Ticonderoga. In this action, one of the bark canoes contained twenty Indians, of whom fif- teen were killed. Great numbers, from other boats, both of French and Indians, were seen to fall overboard : but the account of their to- tal loss could never be ascertained. Rogers and Putnam had but one man killed, and two 32 LlFfi OF GENERAL PUTNAM. ■\^*^^ • ^'' i I slightly wounded. They now landed on the point, and having refresned their men at leis- ure, returned in good order to the British camp. Soon after these rencounters, as ingular kind of race was run by our nimble-footed Provin- cial and an active young Frenchman. The liberty of each was by turns at stake. Gen- eral Webb, wanting a prisoner for the sake of intelligence, sent- Capt. Putnam with dye men to procure one. The Captain concealed himself near the road which leads from Ticon- deroga to the Ovens. His men seemed fond of shewing themselves, which unsoldierlike conduct he prohibited with the severest repre- hension. This rebuke they imputed to unne- cessary fear. The observation is as true as vulgar, that persons distinguishable for temer- ity, when there is no apparent danger, are generally poltroons whenever danger ap- proaches. They had not lain ^ong, in the nigh grass, before a Frenchman and an Indian passed — 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: 6ut his prisoner, looking round, f perceiving no other enemy, and knowing the ndian would be ready in a moment to assist him, began to make an obstinate resistance. Putnam, finding himself betrayed by his men ^y-; f'j^ '"■;'"«y.^v*-'/^. " "'•;" ^■\'y i ' ■"'.■". % '- '';j.^f^'t'i,'''-''^^^'''l'-'t'^'r'y,- , •T^,:~' vvi-- LirE or GENERAL PUTNAM. $$ into a perilous dilemma, let go his hold, & ^ ped back and snapped his piece, which was levelled at the Frenchman's breast. It missed fire. Upon this he thought it most prudent to retreat. The Frenchman, in turn, chased him back to his men, who, at last, raised them* selves from the grass ; which his pursuer es« pjing in good time for himself, made his es- cape. Putnam, mortified that these men had frustrated his success, dismissed them with disgrace ; and not long after accomplished his object. Such little feats, as the capture of a single prisoner, may be of infinitely more consequence than some, who are unacquainted with military affairs, would be apt to imagine* In a country covered with woods, like that Eart of America, then the seat of war, the dif- cuUy of procuring, and the importance of pos- sessing good intelhgence, can scarcely be con- ceived even by European commandero. They, however, who know its value, will not appre- ciate lightly the services of an able partizan. Nothmg worthy of remark happened dur- ing this campaign, except the loss of Oswego. That fort, which had oeen 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 Ni- agara, fell into the hands of the enemy, with a garrison of sixteen hundred men, and one hun- dred pieces of cannon. The active services of Captain Putnam on every occasion attracted the admiration of the 4 :'M; il ■■■irmrf 31 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. /If 'i. If 1*1' i V r public, and induced the Legislature of Con- necticut to promote him to a majority in 1757. Lord Loudon was then Commander in Chief of the British forces in America. The expedi- tion against Crown-Point, which from the com- mencement of hostilities had been in contem- plation, seemed to give place to a more impor- tant operation that was meditated a^inst Louisbourg. 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 campaigns. It was rumoured, and partially creclited at the time, that General Webb, who commanded in the northern department, had early intimation of the movement of the French army, and might have effectually succoured the garrison. The subsequent facts will place the affair in its proper light. ^-' A few days before the seige. Major Putnam, with two hundred men, escorted General Webb from Fort Edward to Fort William Henry. The object was to examine the state of this fortificiption, which stood at the south- ern extremity of Lake George. Several abor- tive attempts having been made by Major Rogers and others in the night season. Major Putnam proposed to go down the lake in open day-light, land at Northwest-Bay, and tarry on shore until he could make satisfactory discove- ry of the enemy's actual situation at Ticondero- ga and the adjacent posts. The plan (which he suggested) of landing with only five mea, LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. S5 of Con- in 1757. r in Chief e expedi- the com- I contem- rtj im][)or- 1 against he Brest I attempt; ry served successful 1 partially lehh, who ment, had he French coured the 1 place the >r Putnam, 1 General •t William e the state the south- ?eral abor- by Major son. Major ke in open id tarry on ry discove- ricondero- lan (which y five men., i and sending back the boats, to prevent detec- tion,was deemed too hazardous by the General. . At length, however, he was permitted to pro- ceed with eighteen volunteers in three wnale 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 returned himself with the infor- mation. The General, seeing him rowing back with great velocity, in a single boat, con-* eluded the others were captured, and sent ^ skifr,with orders for him alone to come on shore. % After advising the General of the circumstano es, he urged the expediency of returning to make further discoveries, and bring off the boats. Leave was reluctantly mven. He found his people, and, passing stul onward, discovered (by the aid of a good perspective glass) a large army in motion. By this time several of the advanced caj^es had nearly sur- rounded himy but by the softness of his whale- boats, he escaped through the midst of them. On his return he informed the General min- utelv of all he had seen, and intimated his con- viction that the expedition must obviously be destined 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 observed, " he hoped ^^ his Excellency did not intend to neglect ao 36 LIFS OF GEHBRAL PUTITAll. f ' *'/air an opportunity of giving battle, should M the anemj presume to land.'" *^What do you ^< think we should do here?'' replied the Gen- eraL Accordinglj the next day he returned, and the daj after Colonel Monro was ordered from Fort Edward, with his regiment, to rein- force the garrisor^. That officer took with him all hii rich baggage and camp equipage, Botwithstanding Major Putnam's advice to the contrary. The day following his arrival, the aoamy landed and besieged the place. The Marquis de Montcalm, Commander in Chief for the French in Canada (intend- ing to take advantage of the absence of a large proportion of the British force, which he understood to be employed under Lord Lou- don against Louisbourg) had assembled what- ever men could be spared from Ticonderoga, Crown-Point, and the other garrisons : with these he had combined a consioerable corps of Canadians, and a ^ger body of Indians than had ever before been collected ; making in the whole an army of nearly eight thousand men. Our garrison consisted of twenty-five hundred, and was commanded by Colonel Monro, a very gallant officer, who found the means of sencf- ing express after express to General Webb, with an account of his situation, and the most pressing solicitation for succour. In the mean time, the army at Fort Edward, which, origin- ally amounted to about four thousand, had bet>n considerably augmented by Johnson's troops and the militia. On the 8tn or 9th day after the landing of the French, General * LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. 37 Johnson (mi consequence of repeated applica- tions) was suflfered to march for the rehef of the garrison, with all the Provincials, Militia, and Putnam's Rangers : but before they had proceeded three miles, the order was counter- manded, and they returned. M. de Montcalm informed Major Putnam, when a prisoner in Canada, that one of his running Indians saw and reported this movement; and, upon being questioned relatively to the numbers, answer- ed in their figurative style, ^^ If you can count the leaves on the trees ^ you can count themJ*^ In efrect,the operations of the siege were suspend- ed, and preparations made for re-embarking, when another of the runners reported that the detachment had gone back. The Marquis de Montcalm, provided with a good train of artil- lery, meeting with no annoyance from the British army, and but inconsfderable interrup- tion from the garrison, accelerated his ap- proaches so rapidly, as to obtain possession of the fort in a short time after completing the investiture. An intercepted letter from Gene- ral Webb, advising the surrender,was sent into the fort to Colonel Monro by the French General. The garrison engaged got to serve for eigh- teen months, and were permitted to march out with the honours of war. But the savages regarded not the capitulation, nor could they be restrained by the utmost exertion of the Commanding Officer, froi» committing the most outrageous acts of cruelty. They strip- i i 'M ri 9 i r LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. ped and plundered all the prisoners, and mur* dered great numbers in cold blood. Those who escaped bj flight, or the protection of the French, arrived in a forlorn condition at Fort £dward : Among these was the commandant of the garrison. The day succeeding this deplorable scene of carnage and barbarity. Major Putnam hay- ing been dispatched with his Rangers, to watch the motions of the enemy, came to the shore, when their rear was scarcely beyond tho reach of musket-shot. They had carried off all the cannon, stores and water-craft. The fort was demolished. The barracks, the out-hous- es and suttlers' booths were heaps of ruins. The fires, not yet extinct, and the smoke, of- fensive from the mucilaginous nature of the fuel, but illy concealed innumerable fragments of human skuUs and bones, and, in some in- stances, carcases half-consumed. Dead bodies, weltering in blood, were every where to be seen, violated, with all the wanton mutilations of savage ingenuity. More than one hundred women, some with their brains still oozing from the battered lieads, others with their whole hair wrenched collectively with the skin from the bloody skulls, and many (with their throats cut) most inhumanly stabbed and butchered, lay stripped entirely naked, with their bowels torn out, and afforded a spectacle too horrible for description. ' ' > Not long after iliis misfortune, General Ly- man succeeded to the command of Fort Ed- -^ J*,* .. _..*_ I '(■*-=■ ^-. LIFE OF GENZRAL PUTNAM. 39 and mur- . Those ion of the n at Fort amaiidant ible scene tnam hav- >, to watch the shore, the reach off all the The fort I out-hous- 3 of ruins, smoke, of- jre of the fragments 1 some in« 3ad bodies, lere to be nutilations le hundred till oozing with their th the skin ^with their tbbed and Btked, with a spectacle eneral Ly- Fort Ed- ward. He resolved to strengthen it. For this purpose one hundred and fiftj men were employed in cutting timber. To cover them, Captain Little was posted (with fiftj British Regulars) at the head of a thick swamp about one hundred rods eastward of the tort — to which his communication lay over a tongue of land, formed on the one side bj the swamp, and by a creek on the other. One morning, at day b'^eak, a centinel saw indistinctly several birds, as he conceived, come from the swamp and fly over him with incredible swiftness. While he was ruminat- ing on these wonderful birds, and endeavouring to form some idea of their colour, shape and size, an arrow buried itself in the limb of a tree just above his head. He now discovered the quality and design of these winged messengers of fate, and gave the alarm. Instantly the working party began to retreat along the de- file. A large booy of savages had concealed themselves in the morass before the guard was posted, and were attempting in this way tokill the centinel without noise,witn design to surprise the whole party. Finding the alarm given^ they rushed from the covert, shot and toma- hawked those who were nearest at hand, and pressed hard on the remainder of the unarmed ijgitives. Captain Little flew to their relief, and, by pouring on the Indians a well timed fire, checked the pursuit, and enabled such of th« fatigue-men as did not fall inWie first onset, to retire im the fort. Thitliier he sent for assist- .W" \\ '■^i ' ''^' '"■ 40 l^IFE OF GENERAL PUTNAl^t. ance, his little party being alraostwerpower- ed by numbers. But the commanaant, imag- ining that the main body of the enemy were approaching for a general assault, called in his out-posts and shut the gates. '■ -• * Major Putnam lay, with his Rangers, on an island adjacent to the fort. Havu)g heard the musquetry, and learned that his friend Captain Little was in the utmost peril, he plunged into the river at the head of his corps, and waded through the water towards the place of engagement. This brought him so near to the fort, that General Lyman apprized of his design, and unwilling that the lives of a few more brave men should be exposed to what he deemed inevitable destruction, mount- ed the parapet and ordered him to proceed no further. The major only took time to make the best short apology be could, and marched on. This is the only instance in the whole course of his military service wherein he did not pay the strictest obedience to orders ; and in this instance his motive was highly commen- dable. But when such conduct, even if sanc- tifi^ by success, is passed over with impunity, it demonstrates that all is not right in the military system. In a disciplined army, such as that ot the United States became under Goneral Washington, an officer guilty of a slighter violation of orders, however elevated in rank or meritorious in service, would have been brought bAre the bar of a Court Mar- tial. Were it not for the seductiye tendency ' ■/"■''Ii^P^'~'7'"?'r- ■'""**-,! ;rs, on an LIFE OF GENERAL FUTlTAlf. 41 of a brave man's example, I might have been spared the mortification of making these re- marks on the conduct of an officer, whose dis- tinguishing characteristics were promptitude for duty and love of subordination, as well as cheerfulness to encounter every species of dif- ficulty and danger. :h^ The Rangers of Putnam soon opened their way for a junction with the little handful of Regulars, who still obstin^^^ely maintained their ground. By his advice the whole rushed im- petuously with shouts end huzzas into the swamp. The savages fied on every side, and were chased, with no inconsiderable loss on their part, as long aQ the day-light lasted. On obrs only one man was killed in the pursuit. His death was immediately revenged by that of the Indian who shot him. This Indian was one of the runners — a chosen body of active young men, who are made use of uot only to procure intelligence and convey tidings, but al- so to guard the rear on a retreat. . "^ Here !t will not^be unseasonable to mention some of the customs in war peculiar to the aborigines, which on the present as^ well as othei' occasions, they put in practice. When- ever a retreating, especially a flying party had gained the summit of a rising ground, they faecreted one or two runners behind trees, copses, or bushes to fire at the enemy upon their ascending the hill. This commonly ac- casioned the enemy to halt ai|d form for battle. In the interim the runners used such dexterity ^. :';M-':-T:i*V'.iW'-;'':^ * -T^-SV ' - ^»,-T' (3-.^^ -^ J^^ •^-i- %■ ■ \\. LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. as to be rarely discovered, or if discovered, they vanished behind the height and rejoined their brother warriors, who, having thus stol- en a distance, were oftentimes seen by their pursuers no more. Or if the pursuers were too eager they seldom failed to atone for their rashness by falling into an ambuscade. The Mohawks, who were afterwards much employ- ed in scouts under the orders of Major Putnam, and who were perfeptly versed in all the wiles and stratagems of their countrymen, shewed him the mode of avoiding the evils of either alternative. In suspicious thickets, and at the borders of every considerable eminence, a mo- mentary pause was made, while they, in differ- ent parts, penetrated or ascended with a cau- tiousness tnat cannot be easily described. They seemed all eye and ear. When they found no lurking mischief!^ they would beckon with the hand, and pronounce the word "OwisH," withalong labial hissing, the O being almost quiescent. This was ever the watch- word for the main body to^dvance. Indians who went to war together, and who, for any reason found it necessary to separate into different routes, always left two or three runners at the place oi separation, to give timely notice to cither party in case of pursuit. ..>.. .;. .: , ■■y.:^.y:^i, ..^^, . If a warrior ' chanced to stragsle and lose himself in the woods, or be retarded by acci- dent or wound, the party missing him would frequently, on their march, break down a ■^ ^_ ^ivtj.u,/-: "T^VKsr^fff^f'-B LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. 43 bush or a shrub, and leave the top pointing in the direction they had gone, that the straggler, when he should behold it, might shape his course accordingly. * >^ .- i iw^^ v^^w r^ We come to the campaign when General Abercrombie took the command at Fort Ed- ward. That General ordered Major Putnam, with sixty men, to proceed by land to South- Bay, on Lake George, for the purpose of making discoveries, and intercepting the ene- my's parties. The latter, in comphance with these orders, posted himself at Wood-Creek, near its entrance into South-Bav. On this bank, which forms a jutting precipice ten or twelve feet above the water, he erected a stone parapet thirty feet in length, and mask- ed it with young pme-trees, cut at a distance, and so artf* Ily planted as to imitate the natu- ral growth. From hence he sent back fifteen of his men, who had fallen >ick. Distress for want of provisions, occasioned by the length of march, and time spent on this temporary fortification, compellea him to deviate from a rule he had established, never to permit a gun to be fired but at an enemy while on a scout. He was novv obliged himself to shoot a buck, which had jumped into the creek, in order to eke out their scanty subsistence until the fourth day after the completion of the works. About ten o'clock that evening, one of the men on duty at the margin of the bay, informed him that a fleet of bark canoes, filled with men, was steering towards the .nouth of the creek. ':^--. ^ ^'t^' ■^ 44 LllW .^M- GENERAL PUTKAM* 'f M :f I i I • Jl!.' f' '. He immediavtelj called in all his centinels, and ordered every man to his post. A profound stillness reigned in the atmosphere^ and the full moon shone with uncommon brightness. The creek, which the enemy entered, is about six rods wide^ and the bank opposite to the parapet above twenty feet high. It was in* tended to permit the canoes in front to pass— they had accordingly just passed, when a sol- dier accidentally struck his firelock against a stone. The commanding officer in the van canoe iieard the noise, and repeated several times the savage watch-word, — Owish! In- stantly the canoei: huddled together, with their centre precisely in front of the works, cover- ing the creek for a considerable distance above and below. The officers appearj^d to be in deep consultation, and the fleet op the point of returning, when Major Putnam, who had or- dered his men in the most peremptory manner not to fire until he should set the example, five the signal, by discharging his ^iece. hey fired. Nothing could exceed the inex- tricable confusion and apparent consternation occasioned by this well-concerted attack. But, at last, the enemy finding, from the unfrequen- cy fthougu there was no absolute intermission) in tne firmg, that the number of our men must be small, resolved to land below and surround them. Putnam^ apprehensive of this from the movement, sent Lieutenant Robert Durkee,* ' * As the name of the brave Durkee will occur no more in these ilieettf I uaj be indulged in aaeationing hi» melanohoijr fiite. He M '■^^fc LIFE OP GENERAL PUJNAM. 45 with twelve men, about thirty, rods down the creek, who arrived in titoe to repulse the party which attempted to land. Another small de- tachment, under Lieutenant Parsons, was or- dered up the creek to prevent any similar at- tempt. In the mean t'*' ^e Major rutnam kept up, throusjh the whole night, an incessant and deadly fire on the main body of the enemy, without receiving any thing in return but shot void of effect, accompanied with dolorous groans, miserable shrieks, and dismal savage yells. After day-break he was advised that one part of the enemy had effected a landing consK^erably below, and were rapidly advanc- ing to cut off his retreat. Apprised of the great superiority still opposed to him, as well as of the situation of his own soldiers, some of whom were entirely destitute of ammunition, and the rest reduced to one or two rounds per man, he commanded them to swing their packs. By hastening the retreat, in good or- der, they had just time to retire far enough up the creek to prevent being enclosed. During this long-continued action, in which the Amer- icans had slain at least five ti^es their own number, only one Provincial and one Indian were wounded on their side. These unfortu- nate men had been sent off for camp in the \ * ' '■ survivecl this war, and was appointed a Captain in that war which terminated in the aclcnowledgment ofviui* Itidcpendeoce' In 1778 he was wounded and taken prisoner b^ the saragcs at the battle of Wioming;, on the Susquehaunah. Havine: heen condemned to be burnt, the Indians kept him in ihc flames with pit«b'<6)t*lLs» until he expired in the most excruciating; torments. 5 ^-■; M' 46 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM* i night, with two men to assist them, and di» lections to proceed by Wood-Creek as the safest, though not the shortest route. But having taken a nearer way, thej were pursu- ed and overtaken bj the Indians, who, from the blood on the leaves and bushes, believed that they were on the trail of our whole par- ty. The wounded, despairing of mercy, and unable to fly, insisted that the well soldiers should make their escape, which, on a mo- ment's deliberation, they effected. The Pro- vincial, whose thigh was broken by a ball, up- on the approach of the savages, fired his piece, and killed three of them ; after which he was quickly hacked in pieces. The Indian, however, was saved alive. This man Major Putnam saw afterwards in Canada, where he likewise learned that his enemy, in the ren- counter at Wood-Creek, consisted of five hun- dred French and Indians, under the command of the celebrated partizan Molang, and that no party, since the war, had suffered so se- verely, as more than one-half of those who went out never returned. Our brave little company, reduced to forty in number, had proceeded along the bank of the creek about an hour's march, when Major Putnam, being in front, was fired upon by a party just at hand. He, right]^ appreciating the advantage often obtained by assuming a bold countenance on a critical occasion, in a fttentorophonick tone, ordered his men to rush on the enemy, and promised that they shoulc Lir£ OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 47 soon give a good account of them. It proved to be a Bcout of Provincials, who conceived they were firing upon the French ; but the commanding omcer, knowing Putnam's voice, cried out, " that they were all friends." — ^Upon this the Major told him abruptly, "that, friends or enemies, they all deserved to be hanged for not killing more when they had so fair a shot." In fact, but one man was mortally wounded. While these things were transacted, a faithful soldier, whose ammuni'^ tion had been nearly exhausted, made his vraj to the fort, and gave such information, that General Lyman was detached with five hun« dred men to cover the retreat. Major Put- nam met them at only twelve miles distance from the fort, to wnich they returned the nt.xt day. In the winter of 1757, when Colonel Havi- land was Commandant at Fort Edward, the barracks adjoining to the north-west bastion took fire. They extended within twelve feet of the magazine, which contained three hun- dred barrels of powder. On its first discovery, the fire raged with great violence. The Com- mandant endeavoured, in vain, by discharging some pieces of heavy artillery against the sup- porters of this flight of barracks, to level them with the ground. Putnam arrived from the island where he was stationed at the moment when the blaze approached that end which was contiguous to the magazine. Instantly a vigorous attempt was made to extinguish the 48 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 1 1 ' I conflagration. A way was opened by a pos- tern gate to the river, and the soldiers were employed in bringing water ; which he, hav- ing mounted on a ladder to the eves of the building, received and threw upon the ilame. It continued, notwithstanding their utmost ef- forts, to gain upon them. He stood, enveloped in smoke, so near the sheet of fire, that a pair of thick blanket mittens were burnt entirely from his hands; he was supplied with another pair dipt in water. Colonel HavIIand, fearing that he would perish in the flames, called to him to come down. But he entreated that he might be suflered to remain, since destruc- tion must inevitably ensue if their exertions should be remitted. The gallant Comman- dant, not less astonished than charmed at the boldness of his conduct, forbade any ^lore ef- fects to be carried out of the fort, animated the men to redoubled diligence, and exclaim- ed, " if we must be blown up, we will go all together." At last, when the barracks were seen to be tumbling, Putnam descended, plac- ed himself at the interval, and continued from un incessant rotation of replenished buckets to pour water upon the magazine. The outside planks were already consumed by the prox- imity of the fire, and as only one thickness of timber intervened, the trepidation now became general and extreme. Putnam, still undaunt- ed, covered with a cloud of cinders^ and scorched with the intensity of the heat, main- tained his position until the fire subsided, and Tirrr ■••« ■ ■^^•^•IH'. by a pos- iers were h he, liav- ves of the the flame, utmost ef- enveloped that a pair it entirely ith another nd, fearing s, called to reated that ce destruc- i' exertions t Comman- med at the ly piore ef- t, animated \d exclaim- will go all racks were nded, plac- inued from buckets to ;^he outside the prox- hickness of ow became II undaunt- aders, and heat, main- bsided, and LIF£ OP GENERAL PUTNAM. 49 the danger was wholly over. He had con- tended for one hour and an half with that terrible element His legs, his thighs, his arms, and his face were blistered ; and when he pulled off his second pair of mittens, the skin from his hands and fingers followed them. It was a month before ho recovered. The Commandant, to whom his merits had before endeared him, could not stifle the emo- tions of gratitude, due to the man who had been so instrumental in preserving the maga*^ zine, the fort, and the garrison. The repulse before Ticonderoga took plaee in 1758. General Abercrombie, the British Commander in Chief in America, conducted the expedition. His army, which amounted to nearly sixteen thousand Regulars and Pro-* vincials, was amply supplied with artillery and military stores. This well-appointed corps passed over Lake George, and landed, with- out opposition, at the point of destination. The troops advanced in columns. Lord Howe, having Major Putnam with him, was in front of the centre. A body of about five hundred men, (the advance or pickets of the French army) which had fled at first, began to skir- i mish with our left. ^'Putnam," said Lord#' Howe, " what means that firing .^" *' I know not, but with your Lordship's leave will see,** replied the formef, " I will accompany you,'* rejoined the gallant young nobleman. In vain did Major Putnam attempt to dissuade him by 5* ■» '^W/ ■fr. V LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM^ sayinff— " My Lord, if I am killed, the loss ot my life will be of little consequence, but the preservation of your's is of infinite importance to this army." The only answer was^ " Put- nam, your life is as dear to you as mine is to me ; 1 am determined to go." One hundred of the van, under Major Putnam, filed off with Lord Howe. They soon met the left flank of the enemy 'fi advance, by whose 'first fire his Lordship fell. — It was a loss indeed; and particularly felt in the operations Which oc- curred three days afterwards. His manners and his virtues had made him the idol of the army. From his first arrival in America, he had accommodated himself''*' and his regiment to the peculiar nature of the service. Exem- plary to the officer, a friend of the soldier, the model of discipline, he had not failed to en- counter every hardship and hazard. Nothing could be more calculated to inspire men with the rash animation of rage, or to temper it with the cool perseverance of revenge, than the sight of such a hero, so beloved, fallen in his country'*; cause. It had the effect. Put- nam's party, having cut their way obliquely throuffn the enemy s ranks, and having been joinadby Captain D'Ell, with twenty men, to- gether with some other small parties, charged them so furioosly in rear, that nearly three * He eut his hair Bhort, and induced the regiment to follow the example. He fashioned their cloathiiig for tke activity of service, and diveited hioiKlf and them of evei^y urtiole of superfluoui bag- gige. LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 51 hundred were killed on the spot, and one hundred and forty-eight made prisoners. '■• In the mean time, iVom tlie unskil fulness of the guides, some of our columns were bewil- dered. The left wing, seeing Putnam's party in their front, advancing over the dead bodies towards them, commenced a brisk and heavy (ire, which killed a serjeant and several pri- vates. Nor could they, by sounds or signs, be convinced of their mistake, until Major Putnam, preferring (if heaven had thus or- dained it) the loss of his own life to the loss of the lives of his brave associates, ran through the midst of the flying balls, and prevented the impending catastrophe. The tender feelings which Major Putnam possessed taught him to respect an unfortu- nate foe, and to strive, by every lenient art in his power, to alleviate the miseries of war. For this purpose he remained on the field until it began to giow dark, employed in col- lecting such of the enemy as were left wound- ed, to one place ; he gave them all the liquor and little refreshments which he could pro- cure; he furnished to each of them a blanket; he put three blankets under a French serjeant who was badly wounded through the body, and placed him in an easy posture by the side of a tree : the poor fellow could only squeeze his hand with an expressive grasp. "Ah," said Major Putnam, "depend upon it, my brave soldier, you shall be brought to the 52 # >■ LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. camp as soon as possible, and the same care shall be taken of you as if you were my broth- er." The next morning Major Rogers was sent to reconnoitre the field, and to bring off the wounded prisoners ; but finding the wounded unable to help themselves, in order to save trouble, he despatched every one of them to the world of spirits. Putnam's was not the only heart that bled. The Provincial and British officers, who became acquainted with the fact, were struck with inexpressible horror. Ticonderoga is surrounded on three sides by water ; on the fourth, for some distance, extends a dangerous morass ; the remainder was tJien fortified with a line eight feet high, and planted with artillery. For one hundred yards in front the plain was covered with great trees, cut for the purpose of defence, nliwse interwoven and sharpened branches projected outwards. Notwithstanding these impediments, the engineer who had been em- ployed to reconnoitre, reported as his opinion, that the works might be carried with mus- ketry. The difficulty and delay of dragging the nattering cannon over grounds almost im- practicable, mduced the adoption of this fatal advice—- to which, however, a rumour that the ffarrison, already consisting of four or f\\e thousand men, was on the point of being aug- mented with three thousand more, probably contributed. The attack was as spnited in th ca % LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 53 execution as ill-judged in design. The as- sailants, after having been for more than four hours exposed to a most fatal fire, without making anj impression by their reiterated and obstinate proots of valour, were ordered to re- treat. Major Putnam, who had acted as an aid in bringing the Provincial regiments suc- cessively to action, assisted in preserving or- der. It was said that a great number of the enemy were shot in the head, every other part havintr been concealed behind their works. The loss on our side was upwards of two thousand killed and wounded. Twenty-five hundred stands of arms were taken by the French. Our army, after sustaining this hav- ock, retreated with such extraordinary precip- itation, that they regained their camp at the soul* "d of Lake George the evening after the jn. The successes in other parts of America made amends for this defeat. Louisbourg, af- ter a vigorous siege, was reduced by the Gen- erals Amherst and Wolf : Frontenac, a post of importance on the communication between Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence, surren- dered to Colonel Bradstreet: and Fort Du Quesne, situated at the conflue ^ce of Monon- gahela with the Ohio, (the possession of which had kindled the flame of war that now spread tlirough the four quarters of the globe) was captured by General Forbes. ■M. ■^5t.T 54 LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. 4^ -^ A few adventures, in which the public inter- ests were little concerned, but which, from their peculiarity, appear worthy of being pre- served, happened before the conclusion oi the /ear. As one day Major Putnam chanced to lie with a batteau and nve men, on the eastern shor .)f the Hudson^ near the Rapids, con- tigr 3 to which Fort Miller stood, his men on ti^e opposite bank had given him to under- stand, that a Iiar^e body of savages v\^ere in his rear, and would be upon !iim in a moment. To stay and be sacrificed — to attempt crossing and be shot — or to go down to the falls, with an almost absolute certainty of being drowned, were the sole alternatives that presented them- selves to his choice. So instantaneously was the latter adopted, that one man who had ram- bled a little from the party, was, of necessity, left, and fell a miserable victim to savage bar- barity. T^he Indians arrived on the shore soon enough to fire many balls on the batteau before it could be got under way. No sooner had oFir batteau-men escaped, by favour of the rapidity of the current, beyond the reach of musket-shot, than death seemed only to have been avoided in one form to be encountered in another not less terrible. Prominent rocks, latent shelves, absorbing eddies, and abrupt descents, for a quarter of a mile, afibrded scarcely the smallest chance of escaping with- out a miracle. Putnam, trusting ^imself to a good Providence, whose kindness he had often m -K:-r» LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM 55 experienced, rather than to men, whose ten- derest mercies are cruelty, was now seen to place himself sedately at the helm, and afford an astonishing spectacle of serenity. His com- panions, with a mixture of terror, admiration and wonder, saw Jiim incessantly changing the course, to avoid the jaws of ruin, that seemed expanded to swallow the whirling boat. Twice he turned it fairly round to snun the rifts of rocks. Amidst these eddies, in which there was the greatest danger of its founder- ing, at one moment the sides were exposed to the fury of the waves ; then the stern, and next the bow glanced obliquely onward, with inconceivable velocity .^With not less amaze- ment the savages beheld him sometimes mount- ing the billows, then plunging abruptly down, at other times skilfully veering from the rocks, and shooting through the only narrow passage; until, at last, thev viewed the boat sately glid- ing on the smooth surface of the stream below. At this sight, it is asserted, that these rude sons of nature were affected with the same kind of superstitious veneration which the Eu- ropsans, in the dark ages, entertained for some of their most valorous champions. They deemed the man invulnerable, wnom their balls, on his pushing from shore, could not touch ; and wnom they had seen steering in safety down the rapids that had never before been passed. They conceived it would be an af- iront against the Great Spirit to attempt to kill .r^,- ; -^r' " E?; "^-v: 66 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. r * u u ■■ this favoured mortal ivith powder and ball, if they should ever see and know him again. 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 Ticondrroga. At Soi^th-bay they separated the party into two equal divis- ions, and Rogers took a position on Wood- Cr<»ek, reive miles distant from Putnam. Upoi being, some time afterwards, discov- ered, they formed a re-union, and concerted measures for returning to Fort Edward. Their march through the woods was m three divisions by files : the right commanded by Rogers, the left by Putnam, and the centre bj Captain D'Ell. The first night they en- camped on the banks of Clear River ^ about a mile from old Fort Ann, which had been for- merly built by Geneial Nicholson. Next morn- ing Major Rogers, and a British officer named Irwin, mcautiously suffered themselves, from a spirit of false emulation, to be engaged in firing at a mark. Nothing could have been more repugnant to the military principles of Putnam than such conduct, or reprobated by him in more pointed terms. As soon as the heavy dew which had fallen the preceding night would permit, the detachment moved in one body, Putnam being in front, D'Ell in centre, and Rogers in the rear. The impervious growth of shrubs and under-brush that bad sprung up, where the land had been partially >m CO] pa Wli cai led\ to be< - ■• ;;^::' ■''"/ .*■ : s;^ iiV*;iifl^7*""rT^-' ''■''V.iT!P'- ',V':?ej>'. LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 57 ind ball, if 1 again, ndred men of Majors motions of Sonth-i^ay 3qual divis- on Wood- utnam. rds, discov- l concerted t Edward, ivas in three imanded by the centre rht theyen- iveu about a ad been for- Next morn- ifficer named slves, from a iged in firing I been more e3 of Putnam id by him in is the heavy ceding night aoved in one Ell in centre, e impervious ush tnat had jeen partially i > cleared some years before, occasioned this change in the order of march. At the moment of moving, the famous French partizan Mo- larig, who had been sent with five hundred men to intercept our party, was not more than one mile and an half distant from them. Hav- ing heard the firing, he hastened to lay an am- buscade precisely in that part of the wood most favourable to his project. Major Put- nam was just emerging from the thicket, into the common forest, when the enemy rose, and with discordant yells and whoops, commenced an attack upon the right of his division. Sur- prised, but undismayed, Putnam halted, return- ed the fire, and passed the word for the other divisions to advance for his support. D'Ell 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 fighting. Rog- ers came not up; but, as he declared after- wards, formed a circular file between our par- ty and Wood-Creek, to prevent their being taken in rear or enfiladed. Successful as he commonly was, his conduct did not always pass without unfavourable imputation. Not- withstanding, it was a current saying in the camp, "that Rogers always senty but rutnam led his men to action," yet, injustice, it ought to be remarked here, that the latter has never been kpown, in relating the story of tliis day's y*' -','«^ 58 LIFE CF GENERAL PUTNAM. disaster, to ajOlix any :'ti^ma upon the conduct of the former, r Major Putnam, perceiving it would be im- practicable to cross the creek, determined to maintain his ground. Inspired by his exam- ple, the officers and men behaved with great Dravery: sometimes they fought aggregately in open view, and sometimes individually un- der cover ; taking aim from behind the bodies of trees, and actmg in a manner independent of each other. For himself, having discharged his fuzee several times, at length it missed nre, while the muzzle was pressed against the breast of a large and weh proportioned savage. This warrior^ availing himself of the indefensi- ble attitude of his adversary, with a tremen- dous war-hoop, 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 : (he savages, con- ipeiving this to be the certain harbinger of vic- tory, rushed impetuously on, with dreadful and redoubled cries. But our two partizans, col- lecting a handful of brave men, gave the pur- suers so warm a reception as to oblige them, in turn, fo retreat a little beyond the spot at which the action had commenced Here they made a stand. This change of ground occa- sioned the tree to which Putnam was tied to r :-ci?r:. # LIFE OP GEMERAL PUTNAM. 59 ■"*#■ be directly between the fire of the two pfirties. Human imagination can hardly figure to itself a more deplorable situation. The balls flew incessantly from either side, many struck the tree, while some pas jd through the sleeves and skirts of his coat. In this state of jeopar- dy, unable to move his body, to stir his limbs, or even to incline his head, he remained more than an hour. So equally balanced, and so obstinate was the fight! At one moment, while the battle swerved in favour of the ene- my, a young savage chose an odd way of dis- covering his humour. He found Putnam bound. He might have dispatched him at a blow. But he loved better to excite the ter- rors 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 struck in the tree a number of times at a nair'b breadth dis- tance from the mark. W hen the Indian had finished his amusement, a French bas-officer (a much more inveterate savage by nature, though descended from so humane and polish- ed a nation)perceiving Putnam, came up to him, and, levelhng a fuzee within a foot of his breast, attempted to discharge it — it missed fire. Ineffectually did the intended victim so- licit the treatment due to his situation, by re- peating that he was a prisoner of war. The degenerate Frenchman did not understand the language of honour or of nature: deaf to their <>■ ^€' *r- ■^r ',W[^'^«»A<, { •^' m-' ic-. V- ■••1.,' ^ LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNABIr voice, and dead 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 but-end of his piece. After this dastardly deed he left him. At length the active intrepidity of D'Ell and Harman,^ seconded by the persevering valour of their followers, prevailed. They drove from the field the enemy, who left about ninety dead behind them. As they were retiring, Putnam was untied by the In- dian who had made him prisoner, and whom he afterwards called master. Having been conducted for some distance from the place of action, he was stripped of his coat, vest, stock- ings and shoes ; loaded with as many of the packs of the wounded as could be piled upon him ; strongly pinioned, and his wrists tiea as closely together as they could be pulled with a cord. After he had, marched, through no pleasant paths, in this painful manner, for ma- ny a tedious mile, the party (who were exces- sively fatigued) halted to breathe. His hands were now immoderately swelled from the tightness of the ligature ; and the pain had become intolerable. His feet were so much scratched, that the blood dropped fast from them. Exhausted with bearing ^ burden above his strength, and frantic with torments exqui- site beyond endurance, he entreated the Irish • This worthy officer is still living (1788) at Marlborough io the State of Massj^ohusetts. *'^.- larlborough id the LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 61 ^ interpreter to implore, as the last and only grace he desired of the savages, that thej would knock him on the head and take his scalp at once, or loose his hands. A French officer, instantly interposing, ordered his hands to be unbound, and some of the packs to be taken off. By this time the Indian who cap- tured him, and had been absent with the wounded, coming up, gave him a pair of mo- casons, and expressed great indignation at the unworthy treatment his prisoner had suf- fered. 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 part^ to the place where the whole were that night to encamp. They took with them Major Putnam, on whom, besides innu- merable other outrages, they had the barbarity to inflict a deep wound with the tomahawk in the left cheek. His suiferings were in this place to be consummated. A scene of horror, infinitely greater than had ever met his eyes before, was now preparing. It was deter- mined to roast him alive. For this purpose they led him into a dark forest, stripped him naked, bound him to a tree, and piled dry brush, with other fuel, at a small distance, in a circle round him. They accompanied their labout's, as if for his funeral dirge, with screams and sounds inimitable but by savage voices. Then they set the piles on fire. A 6# . IT ■., ■«, '*J-'t'i .*m '{%■' '■'■*'■ ■'%■ ■■»» • t m 'n. e- LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. ^ sudden shower damped the rising flame. Still they strove to kindle It, 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 ap- proached. This sight, at the very Idea of which all but savages must shudder, afforded the highest diversion to his Inhuman tormen- tors, who demonstrated the delirium of their joy hy correspondent yells, dances, and gesti- culations. He saw clearly that his final nour was inevitably come. He summoned all his resolution, and composed his mind, as far as the circumstances could admit, to bid an eter- nal farewell to all he held most dear. To quit the world would scarcely have cost a smgle pang ; but for the Idea of home, but for the remembrance of domestic endearments, of the affectionate partner of his soul, and of their beloved offsprlns:. His thought was ul- timately fixed on a happier state of existence, beyond the tortures he was beginning to en- dure. The bitterness 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 sublunary things — wnen a French officer rushed through the crowd, opened a way by scattering the burning brands, and unbound the victim. It was Molang himself — to whom a savagd, uawilling to see another human sa- /.i ■"i ■'"* LIPtS OF GENERAL PUTNAM. - crifice immolated, had run and communicated the tidings. That commandant spurned and severely reprimanded the barbarians, whose nocturnal powwas and hellish orgies he sud- denly ended. Putnam did not want for feel- ing or gratitude. The French commander^ -0 fearing to trust him alone with them, remain- ed 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 particular affec- tion. He offered him some hard biscuit; but finding that he could not chew them, on ac- count of the blow he had received from the Frenchman, this more humane savage soaked some of the biscuit in water, and made him suck the pulp-like part. Determined, hew- ever, not to loose his captive (the refreshnr ent being finished) he took the mocasons from his feet, and tied them to one of his wrists : then directing 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 fastenied to two saplings. Then a number of tall, but slender pole^ 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 conve- nientljr find lodging, in order to prevent the possibility of his escape. In this aisagreeabie i \\ <(•' mm- . wm LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. and painful posture he remained until morn- ing. During this night, the longest and most dreary conceivable, our hero used to relate that' he felt a ray of cheerfulness come casu- ally across his mmd, and could not even re- fram from smiling when he reflected on this hidicrous group for a painter, of which he himself was the principal figure. The next d^y he was allowed his blanket and mocasons, and permitted to march with- out carrying any pack, or receiving any in- sult. 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 prisoner was placed under the care of a French guard. The sava- ges, who had been prevented from glutting tneir diabolical thirst for blood, took other opportunity of manifesting their malevolence for the disappointment by 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- 3uis de Montcalm, Major Putnam was con- ucted to Montreal by a French officer, who treated him with the greatest indulgence and humanity. "^ At this place were several prisoners. Col- onel Peter Schuyler, remarkable for his phi- kntbropy, generosity, and friendship, was of Ihe number. No sooner had he heard of Ma- '*•■ LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. 65 jor Putnam's arrival, than he went to the in- terpreter's quarters, and inquired whether he . had a Provincial Major in his custody ? He found Major Putnam in a comfortless co|idi-> tion — witnout coat, waistcoat, or hose — the remnant of his clothing miserably dirty and ragged — his beard long and squalid — his legs torn by thorns and briars — his face gashed with wounds-and swollen with bruises. Colonel Schuyler, irritated beyond all sufferance at such a sight, could scarcel v^ restrain his speech within limits, consistent v/ith the prudence of a prisoner and the meekness of a christian. Major Putnam was immediately treated ac- cording to his rank, cloathed in a decent manner, and supplied with money by that liberal and sympathetic patron of the disi tressed. The capture of Frontenac by General Bradstreet afforded occasion for an exchange of prisoners. Colonel Schuyler was compre- hended in the cartel, A generous spirit can never be satisfied with imposing tasks for its generosity to accomplish. Apprehensive if it should be known (hat Putnam was a distinguished partizan, his liberation might be retarded, and knowing that there were offi- cers who, from the length of their captivity, had a claim of uriority to exchange, he had, by his happy address, induced the governor to offer, that whatever officer he might think proper to nominate should be included in the !#■ jiv, »:•?;: -^^»s5r- ■" ■y;y'c--^^.:^ ■'in;':'.''-. •p?'W * - il E i > - * *. 'f^'i' ■,'-•'*■ w i^V: *»■' 66 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM* present cartel. With great politeness in man- ner, but seeming indifference as to object, he expressed his warmest acknowledgments to the governor, and said, " There is an bid man here, who is a Provincial Major, and wishes to be at home with his wife and children ; he can do no good here or any where else : I believe your Excellency had better keep some of the young men, who have no wife or chil- dren to care for, and let the old fellow go home with me." This justifiable finesse had the desired effect. At the house of Colonel Schuyler, Major Putnaiik became acquainted with Mrs. Howe, a fair captive, whose history would not be read without emotion, if it could be written in the same affecting manner in which I have often heard it told. She was still young and handsome herself, though she had two daugh- ters of marriageable age. Distress, which had taken somewhat from the original redundancy of her bloom, and added a softening paleness to her cheeks, rendered her appearance the more engaging. Her face, that seemed to have been formed for the assemblage of dimples and smiles, was clouded with care. The natu- ral sweetness was not, however, soured by despondency and petulance, but chastened by humility a ia resignation. This mild daughter of sorrow looked as if she had known the day of prosperity, when serenity and gladness of soul were tne inmates of her bosom. That ."^. * ^ LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 67 day was past, and the once lively features now assumed a tender melancholy, which wit- nessed her irreparable loss. She needed not the customary weeds of mourning, or the fal- lacious pageantry of woe, to prove her widow- ed state. She was in that stage of affliction when the excess is so far abated as to permit the subject to be drawn into conversation, without opening the wound afresh. It is then rather a source of pleasure than pain to dwell upon the circumstances in narration. Every thing conspired to make her story interesting. Her first husband had been killed and scalped by the Indians some years before. By an un- expected assault, in 1756, upon Fort Dummer, where she then happened to be present with Mr. Howe, her second husband, the savages carried the fort, murdered the greater part of the garrison, mangled in death her husband, and led her away with seven children into captivity. She was for some months kept with them ; and during their rambles she was fre- quently on the point of perishing with hunger, and as often subjected to hardships seemingly intolerable to one of so delicate a frame. Some time after the career of her miseries began, the Indians selected a couple of their young men to marry her daughters. The fright ar)d disgust which the intelligence of this intention occasioned to these poor young creatures, added infinitely to the sorrows and perplexities of their frantic mother. To pre- 1*' ^-4^^ 68 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. vent the hated connexion, all the activity of female resource was called into exertion. She found an opportunity of conveying to the governor a petition, that her daughters might 'h- be received into a convent for the sake of securing the salvation of their souls. Happily ^ the pious fraud succeeded. . Aoout the same time the savages separated, ^ and carried ofi her other five children into different tribes. She was ransomed by an elderly Frencii officer for four hundred livres. Of no avail were the cries of this tender mother — a mother desolated by the loss of her children, who were thus torn from her fond embraces, and removed many hundred miles from each other, into the utmost recesses of Canada. With them (could they have been kept together) she would most willingly have warjJered to tlie extremities of the world, and accepted as a desirable portion the cruel lot of slavery for life. But she was precluded from the sweet hope of ever beholaing them again. The insufferable pang of parting, and the idea of eternal separation, planted the ar- rows of despair deep m her soul. Though all the world was no better than a desert, and all its inhabitants were then indifferent to her, yet the loveliness of her appearance in sorrow had awakened affections, which, in the aggra- vation of her troubles, were to become a new source of afflictions. The officer who bought her of the Indians had a son who also held a commission, and ^ \ M LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. m resided with his father. During her contihu- ance in the same house, at St. John's, the double attachment of the father and the son rendered her situation extremeljj distressing. It is true, the calmness of age delighted to gaze respectfully on her beauty ; but the impetu- osity of )outh was fired to madness by the sight of her charms. One dav, the son, whose attentions had been long lavished upon her in vain, finding her alone in a chamber, forcibly seized her hand, and solemnly declared that he would now satiate the passion which she had so long refused to indulge. She recurred to entreaties, struggles, and tears, those preva- lent female weapons which the distraction of danger not less than the promptness of genius is wont to supply ; while he, in the delirium of vexation and desire, snatched a dagger, and swore he would put an end to her life if she persisted to struggle. Mrs. Howe, assuming the dignity of conscious virtue, told him it was what she most ardently wished, and begged him to plunge the poignard through her hearty since the mutual importunities and Jealousies of such rivals had rendered her life, though innocent, more irksome and insupportable than death itself. Struck with a momentary compimction, he seemed to relent, jiind relax his liold ; and she, availiog herself of his irresolution, or absence of mind, escaped down the stairs. In her disordered state she told the whole transaction to his father, who directed 'r ■^it%5:)s"-ji'",;v ■ t\::i'^y-',7W''^r^W^Wi^{ 'ci'i;7i^:'^^'rm";'/-'''fi'"'i'-'' LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. € r f^m future, to sleep in a small bed at the foot of that m which his wife lodged. The atfau* soon reached the governor's ears, and the joung officer was, shortly afterwards, sent on a tour of duty to Detroit This gave her a short respite ; hut she dreaded his retinn. and the humihating inaulr? for which she might be reserved. A^-r chil- dren, too, were ever present to her moler- choly mind. A stranger, a widow, f) captive, she knew not where to a|)ply for relief. She had heard of the name oi Schuyler — she was jet to learn, that it was only another appella- tion for the friend of suffering b imanilj. As thai excellent man was on his way froia Que- bec to the Jerseys, under a parole, for a Hmit- ed tiniis he came, with feeble and trembling step?, to him The same maternal passion which sometimes overcomes the timidity of nature in the birds, when plund( red of their callow nestlings, emboldened her, notwhh- standing her native diffiJence, to disclose those griefs which were ready to devour her ki silence. While her delicate aspect was heightened to a glowing blush, for fear of of- fending by an inexcusable impo. . jnity, or of tranegressmg the rules of propria j by repre- senting herself as being an object of admira- tion, sne told, with artless simplicity, all the story of her woes. Colonel Schuyler, from that moment, became her protector, and en* deavoured to procure her liberty. The per- ,7 ^^I '■\J'f^f^r''irfr<:yr. -'^^.ro^- :i :-*^-- '- LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. gon who purchased her from the savages, un- willing to part with so fair a purchase, de- manded a thousand livres as her ransom. But Colonel Schuyler, on his return to Quebec, obtained from the governor an order, in con- sequence of which Mrs. Howe was given up to him for four hundred livres; nor did his active goodness rest until every one of her five sons was restored to her. * Business having made it necessary that Col-, onel Schuyler should precede the prisoners who were exchanged, he recommended the fair captive to the protection of his friend Put- nam. She had just recovered from the mea- zles when the party was preparing to set oflf for New-England. By this time the young French officer had returned, with his passion rather increased than abated by absence. He pursued her wheresoever she went, and, al- though he could make no advances in her af- fection, he seemed resolved, by perseverance, to carry his point. Mrs. Howe, terrified by his treatment, was obliged to keep constantly near Major Putnam, who informed the young officer that he should protect that lady at the risk of his life.* In the long march from captivity, through an inhospitable wilderness, encumbesfd with five small children, she suffered incredible • Two or three incidents respecting Mrs. Howe, which »er« received by the author fi-om General Putnam, and inserted in th« former editions, are omitted in this, as the)' appeared, on fiirthcv inlormation, to be mistakes. ^ i:i I ."' ■'":. LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. hardships. Though endowed with masculine fortitude, she was trulj feminine in strength, and must have fainted bj the way, had it not been for the assistance of Major Putnam. There were a thousand good offices which the helplessness of her condition demanded, and which the gentleness of his nature de- h'ghted to perform. He assisted in leading her little ones, and in carrying them over the swampj grounds and runs of water, with which their course was frequently intersected. He mingled his own mess with that of the widow and the fatherless, and assisted them in supplying and preparing their provisions. Upon arriving withm tne settlements, they ex- perienced a reciprocal regret at separation, and were only consoled by the expectation of soon mingling in the embraces of their former acquaintances and dearest connexions. After the conquest of Canada, in 1760, she made a journey to Quebec, in order to bring back her two daughters, whom she had left in a convent. She found one of them married to a French officer. The other having con- tracted a great fondness for the religious sis- terhood, with reluctance consented to leave them and return. . ^ . ^^ <»-*., , ' Weaoow arrive at the period when the prowess of Britain, victorious alike by sea and Dv land, in the new and in the old world, had elevated that name to the zenith of national glory. The conquest of Quebec opened the ■-'T:-^:-pSifr-:-^--:r LtPE or GENERAL PUTNAM. 'm Waj for the total reduction of Canada. Oq the side of the Lakes, Amherst having cap- tured the posts of Ticonderoga and (Jrown-^ Point, apphed himself to strengthen the latter. Putnam, who had been raised to the rank t)f Lieutenant-Colonol, and present at these ope- rations, was employed the remainder of this and some part of the succeeding season, in superintending the parties which were detach* ed to procure timber and other materials for the fortification. ♦ . .; .^^. In 1760, General Amherst, a sagacious, hu- mane, and experienced commander, planned the termination of the war in Canada, hy a bloodless conquest. For this purpose, three armies were destined to co-operate, by differ- ent routes, against Montreal, the only remain- ing place of strength the enemy held in that country. The corps formerly commanded by General Wolfe, now by General Murray, was ordered to ascend the river St. Lawrence ; an- other, under Colonel Haviland, to penetrate by the Isle Aux Noix ; and the thira, consist- ing of about ten thousand men, commanded by the General himself, after passing up the Mohawk-River, and taking its course by the Lake Ontario, was to form a junction by fail** ing down the St. Lawrence. In this progress, more than one occasion presented itself to manifest the intrepidity and soldiership of Lieutenant-Colonel Putnam. Two armed ves- sels obscruqted the passage, and prevented ihe -r-VVff Z' -#• 74 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. attack on Oswegatchie. Putnam, with one thousand men, in fifty 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 chosen 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 per- form any other manoeuvre. All the men in his little fleet were ordered to strip to their waistcoats, and advance 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, be- holding the good countenance with which they approached, ran one of the vessels on shore, and struck the colours of the other. Had it not been for the dastardly conduct of the ship's company in the latter, who compelled tne Captain to haul down his en- sign, he would have given the assailants a bloody reception: for the vessels were well proviaed with spars, 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 by an high abattis of black-ash, that every where pro^ f*-» "■>■ """T"; -'"f'' ■■ .'■- ,tf.-.;i:?:-j«r.7;r¥i'" LIFE OF 6ENERAL PUTNAM. 75 with one ertook to cer, ever , prodigal J less loss, a beetle design to sels should es,or per- he men in rip to their same time, and show noiated by \fed swiftly, I victory or e ships, be- with which » vessels on . the other, dly conduct latter, who own his en- assailants a Is were well d every cus^ J as well a? the fortress, jd seemed to 5 by an high where pro^ ■* V Hi 'ij jected over the water. Lieutenant-Colonel Putnam proposed a mode of attack, and offer- ed his services to carry it into effect. The General approved the proposal. Our parti- zan, accordingly, caused a sufficient number of boats to be fitted for the enterprize. The sides of each boat were surrounded with fas- cines, muskei proof, which covered the men completely. A wide plank, twenty feet in length, was then fitted to every boat in such manner, by having an angular piece sawed 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 oarsmen forced the bow with the utmost ex- ertion 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 Put- nam having made his dispositions to attempt the escalade in many places at the same mo- ment, advanced with his boats in admirable order. The garrison perceiving these extraor- dinary and unexpected machines, waited not the assault, but capitulated. Lieutenant-Col- onel Putnam was particularly honoured by General Amherst, for his ingenuity in tliis in- vention, and promptitude m its execution. The three armies arrived at Montreal within two days of each other ; and the conquest of Canada became complete without the loss of a single drop of blood. ^mi ri'n ■ ,■;/,.;, -: , r.ir. '■l-r ■'T.r,: r.-- \\ 76 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. At no great distance from Montreal stands the savage village called Cochnawaga. Here our partizan found the Indian chief v^ho hr>d formerly made him prisoner. That indian was highly delighted to see his old acquaint- ^ ance, whom he entertained in his own well- built stone house with great friendship and ^ hospitality ; while his guest did not discover less satisfaction in an opportunity of shaking the brave savage by the hand, and proffering him protection in this reverse of his military fortunes. When the belligerent powers were consid- erably exhausted, a rupture took place be- tween Great Britain and Spain, in the month of January,] 762, and an expedition was form- ed that campaign, under Lord Albermarle, against the Havannah. A body of Provinci- als, composed of five hundred men from the Jerseys, eight hundred from New- York, and ^ one thousand from Connecticut, joined his Lordship. General Lyman, who raised the reg- iment of one tliousand men in Connecticut, be- in^ the senior officer, commanded the whole : oicourse, the immediate command of his regi- ment devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Put- nam. The fleet that carried these troops sail- ed from New-York, and arrived safely on the coast of Cuba. There a terrible storm arose, and the transport in which Lieutenant-Colonel Putnam had embarked with five hundred men, was wrecked on a rift of craggy rocks. The weather was so tempestuous, and the surf, LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 77 which ran mountain-high, dashed with such violence against the i^hip, that the most experi- encea seaman expected it would suon part asunder. The rest of the fleet, so far from being able to afford assistance, with difficulty rode out the gale. In this deplorable situation, as the only expedient by which they could be saved, strict order was maintained, and all those people who best understood the use of tools, instantly employed in constructing rafts from spars, plank, and whatever other materia als could be procured. There happened to be on board a large quantity of strong cords, Tthc same that are used in the whale fishery^ which, being fastened to the rafts, after the first had with inconceivable hazard reached the shore, were of infinite service in preventing the oth- ers 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 ad- vantage of circumstances, and the same pre- caution to prevent confusion on similar occa- sions, how many valuable lives, prematurely lost, might have been preserved as blessings to their families, their friends, and their country ! As soon as all were landed, Lieutenant-Col- onel Putnam fortified his camp, that he might not be exposed to insult from the inhabitants of the neighbouring districts, or from those of Carthagena, who were but twenty-four miles distant. Here the party remained unmolested several days, until the storm had so much J * n LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. abated as to permit the convoy to take them off. Thej soon joined the troops before the Havannah, who, having been several weeks in that unhealthy climate^ already began to grow extremely sickly.'* The opportune arrival of the Provmclal reinforcement, in perfect health, contributed not a little to forward the works, and hasten the reduction of that important place. But the Provincials suffered so misera- bly by sickness afterwards, that very few ever returned to their native land again. Although a general peace among the Euro- pean powers was ratified in 1763, yet the savages on our western frontiers still continu- ed their hostilities. After they had taken several posts. General Bradstreet was sent, in 1764, with an army, against them. Colonel Putnam, then, for tne first time, appointed to the command of a regiment, was on the expedi- tion, as was the Indian chief whom I have sev- eral times had occasion to mention as his cap- turer, at the head of one hundred Cochnawaga warriors. Before Geneial Bradstreet reach- ed Detroit, which the savagjes invested. Cap- tain D'Ell, the faithful friend and intrepid fel- low-soldier of Colonel Putnam, had been slain • Colonel Hnvilnnd, an RCcomplislMMl officer, severnl limes men- tioned in thfS'j ni'^moirH, wlio broii^lu i(» \mi'.ituni, und sind— •• Put- liHin, give nie » pimli of smiff." "'I .ever cm rv mn ," ritiiined Ptitnfiin. " i h«ve hIwuvh jusl ntich liu-k " criod lliiVii»nd ; ** the rRsealljr SpaiiiarUi have abut away luy puckcl^i snufl'hux and ull." LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. 79 in a desperate sally. He having been detach- ed with five hundred men, in 1 763, by Gene- ral Amherst, to raise the siege, found means of throwing the succour into the fort. But the garrison, commanded bv Major Glad wine, a brave and sensible officer, 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 at- tack upon them. The commandant would even have dissuaded Captain D'Ell from the attempt, on account of the great disparity in numbers; but the latter, relying on the disci- pline and courage of his men, replied, *'God " forbid that 1 Hhould ever disobey the orders of " my General,'"* and immediately disposed them for action. It was obstinate and bloody ; but the vastly superior number of the savages enabled them to enclose Captain D'EII's party on every side, and compellc d him, finally, to fight his way, in retreat from one stone house to another. Having halted to breathe a mo- ment, he saw or)e of liis bravest sergeants ly- in^ at a small distance, wounded through the thigh, and wallowing in his blood. Where- wpon he desired some of the men to run and bring the sergeant to the house, but they de- clined it. Then declaring, *'that he never '* would leave so hravi^ a soldier in the field to " be tortured by the savages," he ran and en- deavourcd to help him up—at the instant a volley of shot dropped them both dead to- gether. The party continued rstreating from w 80 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. house to house until they regained the fort ; where it was found the conflict had been 60 sharp, and lasted so long, that only fifty men remained alive of the five* hundied who had sallied. Upon the arrival of General Bradstreet, the savages saw that all further efl'orts, in arms, would be vain, and accordingly, after many fallacious proposals for a peace, and frequent tergiversations in the negociation, they con- cluded a treaty, which ended the war in A- merica. Colonel Putnam, at the expiration of ten years from his first receiving a commission, after having seen as much service, endured as many hardships, eiu oiintered as many dangers, and acquired as many laurels as any onicei of his rank, with great satisfaction laid aside his uni- form, and returned to his plough. The various and uncommon scenes of war m which he had acted a respectable part, his intercourse with the world, and intimacy with some of the first characters in the army, joined with occasional reading, had not only brought into view what- ever talents he possessed from nature, but, at the same time, had extended his knowledge, and polibhod his manners, to a considerable degree. Not having become inflated with pride, or forgetful of his old connexions, he had the good fortune to possess entirely the good will of his fi How citizens. No character stood fairer jn the puUic eye for integrity, •w: /:' ■■■ w !-* LIFE OP GENERAL Plf^NAM. ..^' 81 bravery, and patriotism. He was employed in several offices in his own town, and not un« frequently elected to represent it in the Gene- ral Assembly^, The year after his return to private life, the minds of men were strangely- agitated, by an attempt of the British Parlia- ment to introduce the memorable Stamp Act in America. This germe of 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. All the world knows how it then ripened into a civil war. ^W¥ On the twenty-second day of March, 1765, the Stamp Act received the royal assent. It was to take place in America on the first day of November following. This innovation spread a sudden and universal alarm. The political pulse in the Provinces, from Maine to Georgia^ throbbed in sympathy. The Assemblies, in most of these colonies, that they might oppose it legally and in concert, appointed Oelegates to confer together on the subject. ^ his first Congress met, early in October, at New- York. TliL'y agreed upon a Declaration of Rights and Grievances of the ColoriKS.^>; together with separate Addresses to the K»ng, Lordtf, and Cotnruons of Great-Britain, in the mean time, the people had determined, in order ^ prevent tliu stamped paper from being d\w^ tributed, that the Staiup-Masters shotmi nA enter on the execution iA their c^e. Ti^t ■^tt' m I ;i S2 LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. f 111 appointment, in Connecticut, had been confer- rea upon Mr. Ingersol, a very dignified, sensi- ble, and learned native of the colony, who, upon being solicited to resign, did not, in the first instance, give a satisfactory answer. In consequence o* which, a great number of the substantial yeomanry, on horseback, furnished with provisions for themselves, and provender for their horses, assembled in the eastern counties, and began their march for New- Haven, to receive the resignation of Mr. In- ersol. A junction with another body was to lave 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 patroles during the whole night, to prevent his arrival without their knowkuge. The succeecmig morning they resumed their inarch, and met Mr. Ingersol in Welhirsfield, They told him their business, and he, after some little hesitation, mounted on a round table, read his resignation."^ That finished, * The ouriouB may be plensed to know that the resignation vnM «spreued in these explicit termi : WetJieraJieldt September ^ih, 1 765. *ed Kpen which mat arrive from Europe, in consequence of un Hct ely passed io the Farliameiit of Grcat-Rritain ; nor officiittc as 8larop*Master or Distributor of Stamps, witltin the colony nt Con- neotirut* either directly or iiidirectly. And 1 do hereby notify to all tlie inhabitants of his Majesty's colony of Connecticut (noiwith* •Undini; the said office or trust has been conunitted to mr) not to Upply to me, everatlter, for any stamped paper ; hereby dttlating tMt I do retign the »uid ojffice, and execute thete Hrcsfnis of any own tree will amp accord, without any eqtii\uc«tioa o mental reservation. - i ** la witness whereof I have hereunto set my Imnd, ••J. INUEPSOL.'' \^^,^-,..,l,^ ';f--'i^5'f^r^.'»--'' . LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM 83 confer- I, sensi- ^, who, , in the er. In [• of the irnished ovender eastern >r New- Mr. In- y was to it having ol would rotextion IS there, ole night, owkdge. lied their herstield. he, after a round finished, ;8igualion w»» r \nh, 1765. any blainp*^*^ lite of a«» "*^* OP offifiute M •olony •»» *^»»"- reby nolil); to icut (iiolwilh- to tut) n«»l to -eby titclat ing ^Btsf Ml * of the multitude desired him to cry out " liberty au I property" three times ; which he did, and was answered by three loud huzzas. He theii diued with some of the principal men at a tavern, by whom he was treated with great pjllteness, and afterwards was escortpu by about five hundred horse to Hartford, where he ai^ain read his resignation, amidst the un- bounded acclamations of the people. 1 have chosen to style this collection the yeomanry ^ the multitude^ or the people^ because I could not make use of the English word mo6, which generally signifies a disorderly concurrence of the rabble, without conveying an erroneous idea. It is scarcely necessary to add, that the people, their objects being effected, without offering disturbance, dispersed to their homes.* Colo.iel Putnam, who instigated th^ people to these measures, was pre veiled from at- tending by accident. Eut he was deputed soon after, with two other gendemen, to wait on Governor Fitch on the same subject. The questions of the Governor, and answers of Put- nam, will serve to indicate the spirit of the times. After some conversation, the Governor asked, ^» What he should do if the stamped paper should be sent to him by the King's • To jtivc a trait of the nrhanily that prevaileil, it nipy not be nmi«is to mention h jost ihwt pHssi-d in 'he cavalcrnle to Hartford, and was received witli the niot^t perfect g(tied« "t!i«l MP had now » cU-arer idea than evrr he hail before coiiceiT- cd of that paflBftgo in th? rtevelationit, which desoi-ibea Death an a pale hora^t and hell foUu-mng him.** UEFSOL.* ^■^;/*-"ir7'-"; ; ■^■■„'^"'' .■''■■■Vil^\?^".' '■' 84 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. authority ?" Putnam replied, " lock it up until we shall visit 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 hlame, 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 Avith the duet in hwe minutes." It was suppos- ed, that a report of this conversation was one reason why ibe stamped paper was never sent from New-York to Connecticut. Such unanimity in the Provincial Assemblies, and decision in tlie yeomanry, carried beyond the Atlantic a conviction of the inexpediency of attempting to enforce the new Revenue System. The Stamp Act being repealed, and the measure in a manner quieted, Colonel Putnam continued to labour with his own hands, at farming, without 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 another: that thigh, being rendered nearly an Inch shorter than the left, occasioned him ever to limp in his walk. The Provincial oflicers and soldiers from Connecticut, wlio surviveu the conquest of the Havannah, appointed General Lyman to re- ceive the remainder of tho:r prize nioiiey, in England. A company, composed partly of LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. military, and partly of other gentlemen, whose object was to obtain from the crown a grant of land on the Missii^sippi, also committed to him the negociation oi their affairs. When several years had elapsed in applications, a grant of land was obtained. In 1770, General Lyman, with Colonel Putnam, and two or three others, went to explore the situation. After a tedious voyage, and a laborious pas- sage up the Mississippi, they accomplished their business. General Lyman came back to Connecticut with the explorers, but soon returned to the Natchez : there formed an establishment and laid his bones. Colonel Putnam placed some labourers with provisions and farming utensils iipon his location ; but the increasing troubles shortly after ruined the prospect of deriving any advantage from that quarter. In speaking of the troubles that ensued, I not onl^r omit to say any thing on the obnox- ious claim asserted in the Bntisii declaratory act, the continuation of the duty on tea, the- attempt to obtrude that article upon the A- mericans, the abortion of this project, the Bos- ton Port Bill, the alteration of the charter of Massachusetts, and other topics of universal notoriety ; but even wave all discussion of ir- ritations on the one part, and supplications oni the other, which preceded the war betweem Great-Britain and her colonies on this conti- nent. It will ever be acknowledged by thoaer w i^^ 86 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. who were best acquainted with facts, and it rhould be made known to posterity, that the kin^ of England had not, in his extensive do- minions, subjects more loyal, more dutiful, or more zealous for his glory than the Americans; and that nothing short of a melancholy persua- sion, that the " measures which for many years had been systematically pursued by his minis- ters, were calculated to subvert their constitu- tions," 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 the progress, it may suffice to observe, the dispute now verged precipitately to an awful crisis. Most considerate men foresaw it would terminate in blood. But rather than suffer the chains, which they believed in prepara- tion, to be rivetted, they nobly determined to sacrifice their lives. In vain did they depre- cate the infatuation of those transatlantic counsels which drove them to deeds of despe- ration. Convinced of the rectitude of their cause, and doubtful of the issue, they felt the most painful solicitude for the fate of tl^ir country, on contemplating the supeifor strength of the nation with which it was to contend. America, thinly inhabited, under thirteen distinct colonial governments, could have little hope of success, but from the pro- tection of providence, and the unconquerable spirit of freedom which pervaded the mass of LIFE OP GENERAL PUTITAM. 87 the people. It is true, since the peace ehe had surprisingly increased in wealth and pop- ulation ; but the resources of Britain almost exceeded credibility or conception. It is not wonderful, tlien, 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 travelling, the force of Britain, stood aloof. All eyes were now turned to find the men who, possessed of mil- itary experience, would dare, m the approach- ing hour of severest trial, to lead their undis- ciplined fellow-citizens to battle. For none were so stupid as not to comprehend, that want of success would involve 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 subjugation, indiscreetly as indiscriminately stigmatized with the imputation 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 de- fending their rights by arms, would find ao difficulty in wiping away the ungenerous as- persion. As he happened to be often at Bos- ton, he held many conversations, on these sub- jects, with General Gage, the British Com- mander in Chief, Lord Percy, Colonel Sheriff, Colonel Small, and many officers with whom he had formerly served, who were now at the t8 tlFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. ■?■ Head-Quarters. Being often questioned, " in case the dispute should proceed to hostilities, what. part he would really take?" he always answered, "with his country; and that, let whatr ever miglit happen, he was prepared to abide the consequence. ' Being interrogated, ^^wheth- er he, who had been a witness to the prowess and victories of the British fleets and armies, did not think them equal to the conquest of a country which was not the owner of a single ship, regiment, or magazine ?" he rejoined, that "he could only say, justice would be on our side, and the event with providence : but that he had calculated, if it required six years for the combined 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 widely extended colonies, which were much strongeit- than Canada : That when men fought for ever^ thing dear, in what they believed to be; the most sacred of all causes, and in their own native land, they would have great ad- vantages over their enemies who were not in the same situation; and that, having taken into view all circumstances, for his own part^ he fully believed that America would not be so easily conquered by England as those gen- tlemen seemed to expect." Being once, in particular, asked, " whether he did not seri- ously believe that a well appointed British army of five thousand veterans could march. .\ ^•-.-TtiT'.T'y ■■f 1 f^'-nn . . , ,^ , r LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. ^(R 89 through the whole continent of America ?" he replied briskly, " no doubl;, if they behaved civilly, and paid well for every thing they wanted ;— but" — after a moment's pause add- ed — " if they should attempt it in a hostile maimer (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 h^*h often told mo, of these amicable intervic md thus, as . it commonly happens in dispu .,i it j future events which depend on opinio jy parted without conviction, no more to meet in afriendlj 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 contingency, the militia in the several colonies was sedulously trained ; and those select companies, the flower of our youth, which were denominated minutemen, agreeably to the indication of their name, held themselves in readiness to march at a mo- ment's warning. At length the fatal day arrived, when hos- tilities commenced. General Gage, in the evening of the 1 8th of April, 1775, detached stroy some military other stores deposited by the province at Con- cord. About sunrise the next morning, the ^.^■^r W IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^^ ""^^-^^^ 4^ z 1.0 I.I 1^ ye 1^ 1^ m 12.2 u Hi t lis 110 «- .,. I J£ 125 1.4 1.6 ^ 6" ^ ^^ 7J 7 PhotDgraphic Sciences Corpciration 33 WIST MAIN STRUT WliSTIR.N.Y M5M (716) i/a^soa iV 4 k a>' N> 4 i\ ^ ■., "i* 90 '^' LIFE OF GENERAL PI^TNAM. ■■,«■' detachment^ on marching into Lexington, fired upon a companj of militia who haa just re- aneemble^ for havirg been alarmed late at night, witb reports that the regulars wc|^ ad* vandng to demolish the stores, they collected on their parade, and were dismissed with or- ders to reassemble at beat of drum. It if es- tablished by the affidavits of more than thirtj persons who were present, that the first fire^ which killed eight of the militia, then begin- ning to disperse, was given by the British, without provocation. The spark of war, thus kindled, ran with unexampled rapidity, and raged with unwonted vioietice. To repel the aggression, the people of the bordering towns^ spontaneously rushed to arms, and poured their scattering shot from every convenient station upon the regulars, who, after marching to Cfoncord, and destroying the magazine, would have found their retreat intercepted, had they not been reinforced by Lord Percy, with the battalion companies of three regiments, and a body of marines. Notwithstanding the junc- tion, they were hard pushed^bnd pursued until they could find protection from their ships. Of the British, two hundred and eighty- three were killed, wounded, and taken. The Americans had thirty-nine killed, nineteen wounded, arid two made prisoners. Nothing could exceed the celerity Willi which the intelligence flew every where, that blood had been shed by the British troops. The country, in motion, exhibited but one % LIFE OF GENERAL PITTNAM. .*^ scene of hurrj, preparation and revenge. Put nam, who was plowing when he^j^ard thc| news, left his plough in the middle of the field, unyoked his team, and without waiting to change his clothes, set oif for the theatre of action. But finding the British retreated to Boston, and invested by a sufficient force to watch their movements, he came back to Connecticut,* levied a re/g^iment, under au* thoritj of the legislature, and speedily return- ed to Cambridge.f He was now promoted to be a Major-General on the Provincial stall. * General Putnam wa» abient only one week from the anny at Cambridge ; and then, for the purpose of consultation with the Legitlalure of Conneetieut, at that time in session ; and at the |>ar- tieular request of that body Havinr assisted by hin adviee in the . organixation of a military foree for tne rampaign of 177f, he re* turned Immediately to the Army before Boston, leatiing ordera for the troops to follow with as little delay as possible, alter the mea oould be enlisted rEditor.J f An artKle, void oi foundation, mentioning an interview be- tween General Gage and General Putnam, appeared in the Knglish GaMttes in these words: ' General Gage, viewing the Ameneaa army with his teleseope, saw General Putnam in it, whieh surpris- ed him I and he eontrived to get a message de'>ivered to him, that be wanted to spe^k to him. Putnam, without any hesiution, wwit- «d upon bim. GeMyml Ga^ showed him his fortifications, and advised him to lajShyn his arms. General Putnam replied, ha oould foree hia fr)rtllk>ations in half an hour, and advhed General Oaie to go on board the ships with his ti*oops' The apprehensioik of an attack is adduced with much more veri- •tmilituac In M^Fingal, as the reason why General C> ige would not MfTer the inhabitants to go A*om the town of Boston, after he bai promised to grant permission : ' So Gage of late agreed, you know. To let the Boston m (iple go : Yet when he aaw, 'gainst troops tkat brav'd Mb^ mL They vera Uie only guards tliat aeTMJblm, ^^ Kept off tket Saun of a PuAuMh From breaking In te cnaut and mtlttVhlaa, ^^ He'd top nroeh wit such leaguea t' ohaervot ^ Aad that them in again to starve.' ^^ Jd*FiM04i.. Canltt. %: W *H 92 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. bf his coipny ; and, in a Ihtle time, confirmeid bj CoDgtms, in the same rank on the Conti- nental establishment. General Ward, of Mas- sachusetts, hj common consent, commanded the whole ; and the . celebrated Dr. Warren was made a Major-General. Not long after this period, the British Com- mander in Chief found the means to convey a proposal, privately, to General Putnam, that if he wou^d relinauish the rebel party, he might rely upon being knade a Major-General on the British establishment, and receiving a great pecuniary compensation 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 colonics distinct in their manners and prejudices, selected from laborious occupations, to command a hetero- feneous crowd of their ec*^lii@|orapelled to e soldiers only by the spui o^sion, should )opg be able to preserve harmony among tl^lDselves, and subordination among their followers. Af the fact ijfould be a phenome- D01I9 ^^ jj^ WMs tmied ivit|i mirflh ind ||siiik|o emjt^ of a piliffl ^ eorpif ^omfofsaM militia, minntemeihYOfun- te«|ii^pi|i Imm^Miib % burJkique appearance % * LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. of multiformity in arms, accoutrements, cloath-' ing and conduct, at last grew into a regular army — an army which, having vindicated the rights of human nature, and established the independence of a new empire, merited and obtamed the glorious distinction of the patriot army — the patriot army, whose praises for their fortitude in adversity, bravery in battle, moderation in conquest, perseverance in sup- porting the cruel extremities of hunger and nakedness without a murmur or sigh, as well as for their magnanimity in retiring to civil life, at the moment of victory, with arms in their hands, and without any just compensa- tion for their services, will only cease to be celebrated when time shall exist no more. Enthusiasm for the cause of liberty, substi- tuted in the place of discipline, not only kept these troops together, but enabled them at once to perform the duties of a disciplined army. Thougn the commanding officers from the four colonies of New-England were in a manner independent, they acted harmoniouslj in concert. The first attention had been pru- dently directed towards forming some little redoubts and intrenchments ; for it Was well known that lines, however slight or untena- ble, were calculated to inspire raw soldiers with a confidence in themselves. The next care was to bring the live stock from the isl- ands in Boston bay, in order to prevent the enemy (already surrounded by land,) from •■* ^ I ^ * • '^M tPR* % LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. making use of them for fresh provisions. In the latter end of May, between two and three hundred men were sent to drive off the stock from Hog and Noddle islands, which are situ- ated on the north-east side of Boston harbour. Advantage having been taken of the ebb-tide^ when the water is fordable between the main and Ho^ island, as it is between that and Noddle-island, the design was effected. But a skirmish ensued, in which some of the ma- rines, who had been stationed to guard them, were killed : and as the firing continued be- tween the British water-craft and our party, a reinforcement of three hundred men, with two pieces of artillery, was ordered to join the i latter. General Putnam took the command, and having himself gone down on the beach, within conversing distance, and ineffectucd' ly ordered the people on board an arm- ed schooner to strike, he plied her with shot so furiously that the crew made their escape, and the vessel was burnt. An armed sloop was likewise so much disabled as to be towed off by the boats of the fleet. Thus ended this affair, in which several hun- dred sheep, and some cattle were removed from under the muzzles of the enemy's cannon, and our men, accustomed to stand fire, by being for many hours exposed to it, without meeting with $iny loss. The Provincial Generals having received advice that the British Commander id Chief designed to take possession of the heights on 1^ i ;..*, L9FC! OF 'GENERAL PUTNAM. • **-■ 95 the peninsula of Charlestown, detached a thousand men in the night of the 16th of June, under the orders of General Warren, to in- trench themselves upon one of these eminen- ces, named Bunker-Hill. Though retarded by accidents^ from beginning the work until nearly midnight, yet, by dawn of day, they had constructed a redoubt about eight rodp square, and commenced a breast- work from the left to the low grounds ; which an insuf- ferable fire from the shipping, floating batten ries, and cannon on Copp's Hill, in Boston, prevented them from completing. At mid-day four battalions of foot, ten companies of grena- diers, ten companies of light-mfantry, with a proportion of artillery, commanded by Major^ General Howe, landed under a heavy cannon- ade from the ships, and advanced in three lines to the attack. The light-infantry being formed on the right, was directed to turn the left flank of the Americans ; and the grena- diers, supported by two battalions, to storm the redoubt in front. Meanwhile, on applica- tion, these troops were augmented hj the 47th regiment, the 1st battalion of marines, together with some companies of light-infan- try and grenadiers, which formed an aggre- gate force of between two and three thousand men.^ But so difficult was it to reinforce the * The preceding paragraph waa copied from a British ReBister, beinv the English account of the troops sent to the attack of Bun- kcr*Hill, and the disposition of those troops. This account, and oihcri, published at the time, and ascribiog the oomnaod (tf th)» ■»,v -* .v^-. 96 LIFE OF GBNERAIr PUTNAM. Americans, bj sending detachments across the Neck, which was raked by the cannon of the shipping, that not more than fifteen hundred men w^e brought into action. Few instan- ces can' be produced in the annals of mankind, where soldiers, who never had before faced an enemy, or heard the whistling of a ball, be- liavea with such deliberate and persevering Talour. It was not until after the grenadiers had been twice repulsed to their boats. Gene- ral Warren slain, his troops exhausted of their ammunition, their lines in a manner enfiladed bj artillery, and the redoubt half filled with British regulars, that the word was given to retire. In that forlorn condition, the specta4 cle was astonishing as new, to behold these undisciplined men, most of them without bayo- nets, disputing with the but-end of their mus- kets agamst 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 Connecticut men, with the Captains Knowlton and Chester, af- ter forming a temporary breast-work, by pull- ing up one post-and-rail fence and putting it upon another, performed prodigies ofbrave- ry. They held the enemy at bay until the main body had relinquished the heights, and then retreated across the Neck with more regularity, and less loss, than could have been American force to Warren, xtrohMj occasioned the histbrical er- ror on that subject. CJCditor.J ^ h' 4^ fT»- * ■■%-,■ XIFE OF GfiN2RAL PUTNAM. 9f expected. The British, who effected nothing but 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 aiid Mtjj^ dye killed, wounded, and missing. In this battle, the presence and example of General Putnam, who arriyed with the reinforcement, were not less conspicuous than useful. He did every thing that an intrepid and experien«- ced officer could accomplish. The enemj pursued to Winter-Hill — Putnam made a stand, and drove them back tinder cover of their ships.* ^■■' ^ "■■- ■•^ ^ ■■■■■i-'-^'wm-mtfffmmm- The premature death of Warren, one of the most illustrious patriots that ever bled in the cause of freedom ; the veteran appearance of Putnam, collected, yet ardent in action ; to- gether with the astonishing scenery and inter- esting groupe around Bunker-Hill, rendered' tliis a magnificent subject for the historic pen- cil. Accordingly Trumbull, formerly an Aid- de-Camp to General Washington, afterwards- Deputy- Adjutant-General of the north rri ar- my, now an artist of great celebrity in £ui ope,, hath finished this picture with that boldnesa^^ * Such was the atatement made in some American news«paper» oF that da.r, but without any foundation in fact. There was no* pursuit of the British beyond Bunker>Hill ; but General Putnam, with most of the rtilreHtiitg; troops took post on Prospeot-Hill, and* being joined by others which had not been in action began an en- trenchinenty and the next morning* presented to the enemy anoth-^ er line of defeno'e, vnuttily formidable with that which had been^ yurchaied tho prcc*iding day, at the ei^eneeof so much blood. a* r^ ■§' LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAMr of conception, and those touches of art which demonstrate the master. Heightened in hor- ror by the flames of a burning town, and the smoke of conflicting armies, the principal scene, taken the moment when Warren fell, represents that hero in the agonies of death, a grenadier on the point of bayoneting him, and Colonel Small, to whom he was familiarly known, arresting the soldier's arms; at the head of the British line. Major Pitcairne is seen falling dead into the arms of his son ; and not far distant General Putnam is- placed at the rear of our retreating troops, in the light blue and scarlet uniform he wore that day, with his head uncovered, and his sword waving to4 wards the enemy, as it were to stop their im* petuous pursuit. In nearly the same attitude tie is exnibited by Barlow in that excellent poem, the Vision of Columbus. *« There strides bold Putnam, and from all the plains Calls the third host, the tardy rear sustains. And, 'mid the whizzing deaths that fill the air. Waves back his sword, and dares the following war.*** * The writer of this Essay had occasion oT remarking to the j»oet i|nd the painter, while they were three thousand miles distant from eaeh other, at which distance they had formed and executed the plans of their respective productions, the similarity observable in their deseriptions of General Putnam. These Chiefs tTauvrcB are Mentioned not with a vain presumption of adding eclat of du* ration to works whieh have received the seal of immortality, but beeause they preserve, in the sister arts, the same illustrious action of our hero. I persuade myself I need not apologize for annexing the beautiful lines from the poem in question, on the death of General Warren. ■* . . . ; "' \."N. . " There, hapless Warren, thy cold earth was seen : ,1 There spring toy laurels io immortal green i ■^^s ■'# #. ^jonsi OF GENERAL PUTK^M. 91 '^ After this action] the British Urongly forti- fied themselves on the peninsulas of Boston and Charlestown ; wKlle the Provincials re- mained posted^ in the circumjacent country in such a manner as to form a blockade. In the beginning of July, General Washington, who had been constituted by Congress, Command- er 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 Major-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 approved by the Commander in Chief* ^^ ^rv^<^v;h*w^ ^fffe*^^ ^bout the 20th of July, the declaration of -l;-^- Dearest oF Chiefs that evfr fircss'd the p1ain« <^^2 In freedom's cause, with early honours, slain, '5*^' 'i V- s'.;M-!afeM,ii' :m ■i f't s.^' And onborn realms resound th' immortal iiame."if i^|t;*sr ;•'■; * JVashing'ton and Putnam were unknown to each other 'till they met at Cambridge. The open, undisguised frankness of tb« latter, together with his great activity and personal industry, in every thing pertaiDin|^ to the array, soon attracted the attention of the former; an early intimaoy was formed, and a firm friendship established,, which continued undisturbed during the whole period they were associated iu service. It was not in Putnam's nature to be idle : inured to habits of industry himself, no man was betttr calculated to make others so ; and Washington observing the great progress that had been made in a short time, and with but few men, in raising & work of defence, said to him— <* you seem to have the faculty General Putnam, of infusingyour owniDdttitriou* spirit into all the workmen you employ. (Editor. J i>: ■J^^ 'S* 100 I.1FE OF GENERAL PUTNABI^ t ■'^- f. li:. Congress, setting forth tHe reasons of their taking up arms, was proclaimed at the head of the several divisions. It concluded with these patriptic and noble Esntiments : ^^ In our own native land, in defence of the freedom that is our birth-rightf and which we ever enjojed until the late violation of it ; for the protection of our property, acquired solely by the honest industry of our forefathers and ourselves; against violence actually offered, we have tak- en up arms. We shall lay them down when hostilities shall cease on the part of the ag- gressors, and all danger of their being renew- ed shall be removed, and not before. " With an humble confidence in the mercies of the supreme and impartial Judge and Ruler of the universe, we most devoutly implore his divine goodness to conduct us happily through this great conflict, to dispose our adversaries to reconciliation on reasonable terms, and^ thereby, to relieve the en^pire from the calami- ties of ciyil war." .v.tAi?^.'.^^^::,.^,,,.,;,,.^ , .■.■^m.di-:-. As sooh as these memorable words were pronounced to General Putnam's -division, which he had ordered to be paraded on Pros- pect-Hill, they shouted in three huzzas aloud^ Amen ! whereat (a cannon from the fort being fired as a signal) the new Standard lately s^nt from Coctnecticut, was suddenly seen to rise and unrol itself to the wind. On one side was inscribed, in large letters of gold, " An appeal TO HEAVEN/' and on the other were dehneated the armorial bearings of Connecticut, which^ ■ ^''-^ ■&=-.■">■'.>;■. _r_!Vfr.i^^ ^%^ UFB or QftflERAL PVTNA^ IQl ■m^ without supporters or crest, consist, unosten- tatiously, 01 three Vines; with this motto, ^^ Qti» transtulity susiinei;^ alluding to the pious con- fidence our forefathers placed in the protec- tion of Heaven, on those three allegorical gcionS-^KNOWLBDOE — LfBERTY RELIGION which they had been .instrumental in trans- planting to America. The strength of position on the enemy's part, and want of ammunition on our^s, pre- vented operations of magnitude from being attempted* Such diligence was used in forti- fying our camps, and such precaution adopted to prevent surprise, as to ensure tranquillity to the troops during the winter. In the spring, a position was taken so menacing to the ene- my, as to cause them, on the I7th of March, 1776, to abandon Boston, not without consid- erable precipitation and dereliction of royal stores.t - . ^4 ■^'-■^.Mr * Literallyi ••//t the Heights of Dorchester, (which had been taken posseigion of by the Americans on the night of the 4th of March, ^7^6,) General Washington had concerted apian for avail- ing himself of tltnt ocoaiion, to attack the towa of Boston itself. Four thousiind ohoien men were held in rea(l^ness to embark at the mouth of Cambridge river, on a signal to be given if the garri- son sliould appear to bo so weakened by the detachment made from it uu to justifV an assault. These troops were to embark in two division!, tht first to be led by Brigadier-General Suilivan. the second bv Brigadier-General Green, and thewliole to be undu' the coramnnu of ATRJor-Genoral Putnam. The boats were to be pilced- ed by three floating bntterics,whloh were to keep up a heavy fire on that part of the town wliere the troops were to land. It was pro* posed that the lirst division should land at the powder-house, and gain possession of Reaonn Hill ; the second at Barton's Point, or a little south of it, an'd after scouring that post, to join the other divi- sion, force the enemy's works, and open the gates in order to give admission to the troops from Ho-\bury. C Editor. J m m^ .^}*.i^tM^ 102 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. Xr .■*>*■' % >^ As a part of the hostile fleet lingered for some time in Nantasket-Road, about nine miles below Boston, General Washington con- tinued himself in Boston, not only to see the coast entirely clear, but also to make many indispensable arrangements. His Excellency, proposing to leave Major-General Ward, with a (ew regiments, to finish the fortifications in- tended as a security against an attack by water, in the mean time despatched the great- er part of the army to New- Fork, where it was most probable the enemy would make a descent. Upon the sailing of a fleet with troops in the month of JanLary, Major-General Lee had been sent to the defence of that city ; who, after having caused some works to be laid out, proceeded to foil ^ that fleet to iSouth-Carolina. The Commander in Chief was now exceedingly solicitous that these wprks should be completed as soon as pos- sible, and accordingly gave the following " Orders and Instructions for Major-General Putnam, "As there are the best reasons to believe that the enemy's fleet and army, which left Nantasket-Road last Wednesday evening, are bound to Now-York, to endeavour to possess that important post, and, if possible, to secure the communication by Hudson's river to Can- ada, it must be our care to prevent them from accomplishing their designs. To that end I t?', LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 103 have detached Brigadier-General Heath, with the whole hodj of riflemen, and five battalions of the Continental armj, by the way of Nor- wich, in Connecticut, to New-York. These, by an express arrived yesterday from General Heath, I have reason to believe, are in New- York. Six more battalions, under General Sullivan, march this morning by the same route, and will, I hope, arrive there in eight or ten days at farthest. The rest of the army will immediately follow in divisions, leav- ing only a convenient space between each di- vision, to prevent confusion, and want of ac- commodation upon their march. You will, no doubt, make the best despatch in getting to New- York. Upon your arrival there, you will assume the command, and immediately proceed in continuing to execute the plan proposed by Major-General Lee, for fortifying that city, and securing the passes of the East and North rivers. If; upon consultation with the Brigadiers General and Engineers, any al- teration in that plan is thought necessary, you are at liberty to make it : cautiously avoiding to break in too much upon his main design, unless where it may be apparently necessary so to do, and that by the general voice and opinion of the gentlemen above-mentioned. "You will meet the Quarter-Master-Gene- ral, Colonel Mifflin, and Commissary-General,"^ * Colonel Joseph .TrumbuUi eldest sun to the Governor of thftt ^' .. ."W.. ^1 U /t^A r ]04 LIFE OF GENERAL FUTNAM. '*ih.. at New-York. As these are both men of ex- cellent talents in their different departments, jou will do well to give them all the authority and assistance they require : And should a council of war be necessary, it is my direction they assist at it. *' Your long service and experience will, better than my particular directions at this distance, point out to you the works most proper to be first raised ; and your perseverance, activ* ity, and zeal will lead you, without my recom- mending It, to exert every nerve to disappoint the enemy's designs. ^ ,4 " Devoutly praying that the power which has hitherto sustained the American arms, may continue to bless them with the divine pro- tection, I bid ybu — farewell. "Given at Head-Quarters, in Cambridge, this twenty-ninth of March, 1776. V ^i . ' . ^^' ■• . «G. Washington.'* Invested with these commands. General Putnam travelled by long and expeditious stages te New- York. His first precaution, upon his arrival, was to prevent disturbance, or surprise in the night season. With those objects in view, after posting the necessary guards, be issued his orders.'*'' He institutcJ, •'0- general ORDER!). if^ji '*' .^, -'% ^ ' -' •*M»ad-Quarter8» J^e-w-Y»rk, April 5, ir7«. "The aoldlera »re Birictly enjoined to retire to their b»ii'ii'k« •nd quarters at tuttoo-bcatiug, and to remain there ui^til the rf* veille is beat. .^.„.. '% *:■-! LIFB OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 105 likewise, other wholesome regulations to me^ liorate the po^lice of the troops, and to pre- serve the ^: J agreement that subsisted be* tween them and tne citizens. Notwithstanding the war had now raged, in other parts, with unaccustomed severity for nearly a jear, yet the British ships at New- York, one of which had once fired upon the town to intimidate the inhabitants, found the means of being supplied with fresh water and provisions. Genera!" Putnam resolved to adopt effectual measures for putting a period to this intercourse, and accordingly expressed his prohibition"^ in the most pointed terms. Nearly at the same moment, a* detachment of a thousand Continentals was sent to oc« cupy Governor's Island, a regiment to fortify Red Hook, and some companies of riflemen *' Necessity obliges the General to desire the inhabitants of the oity to observe the same ri^le, as no person will be |)ertnitted to puss any sentry ufter this night wi^xmt the countersign. " The inhabitants* whose business re«|uire it, may know the countersign, by applying to any of the Brigade-Majors." • PROiiimrioN. i jr Head-Quartera. JWw- Forfc, Jprii $. \776. '*The General informs the itih-tbiiants, that it is becon^e uhso* lutely necessary that all communicati(m between the ministerial fletft and the short* should be immediately stopped . for that pur« 1I0BC he has given positive orders, the ships should no longer be iirnished with provisions. Any inhabitants, or olhe(s. wlio shall be taken that have been on board, after the publishing this order^ or near any of the ships, or ^'ing on board, will be considered M enemies, and treated nucordingh '* All boats are to sail from Heekman slip. Captain James Alner is appointed inspector, u..J will give permits to oystertnen It it ordured and expected that none attemi»t going wiiiiout a past. ••ISR\KL PUINAM, "Migor>General in the Continental Army, and Commander • > in Chief of the Foroea in New-York/fT 10 106 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM.^ ,f. to the Jersey shore. 0( two boats, belonging to two armed vesseJs, which attempted ^.o take on board fresh water from the watering place 4i0 Staten-lsland, one was driven off by the l^iflemen, with two or three seamen killed in it, and the other captured with thirteen. A few days afterwards, Captain Vandeput, of the Asia man of war, the senior officer of the ships on this station, finding the intercourse with the shore interdicted, their limits con- tracted, and that no good purposes could *be answered by remainmg there, sailed, with all the armed vessels, out of the harbour. These arrangements and transactions, joined to an unremitting attention to the completion of the defences, gave full scope to the activity of General Putnam, until tne arrival of General Washington, which happened about the middle of April. % The Commander in Chief, in his first public orders, '^ /complimented the officers who had suc^ cessively commanded at JVew-York^ and return- ed his thanks to them as well as to the officers and soldiers under their command, for the many works of defence which had been so ex- peditiously erected : at the same time he ex- pressed an expectation that the same spirit of zeal for the service would continue to animate their future conduct.'' Putnam^ who was then the only Major-General with the main army, had still a chief agency in forwarding the for- ti^cations, and) with th« assistance of the LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. l67 Brigadiers Spencer and Lord Stirling, in as- signing to the different corps their alarm posts. -Congress having intimated a desire of con- sulting with the Commander in Chief, on th« critical posture of affairs, his Excellency re- paired to Philadelphia accordingly, and was absent from the tvventj-first of Maj until the sixth of June. General Putnam, who com* ♦ manded in that interval, had it in charge to open all letters directed to General Washing- ton, on public service^ and^ if important, after regulating his conduct by their contents, to forward them by express ; to expedite the works then erectmg; to begin others which were specified; to establish signals for com- municating an alarm; to guard against the possibility of surprise ; to secure well the powder magazine ; to augment, by every means m his power, th^a quantity of cartridges ; and to send Brigadier-General Lord Stnling to put the posts in the Highlands into a proper condition of defence. He had also a private and confidential instruction^ to afford whatever aid might be required by the Provincial Con-' gress of New-York, for apprehending certain of their disaffected citizens : and as it would be most convenient to take the detachment for this service from the troops on Long- Island, under the command of Brigadier- General Greene; it was recommended ' that this officer should be advised of the plan, and th^ the execution should be conducted with u LIFE OF GENBRAX I»GTKABf« • -f/i. -'l^-: ^ 108 secilrecj and celerity, as well as with decency aiicl good order. In the records of the artnj are preserved the daily orders which were issued in the absence of the Commander in Chief, who, on his return, was not only satis- fied that the works had been prosecut^ with all possible despatch, but also that the other duties had been properly discharged. ^ * ' It was the latter end of June, when the British fleet, which had been at Halifax wait- ing for reinforcements from Europe, began to arrive at New-York. To obstruct its passage, ^ some marine preparatioDs had been made. Geu- '^eral Putnam, to whom the direction of the whale- boats, fire-rafts, flat-bottomed boats, and armed vessels, was committed, afforded his patronage to a project for destroying the enemy's ship- ping by explosion. A macnine^ altogether di(^ ferent from any thing hitherto devised by the art of man, had been invented by Mr. David ' Bushnell,''^ for sub-marine navigation^ which * David Bushnell, A. M. of Saybrook, in Connectieutf inronled aeveral other machines for the annovano* of shipping { these, fiotn accidents, not militating against ttte ])hilo8ophioRl principles on mrhich their success depended, only partially aucceeiied. lie de- stroyed a vessel In the charge df Commodore Symroondi, wbmo report to the Admiral was published. One of his kegs hUo de- molished a vessel near^'the Long-Island shore. About Chrittirias, 1777, he committed to the Delaware a number of ke^x, iltisttmcMl to fall among the British fleet at Philadelphia ; but hit souadt on of kegs, having been separated and retarded by the ice, demoiUhcd but a single boat. This catastrophe, however, produced an ahu'in, unprecedented in its nature and degree ; which hat been to li»p* pily described in the subsequent song, by the i'oti. Franoii Hop* kinson, that the event it oefebrates will not be forgotten, so long n* mankind shall continue to be delighted with 'rorks of humour and taite. ^■M ..'-U. .>« ;#^ LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM^, 109 was found to answer the purpose perfectly^ of rowing horizontalljr at an^ given depth under water, and of rising or sinking at pleas** -«%fV. THE BATTLE OF THE KEGS:— ^ Son^. Tune, Mog^ Lawder. '^ay'i %. Gallanta, attend, and hear a friend ,/- t'T ' Thrill forth harmonious ditty: Strange things I'll tell, which late befel ' '"" '^ •'■• In Philadelphia city. ^ , --^i- , . *|Ai,' '-; 'Twas early day, as poets say. Just when the sun was rising, , . <- A suldier stood on log of wood» As in a maze he stood to gaze, '"^ \:-* -. The truth can't be denied. Sir,. He spied a score of keg^ or more. Come floating down the tide. Sir. < A sailor,4oo, in jerkin blue, ' '^ ^ * : ' ■ ■ The strange appearance viewing. First damn'd his eyes, in great surprise. Then said — " Some mischief's brewing. ** These Kegs now hold the rebels bold,- ' ** Paok'd up like piekle "In this new way of ferry 'ng.'* The soldier flew ; the sailor too ; * i And, soar'd almost to death. Sir, Wore out their shoes to spread the news. And ran till out of breath. Sir. Now up and down, throughout the town^ Most frantic scenes were acted ; And some ran here, and some ran thcre> Like men almost distracted. . -.. Some fire cried, which some dentil^* 'f But said the earth had q^uaked : y And girls and boys, with hideoua noip(|» Ran through the town half naked. , Sir William* he, snug as a flea« Lay all this time a snoring | ^■>% 'I i^ # .**'* ■ Ui^ * Sir WilUam Mnu- 10* . . * . ■# ^m-' f m LIFB OF GENERAL PUTi^Alf. lire. To this machine^ called the American Turtle, was attached a magazine of powdety *Yflmh it was intended to be fastened under if^ -,:§qag8, or wooden kegs, ** Come driving down the tide. Sir : ** Therefore prepare for bloody war j^ " ** These kegs must all be routed, *' Or surely we despis'd shall be, *< And British courage doubted." The Royal band now ready stand, All raiig'd in dread array, Sir, With stomachs stent, to see it out>^ And make a bliKMiy day, Sir. . The tannons ipar from shore to ihore^ The small arras make a rattle : Since wars began, I'm sure no man E'er saw so strange a battle. The rebel f vales, the rebel dales, W ith rebel trees surrouoded, The distant woods, the hills and floodtk With rebel eohoca sounded. • SirPl^UiiumErMne. t The JfrMth tfficert ^jm|«t;/bnd ^ thi wtrdnlM, tttat thetf ^fien applied it mttt a6Miil|(f > -^ ^' ■« LIFE OF dEVtERAL PUTNAM. Ill thi I'ottom of a ship, with a driving screw, ia such sort, that the same stroke ^hich disen* gaged it from the machine, should put the internal clock-work in motion. This bein^ done, the ordinary operation of a sun-locK at the distance of half an hour, an hour, or any determinate time, would cause the powder to explode, and leave the effects to the com- mon laws of nature. The simplicity, yet combination discovered in the mechanism of this wonderful machine, were acknowledged by those skilled in physics, and particularlf * hydraulics, to be not less ingenious than noyel. The fish below Bwatn to and fro, ^ . :t 1 A ttaok'd from ev'ry quarter; ' , •; " Why iure," thought they, "the Devil's to pay ** Moiig'si folks abofe the water." The kegs, 'tis said, though strongly made ',^ ^ Of rebel staves and hoops. Sir, Could not opuose their pow'rful foes. The oonqu ring British troups. Sir. From morn to night those men of might Disptay'd amuzing courage; ., And when the sun was fairfy down^ Retir*d to sup their porridge. • An hundred men, wilh each a peti^ Or mure, upon my word. Sir, ■s\ It is most true, would be too fevr X., Their valour to record. Sir. ■■■If' * ■'•♦. >^- '■■"- ' Such feats did they perform that day,. Upon those wicked keg», Sir, That year* to come, if they get nome. They'll make their boasts and brags. Sir. ■M -^ Mr. Bushnell, havinjr been highh recommended for his tafenle by President Stiles, General Parsons, and some other gentlemea of scieiice, wus appointed ,» Captain in the corps of sappers and miners i in which capacity he odatintied to serve with that eorDft. fBttil tbe eoneluiion of the war. *#^ 112 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAK. m The inventor, whose constitution was too fee- ble to permit him to perform the laboui; of rowing the Turtle, had taught his brother to manage it with perfect dexterity ; but unfor- tunately his brotner fell sick of a fever just before the arrival of the fleet. Recourse was therefore had to a sergeant in the Connecticut troops; who, having received whatever in* structions could be communicated to him in. a short time, went, too late in the night, with all the apparatus, under the bottom of the £ade, a sixty-four gun ship, on board of which the British Admiral, Lord Howe, com- manded. In coming up, the screw that had been calculated to perforate the copper sheathing, unluckily struck against some iron plates where the rudder is connected with the stern. This accident, added to the strength of the tide which prevailed, and the want of adequate skill in the sergeant, occasioned such delay, that the dawn began to appear, where- upon he abandoned the magazme to chance, and after gaining a proper distance, for the sake of expedition, rowed on the surface to- wards the town. General Putnam, who had been on the wharf anxiously expecting the result, from the first glimmering of light, be- held the machine near Governor^s-Island, and sent a whale-boat to bring it on shore. In about twenty minutes afterwards the magazine exploded, and blew a vast column of water to an amazing height in the air. As the -*»», I. * ... m LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM; IIS whole business had been kept an inviolable secret, he was not a little diverted with the varioirs conjectures, whether this stupendous noise was produced by a bomb, a meteor, a water-spout, or an earthquake. Other opera* tions oi a most' serious nature rapidly sue* ceeded, and prevented a repetition of the ex* periment. ^■' " ' ■ ■■^v.-^r:^ ^^. ..^^x^ ., v-r . .r^^x ■ r . *-:.^v ■ On the twenty-second day of August, the van of the British landed on Long Island, and was soon followed by the whole army, except one brigade of Hessians, a small body of Brit^ ish, and some convalescents, left on Staten* Island. Our troops on Long Island had been commanded during the summer by General Greene who was now sick ; and General Put- nam took the command but two days before the battle of Flatbush. The instructions to him, pointing in the first place to decisive ex- pedients for suppressing th6 scattering, un- meaning, and wasteful hre of our men, con- tained regulations for the service of the guards, the Brigadiers and the Field-officers of the day ; for the appointment and encouragement of proper scouts, as well as for keeping the men constantly at their posts ; for preventing the burning of buildings, except it should be necessary for military purposes, and for pre- serving private property from pillage and de- struction. To tliese regulations were added, in a more diffuse, though not less spirited and professional style, reflections on the distinction 114 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTirABr« % of an army from a mob ; with exhortations for the soldiers to conduct themselves manfuUj in such a cause, and for their Commander to oppose the enemy's approach with detach- ments of his best troops ; while he should endeavour to render their advance more diffi- cult by constructing abbatis, and to entrap their parties by forming ambuscades. General Putnam was within the lines, when an engage- ment took place on the 27th, between the British army and our advanced corps, in which we lost about a thousand men in killed and missing, with the Generals Sullivan and Lord Stirling made prisoners. But our men, though attacked on all sides, fought with great bravery; and the enemy's loss was not light. The unfortunate battle of Long-Island, the masterly retreat from thence, and the actual eassage of part of the hostile fleet in the East- liver, above the town, preceded the evacua- tion of New- York. A promotion of four Major-Generals, and six Brigadiers, had pre- viously been made by Congress. After the retreat from Long-Island, the main army, con- sisting, for th - moment, of sixty battalions, of which twenty were Continental, the residue levies and militia, was, conformably to the ex- igencies of the service, rather than to the rules of war, formed into fourteen brigades M^ jor- General Putnam commanded the right grand division of five brigades, the Majors-General Spei^cer and Oreene the centre of six brigades, ''"^: 'i'ff -t- LIFB or CfiNBRAL l>UTNAM. 115 [ons for ifuUy in ider to detach- sbould ►re diffi" entrap General engage- een the in which llled and nd Lord t, though ,h great lot Tight, land, the he actual the East- evacua- of four had pre- \fter the rmy, con- Italions, of residue to the ex- the rules fiit grand j-General brigades, and Major-General Heath the left, which wad posted near Kinf^S'bTids;e^ and composed of two brigades. The whole never amounted to iwentj thousand efiective men ; while the British and German forces, under ' "be expected he would find any other occa- lion that might induce him to engage. But General Washington, content to sufler a tem- porary sacrifice of personal reputation, for the sake of securing a permanent advantage to his country, and regardless of those idle clam- ours for which he had furnished materials, by making his countrymen, in order the more effectually to make his enemy believe his force much greater than it actually was, in- flexibly pursued his system, and gloriously demonstrated how poor and pitiful, in the es- timation of A GREAT MIND, are the censorious strictures of those novices in war and politics, who, with equal rashness and impudence, pre- sume to decide dogmatically on the merit of plans they could neither originate or compre- nend ! That night our soldiers, excessively fatigued by the sultry march of the day, their clothes wet by a severe shower of rain that succeeded towards the evening, their blood chilled by the cold wind that produced a sudden change in the temperature of the air, and their hearts surtk withm them by the loss of baggage, ar- tillery, and works in which they had been taught to put great confidence, lay upon tlieir arms, covered only by the clouds of an uncom- fortable sky. To retrieve our disordered affairs, and prevent the enemy from profiting by them, no exertion was relaxed, no vigilance remitted on the part of our higher officers. ■* ■ ■\.^ LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. isii r occa- 3. But : a tem- , for the itage to le clam- rials, by le more ieve his was, in- ioriously [1 the es- 3nsorious I politics, ince, pre- merit of ' compre- f fatigued ir clothes ucceeded hilled by !ii change [iir hearts ;ga^e, ai- liad been ipon their n uncom- isordered profiting vigilance r officers. The regiments which had been least exposed to fatigue that day, furnished the necessary picquets to secure the army from surprise. Those whose military lives had been short and unpractised, felt enough besides lassitude of body to disquiet the tranquillity of their repose. Nor had those who were older in service, and of more experience, any subject for consolation. The warmth of enthusiasm seemed to be extinguished. The force of dis- cipline had not sufficiently occupied its place to give men a dependence upon each other. We were apparently about to reap the bitter fruits of that jealous policy, which some lead- ing men, with the best motives, had sown in our federal councils, when they caused the mode to be adopted, for carrying on the war by detachments of militia, from apprehension that an established Continental army, after defending the country against foreign inva- sion, might subvert its hberties themselves. Paradoxical as it will appear, it may be profit- able to be known to posterity, that while our very existence as an independent people was in question, the patriotic jealousy for tne safe- ty of our future freedom had been carried to such a virtuous but dangerous excess as well nigh to preclude the attainment of our Inde- pendence. Happily that Hmited and hazard- ous system soon gave room to one more en- lightened and salutary. This may be attri- buted to the reiterated arguments, the open 122 :• LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. ^ f ■si ■4 i- iferaonstrances, and the confidential communi- cations of the Commander in Chief; who, though not apt to despair of the Republic, on this occasion expressed himself in terms of unusual despondency. Hie declared, in his letters, that he found, to his utter astonish- ment and mortification, that no reliance could be placed on a gr^at proportion of his pres- ent troops, and that, unless efficient measures for f stablishing a permanent force should be speedily pursued, we had every reason to fear the final rui)> oit our cause. Next mjprning several parties of the enemy appeared upon the plains in our front. On receiving this intelligence. General Washing- ton rode quickly to the out-posts, for the purpose of preparing against an attack, if the enemy should advance with that design. Lieutenant-Colonel Knowlton's rangers, a fine selection from the eastern regiments, who had been skirmishing with an advanced party, came in, and informed the General that a body of British were under cover of a small eminence at no considerable distance. His Excellency, willing to taise our men from their dejection by the splendour of some little success, ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Knowl- ton, with his rangers, and Major Leitch, with three companies of Weedon's regiment of Vir- ginians, to gain their rear ; while appearances should be made of an attack in front. Ai sooa as the enemy saw the party sent to dc- LiPE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. M3 coy them, they ran precipitately down thS hill, took possession of some fences and bushes, ;■ and commenced a brisk firing at long shot. Unfortunately Knovvl ton and Leitch made their . onset rather m flank than in rear. The enemy changed their front, and the skirmish at once became close and warm. Major Leitch* hav- ing received three balls through his side, was soon borne from the field ; and Colonel Knowl- ton, who had distinguished himself so gallantly at the battle of IBunker-Hill, was mortally wounded immediately after. Their men, how- ever, undaunted by these disasters, stimulated . with the thirst of revenge for the loss of their leaders, and, conscious of acting under the eye ,^ of the Commander in Chief, maintained the * conflict with uncommon spirit and persever- ance. But the General, seeing them in need of support, advanced part of the Maryland regiments of Griffith and Richardson, together with some detachments from such eastern corps as chanced to be most contiguous to the place of action. Our troops this day, with- out exception, behaved with the greatest in- trepidity. So bravely did they repulse the IJritish, that Sir William Howe moved his reserve, with two field pieces, a battalion of Hessian grenadiers, and a company of Chas- seurs, to succour his retreating troops. Gene- ral Washington, not willing to draw on a • Major Leitch, aftci* languishing; some day?, died of a lockcti illW, y^ * ■m m '■ ?fW' P- ;,..:'*' 124 LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM» n 'Ot' ■W- *Veneral action, declined pressing the pursuit. In this engagement were the second and third battalions of hght infantry, the forty-second British regiment, and the German Chasseurs, of whom eight officers, and upwards of seventy privates were wounded, and our people buried nearly twenty, who were left dead on the field. We had about forty wounded : our loss in killed, Qxcept of two valuable officers, was very inconsiderable. An advantage,* so trivial in itself, produced, in event, a surprising and almost incredible ef- fect upon the whole army. Amongst the troops not engaged, who, during the action, were throwing earth from the new trenches, with an alacrity that indicated a determination to defend them, every visage was seen to bright- • A transcript from General Washington's Public Orders of the seventeenth will, better than any otiicr document that couSd be adduced, show his sentiment on the conduct of the two preceding days, and ho» fervently he wished to foster tiie good dinpositioits discovered od the last. "ORDERS. "Head-Quarters, UarLiem HeightHy September 17, 1776. *• Parole, Leitch. Countersign, Virginia. ** The General most heartily thanks the troops commanded yes- terday by Major Leitch, who first advanced upon the enemy, and the others who so resolutely supported them. The behaviour yes- terday was such a contrast to that of some of the troops the day hefore, as must show what may be done,)*' here officers and soldiers will exert themselves. Once more, therefore, the General calls upon officers and men, to act up to the noble cause in which they are engaged, and to support the honour and liberties o{ i\ic\t couu* ^ry. " The gallant and brave Colonel Knowllon, who would have been ■an honour to any Country, having fallen yesterday, while gloriously fighting, Captain Brown is to take the command of the party late- ly led by Colonel Knowlton. Officers and men are to obey him accordingly." ■<#i % .t 1!-: LIFE! OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 125 lie pursuit, d and third jrty-second Chasseurs, s of seventy iople buried on the field, our loss in ;rs, was very If, produced, incredible ef- rst the troops action, were :enches, with jrmination to jen to biight- ublic Orders of the iieut that couUl be the two preceding e good diKpositioits September 17, I "76. rginia. IDS commanded yes- pon the enemy, and [The behaviour yes- the troops the day officers and soldiers 5, the General calls sliuse in which they ')erties oiihtit coun- „bo would have been llay, wi«de gloriously Ind of the party lute- Icn are to obey hmi Jk en, and to assume, instead of the gltibm of despair, the glow of animation. This change, no less sudden -than happy, left little room to doubt that the men, who ran the day before at the sight of an enemy, would now, to wipe away the stain of that disgrace, and to recover the confidence p{ their General, have conduct- ed themselves in - a very, different manner. Some alteration was made in the distribution of corps to prevent the British From gaining either flank m the succeeding night. Genial Putnam, who commanded on the right, was directed in orders, in case the enemy should attempt to force the pass, to apply for a rein- forcement to General Spencer, who command- ed on the left. ^w: General Putnam, who was too good an husbandman himself not to have a respect for the labours and improvements of others, strenuously seconded the views of the Com- mander in Chief in preventing the devastation of farms, and the violation of private property. For under pretext that the property in this quarter belonged to friends to the British gov- ernment, as indeed it mostly did, a spirit of ::cpine and licentiousness began to prevail, which, unless repressed in the beginning, fore- boded, besides tfie subversion of discipline, the disgrace and defeat of our arms. . Our new defences now becoming so strong as not to admit insult with impunity, and Sir William Howe, not choosing to place too much '^: « f- f^ ■%. .«*.'■ .,* •" :.(>' ^. ,i-.' •HftJ-. --0 :> »#■ f.. ■»'- . f*. ,^■. 126 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. at risE in attacking us in front, on the 12th day of October, leaving Lord Percy with one Hessian and two British brigades, in his lines at Harlaeni, to cover New-York, embarked with the main body of his army, with an in- tention of landing at Froi^^s jVeck^ situated near the town of West-Chester, and little more than a league above the communication called King's-bridge, which connects New- York Island with the main. There was no- thing to oppose him ; and he effected his de- barkation by nine o'clock in the morning. The same policy of keeping our army as com- pact as possible ; the same system oi avoiding being forced to action ; and the same precau- tion to prevent the interruption of suppKes, reinforcements or retreat, that lately dictated the evacuation of New- York, now induced General Washington to move towards the strong grounds in the upper part of West- Chester county. About the same time General Putnam was sent to the western side of the Hudson, to provide against an irruptipn into the Jerseys, and soon after to Philadelphia, to put that town into a posture of defence.* Thither I • From the preceding paragraph it would &eem that General Putnam was detached, first to New-Jersey, and soon afterwards to I'hiladclpliu, immediately ftfter the movement of the British army to Frog*8 neck. The truth 13, he was with the army at White- Plains, and had part in the action fought there the 28lh of October. It was the positiou of Urigadier-Gencrai M'Dongal which was at- t:icked« and Washingtoi? ordered a detachment of the army under Major-General Putuara to support him. Some days after this »c- W ■•m k 1 the 12th 1^ with one in his line* embarked with an in- ;jfc, situated , and little amunication lects New- tere was no jcted his de- he morning, irmy as com- n of avoiding same precau- I of suppHes, itely dictated now induced towards the art of West- Putnam was Hudson, to the Jerseys, to put that * Thither I teem that General I soon afterwards to « of fhe British fvmy Tihe army at Wh.te- ■ the 28ih of October. longal which was at- U of the army imde; '^e days after this 'AC Lire OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 127 attend him, without stooping to dilate ^h the subsequent incidents, that might swell « folio, though here compressed to a single pa rap* graph ; without attempting to give in detail the skilful retrograde movements of our Com- mander in Chief, who, after detaching a garri- son for Fort Washington, by pre-occupying with extemporaneous redoubts and entrench- ments, the ridges from Mile-Square to White' Plains^, and by folding one bl||ade behind another, in rear of those ridges that run paril- lel with the Sounds brought off all his artillery, stores, and sick, in the face of a superior foe ; without commenting on the partial and equivo- cal battle fought near the last mentioned vil- lage, or the cause why the British, then in full force, (for the last of the Hessian infantry and British light-horse had just arrived) did not more seriously endeavour to induce a general engagement; without journalizing their milita« ry manoeuvres in falling back to King's-bridge, capturing Fort Washtngton, Fort Lee, and marching through the Jerseys ; without enu- merating the instances of rapine, murder, lust, and devastation, that marked their progress. ■*« tion, General Putnam was ordered to cross the Hudson, and pro- vide against an irruption of the enemy into New-Jersey. He was soon folloVed hy Washington with part of his army, which to«k post in the vicinity of Fort I.ee, and, after the fall of that Fort, General Putnam was constantly about his person during the whole retreat through New-Jersey, and among the last of the fugitive Rr» my which crossed the Delaware : — then it was, that he was ordered to Philadelphia to fortify aod defend that city, which Congress had ordered to be deftnded to t!»e last extremity. C Editor. J. ^ ** 128 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. ^^ .!■ and filled our bosoms with horror and indigna- tion ; without describing how a division of our dissolving army, with General Washington, was driven before them beyond the Delaware; without painting the naked and forlorn condi- tion of tnese much injured men, amidst the rigours of an inclement season ; and without even sketching the consternation that seized the States at this perilous period, when Gene- ral Lee, in leading from the north a small reinforcement to our troops, was himself tak- en prisoner by surprise; when every thing seemed decidedly declining to the last extremi- ty, and when every prospect but served to augment the depression of despair — until the genius of one man, in one day, at a single stroke, wrested from the veteran battalions of Britain and Germany the fruits acquired by the total operations of a successful campaign, and re-animated the expiring hope of a whole nation, by the glorious enterprize at Trenton. While the hostile forces, rashly- inflated with pride by a series of uninterrupted suc- cesses, and fondly dreaming that a period would soon be put to their labours, By the completion of their conquests, had been pur- suing the wretched remnants of a disbanded army to the banks of the Delaware, General Putnam was diligently employed in fortifying Philadelphia, the capture of which appeared indubitably to be their principal object. Here, by authority and example, he strove to concili- I M. * "J »HI7^'i LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAMc 129 id indigna-- sion of our rashington, Delaware ; •lorn condi- amidst the nd without that seized when Gene- rth a small himself tak- every thing last extremi- ut served to tir — until the , at a single I battalions of acquired by ful campaign, pe of a whole e at Trenton, ishly- inflated errupted sue- hat a period hours, by the lad been pur- )f a disbanded ware, General ,d in fortifying hich appeared object. Hei-e, rove to concili- ate contending factions, and to excite the citi- zens to uncommon efforts in defence of every thing interesting to freemen. His personal industry was unparalleled. His orders,"^ with respect to extinguishing accidental fires, ad- vancing the public works, as well as in regard to other important objects, were perfecUy mili- tary and proper. But his health was, for a while, impaired by his unrelaxed exertions. The Commander in Chief having, in spite of all obstacles, made good his retreat over the Delaware, wrote to General Putnam from his Camp above the Falls of Trenton, on the very day lie re-crossed the river to surprise the Hessians, expressing his satisfaction at the re<* establishment of that GeneraPs health, and in- forming, that if he had not himself been well convinced before of the enemy's intention to possess themselves of Philadelphia, as soon as the frost should form ice strong enough to * Ai A ipeoimen, the following Is preserved : " GEN B HAL ORDERS. ** Heail-Quavtert, Philadelphia^ December 14, 1776. "Colonel (iriffln it Hppninted \(ljuunt-( General to the troops in and about t.hii eity. All orders from the General, through liim, either written or verbitl, ttre to be strictly attended to and punc- tunlly obeyed. « In cHse of an alarm of Are, the ciiy guards and patrole^i are to suffer the iithabltHnts to pass, unmolested, at any hour of the night; and the good people of Philadelphia are earnestly requested and desired to give every aiiiitanoe in their power, with engines and buckets, to extingiiish the fire. And as the Congress have ordered the eity to be defended to the laU extremity, tne General hopes that no person will refiiie to give every assistance possible to com- plete the foriifloatiuui that are to buereeted in and about the city* ■f-. J » ■'* 12 «* ISRAEL PUTNAM." m yy ■..^^■:-^-.-.-t. -v''**i'-V"T ■ 130 LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. transport them and their artillery across the Delaware, he had now obtained an intercepted letter which placed the matter beyond a doubt. He added, that if the citizens of Philadelphia had any regard for the town, not a moment's time w as to be lost until it should be put in the best possible posture of defence; but least that should not be done, he directed the re- moval of all public stores, except provisions necessary for immediate use, to places of greater security. He queried whether, if a party of mililia could be sent from Philadel- Ehia to support those in the Jerseys, about lount Holly, it would not serve to save them from submission ? At the same time he signifi- ed, as his opinion, the expediency of sending an active and influential officer to inspirit the people, to encourage them to assemble in arms, as well as to keep those already in arms from disbanding ; and concluded by manifest- ing a wish that Colonel Forman, whom he desired to see for this purpose, might be em- ploved on the service The enemy had vainly, as incautiously, im- agined that to overrun was to conquer. They had even carried their presumption on our ex- treme weakness, and expected submission so far as to attempt covering tlie country through which they had marched with an extensive chain of cantonments. That link^ which the post at Trenton supplied, consisted of a Hes- sian brigade of infantry, a company of Chas- '/• . LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. 131 geurs, a squadron of light dragoons, and six fiyld pieces. \i #^ 134 t.^ ; LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM, % -s^-^ guishing in extreme distress, without a sur- H ^ geon, without a single accommodation, and without a friend to solace the sinking spirit in the gloom J hour of death. He visited, and I immediately caused ever j possible comfort to be administered to him. Captain MTherson, who, contrary to all appearances, recovered, after having demonstrated to General Putnam the dignified sense of obligations which a gen- erous mind wishes not to conceal, one day, in familiar conversation, demanded, " Pray, Sir, what countryman are you?" — " An American," answered the latter. — " Not a Yankee ?" said the other. — " A full blooded one," replied the General. " By G — d, I am sorry for that," re- / joined MTherson, ^^ 1 did not thmk there could be so much goodness arid generosity in an American, or, indeed, in any body but a Scotchman." While the recovery of Captain M'Pherson was doubtful, he desii^d that General Putnam would permit a friend in the British army at Brunswick to come and assist him in making His WILL. General Putnam, who had then only fifty men in his whole command, wos fiadly embarrassed by the proposition. On the one hand, he was not content that a Brit- ish officer should have an opportunity to spy out the weakness of his post ; on the other, it was scarcely in his nature to refuse complying with a dictate of humanity. He luckily be- thought himself of an expedient which he has^^ #^- 'V-if.; .,* W-- ^ iM , LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 135 tened to put In practice. A flag of truce was despatched with Captain M'Pherson^s request, but under an injunction not to return with his friend until after dark. In the evening lights were placed in all the rooms of the College, and in every apartment of the vacant houses throughout the town. During the whole night, the fifty men, sometimes altogether, and sometimes in small detachments, were marched from different quarters by the house in which M'Pherson lay. Afterwards it was known that the officer who came on the visit, at his return, reported that General Putnam^s army, upon the most moderate calculation, could not consist of less than four or five thousand men. This winter's campaign, for our ii f>ops con- stantly kept the field alter regaining a footing in the Jerseys, has never yet been faithfully and feelingly described. The sudden resto- ration of our cause from the very verge of ruin was interwoven with such a tissue of inscru- table causes and extraordinary events, that, fearful of doing the subject greater injustice, by a passing oisquisition than a purposed si- lence, 1 leave it to the leisure of abler pens. The ill policy of the British doubtless contrib- uted to accelerate this event. For the man- ner, impolitic ab Inhuman, in which they man- aged tneir temporary conquests, tended evi- dently to alienate the affections of their ad- herents, to confirm the wavering in a^i opposite % ' ■)'■ 136 LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAi... interest, to rouse the supine into activity, to assemble the dispersed to the standard of America, and to mfuse a spirit of revolt into the minds of those men who had, from neces* sit J, submitted to their power. Their conduct in warring with fire and sword against tlie imbecility of youth, and the decrepitude of age ; against the arts, the sciences, the curious inventions, and the elegant improvements in civilized life ; against the melancholy widow, the miserable orphan, the peaceable professor of humane literature, and the sacred minister of the gospel, seemed to operate as powerful- ly, as if purposely intended to kindle the dor- mant spark of resistance into an inextinguish- able flame. If we add to the black catalogue of provocations already enumerated their in- satiable rapacity in plundering friends and foes indiscriminately ; their libidinous brutality in violating the chastity of the female sex ; their more than Gothic rage in defacing private writings, public records, libraries of learning, dwellings of individuals, edifices for education, and temples of the Deity; together with their insufferable ferocity, unprecedented indeed among civilized nations, \\\ murdering on the field of battle the wounded while begging for mercy, in causing their prisoners to lamish with hunger and cold in prisons and prison ships, and in carrying their malice beyond death itself, by denymg the decent rites of sepulture to the dead ; we shall not be as ton- 'Jf ity, to ifd of It into neces- onduct ist the ude of curious ents in widow, rcfessor [ninister )werful- he dor- inguish- italogue their in* and foes tality in ; their private earning, ucation, th their indeed l>* on the giiig for famish i prison beyond rites of je aston- LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. ■ «-'4?^ - ia7 ished that the yeoman rj in the two Jerseys, when the first ^hmmering of hope began to break in upon them, rose as one man, with the unalterable resolution to perish in the generous cause, or expel their merciless invaders. TJie principal officers, stationed at a varietr of well-chosen, and at some almost inaccessi- ble positions, seemed all to be actuated by the same soul, and only to vie with each other in giving proofs of vigilance, enterprise and val- our. From what has been said respecting the scantiness of our aggregate force, it wul be concluded, that the number of men, under the orders of each, was indeed very small. But the uncommon alertness of the troops, who were incessam.y hovering round the enemy in scouts, and the constant communication tney kept between the several stations most con- tiguous to each other, agreeably to the in- structions''*' of the General in Chief, together * The annexed private orders to Lord Stirling will show, in % tacotiio and military manner, the system of service then pursued : <* To Brigadier-General Lord Stibling. i •* My Lord, "Yon are to repair to Ba&kenridge, and lake upon you the com- mnnd of the troops now there, and such as may be sent to your iUVC. "Vou are to endeavour, as much as possible, to harass and an- noy llie enemy, by keeping scouting parties constantly, or as t're- queiitly us pnsHiMe, arouml their quaiters. " As )0u will he in the neighbourhood of Generals Dickenson and Warner, 1 recommend it to you to keep up a correspondence with ilietn, and endeavour to regulate yo> <* parties by theirs, so aa to liHVe some constantly out. " Use every means in your power to obtain intelligence from the enemy ; which may possibly be better eflTeeled by engaging som* *, J-iT: r.?" laa LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 'j^-i!- with their readiness in giving, and confidence of receiving such reciprocal aid as the exigen- cies might require, served to supply the defect of force. This manner of doing duty not only put our own posts beyond tiie reach of sudden insult and surprise, but so exceedingly harassed and intimidated the enemy, that foragers were sel- dom sent out by them, and never except in very large parties. General Dickenson, who commanded on Gen'^ral Putnam's left, discov- ered, about the 20th of January, a foraging party, consisting of about four hundred men, on the opposite side of the Mill-stone^ two miles from Somerset court-house. As the bridge was possessed and defended by three field-pieces, so that it could not be passed, General Dickenson, at the head of four hun- dred militia, broke the ice, crossed the river where the water was about three feet deep, resolutely attacked, and totally defeated the foragers. Upon their abandoning the convoy, a few prisoners, (brty waggons, and more than a hundred draft horses, with a considerable booty of cattle and, sheep, fell into his hands. '5^ -si of those people who have obtained Protections to go in, under pre- tence of asking «dvice, tliiin by any other lueans. *• You will also use every means in your power to obtain and oomtnunicate the earliest accounts of the enemy s movemdils; and to usBenibh>, in the speediest manner possible, your troops either for offence or defence ** Given at Head-^nartera, the fourth dny of February, M77. " GEO. WASHINGTON/' r.v>''''^fji"'v*' "-■■if-i' " LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 139 Nor were our operations on General Put- nam's right flank lens fortunate. To give countenance to the numerous friends of the British government in t* county of Mon- mouth appears to have been a principal motive with Sir William Howe for stretching the chain of his cantonments, by his own confes- sion,'* previously to his disaster, rather too far. After tliat chain became broken, as I have already related, by the blows at Trenton and Princeton, he was obliged to collect, dur- ing" the rest of the winter, the useless remains in liis barracks at Brunswick. In the mean- time, General Putnam was much more suc- cessful in his attempts to protect our dispersed and dispirited Triends in the same district; who, environed on every side by envenJI^d adversaries, remained inseparably rivetted in aifection to American independence. He first detached Colonel Gurney, and afterwards Ma^ * Extract of a letter from General Sir William Howe to Lord <>BORGB Gekmaine, dated JV&to-YorlCy Decjmbev 20, 1776. Having mentioned the fruitless altpmpt of Lord Cornwallis (o find bums at Corryel'it ferry to pass the Delavfare—- he proceeds tims: "The passage of the Delaware being thus rendered impractica- ble, liiB Lordithip took post at ^euniiigton, in which place and Trenton the two divisions reirtained until the fourteenth, when the weather hayinf; become too severe to keep the field, and the win- tC' cantonments being arranged, the troops marched from both places to their respeolive stalitnis The chain, /own, is rathe*' too cxtenaive, hut I was induced to occupy Burlington to co^vr (he county if Monmouth, in, which there are many loyai inhabitHnts ; and trusting to to ihe southward of this ctiHin, and ft the strength of the corps placed hx tliu advauocd puvis, 1 oouolude the troops will be in perfect secu- rity.'* , -ss, 140 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. jor Davis,"^ with such parties of militia as could be spared, for their support. Several skirmishes ensued, in which our people had al- ways the advantage. They took, at different times, many prisoners, horses and waggons from foraging parties. In effect, so well did they cover tne country, as to induce some of the most respectable inhabitants to declare, that the security of the persons, as well as the salvation of the property of many friends to freedom watj owing to the spirited exertions of these two detachments ; who, at the same time that they rescued the country from the tyranny of tories, afforded an opportunity for the militia to recover from their consternation, to embody themselves in warlike array, and to Btand on their defence. ' During this period, General Putnam having received unquestionable intelligence that a party of refugees, in British pay, had taken Eost, and were erecting a kind of redoubt at lawrence's Neck, sent Colonel Nelson, with * As there happened to be in my possession a copy of one of his letters to those officers, it wns thought worttty of insertion here, in order to demonstiate his satistaotion with their conduct. ' " Israel Putnam. "/> Tcellency Governor Try Off, *' P. S. Afternoon. He is hanged." Important transactions soon occurred. Not long after the two brigades had marched from Peek's-Kill to Pennsylvania, a reinforcement arrived at New-York from Europe. Appear- ances indicated that offensive operations would follow. General Putnam havmg been reduc-"" ed in force to >x single brigade in the field, and a single regiment in garrison at Fort Mont- gomery, repeatedly informed the Commander HI Chief, that the posts committed to his charge miisti in all probability, be lost, in case an at- tempt should be made upon them; and ihat, circumstanced as he was, he could not be res- •Jl ^^1 0^ v% 146 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM.. x ponsible for the consequences; His situation was certainly to be lamented ; but it was not 'I the power of the Commander in Chief to (•Iter it, except by authorising him to call upon the militia for aid— an aid always precarious, and « in so tardy, as, when obtained, to be of no I Ay, On the fifth of October Sir Henry Clinton came up the North-River with three thousand men. After making many feints to mislead the attention, he landed, the next morning, at Stony-Point, and commenced his march over the mountains to Fort Montgomery. Gover- nor Clinton, an active, resolute, and intelligent officer, who commanded the garrison, upon being apprised of the movement, despatched a letter, by express, to General Putnam for suc- cour. By tne treachery of the messenger, the letter miscarried. General Putnam, as- tonished at hearing nothing respecting the enemy, rode, with General Parsons, and Col- onel Root, his Adjutant-General, to reconnoi- tre them at King's Ferry. In the mean-time, at dve o'clock m the afternoon. Sir Henry Clinton's columns, having surmounted the ob- stacles and barriers of nature, descended from the Thunder-Hill, through thickets impassible but for light troops, and ^attacked the differ- * TKe author of thene Memoirs, then Major of BrigHde to the first Coniicctivut bri^ncle, was alone at ileacl-QuMriers whi- the firing bfgan. Me haHteoed to Colonel Wvllys the senior officer in camp, anil advised liim to deH|iHtch hI! liie men uot on (Uit> to Fort Mentgomeiy, withoui waiting for erderr. About fivr bufi' ent r corid with been ing o been LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 149 atioD 9 not ief to upon lious, be of Tinton »usand lislead Ing, at cnt redoubts. Tl/fe garrison, inspired by the conduct of their leaders, defended the works with distinguished valour. But, as the post had been designed principallj to prevent tne pass- ing of ships, and as an assault in rear had not been expected, the works on the land side were incomplete and untenable. In the dusk of twilight, the British entered with their bayo- nets fixed. Their loss was inconsiderable. Nor was that of the garrison great. Gover- nor Clinton, his brother General James C ih- ton, Colonel Dubois, and most of the officers and men effected their escape under cover of the thick smoke and darkness that suddenly prevailed. The capture of this fort by Sir Henry Clinton, together with the consequent removal of the chains and booms that ob- structed the navigation, opened a passage to -'^ ■■^i^ '1 (Ircd men marched instantly under Colonel Meigs; nnd the author, >viili Dr. Beiircisley, n stirgeon in Ittc brigade, rode, at full Sfieed, through a bye-path, to let the garrison know, that a reinforcement was nn its inarch. Notwithstanding all the haste these ufficett made to and over the river, the fuit was so completely invested on their arrival, that it was impossible to enter, 'i'liey Avent on board the new.friffate which lay near the fortress, and had the raisfoitune to bi' ide, uiough not unconcerned speelators of '.he storm. They snw the tuinutest actions distinctly when the works were carried. The frigate, after receiving several platoons, slipped her cable* ."^nd procec«k'd a little way up the river; but the wind and tide be- coming adverse, the crew set her on lire, to prevent her falling in- to t'.c hands of the enemy, whose ships were approaching. The louring darkness of the night, the profound stillness that reig-.ed, the interrupted flashes of the flames that illuminated (he waters, the long shad'iws of the cliffs thctt now and then were seen, the ex» |dosioii of the cannon which were loft loaded in the ship, and the I'cverberaling echo which resounded, at i^itervals, between the stupendous mountains on both sides of the river, composed an awful ni|*- 152 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. m^ % * .^% . B/t. ■■"■ ■i' :Jfi^. ■# f It W4S distressing to see so beautiful a part of the country so barbarously wasted, and of. ten to witness some peculiar scene of f«male misery : for most of the female inhabitants had been obliged to fly within the lines pos- sessed by one army or the other. Near our quarters was an affecting instance of human vi- cissitude. Mr. William Sutton, of Maroneck, an inoffensive man, a merchant by profession, who lived in a decent fashion, and whose fam- ily had as happy prospects as almost any in the country, upon some imputation of toryism, went to the enemy. His wife, oppressed with grief in the disagreeable state of dereliction, did not long survive. Betsey Sutton, their eldest daughter, was a modest and lovely young woman, of about fifteen years old, when, at the death of her mother, the care of five or six younger children devolved upon her. She was discreet and provident beyond her years; but when we saw her, she looked to be feeble in health — broken in spirit — wan, melancholy, and dejected. She said ^^ that their last cow, which furnished milk for the children, had lately been taken away — that they had frequently been plundered of their wearing apparel and furniture, she believed by both parties — that they had little more to lose — and that she knew not where to procure bread for the dear little ones, who had no fa- ther to provide for them" — no mo/Acr-r—she was going to have said — but a torrent of teare / li. M LIPB OP GENERAL PUTNAM. 153 \ a part ana of- female abitants les pos- [ear our • uman vi- aroneck, ofession, lose fam- st any in [ toryism, ssed with 3 reliction, ton, tlitjir id lovely rear3 old, he care of ved upon it beyond le looked rit — wan, aid " that Ik for the way— that jd of their e believed le more to to procure had no fa- nt of tears ehoaked articulation. In coming to that part ol the country again, after some campaigns had elapsed, 1 found the habitation desolate, and the garfhn oven own with weeds. Up- on inquiry, 1 learnt, that as soon as we left the place^ some rulhans broke into the house while she lay in bed, in the^tter part of the night; and that, havinij been terrified by their rudeness, she ran, half-naked, into a neigh- bouring swamp, where she continued until the in>)rning — there the poor girl caught a violent cold, which ended in a consumption. It finish- ed a life without a spot — and a career of suf- ferings commenced and continued without a fault. Sights of wretchedness always touched with commiseration the feelings of General Putnam, and prompted his generous soul to succour the afflicted. But the indulgence whi^Ji he show- ed, whenever it did not militate against his du- ty, towards the deserted and suffering families of the tories in the State of New- York, was the cause of his becoming unpopular with no inconsiderable class of people m that State. On the other side, he hau conceived an uncon- querable aversion to many of the persons who were entrusted with the disposal of tory-prop- erty, because he believed tn«m to have been guilty of peculations and other infamous prac- tices. But although the enmity between him and the sequestrators was acrimonious as mu- tual, yet he lived [n habits of amity with the 14 .T^' 154 LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. inost respectable characters in public depart- ments, as well as in private liia. His character was also respected by the en- emy. He had been acquainted with many of the principal officers in a former war. As flags frequently passed between the out-posts, during his continuance on the lines/ it was a tommon practice to forward newspapers by them; and as those printed by Rivington, the royal printer in New- York, were infamous for the falsehoods with which they abounded. General Putnam once sent a packet to his old friend General Robertson, with this billet: " Major-General Putnam presents his compli- ments to Major-Gene ral Robertson, and sends him some American newspapers for his peru- sal — when General Robertson shall have done with them, it is requested they be given to Rivington, in order that he may print some truth." Late in the year we left the lines and re- f aired to the Highlands ; for upon the loss of 'ort Montgomery, the Commander in Chief determined to build another fortification for the defence of the river. His Excellency, ac- cordingly, wrote to General Putnam to fix up- on the spot. After reconnoitering all the dif- ferent places proposed, and revolving in his own mind t|ieir relative advantages for offence on the water and defence on the land, he fix- ed upon West-Point. It is no vulgar praise to say, that to him belongs the glory of having LIFB OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 15d chosen this rock of our military salvation. Th# position for watf^r-batteries, which might sweep the cliannel where the river formed a right angle, made it the most proper of any for conmianding the navigation ; while the rocky ridges that rose in awful sublimity behind each other, rendered it impregnable, and even incapable of being invested by less than twen- ty thousand men. The British, who consider- ed this post as a sort of American Gibraltar^ never attempted it but by the treachery of an American officer. All the world knows that this project failed, and that West-Point con- tinues to be the receptacle of every thing val- uable in military preparations to the present day. In the month of January, 1778, when a snow, two feet deep, lay on tlie earth. General Parsons's brigade went to West-Point and broke ground. Want of covering for the troops, together with want of tools and mate- rials for the works, made the prospect truly gloomy and discouraging. It was necessary that means should be found, though our cur- rency was depreciated, and our treasury ex- hausted. The estimates and requisitions of Colonel la Radiere, the engineer who laid out the works, altogether disproportioned to our circu^^otances, served only to put us in mind of our poverty, and, as it were, to satirize our resources. His petulent behaviour and unac* commodating disposition added further ^m,* -^ \b^ LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. barrassments. It was then that the patriottsra of Governor Clinton shone in full lubtre. His exertions to furnish supplies can never be too much commended. His influence, arising from his popularity, was unltmhed : yet he hesitated not to put all his popularity at risk, whenever the federal interests demanded. Notwith- standing the impediments that opposed our progress, with his aid, before the opening of the campaign, the works were in great for- wardness. According to a resolution of Congress, an inquiry was to be made into the causes of mil- itary disasters. Major-General M'Dougall, Brigadier-General Huntington, and Colonel Wigglesworth composed the Court of Inquiry on the loss of Fort Montgomery. Upon full knowledge and mature deliberation of facts on the spot, they reported the loss to have been occasioned by want of men, and not by any fault in the commanders. General Putnam, who during the investiga- tion was relieved from duty, as soon as Con- gress had approved the report, took command of the right wing of the grand army, under the orders of the General in Chief. This was just after the battle of Monmouth, whfh the three armies which had last year acted sepa- rately joined at the White-Plains. Our enec- tive force, in one camp, was at no other time so respectable as at this juncture. The army consisted of sixty regular regiments of foot, %■ LIFE OF GENERAL PUTMAM. 157 formed into fifteon brigades, four battalions of arililer)', lour regiments of horse, and several corps of State troops. But as the enemj kept close within their hnes on York Island, nothing could be attempted. Towards the end of au- tumn we broke up the camp, and went first to Fredericksburgh, and thence to winter-quar- ters. In order to cover the country adjoining^ to the Sound, and to support the garrison of Jrest- PoinU in case of an attack. Major General Putnam was stationed for the winter at Read- ing, in Connecticut. He had under his orders the brigade of New-Hampshire, the two brig- ades 01 Connecticut, the corps of infantry com- manded by Hazen, and that of cavalry bj Sheldon. The troops, who had been badly fed, badly cloathed, and worse paid, by brooding over their grievances in the leisure and inactivity of winter-quarters, began to think them intolera- ble. Tiie Connecticut brigades formed the design of marching to Hartford, where the General Assembly was then in session, and of demanding redress at the point of t'i^^ bayonet. Word having been brought to General Put- nam, that the second brigade was under arms for this purpose, he mounted his horse, gallop- ped to the cantonment, and thus addressed them : " My brave lads, whither are you go- ing? Do you intend to desert your officers^ and to invito the enemy to ibllow you into the 14* ■;*^ 158 LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. r country ? Whose cause have you been fightlncr anil suffenng so long in — is it not joui own? Have you no property, no parents, wives or children ? You have behaved likc^ men so far — ail the world is full of your praises — and posterity will stand astonished at your deeds : but not if yc : spoil all at last Don't you consider how much the country is distressed by the v/ar, and that your officers have not been any better paid than yourselves ? But we all expect better times, and that the coun- try will do us ample justice. Let us all stand by one another, then, and fight it out like brave soldiers. Think what a shame it would be for Connecticut men to run away from their officms." After the several regiments had re- ceived the General as he rode along the line with drums beatings and presented arms^ the ser- geants who had then the command, brought tiie men to an order, in which position they continued while he was speaking. When he haii done, he directed the actmg M|ijor of Brigade to give the word for them to shoul- der, march to their regimental parades, and lodge arms; all which they executed with promptitude and apparent good humour. One soldier, only, who had been the most active, was confined in the quarter-guard ; from whence, at night, he attempted to make hit escape. But tne sentinel, who had also been in the mutiny, shot him dead on the spot, and thus the adair gubgided. LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 159 About the middle of winter, while General Putnam was on a visit to his out-post at Horse- Neck, he found Governor Tryon advancing upon that town with a corps of fifteen hundred nion. To oppose these General Putnam had only a picquct of one hundred and fiitj men, and two iron field-pieces, without horses or drag-ropes. He, however, planted his cannon on the high ground, by the meeting-house, and retarded their approach by firing several times, until, perceivmg the horse (supported by the infantry) about to charge, he ordered the picquet to provide for their safety, by re- tiring to a swamp inaccessible to horse, and secured his own, by plunging down the steep precipice at the church upon a full trot. This precipice is so steep, where he descended, as to have artificial stairs, composed of nearly one hundred stone steps, for the arconnnoda- tion of foot passengers. There tlie Dragoons, who were but a sword's length from him, stopped short; for the declivity was so abrupt, thai they ventured not to follow; and, before they could gain the valley, by going round f iio brow of the hill in the ordinary road, he was far enough beyond their reach. Ha continu- ed his route, unmolested, to Stanford ; from whence, having strengthened his picquet by the junction of some militia, he came back again, and, in turn, pursued Governor Tryon in his retreat.* As he rode down the preci- * In this reti'CRt, (hough with a very inferior force, GtnertI' PnthRio luRde about fifty prisoners; ^Hrt uf whom wtrc wounded, %\ Pfft ■ ;!i'^. ' '- r~,^-:- /■ 160 LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. / pice, one ball, of the many fired at him, wen I through his beaver : But Governor Tryon, by way of compensation for spoiling his hat, sent him, scon afterwards, as a present, a complete suit of clothes. In the campaign of 1779, which terminated the career of General Putnam's servicea, he commanded the Maryland line, posted at But- , ter-Milk falls, about two miles below West- Point. He was happy in possessing the friend- • ship of the officers of that line, and in living on terms of hospitality with them. Indeed, tru'ro was no iliamily in the army that lived bettor than his own. The General, his second son Major Daniel Putnam, and the writer of those memoirs, composed that family. This cam- paign, principally spent in strengthening the works of West-Point, was only signalized for the storm of Stony-Point by the light-infantry under the conduct of General Wayne, and the surprise of the post of Powles-Hook by the corps under the command of Colonel Henry Lee. When the army quitted the field, and marched to Morris-Town, into winter-quarters, Gt',neral Putnam's family went into Connecti- cut for a few weeks. In December the Gene- ral began his journey to Morris-Town. Up- on the road between Pomfret and Hartford, And the whole were the next day seat, under the eaeori of An ofll- eer's guard, to the British lines for exchange. It wan for iho liu- rntinitT and kindness of Putnam to the wounded ^Misonors, ilmt Oorer'uor Tryon eomplimented him with the ** suit of elulhri " LIFE Of GENERAL PUTNAM. 161 he felt an unusual torpor slowly pervading his right hand and foot. This heaviness crept gradually on, until it had deprived him of the use of his limbs on that side, in a consid- erable degree, before he reached the house of his friend Colonel Wadsvvorth. Still he wag unwilling to consider his disorder of the para- lytic kind, and endeavoured to shake it olFby exertion. Having found that impossible, a temporary dejection, disguised, however, un- der a veil of assumed cheerfulness, succeeded. But reason, philosophy, and religion, soon re- conciled him to his fate. In that situation he has constantly remained, favoured with such a portion of bodily activity as enablen him to walk and to ride moderately ; and retaining, unimpaired, his relish for enjoyment, his love of pleasantry, his strength of memory, and all the faculties of his rauid. As a proof tliat the powers of memory are not weakened, it ougnt to be observed, that he has lately re- peated, from recollection, all the adventures of his life, which are here recorded, and which had formerly been communicated to the com- piler in detached conversations. In patient, yet foarless expectation of the approach of the King of Terrors, whom he liath full often faced in the field of blood, the Christian i>cro now enjoys, in domestic retire- ment, tho fruit of his early industry. Having in youtli provided a competent subsistence for old ago, lie was secured from the danger of -..^i»JLfc-..._,fe,-__', .* 162 LIFE OP GENERAL P0TNAM. penury and distress, to which so many officers and soldiers, worn out in the public service, have been reduced. To illustrate his merits the more fully, this Essay will be concluded with a copy of the last letter written to hi .1, by General Washington, in his military char- acter. • ■ B' K ■■ , ^^ Head-Quarters^ 2d Jvne^Xl^^, « " Dear Sir, " Your favour of the 20th of May I receiv- ed with much pleasure. For I can assure you that among the many worthy and meritorious officers with whom I have had the happiness , to be connected in service through the course of this war, and from whose cheerful assistance in the various and trying vicissitudes of a complicated contest, the name of a Putnam ig not forgotten ; nor will be but with that stroke of time which shall obliterate from my mind the remembrance of all those toils and fatigues through which we have struggled for the pre- servation and establishment of the Rights^ Liberties^ and Independence of our Country, " Your congratulations on the happy pro- spects of peace and independent security, with their attendant blessings to the United States, I receive with great satisfaction ; and beg that you will accept a return of my gratu- lations to you on this auspicious event — an LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNAM. 169 3 course event, in which, great as it is in itself, and glo- rious as it will probably be in its consequences, jou have a rigat to participate largely, from the distinguished part you have contributed towards its attainment. . « ^^ But while I contemplate the greatness of the object for which we have contended, and felicitate you on the happy issue of our toils and labours, which have terminated with such general satisfaction, I lament that you should leel the ungrateful returns of a country, in whose service you have exhausted your bodi- ly strength, and expended the vigour of a youthful constitution. I wish, however, that your expectations of returning liberality may be verined. I have a hope they may — but should they not, your case will not be a sin- gular one. Ingratitude has been experienced in all ages, and Republics, in particular, have ev- er been famed for the exercise of that unnatural and sordid vice. " The Secretary at War, who is now here, informs me that you have ever been considered as entitled to full ppy since your absence from the field, and that you will still be considered in that light until the close of the war ; at which period you will be equally eutitltid to the same emoluments of half-pay or commutation as other officers of your rank. The same opinion is also given by the Pay- Master-General, who is now with the array, empowered by Mr. Morris for the settlement ■* -J 164 LIFE OP GENERAL PUTNAM. of all their acrounts, and who will attend to your's whenever you shall think proper to send on lor the purpose, which it will proba- bly be best for you to do in a short time. '* I anticipate, with pleasure, the dnj^ and that, 1 trust, not far off, when I shall «]uit the busy scene^s of a military employmtiit* and re- tire to the more tranquil waiks ( f dorufHliO life. In that, or whatever other situation Provide nee may dispose of my future days, THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE MANY FRIENDSRIFS AND CONNECTIONS 1 fiAVE HAD THE HAPPIKE83 TO CONTRACT WITH THE GENTLI'MEN OF MfB ARMi\ WJLL BE ONE OP MY MOST GRATEFUL REFLECT KsTs. Under this contemplation^ and impressed tvHk the sentiments of benevolence and regard,, I commend you^ my dear Sir^ my other friends,, and with them^ the interests and happi' ness of our dear country^ to the keeping and PROTECTION OF AlMIGHTY GoD. '^ I have the honour to be, Jkc, "George Washington. " To the Honourable " Major-General Putnam.*' ".■ S ' ;/' ■/-■■■■ T "V ' ' Lin: OF GfiRBRAL PVTITAIf. 165 The V^matnder of the life of General Put- oam was passed in <|uiet petirement with bis family. He experienced few interruptions in his bodily health, (except the paralytic debili- ty with which he was afflicted) retained full possession of his mental faculties, and en- joyed the society of his friends until the 17th of May, 1790, when he was violently attack- ed with an inflammatory disease. Satisfied from the first that it would prove mortal, he was calm and resigned, and welcomed the ap** proach of death with joy, as a messenger sent to call him from a life of toil to everlasting rest On the 19th of May, 1790, he ended a \ik which had been spent in cultivating and de^ fending the soil of^his birth. '''^* Much of his life had been spent in arms, and the military of the neighbourhood were desirous that the rites of sepulture should be accompanied ^ith martial honours : they felt that this last tribute of respect was due to a soldier, who, from a patriotic love of country, had devoted the best part of his life to the de- fence of her rights, and the establishment of her independence — ^and who, through long and trying services, was never once reproach- ed for misconduct as an officer; but when disease compelled him to retire from service, left it, beloved and respected by tlie army and his chief, and with hign claims to the grateful remembraDce of his country. . '^ f^->-::. '»■ n I6& LIFE OF GENERAL PUTNi^ iff" Under these impressioos, the grenadiers of the 11th regiment,' the independent corps of artillerists, and the militia companies in the neighbourhood, assembled each at their ap- pointed rendezvous, early, on the morning of the 21st, and having repaired to the Tate dwelling house of the deceased, a suitable es- cort was formed, attended bj a procession of the Masonic brethren present, and a large concourse of respectable citizens, which moved to the Congregational meeting house in Brook- lyn; and, after divine service performed by the Kev. Dr. Whitney, rJl that was earthly of a patriot and hero was laid in the silent tomb, under the discharge of voUies from the infan- try, and minute guns from the artillery. ; f 1 ' ' ■ < ■ " ,;f n t . -. ■ ' ' b , 'a- -,v, . -'•" ^ >". :-,, - ■ ■ " ■* r ' 1 / ■ I r'jK: . -*^ '.. LIFE OF GENERAL PUTirAll. I6<7 The following ef/ilogium was pronounced at the grave of Uenertu Putnam In Dr. A* Waldo. ; ■ ■ \ ^^ Those venerable relics! once delighted in the endearing domestic virtues, which con- stitute the excellent neighbour — husband — parent — and worthy brother ! liberal and sub- stantial in his friendship; — unsuspicious — open —and generous ; — just and sincere in dealing ; a benevolent citizen of the world — He concen- trated in his bosom, the noble qualities of an Honest Man. , " Born a hero — whom nature taught and cherished in the lap of innumerable toils and dangers, he was terrible in battle ! But, from the amiableness of his heart — when carnage ceased, his humanity spread over the y^6/(2, like the refreshing zephyrs of a summer^s evening ! — The prisoner—- the wounded — the sick — ^the forlorn— experienced the delicate sympathy of this SoLDiER^s Pillar — The poor, and the needy, of every description, received the chajr- itable bounties oithis Christian Soldier. " He pitied littleness — ^loved goodness — ad- mired greatness, and ever aspired to its glo- rious summit ! The friend, the servant, and almost unparalljeled lover of his country f-'- worn with honourable age, and the former , toils of war — Putnam \ vRests from his la- bours.' tt 4 -.'■ v^ ^i^Ji^k^vs^^Ab^.-'L a i?«B IrlFB OF GENERAL PUTNAM. ^ **Till mouldering worlds and tumbling systems burst \ I Whea the last trump shall renovate his dust—* . StiA }ij the mandate of eternal truth. His soul wUl ' fiouiish in immortal jouth \* " l»^av.v 1T>. 1 ■/>; - - !■ .. ■ ,'•. s ■ 1 'V- ! •^ « '.'.' ' . , ' 2u '..!!>»» f.. .{;,:- _'• '; ;^ *"' ■ - -^ ■ ■ ■ ■• •,..•,..■ .tW..4.afe'-.' .' ; f ih.'yy i' ■' ■ ■ ' - .x s* ■ t.- ^ "■■■ .' <^»^ . ;■* ^...y^^-u f^^-'.^fyr ^ % m^ The late "Rev. Dr» Dwight, President of Tale College, who knew Qeneral rutnam intimately, has portray* ed his character faithfuUtj >. the following inicrijp- tion, which is engraven on his tonib. Sacred be this Monument to the memory * . of . ' :* Israel Putnam, EsquiRE, senior Major General in the armies of ' the United States of America; who was born at Salem, in the Province of Massachusetts on the 7th day of January, A. D. iri8, and died on the 19th day of May, % A. D. 1790. Passenger, if thou art a Soldier, drop a tear over the dust of a Hero> who, ever attentive ttkthe lives and happiness of his mec(^ * dared to lead where anv dared to follow ; if a Patriot, remember the distinguished and gallant services rendered thy countrv by the Patriot who sleeps beneatn this marble ; if thou art honest, generous and worthy, render a cheerful tribute of respect to a man, vhose generosity was singular, whose nonesty was proverbial; who raised himself to universal esteem, and offices of eminent distinction, ' • ■ , by personal worth *f i and a ,^ U " useful life. 10 h'']^ 'I '''-^: M ■**■ .<,-•■ "'■•?>. '•f' i(>"_f f' f J^- .■^1^ <^^ :C-^' #s ■*•■ 'Wt ^^^^- y •< ■i^f. \'--^ I * .} • -f >,, V'...' ;. <^r V .^ „,- ..1- .f; i .' • V, v>v APPENDIX. -i^.- 'i' '■ ■ ' j; *!■', ' -.r'' • i:.v'' » .'-7'. .-ri- '.-..' , ^i.yc'v,,.. 1^' .;-'».u^: ':/ %■• \\ ♦. I''.' .:->« %, ■ -r-y. 's.' -■■•y.'i-m^- i kVVVV\>VWWWWWVVWVWVVWV«%WVW«A^«A^««^^^M«V«^%«WW*M< ^■ ^ HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF TMIJ^HLIilL 111104 Tia.i:Ti«i&. Tiy %. a^fctt. V««VW\A>%VW W\(WMVV« -WVW%»VW»WVWVWVW^^/»^^^»^%V%»W»%%%' 3iW'..a'- -;i DISTRICT OP MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT. Bhtrict derk't Offit», Bb it rxmbmbered, that on the ninth day of Ssptomhtr, A. D 1818, and in the forty 'third year of the Independenoe of th« United States of America, Samuel Sweti of the said diitriet ttai deposited in this ofl[i«e the title of a book, the right wherooC hi claims as author, in the words followingi to -wit .* Historical and topographical Sketch of Bunker HUl BtttlOi wUk a Plan. B^ S. Swelt. In oonformity to the Act of the Congren of the United StaUi, entitled, " An Act for the encouragement of learnhig, 1^ leouriiti the copies of mape, charts and books, to the authors and pt'oprlc* tors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned i anil mImo to an Act entitled, **An Act supplementary to an Aet* «ntltl«df An Act for the eneouragement of learning, by seeorliig the eoplti of maps, charts and books, to the authors and pronrietori of siieh copies, during the times therein mentioned ; and eitendhig tha benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving and atohhig hit* mrical and other prkta.'* JOHN W. DAVIS, Cktlfeof the Dlitriot of MMiaohuictti. A' The writer of the following has no ambi- tion or pretensions to be an author, but from his attention to military subjects, consented to describe a battle, one of the most glorious and important ever fought in America, and to ren- der his feeble contribution to the monument of fame which history yet owes our ancestors. The materials lay scattered among newspa- pers, magazines, records and files of Congress, the scattered surviving veterans of the day, and others. He was compelled by circum- stances to commence his researches in July, and finish his sketch in August ; but he remind- ed himself that our fathers fought for us in the same oppressive season, and spared no efibrt to render the work complete. Not a single fact is stated of which he has not the most sat- isfactory evidence. That the public owever may judge for themselves, he has (ieposited his documents and proofs for their iu»G at the Boston Athaeneumi 1^- White Cong! over ( ieated them i k quai But Ward orders be left ever, thirty sachus( hundrec States be rer proport a beacoi hard J arms, J PRELIMINARY CHAPTER. y. 3' «^' Ward, Pomeroy, Thomas, Heath and Whitcomb were appointed by the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts general officers over the militia. These troops having d«3- feated the British at Lexington, and driven them into Boston, could no longer be retained in quarters. But five days after tlie battte, General Ward writes Congress tiiat unless enlisting orders be immediately furnished him, he shall be left entirely alone. The day before, how- ever, that body resolved, that an army of thirty thousand was necessary, that Mas- sachusetts would raise thirteen thousand six hundred, and that the other New England States should have notice given them, and be requested to furnish their respective proportions. But the battle of Lexington was a beacon fire to the neighbouring states. The hardy yeomen, wlwjm rage supplied with arms, did not wait to be sumiiioned by the 1G > ■■m. 178 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. f'^f- tardy process of legislation ; they seized their hunting pieces, and flf w to join their brethren at the scene of danger. The Committee of Safety, elected anew by Congress at every session, were the real executive of Massachusetts. The members were now John Hancock and Benjamin Greenleaf, who never took their seats, John Pigeon and Enoch Freeman, seldom present, and Josepli Warren, chairman, Benjamin Church, Brnjamin White, Joseph Palmer, Abraham Watson, Samuel Hoiten, Azor Orne, Naihan Cushing and Richard Devens. They were empowered generally to watch over the safety of the commonwealth, and advise Con- gress of such measures as they thought bene- licial, and expressly commissioned : "To assemble such and so many of the " Militia and them to dispose and place where " and detain s) long as said Committee ahall "judge necessary, and discharge said Militia " when the safety of the Colony will admit. " And the officers of the said Militia are en- "joyned to obey the orders and directions of " said Ccmmittee of Safety. And also to lYwvxi " the army of thi& Colon} to be stationed wliciie "said Committee of .Safety shall judge most "conducive to the defence and service ol lliis "Colon), and the general and oth^r oflictrsuf " the army are requested to render strict obe- BUNKER HILL BATTLE. ■+-,-. •-. ■■.*■.--- 179 "dience to such orders of said Committee ; but ** Congress have power to control anj order of " the C jmmittee of Safety. Also to nominate "persons to Congress to be commissi ined ofii- *'cers in the army and to give enlisting orders *' to such persons as they tUink proper. And " if any officers be ready to be commissioned *'aa:reeablo to the resolve of this Conjjress "durmg the recess of the same the Conmiittee *' shall fill up and deliver to them commis^ions ** to be furnished aaid Committee in blank for ** that purpose." This committee distributed beating or en- listing orders throughout the state to those whom they thought quahfied to raise recruits. The number of a company was reduced from one hundred to fifty-nme ; and he who could enlist this number was entitled to a captain's commission, and one who procured ten cap- tains with companies to serve under him com- manded the regiiuent. The Congress of Mas- sachusetts issued an eloquent address to the people, which would do honor to any legisla- ture on earth. The recruits came in with sj)irit, and by the middle of June the New England army of citizen soldiers enlisted for a few months amounted to about lifteen thou- sand troops. About ten thousand of these were of Mas- sachusetts; animated with the same love of #■ ^ 1 * ■Hl- /^ 180 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. liberty which inspired the whole, they were most confident in the rectitude of their cause, in which they were thoroughly instructed by James Otis, who led the forlorn hope of the revolution, John Adams, Quincy, Hancock, Samuel Adams, and other enlightened pa- triots. And they were fighting battles more peculiarly their own, in defence of their wives, children and homes. But the more animating consideration to them as soldiers, was the chivalrous reputation of their ancestors and themselves, who had been in constant battle and constant victory against their formidable savage foe, and had more recently proved at Nova Scotia and Louisbourgh that thej were equally formidable against the civilized troops of Europe. .•rfr,- ^r:^ 9.^ BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 181 0> o o O V SIS -JS rrj ^ CD g o a ^ a o en o u cd r « o a ^rr: o U o >> o c J3 C/2 a SCO a. S a c s On CO a o o o Oh .2 *pS -Q n. Bj ., ^ ^_ ^- o o a o to CO ^ OQ 'S -?! 4»^- * c o a. 2 c 9 CO •♦J fl a 'to o >♦-» a s O o CO o s 0) O O h4 •« OS "E -r c CO •% V V ^ ley hJ2 cd a) Ci3 '5 "3 ■§ 1-4 03 ^ Sr2:5 S a> -a '55 CO-g CO CO Cd a o CO cO ^ « ^ e O ^ -C3 «^ (U O »^ 72 <-^ c* 00 (0 u »** s^ CO CO a < d a o a o. • a o a 0) w o "SO a o o^* .S3 — - (O -3 « CO 'x: 0) CO « S CO -C o o ►-a ►-a s CO t; G> S ■So ^ s § ^CL, ^a^ H i> i-a W >-^ i-fc 16* 182 BUNKER HILL RATTLE. fT OB ii iJ •« •*•» m O en 0) • ,•» S 'a mm •\ c 1-4 P^-D o rt j^ a •N C •TS Lt.Cc Danforth Ke #-■ TO • — a ctj c S William Buc Rufus Putna 2 O a o o u John Gerrj, Isaac Smith, 13 *a a O g CO o c u CO o en CO a o J3 C O o •-5 en O "^ C r, « CO C _3 CO C •'^ o CO g a > CO 2^ = .•" a scQg: CO O 9 bo O o 2 ^ fl^ "^ tfF?"-^ .r: «3 O) <*-» V o rmmt en 0) a> 3 tn O a CO ■■%• ^■■■»-:, ■♦-'/■= BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 189 The regiment of artillery was organized under Colonel Richard Gridley, Lieutenant Colonel William Burbeck, Majors David Ma- son and Scarborough Gridley, and ten cap- tains, with one six, two brasd four, and six iron three pound cannon. Rhode Island had sent a re '^ent to Mas- sachusetts imbued with the mined spirit of civil and religious liberty, v m l • founder of their state maintained ihrc ^.i every peril. Colonel Green^ was their commander, one of the most promising heroes of the revolution. The elements of a soldier were so mixed in him, tha4 the wise already foresaw his elevat- ed rank among warriors the most distinguish- ed. Under him were Lieutenant Colonel Olny and Major Boxan, experienced English sol- diers. Two field pieces were attached to the corps. The hardy yeomanry of New Hampshire, beneath whose poriuerous strokes the formid- able forests and the savages who inhabited them had been levelled with the ground, who had been used to little control but what the God of Nature imposed, were moved with in- dignation at approaching tyranny. They flocked as volunteers to the neighbourhood of * ^he accomplished scholar, Judge Johnson, is about preseiiting the public a biography of this hero. :.^. X -iitiM, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I IAAI21 |2.5 ■^ 1^ 12.2 ^ |M 16 ^ 6" ► ^%k "} Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 33 WIST MAIN STRKT WHSTH.N.V MSIO (7U)I73-4S03 ^>^ '^ o ■."' A 4s 'k * *■• m Ml. ^ BUNKER HILL BATTLE. Boston, and chose Colonel Stark, Lieutenant Colonel Wjman and Major M'Clary their leaderir . , Their colonel was worthy to command this formidable band ; he had been a distinguished captain of Provincial Rangers received into , the service of the crown, was at Quebec under General Wolfe, and enjoyed half pay as a British officer, an ofiering lie made with other sacrifices for the good of his country. Their major also was a favourite officer. Sit feet and a half in height, with a Hercu- lean form in perfect proportions, a voice like ^ Stentorand strength of Ajax ; ever unequalled in athletic exerciLes, and unsubdued in single combat, whole bodies of men had been over- come by him, and he seemed totally uncon- scious that he was not equally unconquerable at the cannon^s mouth. His mind and char- acter were of the same grand and energetic cast with his person ; and though deficient in the advantages of finished education, he had been a member of the state legislature, and his mercantile concerns were extensive. These troops wore followed by another regiment from New Hampshire, which arrived on the fifteenth of Jime, uider Colonel Reed, Lieutenant Colonel Oilman and iVJajur Hale. *.; BUNKER HILL BATTLE. ■.#.^ ■y-i^f' **_;■; .t'Z- 185 Connecticut, essentially and undeviatingly republican, was behind none of the provinces in her determined hostility to the usurpation and encroachments of the throne. To her antipathy to royalty the proscribed judges of Charles the first nad owed their niviolable asylum in her territory. Religious as well as civil liberty was in jeopardy, and the former with her was paramount to all earthly con- siderations. In her vocabulary the British troops were the Philistines, and Putnam, the American Samson, a chosen instrument to de- feat the foe ; and fortunately she inspired her own confidence into all her sister states. With their usual sagacity however these troops, notwithstanding a confidetit reliance on supernatural aid, did not neglect all human means to secure it. Their state government, constitution, and establishments continued un- changed. Their troops were better armed, better disciplined and provisioned than any troops in the New England army. On the first news of the battle of Lexing- ton, Putnam mounted his horse, rode in a single day one hundred miles, arrived at Cambridge, and attended a council of war on the 21st of April, when the parole was Put- nam.* His troops soon followed him. Stoi rs * Orileily Book. m I 4 i»^^ BtNKER HILL BATTLE. was lieutenant colonel, and Du kee, who had served with him through the whole war of ]756, with distinguished reputation, was ^.^^ major of his regiment. Briijadier General Suencer, Lieutenant Colonel Vvillis and Major Mayo,Coionel Waterbury and Colonel Parsons came also with the Connecticut troops, in all about three thousand. Captain Coit next to M^CIary in stature and intrepidity commanded an independent company of hardy New London tars, and Chester another indepen- dent company from VVeathersfield, the elite corps of the army. As such it was selected to escort General Putnam and Joseph Warren^ the President of Congress, to Charlestowni on the exchange of priboners with the British. ■'■"'. ' The scene of their meeting was hallowed by. the flag of truce which waved over it,* and was sacred to the rites of hospitality and friendship. The officers on both sides were personal frier ' , though arrayed against each othor in pub hostility. Between Putnam and the British officers, especially, these ties had been cemented by the mutual perils and intimate associations of the camp, auring the long war of 1756, and their present opposition served only to make their affection glow with a more genial warmth. These rugged sons of Mars, from, the impulse of feeling, rushed / * Newspapers and oral testimony* ^ . ^m •--3r- ■t--*l ;t%< i-. *' BUNKER HILL BATTLE. A. into each others arms. Bravery proved iU natural alliance witii the finest feelings of the human heart. The fell spirit of civil war was softened. ^ ■■^' - '.■•:*'^' "■'^•-^ '- .-^1 The whole army was under the command of Artemas Ward, commissioned by the Pro- vincial Congress, on the 2 1st of May, general and commander in chief of the Massachusetts forces. His general orders were copied and obeyed by the forces of all the other prov- inces in Massachusetts, indiscriminately, and the officers of all of them were ordered oo courts martial, and detailed for the usual rou- tine of duty without any distinction whatever.* Congress also resoK ed, on the 23d of May, that a lieutenant general, two major gene- rals, four brigadier generals, two adjutant and , two quarter master generals should be appointed. ■^af-/ General Ward was a gentleman of liberal education, vigorous understanding and distin- guished probity. He had been a member of the council, speaker of the assembly, and chief justice of one of the courts in Massa- chusetts. He professed the rigid tenets of New England religion, and his rank and char- acter commanded an extensive infliunce in the country. He had also served with reputa- * Orderly Books. 4. >y.' m ■♦ K. 1(# BUNKER RILL BATTLE. flr tion in the war of 1756, was a lieutenant col- onel at the storming of Ticonderoga, under General Abercrombie, and soon after com- manded the regiment. He had also been a .>g- colonel in the militia, an office from which Governor Hutchinson relieved him on account of his being too true a patript. General Thomas received the appointment of lieutenant general which he accepted on the 27th of May. His superior talents, culti- vated by a liberal education, his gallantry, activity and vigilance as a soldier, purity as a patriot, and honor as a man commanded the entire confidence of all who knew him. He had served in the former war with reputation, and had already distinguished himself in this. ' Being in command at Roxbury with a feeble force. General Gage had determined to drive him from that important post. But his vigi- lance detected the design, and by a ruse de guerre he defeated it. On the day fixed for the attack, all -his troops were paraded, marching them roi:nd the nill on which he was encamped, in view of Boston, and returning those in front by a short rout again to the rear, they wore the * appearance of a long column ot troops. Being without uniform the deception was perfect, s and General Gage, alarmed with the show of force, relinquished the enterprise. /^. #^- ^■.. A'" m i£' %■ BT7NRER HILL BIl Wfr The veteran General Pomeroy of North-^ ampton continued with the new levied troops under his old commission, not having yet re- ceived a new appointment, and assisted in or- ganizing the army. He was a hardy, intrepid, adventurous soldier, a keen and celebrated hunter, an honest, open hearted man. He had acquired a distinguished reputation in the war of 1756, when military fame was the re- ward of individual prowess and private enter- prise, and left the service a laurelled captain of Provincials. He commanded a company under Sir William Johnson in the celebrated engagement when the French and Indian^, under the Baron Dieskau, were defeated. To our captain the honor of having slain the baron was awarded over rival claims, and the baron's watch was bestowed on him as a trophy to be transmitted with his fame to posterity.* He was in fact the natural mili- tary chieftain of his neighbourhood, and may well be styled the Putnam of Connecticut River. General Whitcomb bore a close resem- blance in his history and character to General Pomeroy. He appeared with the militia at Lexington battle, but was too advanced in years (or active service. He received the ap- # * It is yet retained in his family. , 17 .<;^s& :-*, ^i : * .'■■^ IW BUNKER HILL BATTLE '..iA- 'A- pointment of major general in the new annj on the 12th of June. ; lit 5^^ v ;0;, ,, On the 14th of June, Joseph Warren was elected a major general of Massachusetts. In his character the heroism of antiquity com- bined with the romantic chivalry of the middle ages. An accomplished scholar : gifted with genius the most distinguished, his mind was stored with the treasures of classic erudition. As an orator a model ; elegant and impres- sive, ardent and irresistible ; twice selected to address his fellow citizens, the thunder of his eloquence severed the adamantine chain by which nature bound them to the mother country. As a patriot, pure and without re- S roach, his favorite maxim was ^^ Decus et ecorum est pro patria mori,'' and from pre- sentiment he foresaw that this motto would one day be recorded in the life's blood of a heart as noble as ever panted after immor- tality. A physician the most eminent, his ' superb character soared far beyond the nar- row limits of his profession. In person hand- some, in manners elegant and accomplished, he was the favorite of the drawing room, and qualified to shine in ihe highest circles of fashion. But the cause of liberty, of his coun- try and mankind summoned him to a destiny by far more exalted. Chairman of the Com- mittee of Safety, and President of the Provin- cial Congress, he remembered that in the T< 1 ' -Ht Richard Gridley, brother of J. Gridley, in his day ^^ the giant of the law,'' was bom in Boston, 1711. Uncommon genius, improved bv superior education, prepared him for an elevated standing. Most apt and learned in every branch of mathematics, of romantic honof) chivalrous ambition, and adventurous BUNKER HILL BATTLB. IM zed into in num- nd their I. Some ) minute d not re- vere not quarter- yet unor- )rovisions t with ir- jhief, and , but the ;e de part- engineers im to sup- elf almost . But if snce could there was capable of ey. rridley, ia IS bom in improved lim for an learned in romantic [venturous bravery, nature made .him a soldier; and it was found impossible for art to make him a merchant. Ihe attempt was relinquished, and, like the two principal heroes of the American revolution, Washington and Greene, he employed himself as a - practical surveyor and civil engineer. 'v ^ • V « After the decease of his brother who held the office he was elected Grand Master of the fraternity of Masons. ^: . '^ Military science he studied with enthusiasm and acquired with facility, and in 1745 he commenced his military career. - - ': Jffit^lfi, •■» ;:.K'i Massachusetts raised an army of three thousand two hundred men, New Hampshire added three and Connecticut five hundred, to conquer the Island of Cape Breton. In this army he received the appomtment of engineer and commander of the artillery. Under the instruction of Bastide, a most distinguished engineer, he became at once an adept in his profession, and acquired like Archimedes dis- tinguished celebrity in the war of sieges. With scientific accuracy he pointed the mortar which on the third fire threw a bomb into the citadel, one grand cause of the subsequent surrender of Louisbourg and conquest of Cape Breton. •'*^J S?.'"*^** *" i-^'^ '.' i*H'-v^'»-^--'' 19a BUNKER HILL BATTLE. '-■ He was rewarded -by a captaincy in Gov- ernor Shirley's American regiment on the British establishment. The peace left him on half pay, and in 1752 he attended the fovernor to the Kennebeck, and erected forts (Western and Halifax. '»■• ■■<.%«■■;*,---'.•#* 4' In 1 755 he again entered the service as chief engineer and colonel of infantry. In 1756 he was commander of the provincial artille- ry under General Winslow in the expedition against Crown Point, and proceeded to Lake George, where he erected fortilications. In 1757 he sailed for Halifax intended for Lou- isbourg, but the expedition was arrested by the French ^et. In 1758 he revisited his earliest field of glory, and was at the second taking of Louisbourg under General Am- herst. He had the superintendance of the ordnance stores, and was so distinguished in the siege, as were all the New England troops, that the general tendered him the whole valuable furniture of the governor's house, a present which he with chivalrous delicacy declined. , ■, p, ,. j . s/ ' i - In 1759 General Amherst conferred on him the distinguished honor of commanding tiic artillery under the immortal Wolfe at the siege of Quebec. ^ Gc join t tende comm and h the c€ the n mount battle, •■<^.',«> ♦,> ^U *.i)*i.U^^,..- i^;.-;'?-- BtXlTKER HILL BATTLE. 197 General Amherst found it impossible to join the expedition against Quebec as he in« tended ; notwithstanding which the audacious commander, seconded by the heroic Gridley and his other officers, determined to' achieve the conquest alone. He landed his army in the night under the heights of Abraham, mounted the precipice, and won the glorious battle, in whicn Gridley proved himself wor- thy to tight by his side. X'rfh^iyrfr^^f.r<..^0^^^r His country acknowledged his services and rewarded them. The Magdalen islands with an extensive seal and cod fishery, and half pay as a British officer, were conferred on him. At the commencement of the American re- volution his British agent, by order of govern- ment, enquired to what party he devoted his services. His magnanimous answer was, ^^ he " never drew his sword but in the cause of jus- *^ tice, and such he considered to be his coun- " try's." His half pay ceased, and the arrears already due he had too much spirit to receive. The British army in Boston, at the lime of Lexington battle, were about four thousand troops under General Gage, the governor of Massachusetts. He had served with eclat both in America and Europe, had married an American lady, was popular in the country^ and disposed to moderate expedients, until he ;■"* 19S BimnSIt HILL BATTLE. 41 ^sacrificed his own judgment to the advice of Violent partizann* ^ Br the last of Maj large reinforcements ap- r?ved, and the whole consisted of (he following regiments; the fourth, 6fth, tenth, fourteenth, thiee companies of the eighteenth, twenty third, thirty fifth, thirtj eighth, forty third, forty seventh, fifty second, fifty ninth, sixty third, two companies of the sixty fifth, and the sixty seventn. These amounted to about ten thousand troops under Generals Gage, Howe, Clinton, Burgoyne, Pigot, Grant and Robinson, Lords Percy and Rawdon, Colonels Abercrombie, Williams and others, the most distinguished officers and choicest troops of the British empire. tf*^*-' M 4 '."., H^- "VS. it \^ The fifty second, the royal Irish and the t7,'ijaiy third or Welsh fusileers, had been the most signalized. This last was the Prince of Wales rejjritnent in elegant uniform with a strong national spirit and esprit de corps.* There was also a squadron of cavalry, for whose use a house of God was unwisely and sacrilegiously assumed. •* From a trAcUtion that a former Prince ef Wales had ridden from his princimlity into England on a goat ; a veiy large one, with gilded horns, waa always maintain- ' «d by tn« corps, and they celebrated the anniversary of the feat by a procession, rejoicing and exultation. *Wf^ idyice of ■H<3#^*f [nentfl ar- following urteenth, , twenty third, 5h and the d been the Prince of rm with a de corps* valry, for wisely and BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 199 The liffht infantry of the regiments wer« ^ncampefT on the height! of West Boston^ facing CJadfibridge ; a very strong battery for cannon and mortars was erected on CJoppt Hiil, facing Charlestown, Wad very strong lines and batteries were formed across the neck on the side of Roxbury. ^i - ^* > /■F' ^^'K i;-!/* The British were equally sanguine, afid a« confident of success as their enemy, for whomy as soldiers, they entertained a sovereign con« tempt. This opinion was nourished by their officers who had served with those of the Pro- vinrials, when they were degraded below the P itish officers of similar commissions, and the generals were allowed no rank with those of the mother country. They were confirmed the same opinion from tne ordinary arms in and the uncouth dress of the American troops, which they had worn unchanged from tne plough or the workshop, and the want of dis- cipline and subordination which signalized their camp. „ They were alio enthusiastic admirers of their government and coiistitiitioQ. They held the king and parliament in religious vene- ration, and considered tliem as omnipotrnt on earth as Deity in heaven. They looked up- on the Americans as foul, unu^ratoful and un- natural rebels, and burned with indignation to inflict on them cxciupiary punishment. -v-VS""' •"';"'■' W '*^Vt BUNKER HILL BATTLE. ^^«/- » it f a^-; leir harrow quarters galled thiir pnae Burgojne declared they would haw elbow room, and General Gage proclaimed h^ mor- tification ^' that ^e Americans affected to hold Ihe Britishririny besieged." Notwith- standing the superior and increasing numbers of the foe, they determined to leave the town, and take Charlestown aittf Dorchester heights. The busy preparation had commenced to possess themselves of the latter on the eight- .eenth day of June, but t'fie Americans before that provided other occupation for their arms. ■th'ii-'-;- BUNKBR HILL BATTLE. 201 engagement. Tbej knew that, could the en- emy be induced to engage a formidable de- tachment, their inferiority with the musket ^ would make them deeply rue any advantage they might gain, while it would convert our army into soldiers; and these beneficial re- sults would be doubled, could the Americans be covered by entrenchments. Putnam, to show his correct estimation of his countrymen, as raw troops, advanced his favourite maxim, ^' the Americans are not at all afraid of their ^^ heads, though very much afraid of their " legs ; if yoi cover these they will fight for- " ever." Before the Council of War, in con- tinual session, these arguments were under consideration. ,i.^L> --.,,1 \% ;i>:i;;>- ■J.'>r.4. 'dm The same momentous question had been de- bated in the Committee of Safety. The) re- ceived information from their secret emissaries, that the enemy intended to advance into the country, and possess themselves of the very commanding heights of Charlestown and Dorchester. The necessity of anticipating them in a project so fatal to America was most solemnly urged for the purpose of pre- venting their advance into the country, des- troying their shipping, and making the town itself too hot for them , . ,. , t. . ^.^ ^ But this course was opposed by formidable and almost insuperable aifficulties. The ar- 18 ^■'^iWf. .:.-■';, ■ src- y¥ 202 "KR"' BUNKfiR HILL BATTLB. my seemed called bti to ndiaintain a rigid de- fence till they were better disciplined and prepared for battle ; and what was of vastly more weight, they had not gunpowder. There were eleven barrels only in the public depots, and but sixty seven in Massachusetts. ^These heights completely overlooked the town, and it was impossible for the enemy to suffer the Americans to keep them without the most desperate efforts, and a general en- fagement. This and the cannonade we should e necessitated to support, to answer that of the enemy, (for if omitted it would betray our secret impotency as to powder) were entirely beyond our means. General Pomeroy, how- aver took council of his courage, and with unbounded confidence in the skill of his coun- trymen " would fight the enemy with but five *' cartridges a piece. He himself was practised ** in hunting, and always brought home two, ^'and sometimes three deer, with but three " charges of powder. But the men had gen- "erally supplied themselves with powder as *' militia, and the public could easily make good " the deficiency. .!l.'.;i.: General Putnam, to encourage discipline and emulation, and brave the enemy, murched in face of them with all the troops from Cam- bridge to Charlestown, about the 10th day of June. And about the same time, to support the policy of engaging the enemy in an anair^ ■w-^ r-sir:^:r~-i.- '■■■, ■?'••;'? :^;:;;;«i7^,- BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 203 he attentively reconnoitred the country with other officers. A position perfectly suited to their purpose, and which does immortal honor to their coup d'oeil and military skill, they found in the fields of Charlestown. They re- paired to the place, and with minute accuracy examined the position. .* \y %rk-i: ■"i'W'^i By the direction of General Ward, Colonel Grid ley and Colonel Henshaw, accompanied by Mr. Devens, one of the Committee of Safe- ty from Charlestown, had examined this part of the country in May, and reported in favor of fortifying Prospect Hill first) Bunker Hill next, and lastly Breed^s Hill.:^i>4i« ivi^ iii^iife^ - .-. ^^ '■ *l.-4^ .\i': ■\', ...... .>■ / i . ■ » . . ' ■ ■i ■ : '^ The settlement of Charlestown and the fields are situated on' a peninsula, with Charles River on the south, and Mystic River on the north. It is eleven hundred yards across from north to south, and one mile forty three rods in length from east to west, at which extremi- ty the two rivers approach each other, and form a neck of land but one hundred and thir- ty yards over. Breed's Hill is long, the east- ern end rather steep, the western sinking gradually ; the south side is very steep, and at the bottom of it was Charlestown. It is sixty two feet in height. The north is like- wise steep, and was protected at the bottom by a deep impassable slough ; beyond this, proceeding north, you cross a tongue of land •/ .#■ 204 BVNEl^R HILL BATTLE. twenty feet in height above Mystic River, the sfhore of which terminates it on the north side. This tongue of land runs eaist to within two hundred and fifty yards of Morton's Hill and parallel with Breed's Hill. Morton's Hill lies lYortheast from Breed's, and is thirty five feet in height. The ground between the tongue of land and Breed's Hill, and beyond the east- ern end of it and Morton's Hill was low and inarshy. On the driest parts of this low land, however, were a number of brick kilns* The tongue of land at its western extremity termi- nates in Bunker Hill, which on this side has a ednsiderable slope, and on all its other sides is exceedingly steep; It is one hundred and teii feet high, bears northwest from Breed's, and the summits of the two are distant from each other one hundk^ed and thirty rods. By Bun- ker HiU Bree^i's is coiftpletely commanded. A narrow road raii from the neck over bunker Hill, between the tongue of land and Breed's Hill, and entirely round Breed's Hill, ap- pn>achiRg very near its summit on the soutli. ^ Even the daring enterprise of Warren hesi- tated at the accumulated dangers and difficul- ties, apparently insurmountable, which oppos- ed our taking and maintaining possession of the heights of Charlesto wn. But the Council of War and Committee of Safety, of which he was chairman, and in which he opposed the measure, adopted Pa different opinion. Like a genume ten, aiid bre threi ''t;w^:' BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 205 genuine patriot, his own opinion was forgot- ten, abd he joined heart and hai|d with bis brethren jto Qommand success«; ^ 4iM?rl% -^^ ' n On the fifteenth of June, the Committee of Safety passed the following votes : '^ Whereas this Committee lately applied to <^ the Honourable the Congress of this colonjr, <^ for an augmentation of the army now in the *^ vicinity of Boston, and as some circumstan- '^ ces have since taken place, which strength- '^ ened the arguments then used in favor otthe ^^ said augmentation ; particularly that many i^ of the then expected reinforcements for Gen- '^eral Gage^s army are arrived ; that General ^^ Gage has issued a very extraordinary pro- ^ clamation, in which the inhabitants of Mas- '^ sachusetts are, in the most explicit manner, ^^ declared rebels ; and various accounts have ^^ been brought to this Committee of the move- ^^ ment of General Gage^s army, and that he '^ intends soon to make another attempt to ^' penetrate into the country : From the con- '^sideration of all which premi£^<9s, together ^^with that of our army, Kesolved, that the » good and welfare of the colony requires that '^ there be an immediate augmentation of said ^^ army, that sucli soldiers m the army as be ^^ destitute of arms be immediately supplied " therewith, that such regiments of militia as ^^be destitute of officers be immediately filled 18*. -'-♦» ■!*. bUHKSR RIU BATTLE. -i«i»^ ■9: *^ up, in such manner as the Honourable Con<« •« gress may direct ; and that all the militia in '^ the colony be ordered to hold themselves in " readiness to march, on the shortest notice, ^ completely equipped, having thirty rounds of ^' cartridges per man ; all vmich is earnestly *^ recommended to the immediate consideration *^ of the Honourable Congress, now sitting in •* Watertown. To which the Committee would ^^ beg leave to add a general recommendation ^ to the people, to eo to meeting armed on the *^ Lord's day, in order to prevent being thrown *^into confilsion/V^-.i,;'^Fr^.:^v:?'r■-:-l^r;yp■Tt- .--f-^f- i the skme day they passed the kiflowing vote, which, for secrecy, was not recorded ud* til the 19th of June: ^4^ iYi^*%f'f,:iih-^,^'r'^yn^'f^^. ■:■.. ■^ •* Whereas it appears of importance to the '^ safety of this colony that possession of the '* hill called Bunker Hill, in Charlestown, be ^ securely kept and defended, and also some ^ one bill or hills on Dorchester Neck be like" ^ wise secured, therefore resolved unanimous- ^ ly that it be recommended to the Council of <^ War that the above mentioned Bunker Hill ^ be maintained by sufficient force being po8t« ^ ed there ; and as the particular situation of *^ Dorchester Neck is unknown to this Com- «^ mittee, they advise that the Council of War «* take and 'pursue such steps respecting the *^ same, as to them shall appear to be for the v'-;'^:.J*- fitJNKEIt HILL BATtLE. 207 «* security of this colony." On the same day it was ordered, ^^ that Captain Benjamin " White and Colonel Joseph Palmer be a *< committee to join with the committee from " the Council of War, to proceed to the Rox- ^^ bury camp, there to consult with the general *^ ojOHcers on matters of importance, and to i* communicate to them a resolve this day ^^ passed, in this Committee, respecting Bun- ^^ Kcr Hill in Charlestown, and Dorchester " Neck." The Provincial Congress prepared an elegant and energetic answer to Governor Gage's proclamation, to be issued on the ]6th of June, in which Governor Gage and Admi- ral Graves are excepted from the General am- nesty, to respond to the proscription of Han- cock and Adams ; but this paper contest was forgotten in the bloody battle which ensued. , V-iMfe* 'fc* '■' **•*' '^A :ls '-c •fy'iU'-'-di ' W ^|i '^'i i(v,>4 'Mt.^ V %'i f.Ii^i^jt- m^4i i:r\*4 i'^liid^j^-ty^ ■'^yi'^i 'H,. ^*<^;-'* ;yt# ■Of'l^#^; ••■;:• <)f _ • . « . .•■ ^ .; -11 ii'-': A Jii . U'^ '^i:*:' 1^;/ W. fe5*j^-7..vTHE BATTLE* -^r -W^r^ ■• ■ -'£ ■ On the 16th of June, 1775, the approaching dog star shed its influence over the American, camp. The earth was parched up; but the patriotism of the soldiers was more powerful than the sun, and their well strung nerves were proof against its enervating influence. I.*' f^t : «.. .1 ■ r J With the advice of the Council of War, General Ward issued orders to Colonel Wil- liam Prescott, to the commander of Colonel Frye's regiment, and Colonel Bridge, to be grepared for an expedition, with all their men t for service, and one day's provisions. The same order issued for one hundred and twenty of General PutnamV regiment, and one com- pany of artillery with t'^o field pieces. With these troops Colonel Prescott was or- dered to proceed to Charlestown in the even- ing, take possession of Bunker Hill, and erect the requisite fortifications to defend it. !&> orders provisi 'jM the i should Not selectee equate BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 209 orders were to be kept profoundly secret, and provisions and refreshments were to be sent 'in the morning, with as many more troops as should be necessary^ to reinforce him. Not an officer in the army could have been selected more worthy the honor, or more ad- equate to the arduous undertaking than Col- onel Prescott. In this veteran, age already began to display its ravages; but the fire of his youth was undamped. He was of Pepper- ell, and was early left in affluence by the do- cease of his father. - He soon received a com- mission in the provincial army, and, with ma- ny of his neighbourhood who enlisted, he joined the forces under General Winslow, and assisted in the conquest of Nova Scotia. His military talents attracted instant admiration, and he was urged by the British officers to accept a commission in the royal army. At- tachment to his brave soldiers and country- men, however, did not permit him to separate himself from them, and he returned to nis es- tate. The soldiers who had served under him still considered him their head. Like the chief of some feudal clan, he received them all with open doors at his hospitable mansion. In the habits he had acquired in camps his property was expended for their relief, com- fort or entertainment, as freely as they were ready on every occasion to shed their blood for his honor, and under his command. ' v#!^ ■I'^'-i^^-'*- m^. ..j^,:^^.-r.,-..:. 210 BUNKER HILL BATTLE* His figure was tall and commanding, and his countenance grave, ardent and impressive as his character. With his presence, and his long and formidable sword, he needed no uniform to distinguish him as a leader. In a simple calico frock he headed the detachment of about one thousand men, who left camp at dark, akid proceeded to Charlestown. Colonel Prescott led the way with two sergeants, hav- ing dark lanterns open only to the rear, about six paces in front of the troops. General Putnam having the general super- intendance of the expedition, and the chief engineer, Colonel Gridley, accompanied the troops. ■"'■'■ Profound mystery hung over the object of the expedition till they crossed Charlestown Neck and found the waggons loaded with intrenching tools. The officers were hastening to order the arms to be stacked, and fortifications com- menced, when a most serious confusion arose as to the construction of their orders, and the point to be fortified. None of the hills ex- cept Bunker had yet been distinguished by name. And though this was the most com- manding and most defensible position, it was too far from the enemy to annoy their army and shipping. This hill seemed specified -■».•. BUNKER HILL BATTLE. and his isive as ind his ded no r. In a jchment camp at Colonel nts, hav- ar, about ^11 order the ions com- sion arose s, and the , hills ex- uished by ost com- lion, it was jheir army specified only by mistake, and Breed's Hill was far better adapted to the important objects of the expedition, and better suited the adventurous spirit of the commanding officers. Their most invaluable moments were wasted without coming to a conclusion, though the wary and scientinc engineer again and again urged them to determine at once on the ground, or it would be impossible to complete the requisite fortifications. ' -^ — ^ t'.: = rl.»,^-'". .■ -if- Breed's Hill was at length concluded on, and Colonel Gridley immediately laid out the works upon it with a genius and skill which would have honored any engineer in the highest advance of military science. The redoubt on the summit of the hill was about eight rods square. The strongest side, on front, in the form of a redan, faced Charlestown, and pro- tected the south side of the hill. The eastern side commanded a very extensive field, and in a line with this, running north down the side of the hill to the impassable slough, was formed a breastwork, which, at the southern extremity, was separated from the redoubt by a narrow passage way or sally port, pro- tected in front by a blind. In the rear ot the redoubt was a passage or gate way opening toward the slough. The works marked out, tools were distrib- uted to the men ; but midnight arrived before 212 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. the first spade entered the ground. These brawny veomen were literally, however, workinff for their lives as well as their liber- ties, and performed prodigies of labour. They were instructed and stimulated by General Putnam, Colonel Prescott, and other officers, among whom was Major Brooks, distinguish- ed by the well deserved confidence of the ar- my. Just entered on manhood he relinquish- ed a lucrative profession at the call of his country. Commanding a battalion of minute men, he commenced his military career at the battle of Lexington and received the same rank in the army. He was imperatively call- ed home, by dangerous sickness in his family, and received no order to march with his reorj- ment. But the danger of hii^ fellow soldiers was a sufficient summons, and he hastened to join his corps, which he overtook at the neck. ' There was an unobscured starlight, and the movements of the neighbouring enemy demanded observation. Colonel Prescott pro- ceeded with Major Brooks to the shore to reconnoitre them. Every thing was (]uiet; they distinctly heard the enemy relieving guard, and were rejoiced at the welcome cry from the centries, however unfounded, "All's well!" ■ f ^-- ■'* : -, ■».■ The men quietly at their labours, Genera! Putnam in the morning repaired to his cauip^ to pn mouni W£^s r riding f^m^' BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 213 to prepare for the anticipated crisis, and Xohe mounted afresh, for his gait over horseneck vid^s not more expeditious than his ordinary riding, and hi: horse required to be relieved. •■^-■f Watchful as Argtis, Prescott could hardly conjecture that the enemy were so negligent of mihtary caution, as to suffer his powerful force to approach their very threshold un- observed. He advanced anew to examine their situation ; again a^. was quiet. i * . - ■ But the blazing sun began his approaches, and the jrey of the morning was dissipated. The veil was lifted from the astonished eyes of the British ; but they would hardly credit their senses on perceiving their daring enemy above them, overlooking their whole position, with formidable entrenchments, which had sprung up as by enchantment. The cannon of tne Lively opened on the Americans and roused their countrymen fiom secure repose, to participate in the same surprise ana as- tonishment. ■«H General Gage was thunderstruck at the unwelcome information, and sent an imme- diate summons to his officers to meet him in a council of war. j^^: Some other frigates, floating batteries, the Somerset line of battle ship, a ibrmidable 19 — ■ ■ ':/'^-v:' ai4 WNKER mtL BATTLE. R * tcry qf the heaviest pieces, and a mortar on Copps Hili^ opened a tremendous fire* on the Americans, sufficient to appal even vete^ ran troops. This fire was some time without effect, but the men venturing in front of the works, one of them was killed by a cannon shot. A subaltern officer acouainted Colonel Prescott, and asked what snouid be done. '' Burj " him." " What*" said the green astonished officer, " without prayers !" A chaplain, who was present, insisted on performing service over this first victim, and collected many of the soldiers around him, heedless of peril. Prescott ordered them to disperse ; but reli- gious enthusiasm prevailed, and the chaplain again collected his congregation in the midst oi the enemy's fire, when the deceased was ordered to be taken and buried in the ditch. To dispel the terror which this event ex- cited, Prescott mounted on the works, and directed the labor. ' Heedless of all the fire of the enemy, he was wrought up to the highest pitch of enthusiasm, and transferred his own exaltation into every private under him. From oppressive heat, and the vehe- mence of his address, his false hair was thrown off*, and waving his sword, he some- times upbraided his men in anger, and some- times encouraged them with approbation, or amuse standi] mastei warroi appeal lowers deservi ■-i*r>i^5 .--'Rh* .,..,j,_.,^,-,,, w BUTOCEK HILL BATTLV. 215 amused them with humour. Perfectly under- standing his countrymen, he was complete master of their souls. Not the great Su* warrow himself was ever more negligent of appearance, or ever inspired his faithful fol- lowers with a confidence more entire or more deserved. General Gage was reconnoitring the ene- my. He handed the telescope to Willard, a mandamus counsellor, and inauired, ^^ who it " that officer commanding ?" He instantly re- cognized his brother-in-law^ Colonel PrtscotL "Will he fight?" asked Gage. '* Yes, sir, " depend upon it, to the last drop of blood ia " him, but I cannot answer for his men," was the reply. The sufferings of the men were great; the heat was exceesive ; during a sleepless night they had unremittedlv labored, without even water, and their small stock of provisions was exhausted. Their officers felt for them, and ^vished Colonel Prescott to send to Cambridge a request to be relieved. He called a coun- ciK hut instantly crushed the slighest hope of a relief. " The enemy would not dare attack " them, and if thev did would be defeated. "The men who had raised the works were " the best Qualified to defend them. They " had already learned to despise the fire of -*- ■*«!»•;'• ■i'-:-' * , >-^' '•i^ ^ ..4..- BUNKER RILL BATTLE. of every species belonging to the army. On these the salvation of the couL./y seemed to depend, and he presumed the enemy intended to seize the present opportunity, to make an attack on head quarters, and gain possession of the depots. The Committee of Safety was then in ses* sion in the very house in which the general quartered, and to them he communicated the information and request, brought by Major Brooks. Richard Devens, one of the mem- bers, was of Charlestown. His anxiety that his estate and native town should be protect- ed from the inroad of the enemy, amounted almost to phrenzy ; his importunity with the general and the committee to have ample re- inforcements sent to Colonel Prescott was equally vehement and impassioned. The com- mittee recommended sending reinforcements, and the general consented that orders should go to the New Hampshire troops, stationed at Medford, to proceed to Charlestown and re- inforce Colonel Prescott, and these orders were immediately sent to Colonel Staik and Colonel Reed. General Warren, the Chairman of the Com- miUee of Safety was present. The day be- fore he had ofHciated as Pn sidt;nt of the Con- gress at Water town, and had passed the night ^ .m- '^ .:«^^_ .^-.-.-.-.^ fc . 220 8UNKER HILL BATTLfi. there, engaged in the accumulated concerns of the public. His friend, Honorable Elbridge Gerry, had learned the determination to take and fortify Bunker Hill. He remonstrated with him agairist the glaring imprudence of the measure, with our defective means. "We *' had not powder to maintain the desperate *' conflict which must ensue, and should all be •' cut to pieces." General Warren confessed heentertamed the same opinion; but it was de- termined otherwise, and he was resolved to share .the fate ol his countrymen. His friend conjured him not to expose his invaluable life where his destruction would he useless and inevitable. '* I know it,^' said the hero, " but I *' live within sound o( the cannon, and should "die were 1 to remain at home while my fsl- " low citizens are shedding their blood for me "and my country." He arrived at Cambridge by daylight, complained of headache and threw himself on the bed. On receiving information that the enemy were coming out. General Ward sent to notify him. He jumped from his bed, declared " his headache was gone " then," and after meeting with the Committee of Safety, mounted his horse, and with his fu- sil and sword repaired to the post of dang( r. He joined General Putnam, and they consult- ed on measures to be pursued. General Put- nam informed him that " from long experience " he perfectly comprehended the character of '* the British army j they would ultimately sue- .if r ^inCER HILL F TLB. 221 «ceed and drive us from the works, but fi 41 <^the mode of attack they had chosen, it as **in our power to do them infinite misct *ef, " though we must be prepared for a brave and « orderly retreat, when we could maintain our "trround no longer." Warren expressed his- full assent to these opinions and agreed to be governed by them. At eleven the New Hampshire troops re- ceived orders from Cambridge. About filteen charges of loose powder and balls were dis- tributed to each, and they were directed to form these into cartridges immediately. Few of the men, however, possessed cartridge box- es, but employed only powder horns ; and scarcely two of their guns agreeing in calibre, they were obliged to alter the balls accord- ingly. ... --„ ■ , T At the long wharf, in Boston, four battalions of British infantry, ten companies of grena- diers, and ten of light infantry, were embark- ed in boats. Some of these w^ere taken from transports, and had never disembarked since their voyage. They were now to land, not like Antaeus, to gain new strength from the earth, but to shed their lite's blood on her bosom. , . About one o'clock a large portion of these troops, together with six pieces of cannon and m:: ■^^- M :^* %- ■:%. '-'A «!»•! «! ■ii\ i/k'"!' \ -4' 22S AUNKER HILL BA^tLfi. howitzers, landed at Morton's Point. Here the)' immediately discovered a most disastrous mistake ; the cartridges sent for the use of the artillery were too large for the pieces. They were immediately sent back, and a new sup- ply obtained. At the same time General Howe, the commander of the forces, discover- ing on his near approach the formidable na- ture of the enemy's position, requested rein- forcements from Genera] Gage. About two o'clock the remainder of the forces leave Winnisimit Ferry and land at Morton's Point; and soon after the reinforcements, the forty seventh battalion, a battalion of marines, ex* cept a few of this corps who were preparing to embark, a few companies of grenadiers? and light infantry, Ittnd under the eastern end of Breed's Hill, at Madlin's shipyard. All these troops cannot be estimated at legs than five thousand ; if the corps were but half full there were four thousand three hundred and fifty. While the enemy were landing General Put- nam ordered Captain Knowlton, with the Connecticut troops, to take post behind a rail fence, which ran across the tongile of land, from the road to Mystic River, a distance of two hundred and fifty yards. In front of this whole line of fence was a thick orchard, and another, more spare, in the rear. These troops pulled up the neighbouring fences, and placing them near the one at whiqh they were posteo, threw in the new mown grass between. ^■'^ -.j'*''"'^'':'*' BUNKER HILL BATTLE, 229 Few of the fields, ho^xvever, were mown^ and this cuver was a mere shadow of a defence. Tiiis fence was one hundred and ninety jards in rear of the breastwork, and eighty yards in rear of the head or western end of tiie slough, leaving a very extensive opening between the breastwork and rail fence, by which the left flank of the breastwork, and troops resting on the slough, were entirely exposed to cannon shot; and a considerable space, one hundred yards diagonally, between the slough and the rail fence, was open to the advance of infantry. This was the weak point and the very key of the American poei- tiou. »''«, The«detachments in Charlestown were now recalled by Colonel Prescott, and took post at a narrow cart way, which ran from the southeastern angle of the redoubt, directly south, to the narrow way round the hilK They placed the fences together, and thi;§lf in grass, as was done on the left. \^i}^« The thundering caainonade of the enemy soon spread the information of an approaching engagement. The American citizens in the neighbourhood flocked to the scene, and the soldiers voluntarily ran to arms, and entreat- ed to be led against the foe. Colonel Little's regiment had just arrived from Essex and " ''ir ''W ^HQ ■■;,- .-,•"' " v-w^^'irvr-^y:" ;';-'f^ ^ 224 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. were not ever) commissioned. Awaiting no orders, they left their quarters in West Cam- bridge, marched to General Ward and tender- ed their services. The Connecticut troops were equally anx- ious to join their general ; they were all un- der arms, and sent to head quarters for orders. Bui General Ward informed them they had already the post of honor, for the biitish were expected to land at Inman's farm their present position. •■n S For greater caution Colonel Gardner's re- fiment, and one or two others, were marrhod alf way toCharlestown there to wait further orders. But the enemy's intentions were novr clearly pronounced, by their preparation to land at Charlestown. Orders were in haste despatched to a number of infantry regiments —Captain Callender's company and Major Gridley's battalion of artillery, to proceed in- stantly to Charlestown to reinforce their coun< trymen. » ; . • . ' ' Colonel Prescott had stretched the endur- ance and exertions of his detachment to the utmost of the human constitution They had thrown up a defence good against muskets, and most of it against artillery. But the com- manding summit of Bunker Hill, of vital iinpor- ^> tance to them in case of retreat, was not yet fortifii that a tion s( ]y nefi the scl the mc fectij ( of entr Jy seiz< paigns, results Jacksoi to be c rear. BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 225 fortified. Putnam was anxious and mortified that a post, on which his defence and reputa- tion so materially depended, should be entire- ly neglected. His mother wit, cultivated in the school of experience, under British officers, the most distinguished masters of the day, per- fectly comprehended the immense importance of entrenching. He seemed to have mtuitive- ly seized the maxims of Caesar's learned cam** paigns, as well as to anticipate the scientific results of such modem defences as General Jackson's. He ordered the entrenching tools to be carried by a laige detachment to the rear. The first division of the enemy awaiting the remainder of the detachment, which had not yet embarked, were quietly dining, and most of them for the last time, from their crowded and cumbrous knapsacks. ^ General Putnam seized the opportunity of hastening to Cambridge, whence ne returned with the reinforcements. He had to pass a galling enfilading fire of round, bar and chain shot, which thundered across the neck from the Glasgow frigate in the channel of Charles River, and two floating batteries hauled close to the shore. ^"1 And now the brave Stark arrit«d with his regiment. General Putnam reserved a part 20 •^^*; 22G BUMKER HILL BATTLE. of it, to throw up a work on Bunker Hill, and ordered him to press on to the lines as quick as possible, with the remainder. They pro- ceeded with the other New Hampshire regi- ment under Colonel Reed, and joined the Connecticut troops at the rail fence. About five thousand British troops, and a new supply of artillery ammunition, had land- ed. Major General Howe was their com- mander, a distinguished soldier, and like all his family, of undaunted bravery ; under him was General Pigot, and the other renowned chiefs were. Colonels Nesbit, Abercrombie, Clarke, Majors Butler, Williams, Bruce, Spendlove, Smelt, Mitchell, Pitcairn, Short, Small, Lords Percy and Rawdon. The troops were in columns, waiting the signal to advance. They and their enemy opposed to them were in a vast amphitheatre, formed by elevated heidits which rise from Boston Bay, surrounding them on every otlier side at the distance only of a few miles. These heights were covered with Americans, who had been brought from a dis- tance, by anxious curiosity, to witness a scene so sublime, and learn the event of a contest, on which the fate of a new world depended; and many of them to witness the fate of a par- ent, brotner or husband engaged. The heights and thn steeples in Boston were similarly crowded by tne inhabitants and British sol- diers. And many a soldier^s wife witnessed the e\ she w thousa A it ed on Airierfi aJded and shi tie was • I/) feres t liauon. Thei was the faintly r They h; Hill, bu^ perfect broken, served. Thecj the trooi Works, Little' to their advance! '•edoubt, ^hion bel on the fl BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 227 and lick pro- egi- the the evenb, with a melancholy foreboding that she was left a widow, and her home three thousand miles across the ocean. ~^ . . A tremendous cannonade from Boston open- ed on the camp at Roxbury, to contain th« Americans who were there under arms. It added to the continued roar of the batteriei and shipping against Charlestown, and the bat- tle was commencing. It was indeed a scen« interesting beyond the reach of human imagi- nation. The field artillery opened on the works ; it was the signal to advance. The Americans faintly responded with their two small pieces. They had tired a few useless shot at Copps Hit!) but there were no embrasures in the im- perfect redoubt; their slight platform was oroken, and the artillery cartridges were re- served, , The drums beat to arms. Putnam left his works, commenced on Bunker Hill, and led the troops into action. Little's regiment arrived ; he ordered them to their posts. Captain Warner's company advanced to the rail fence on the right of the redoubt, Captain Perkins' to the exposed po-r sition between the breastwork and rail fence on the left, and the remainder found tl^ei^ '^' 228 BI/NKfeft HILL BATTLE. 1'. places in the ]ine. Colonel lonathan Brewer, with his regiment, and Captain Cailcnder, with his artillerj, also arrived, ^r" The veteran General Pomeroy heard the pealing artillerj, which seemed to invite him to battle ; he was a soldier too brave, and a patriot too ardent, to resist a summons so agreeable. He requested a horse of General W^rd, to carry him to the field ; delighted at an aid so important, it was instantly supplied. With his musket and cartridges he repaired to the neck ; inquiring of a sentry posted there, and viewing the gi-ound and the tremendous fire across, he was atarraed not for himself, but for the horse he had borrowed ; he delivered him to the sentry, and coolly marched across. He advanced to the rail fence at the left His ap- proach gave new confidence to the men ; they received him with the highest exultation, and the name of General Pomeroy rang through the line. In early life he had been an ingeni- ous mechanic, and many a soldier was sup- plied with arms of his manufacture. Had Vulcan himself supplied the Grecians with his celestial armor, and appeared in their ranks, lhey would not have uecn more certain of victory. j General Warren took post at the redoubt. Colonel Prescott offered him the command) but he had not yet received his commission, and t volun " fron Th( slowij tillery the w< raarkal ed two to reco I- ( ♦ ^i fiUNKER HILL BATTLE. 229 ■'«*' jwer, nder, d the e him md a irt 1 and tendered the colonel his assistanc^o as a volunteer ; " he was happy to learn service " from a soldier of experience." The columns of the enemy v\rere advancing slowly, and halted at intervals, to give the ar- tillery an opportunity to render a passage over the works practicable. General Howe, re- niarkably tail, and a prominent mark, advanc- ed two hundred yards in front of the troopsr to reconnoitre. The fifth regiment, one of grenadiers, and another of light infantry, move under cover of the tongue of land, at the foot of it display, and advance in front to the rail fence; except nine of the light companies, who move by the right flank on the shore of Mystic River to turn the American left. This attack was^ led by General Howe. The fifty second regiment, thirty eighth,^ thirty fifth, forty seventh, three grenadier and? three light companies, and the marines, under cover of Breed s Hill, display, and are led by General Pigot against the redoubt and breast- work.. redoubt, mmand) imisbion, The lines advanced and soon opened to' view. The American marksmen are with dif- ficulty restrained from firing. General Put-- nam rode through the line, and ordered that- 20* 230 B KER HILL BATTLE. ^r no one should fire till they arrived within eight rods, nor any one till commanded. '^ Powder *' was scarce and must not be wasted. They ** should not fire at the enemy till they saw *' the white of their eyes, and then fire low, ^^ take aim at their waistbands. They were /^ all marksmen, and could kill a squirrel at ^a hundred yards; reserve their fire, and the ^^ e|iemy were all destroyed. Aim at the hand- ^ some coats, pick off the commanders.'^ The same orders were reiterated by Prescott at the redoubt, by Pomeroy, Stark, and all the veteran officers. The enemy were within gunshot of the re- doubt; a few of the sharp shooters could not resist the temptation and fired. Prescott was indignant at this contempt of his orders ; wav- ing his sword he swore instant death against the first who disobeyed again, appealed to their well known confidence in him, and pro- mised to give them orders at the proper mo- ment. - \ #, The enemy were at eight rods distance, the deadly muskets were levelled, when Prescott commanded his men to take good aim, be sure of their mark, and fire. . He was effectuali/ obeyed. The whole front rank was swept away, and many a gallant officer laid low. They were, however, countrjmen of those who gave the fire, and received it with the same Ranli buttl well J courai surly : treat. Wa and wj exampi an offic Presco ivder rhey saw low, were el at d the hand- The Qtt at 11 the BUNKER HILL B4TTLE. 2^1 same cool courage with which it wa? given. Rank succeeded rank, and returned the fire^ hut the odds was fearful ; the Americans were well protected by the works ; the efforts and courage of the enemy were in vain, and with surly reluctance they were compelled to re*- treat. ^■"-■' ■ « • ,,.-^- *%'^'- f " t Warren animated and encouraged the men, and with the rest of the officers*, set them an exainple with his musket ; there was scarcely an officer of any grade, except Putnam and Prescott, without one. Perfect as was the fire of the American infantry, their artillery was as grossly defec- tive in every respect. This arm requires science, e:sperieiice and knowledge of position. But the artillery companies were just selected from the infantry, and entirely i^orant of their duty. Callender carried his pieces in|o aciion, but his cartridges required adjusting. Totally in violation of military discipline, he left his post without orders, and was retiring to a se- cure place under cover of the hill, to prepare for firing. Putnam observed this appearance of retreat and was fired with indignation ; he ordered him instantly to his post ; Callender remonstrated, but Putnam threatened him with instant death, if he hesitated, and forced him back. Hi ' men, however, were dis2;usted with a part of the service they did not understand^ . €>■• *i ''hii lit y:,./ *^ |i?-v % ^-m . If*' H ■ *■ 232 '-f iiW,.. BUNKER HILL BATTLE. ■«■ most of them had muskets and mingled in the fight ; the pieces were entirely desel'ted, and the captain relinquished them. : r : The British had neglected the only ma- noeuvre which would have defeated the ene- my, to mount the works and charge with the bayonet. The Americans had scarcely a bay- one| to a company, and it must have succeed- ed. Under cover of the hill they prepared for another onset. Their fellow soldiers on the right ctrrived about the time of this attack on the redoubt to within about one hundred yards of the Americans. They were throwing down a fence, when a few marksmen iired on them. Putnam was enraged at this disobedience of an order on which the salvation of the army depended ; h^ rode to the spot, his sword whistling through the air ; in his indignation he threatened to cut down the first who dared to fire again without orders. The discharge from these few muskets, however, drew the fire from the enemy's line, which continued moving on, and when about eight rods from the ienc^, the fatal order was given ; the fire of the Americans mowed them down with the same tremendous severitv, as at the redoubt. The q/ficers especially fell victims to their, deadly aiuk i)ur and roi was dii ing the bail the The musketi Jarity, h almost < l^heir a kilns in effect, ed the g corapellc victory r Gener sufficient reach th wore an venture overcome fore the threatenc horse wit ward am the hottf no dangJ clouds ol Were peri nerabfe, BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 23^ During this tremendous fire of musketry and roar of cannon^ McClarj's gigantic voice- y/As distinctly heard, animating and encourag- ing the men as though he would inspire every ball that sped with his own fire and energy.. The British fired their heaviest vollies of musketry with admirable coolness and regu- larity, but without aim, at the Americans, and almost every ball passed harmless ove«* them. Their artillery haa been stopped by the brick kilns in the low ground, and produced littid effect. This wing of the army having cover- ed the ground with their dead, were at length compelled likewise to retreat ; and the huzza of victory reechoed through the American line* General Ward had by this time despatched sufficient reinforcements, but they did not reach the field. I^he fire across the neck wore an aspect too terrific for raw troops to venture in it. Putnam fiew to the sppt to overcome their fears and hurry them on be- fore the enemy returned. He entreated, threatened and encouraged them ; lashing his horse with the fiat of his sword, he'rode back- ward and forward across the neck, through the hottest fire, to convince them there was no danger. The balls however threw up clouds of dust about him, and the soldiers were perfectly convinced that he was invul- nerable, but not equally conscious of being SQ *:■ M f / *«# ■ ■'-^;i'; -*■,-■■ ,r '■_^ ■'i. \ .ritrr 234 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. themselves.* Some of these troops, however, ventured over. ^ s .; i • The battalion of artillery under Major Gridley had proceeded hut a few hundred rods down the road to Charlestown when they ivere halted, and this officer determined not to proceed to the hill but wait and cover the retreat, which he considered inevitable. He was young and inexperienced, and totally inadequate to the important command which had been conferred on him in conjpliment to his father. Colonel Grid ley. He was con- founded with the dangers and difficulties of his situation, and never recovered his self possession during the day. While the artillery was halted in this situa- tion. Colonel James Frye, (who was absent from his regiment on duty the day before, but the battle approaching, had found his way to the field,) riaing from Charlestown galloped up to them dnd demanded of the senior captain,t " why this unseasonable halt !" He was aston- ished at the reply, and ordered them instantly to the field. This veteran also animated their courage by the glorious recollection " this day * The principal fact here is proved by the deposition of Mr. Samuel Bassett j the other circumstances by oral testimony. . , ^f > ; ■ , t Yet living, and from whom we have this anecdo]te. ' ** thin **Lou "it is " certi The them; gBgem on to C ^oatin^ absurd^ tain T ordered for the ■^' " " .■" -^^iiif'-^r BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 235 ** thirty years since, I "was at the taking of " Louisbourg when it was surrendered to us ; " il is a fortunate day for America, we shall " certainly beat the enemy." The artillery proceeded. Gridley joined them ; but his aversion to joining in the en- gagement was invincible, and he ordered them on to Cobble Hill to fire at the Glasgow and floating batteries. The order was so palpably absurd, with their three pounders, that Cap- tain Trevett absolutely refused obedience, ordered his men to follow him, and marched for the lines. Major Gridley was sensible his artillery woula be hazarded without infantry to cover them. Colonel Mansfield had been ordered with his regiment to reinforce the troops at Charlestown, but being peremptorily com- manded by Major Gridley, whom he consid- ered high military authority, to cover his pieces, he complied in violation of his orders. General Putnam left the neck for Bunker Hill to bring up the reinforcements. He there found Colonel Gerrish with his regiment and some other scattered troops. Trie colonel had been a captain in the provincial army of 1756; he was of unwieldy corpulence and a disposition by far too quiet for a soldier^s. He had marched his men rapidly from .Capa- m- X.. J, .^ ■IT* !236 BUNKER HILL BATTLBii bridge, and unwisely halted them here to rest. The blazing sun and tremendous fire of the €nemj combmed were far too powerful for the faintness of his militarj ardor to overcome. The men were disorganized and dispersed on the west side of the hill, and covered by the summit from the fire. Putnam ordered them on to the lines ; he entreated and threatened them, and some of the most cowardly he knocked down with his sword, but all in vain. The men complained they had not their offi- cers ; he offered to lead them on himself, but ** the cannon were deserted and they stood no " chance without them." The battle indeed appeared here in all its horrors. The Brit- ish musketry fired high and took effect on this elevated hill and it was completely ex- pi3sed to the combined fire from their ships, batteries, and field pieces. The enemy were by this time organized anew and were again advancing to the attack. Putnam's duty called him to the lines. At this time Captain Ford appeared with his company. He served in a regiment under the veteran Lieutenant Colonel I^arker and Major Brooks. Of them he had learned the duties of a soldier. He had already signalized him- self at Lexington battle by killing hve of the enemy. His orders were to proceed to the lines and reinforce the troops; he obeyed, marched unconcerned across the neck and was pi Putnam tune. ( the foot with hi The cap " iotBWy " ploymc emptorir his comp general I The h and firm before th< compellec the same Their cuj impassabi face of th yfd\ as an One new i bodies of the groun( late them venge thei ments, a fc the Mt The A and perfec ^ad been n ■*'Kl '<^; .•"^ BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 237 was proceeding down Bunker Hill, when Putnam was delighted with an aid so oppor- tune. Callender's deserted cannon were at the foot of the hill ; he ordered Captain Ford with his company to draw them into line. The captain remonstrated " his company were ^^ totally ignorant of the discipline and em- "ployment of artillery." But the general per- emptorily persisting m his order, he obeyed ; his company moved with ike cannon anci the creneral himself to the rail Fence. The heroic enemy with unwavering step and firm undaunted bravery appeareaagafh before the murderous lines which had already compelled them to retreat. They had nearly the same obstacles ^ to overcome as before. Their cumbrous knapsacks, tall and alraost impassable grass, and a torrid sun blazing in face of them they bad to contend against, as well as an enemy every way worthy of them. One new obstacle they had to pass, the dead bodies of their fellow soldiers which covered the ground. But this served rather to stimu- late them to still more daring efforts to re- venge their fall. The last of the reinforce- raents, a few companies of marines, arrived on the left. .i».it5 s-riii,!. ■•»l«; j.Rit i. The Americans were now more confident and perfect than before in a manoeuvte which had been crowned with success. It was in- 21 238 BUNKER HIlL BATTLE. deed perfectly simple, but equally fatal to the foe. They received orders to reserve their fire till the enemy approached still nearer than before. At six rods only they were per- mitted to return the fire. The British artil- lery approached by the narrow road between the tongue of land and Breed's Hill, within three hundred yards of the rail fence, and almost in a line with the redoubt, and opened on the lines to purepare a way for their in- fantry. The latter commenced a regular and tremendous volley by platoons, and their fire soon became general. But unfortunately for them, though perfect in dnll discipline, and regular movements of parade, they were as grossly unskilful in what was a thousand times more imiportant, a knowjedge of their wea- pons. Their aim was too elevated, and the enemy were hidden behind their works. Some of their balls however took effect, and a few of the privates fell victims. The brave Major Moore was mortally wounded. Major Buck- minster received a ball through the shoulder and was crippled for life. To add new horrors to the scene, vast col- umns of smoke were now observed over Charlestown, and passed to the south over the American lines. General Howe on his first advance had sent word to General Bur- goyne and General Clinton on Copps Hill. that his left Hank was annoyed by musketrj' sC:" BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 239 . to the re their nearer •re per- ih artil- Detween I, withirj nee, and I opened their in- rular and their fire lately for iline, and T were as land times their wea- d, and the •kg. Some ,d a few of ave Major ajor Buck- B shoulder , vast col- rved over south over >we on ins Bneral Bm- :;opp9 Hill, from Charlestov^^n, and ordered them to burn it down. A carcass was fired, but fell short near tfie feiTy way ; a second fell in the street^ and tfie town was on fire. The confla- gration was completed by a detachment of men who landed from the Somerset. The whole town was combustible. The flames as- cended to heaven on the lofty spire of the church, and resembled the eruptions of a vast volcano in solemn grandeur and sublimity. The advance of the enemy was not obscured by the smoke from Charlestown ; thej were in full view of the Americans. Putnam now^ with the assistance of Captain Ford's compa- ny, opened his artillery upon them. He had on this day performed the service cf general, engineer and guide, and he now turned can- nonier, with splendid success, and to the high- est satisfaction of his surrounding countrymen. Cach company of artillery had but twelve cartridges, and these were soon expended. He pointed the cannon himself, the balls took effect on the enemy, and one case of canister made a lane through them. As in Milton's battle, " Foul dissipation followed and forced rout." With wonderful courage, however, the enemy dosed his ranks, and the fire became general on both sides. The Americans suifered the enemy to approach still nearer than before; 240 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. men and officers fell in promiscuous heaps ; whole front ranks of them were swept away. General Ward was without staff ofi^.cers to bear his commands, excepting one aid and a secretary, who performed the duty. During the whole day these were mounted and on full speed between Breed's Hill and head quarters. fjosB and neglect of orders were the inevita* bio consequence. Colonel Gardner's regi- ment and others who hsd been posted between Cambridge and Charlestown, to wait further orders, were overlooked. The battle was raging, and no orders arrived. The colonel was a gentleman of rank, had been a member of the legislature, and commanded a regi' / of mHitia, which, marching to Lexingtc ' join in the engagement there, suddenly open- ed on the British artillery ; being entirely void of cover they dispersed. His gallant soul feh their conduct as a stigma on himself, and he resolved on the earliest opportunity to wipe the spot from his escutcheon. A glorious oc- casion was before him, and he panted to em- brace it— to reap the honors of victory, or tloath and lasting fame. The latter fate was- decreed him. He called to him his ofTiccis, and oiforcd to lead them into battle ; most of them with three hundred of his men followed him. Ho led them over Bunker Hill, viewed with unconcern the battle scene on the hill be- fore him, terrible as Mount Sinai, and with glorio enfjaff groin, his me or die, met Cj lery, a ensued vett's s mere yi ny at t\ would J the col( " be ala " in a g " his du his dyin that his were nc of him. Thes. and Ca lowed places o nition ar ment se in conte Thel derous f ing tbrtit BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 241 glorious anticipations, was descending to the entjca^i^eiuent, when a musket hall entered his groin, and the wound proved mortal. He gave his men his last solemn injunction, to conquer or die, and was carried on the field. He soon met Captain Trevett advancing with his artil- lery, and an interesting and heroic interview ensued between the colonel and Captain Tre- vett's second Lieutenant Gardner, his son, a mere youth of nineteen. The son was in ago- ny at the desperate situation of his lather, and would have attended him off' the ground. But the colonel prohibited this. " He should not " be alarmed at his situation, he was engaged "in a good cause and must march on and do " his duty." The distracted son obeyed, and his dying father had the consolation to learn that his last injunction and glorious example were not lost ; and that his son was worthy of him. ♦ These reinforcements, with Captain Clark and Captains Chester and Coit, who soon fol- lowed with their companies, supplied the places of those .t'ho had expended their ammu- nition and left the ground, anr^ of the detach- ment sent off with the entrenching tools, who, in contempt of their orders, never returned. The British had a long time borne the mur- derous fire of the enemy, but their astonish- ing fortitude and daridg efforts were useless 21 * 242 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. agfiiost the insuperable difficulties they encoun* tered. Nearly a thousand of their number had fallen, with an incredible proportion of the bravest officers. The distinguished Col- onels Abercrornbie and Williams, and Major Spend love, had purchased fame with tlieir lives. The ffallunt Major Small was left standing alone, every one shot down about him. The never erring muskets were levelled at him, and a soldier's fate was his inevitable destiny, had not Putnam at the instant appeared. £ach recognized in the other an old friend and fellow soldier; the tie was sacred; Putnam threw up the deadly muskets with his sword, and arrested his fate. He begged his men to spare that officer, as dear to him as a brother. The general's humane and chivalrous gene- rosity excited in them new admiration, and his friend retired unhurt. The undaunted Howe atill led on his men in the hottest of the battle. His friend and volunteer aid, Gordon, and Captain Addison, a descendant from the author of the Spectator, were slain, and almost every other officer of his staff or near him was shot. Mortified and indignant at so Hijch blood wasted in vain, he seemed to court an honorable death to hide him from the disgrace of a second defeat by an enemy he despised as peasants and re* * BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 243 bels. His life seemed charmed, and he was compelled to follow his army, who agaia re- treated and left their enemy to taste, a second time, the joys of victory. The exultation of the Americans was glori- ous and well deserved, but it was, alas, short lived. They had leisure to realize the entire hopelessness of their situation. Their an^mu- nition was expended, and they were as desti- tute of every offensive weapon as the naked savages, their predecessors. Prescott found a few artillery cartridges, which he distributed to his men, and they determined to show a re- solute front to the enemy, to club their mus- kets, and even employ the stones thrown up with the parapet against them. Their only hope, however, was from a want of fortitude in the enemy, and that they had twice this day proved was slender indeed. General Howe gave his men orders to pre- pare again to advance. Some of the officers remonstrated, that it would be mere butchery to lead them on again, but the generals, and nearly every officer, were indignant ** ' a dis- tant suspicion of their yielding the victory to these reoels, an undisciplined rabble, of inferior numbers, after all their boasting, and after they had poured out every epithet of contempt against them. To conquer or die was their resolve. ■■■T—.- 244 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. Bloody experience at last opened their eyes to their egregious errors. Their overweening confidence was laid aside, and a calculated, deliberate and judicious plan of attack adopt- ed. The overloaded knapsacks were relin- quished ; firing with musketry was prohibited, and a charge with the bayonet resorted to. The attack was to be more concentrated; while the troops at the rail fence were amus- ed by a show of force, the grand effort was to be against the redoubt and breastwork, and particularly the right flank. The accomplished and chivalrous General Clinton now joined and brought his splendid talents into the council, and his distinguished gallantry into the field. Immediate and in- conceivable was the sensation his appearance produced at this moment of deep despondence. From Copps Hill he had observed with shame and indignatioi\ the double rout of his country- men, and particularly that the two distinguish- ed battalions, the marines and forty seventh, were staggered and wavering. Without wait- ing for orders, he threw himself into a boat, passed over, and soon breathed into them his own exalted heroism. < I General Howe a third time commanded a forward movement to scale the works and rush on the enemy with the bayonet. He came to the left to lead on to the redoubt himself. Clintoi on the my. • still fai turn i\ line. I that th key of The possibh the ene and exl the sea ley, onl vanced arrived The and ma pushed seventh side oft! and olh diers an efl(:)rts of manj and the' urge th< less rose masses c njovcd BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 245 Clinton joined General Pigot and the marines on the left to turn the right flank of the ene- my. The artillery were ordered to advance still farther than before on their old rout, and turn the left of the breastwork to rake the line. General Howe at last became sensible that this was the most vulnerable point and key of the enemy's position. The Americans made every preparation possible to repel the last desperate effort of the enemy. Putnam again rode to the rear, and exhausted every art and effort to bring on the scattered reinforcements. Captain Bay- ley, only, of Colonel Gerrish's regiment, ad- vanced to the limes, and Captain Trevett now arrived at the rail fence with his pieces. The enemy stripped off their knapsacks, and many of them their coats ; the artillery pushed on by the road on the north, the forty seventh and marines near the road on the south side of the hill, and the remains of the royal Irish and other regiments, and part of the grena- diers and light infantry in front. Their past efforts had exhausted the strength and spirit of many of the men who lingered in the rear, and their gallant officers were compelled to urge them on with thoir swords. Some of the les3 resolute fired their pieces, but the great masses obeyed their orders, and with firmness moved on to the charge. They arrived under 246 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. the fire of the Americans, who improved to advantage their last opportunity for ven- feance. Every shot took effect. The gallant [owe at last received a ball in the foot, where only like Achilles he seemed to be vulnerable, but continued to animate his men. r A few only of the Americans had a charge of ammunition remaining. They had sent lor a supply in vain ; a barrel and a half only were in the magazine. They resorted next to stones, but these served only to betray their weak- ness, and lent new energy to the foe. The artillery advanced to the open space between the breastwork and rail fence ; this ground was defended by some brave Essex troops, covered only by scattered trees. With resolution and deadly aim they poured the most destructive vollies on the enemy. The cannon, however, turned the breastwork, en- filaded the line, and sent their balls through the open gateway or sally port, directly into the redoubt, under cover of which the troops at the breastwork were compelled to retire. The enemy bravely bore the deadly fire, and continually closing his broken ranks, de- liberately advanced on every side of the re- doubt except the north. They were now un- der the eastern side of the redoubt and cover- ed from the fire. The Americans retired to BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 247 the side opposite to take them as they rose. Lieutenant Prescott, a nephew of the colonel, received a ball through the arm ; it hung bro- ker ,nd useless by his side. The colonel or- dered him to content himself with encourag- ing his men. But he contrived to load his piece, and was passing by the sally port to rest against the enemy, when a cannon ball cut him to pieces. Young Richardson of the royal Irish, was the first to mount the works, and was instant- ly shot down ; the front rank which succeeded shared the same fate. Among these mounted the gallant Major Pitcairn, and exultingly cried " the day is ours," when a black soldier named Salem.,''^ shot aim through and he fell. His agonized son received him in his arms and tenderly bore him to the boats. It was he who caused the first effusion of blood at Lex- ington. In that battle his horse was shot un- der him, while he was separated from his troops ; with presence of mind he feigned him- self slain ; his pistolsf were taken from his holsters, and he was left for dead, when he seized the opportunity and escaped. * A contribution was made in the army for this sol- dier, and he was presented to Washington, as having performed this feat. t Tliis trophy afterwards belonged to General Put- nam, and yet remains in his family, from whom we have the above anecdote. * k^ -m 248 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. The heroic but diminutive Pigot ran up the southeast corner of the redoubt, assisted bj a tree left standing there, and desperately led on his men. Troops succeeded troops over the parapet, and Prescott exhausted every re- source to repel them, even with the buts of his guns. But he had now his last great victory to achieve, to which all his past toils, dangers and privations, were nothing. He had twice conquered the enemy; he had now, a more difficult task, to conquer himself, to bend down his lofty soul, and turn his back to the enemy. Perfectly careless of his own life, he had no right to trifle with the lives of his men. It was a sacred deposit they had entrusted to his honor, a bond which he never forfeited. In- stead of an useless waste of life, with a '' nil desperandum," he quelled his revolting spirit and ordered a retreat. General Ward had gratified at last the ar- dent wishes of the Connecticut troops to join their beloved general. Captains Chester, Clark and Coit were on the ground with their troops, and Major Durkee's impatience had before this brought him mounted to the field, to join his old commander and comrade oi for- mer wars. Putnam's imagination had already inscribed the victory of Bunker Hill on his coat of arms, when a dark cloud flew across " nil f BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 249 the brilliant prospect. The retreat of the right wing burst upon him. The gallant veteran Gridley now received a ball through the leg, and was carried off. He had served all nigbt at the entrenchments, and had all day assisted in defending his own works, and proving their excellence. Prescott's troops fought their way through the surrounding enemy. The veteran Captain Bancroft was charging his piece, a British soldier leaped from the parapet, touching him as he came to the ground, and levelled at him; they fired together ; the captain tore him to pieces and escaped unhurt. One of the men without ammunition perceived Lieuteiant Prescott's loaded musket by its deceased mas- ter ; a Briton obstructed his passage ; seizing the loaded musket he brought his antagonist to the ground. Colonel Bridge, who came with the first de- tachment, was one of the last to retreat, and was twice severely wounded, in the head and neck. His lieutenant colonel, the veteran Parker, who had escaped through the whole war of 1756, in which he had signalized him- self, and especially at the desperate siege of Fort Frontinac, received a ball in the thigh, and was leift mortally wounded in the re- doubt. 22 ^k 250 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. The chivalrous Warren lingered to the last. His exalted spirit disdained as a disgrace a retreat the most inevitable. He animated the men to the most desperate daring; and when hope itself had fled, he still disdained to fly. With sullen reluctance he followed his coun- trymen, and seemed to court that ball from the enemy, which a few yards from the re- doubt, passed through his head, and secured to him the eternal gratitude of his country- meih and immortal fame throughout the world. Small here repaid the debt of gratitude he owed the enemy. He recognized Warren, his intimate friend, as he was leaving the re- doubt, called to him for God's sake to stand and save his life ; he turned and seemed to recognize him, but kept on. Small command- ed the meiknot to fire at him; he threw up the muskets with his sword^ but in vain, the fatal ball had sped. The enemy came on, exhausted by their desperate efforts, under & blazing sun, and broKen by the well directed fire. They had not force to employ the bayonet, and were too much broken and minglecl with the enemy to fire their pieces. Their right and left wmgs were indeed facing ^ach other, with the Amer- icans between ; their fire would have cut down both friend and foe. While they formed them- selves anew, the Americans collected, and made put Sf self b( IttJ, w countr of see ren fal new th HiiJ, a unassa to rest Smith his con and ass The rods be pour in troyed the da^ shot ani ment, w and Ca] carried * Depc sent, and is confim cer of the General F i^elf and fc BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 251 their and r had •e too y *o wings ^mer- down them- , and made a brave and orderly retreat. Putnam^ put spurs to his foaming horse and threw him^ self between the retreating force and the ene- my, who were but twelve rods from him ;"* hii countrymen were in momentary expectation of seeing this compeer of the immortal War- ren fall. He entreated them to rally and re- new the fight, to finish his works on Bunker Hill, and again give the enemy battle on that unassailable position, and ph^dged his honor to restore to them an easy victory. Captain Smith of General Ward's regiment came with his company to reinforce, joined in the retreat) and assisted to keep the vi^nemy at bay. The Americans had retreated aboi * twenty rods before the enemy had time to rally and pour in a destructive nre on them, which des- troyed more than they had lost before during the day. Colonel rrescott's adjutant was shot and crippled, Captain Dow, of his regi- ment, was also crippled by a wound in the leg, and Captain Bancroft had a part of his hand carried off. * Deposition of Lyman, then a lieutenant, and pre- sent, and Miner, a private in the same company. Thig is confirmed too by the testimony of a distinguished offi- cer of the revolution, yet living, M'ho had served with General Putnam in the French war, and was present him- self and badly wounded. 252 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. I? The American left wing were openly con- gratulating themselves on their victory, when their flank was opened by the retreat of the right. The enemy pressed on them, and they were in their turn compelled to retire. ^ Put- nam covered their retreat with his Connecti- cut troops, and dared the utmost fury of the enemy, in the rear of the whole. These pur- sued with little ardor, but poured in tneir thundering vol lies, and showers of balls fell like hail around the general.** He addressed himself to every passion of the troops, to persuade them to rally, to throw up his works on Bunker Hill, and make a stand, and, as the last resort, threatened them with the eternal disgrace of deserting their general. He took his stand near a field piece, and seem- ed resolved to brave the foe alone. His troops, however, felt it impossible to withstand the overwhelming force of the British bayonets ; they left him. One sergeant only dared to stand by his general to the last ; he was shot down, and ttie enemy's bayonets were just upon the general, before he retired. * This fact we have from a respectable friend, who was present find yet lives, Pliilip Johnson, Esq. of New- buryport. His Iionor and veracity is surpassed by no man's. See also deposition of Captain Hills, thon en^ sign to Knowlton^ . . ^ BUNKER HILL BATTLE. ■•„ p 253 General Pomeroj continued to animate the men, and cut down the enemy himself, till a well hove ball shattered his musket. The re- treat having commenced, he disdained to turn his back; but with backward step and lower- ing front shouldered the fragments of his piece, and carried off his men, encouraging them to pour in their formidable fire on the enemy. Captain Trevett, like Callender, was de^ sertea by his men. His lieutenants, Swasey and Gardner, stood by him, with but sevens others, one of whom was Moses Porter, al- ready a promising artillerist. He persuaded about thirty of the infantry to join in saving one of his pieces, the other he was compelled, to abandon. A British company noticed the piece, and determined to seize the prey ; they pursued, on the top of Bunker Hill were with- m thirty yards of them, levelled their muskets and fired. The captain gave up all for lost, when but one dropped dead, and another wounded, the remainder rapidly descended^ the hill, and carried off with honor the only piece saved out of six taken to the field. Gen- eral Putnam ordered it to Cambridge. The Charlestown company of Colonel Gardner^s regiment was the last to retreat. They were nehting at their own doors, on their own natal soil. They were on the ex- treme left, covered by some loose stones 22* % "f^iv* 254 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. thrown up on the shore of Mystic River, dur- injj the daj, bj order of Colonel Stark. At this most important pass into the country^ against which the enemy made their most des- perate efforts, like Leonidas' band they had taken post, and like them they defended it; till the enemy had discovered another. One piece of cannon at the neck opened on the enemy and covered the retreat. But these were in no condition, and discovered no incli- nation to renew the engagement, or pursue their advantage, except by a formidable can- nonade from their field pieces. They remain- ed on Bunker Hill, and lay on their arms dur- ing the night. The same was done on Win- ter Hill by the New Hampshire troops, and by the rest of the Americans on Prospect Hill, directly in face of the enemy. Major Brooks was retained at Cambridge by General Ward, till the last reinforcements were sent to Charlestown, when he marched with the two remaining companies of his regi- ment, and met at the neck the Americans re- treating. Benjamin Thompson, better known as Count Uumford, attended him as a volunteer. He was assisting the army by his mathemati- cal learning, his estimates and surveys, but had solicited an appointmck>t in vain, and had 4: ^ BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 255 as eer. mti- but had made great but fruitless interest for the com- mission in the artillery which was bestowed on Major Gridley. For this gross injustice done to his distinguished merit, his country suffered well deserved punishrr.ent in the mis- conduct of his rival, and by the final loss of his services, except what they received, in common with all mankind, from his splendid Philosophical discoveries, his glorious and eneficent political labors. McClary, as attentive to the wants of his men as desperate in fighting them, galloped to Medford and returned with dressings for the wounded. He ordered Captain Dearborn to advance toward the neck with his compa- ny, whilst he crossed over to reconnoitre the enemy. He was returning with Lieutenant Colonel Robinson and others, and boasting that the shot commissioned to kill him was not yet cast, when a cannon ball from the Glasgow tore him to pieces. No smaller weapon seemed worthy to destroy the gigan- tic hero. The veteran Gridley entered his sulky at Bunker Hill to be carried off. The enemy perceived the prey, shot his horse and riddled the sulky with balls; but their rage was im- potent; meeting some obstruction in the road,, ho had left the carriage a moment betbre. •.V 2i)6 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. Prescott repaired to Cambridge, furious as a lion driven from his lair, foaming with in- dignation at the want of support when victory was in his grasp, — a victor) dearly purchased with the precious blood of his soldiers, family and friends. He demanded but two fresh re- f^'iments of General Ward, and pledged his life with them to drive the enemy to his boats. He had not yet done enough to satisfy him- self, though he had done enough to satisfy his country. He had not indeed secured final victory, but he had secured a glorious immor- tality. Two young men in Boston were employed to take the wounded from the boats to the hospitals. A young lieutenant, shot through the body, was carried by them in a chair to his encamptnent. Passing the streets, pale and faint with loss of blood, he attracted the humane and generous compassion shown by the inhabitants to the wounded ; enmity for- gotten, they were all at their doors with re- freshing dnnk for them. At the encampment they met Captain Pit- cairn, covered with blood. Struck with the appearance, the lieutenant inquired of him the cause, but his grief was too big for utterance, ** vox faucibus hffisit." A sergeant informed him, the captain's father was shot at the ,^..; -,'.,-:..:..--/ ^ BUNKGR HILL BATTLE. 257 breastwork, and the captain carried him to the boat, where he died in his arms. The hospital was established in a different place, to wnich they repaired, and witnessed a scene to melt the most obdurate enemy. The hospital and even the yard was overload- ed with wounded, praying in vain for the sur- geons to arrest the current of life, fast ebbing from their woufkIs, but which, from the numbers, it was impossible to dress. toud and melancholy wailings for the dead, from widows of the common soldiers, were heard in every street, and struck on the heart of the passenger. The number of the Americans during the battle was fluctuating, but may be fairly es- timated at little more than two thousand men. Their loss was one hundred and fifteen killed, three hundred and five wounded, and thirty raptured, in all four hundred and fifty.* Thcj following is the loss of the respective corps : RegimcntR. Colonels Stark and Reed Colonel Scanimons Gerrish Whitcomb Brewei: Killtd. Wo-..nt(ed. 15 45 8 s S 5 8 7 11 * General Ward's orderly book. •.#-.. ■■■iwr:' m- -^. 258 BUNKER HILL BATTLBT. Regiments. Colonel Little , ' ' Gardner Gridley General Putnam's regiment, T Captain Coit and > Captain Chester's coirspanies j, General Ward Colonel Bridge — — Prescott Frye • IS ixon Woodbridge Doulitlle Killed. 7 6 15 1 !6 14 15 3 1 '\-??w;'^'") "Wounded'. 23 7 4 30 6 29 28 31 10 5 9 Frovincial JSTewspapcr, July 15, 1775. The British loss was one thousand and fifty four, including eighty nine officers ; of these two hundred and twenty six, were killed, in^- cludiftg nineteen officers, and eight hundred ttigfd twenty eight wounded, seventy of whom were officers. The fifth regiment had one officer killed, the foJirth one, twenty second one, thirty fifth two, thirty eighth one, forty third one, forty seventh three, fifty second five, four of them were the highest officers of the regiment, and the ily pain they expressed from their wounds, was from having received them through the uai \* The sixty third had one killed, sixty fifth one, sixty seventh one, marines six, and General Howe^s aid de camp. The fourth regiment had four wounded, fifth seven, tenth five, fourteenth one, eighteenth one, twenty third four, thirty fifth three, thir- ty eighth nine, forty third thiee, forty seventh h^i':'^- ■ ■fllv*'i ■^VS'if ""''"■:^fU ...,,,,^-,.-.„_^,^,, .,;...,.,,,.,, BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 259 five, fifty second five, fifty ninth one, sixty third two, sixty fifth fQur, marines twelve, Page, of the engineers, and Jardin, secretary to General Howe. All the grenadiers of one company were shot storming the works ex- cepting five, and these were led on by the oldest soldier. The grenadiers of the Welsh fusiliers were reduced to e»ght, and twenty two out of thirty nine grenadiers of the fifty second regiment were killed.* In this battle the British gained a nominal victory, but the Americans the only prize con- tended ^or ; they destroyed entirely the phy- sical and moral force of the British army, im- prisoned them within their narrow lines, and prevented their excursions. The enemy nev- er after recovered their enterprise and confi- dence in America, and by this single battle the final success of the American revolution was secured. '* Gentlemen's Magazine for 1775, and Essex Gazette^ 13 July. 1775. >* ^v l!^: SUPP i .r'-il; '^'' -./. m Gbnej Corjgres ral and i ariny. C at Caml the riff hi dispositk sanctions der in c resigned notwithsi at the ea eral Was near Bos He was i der the o tution, an The li; tailed by ii^v 'W if- SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTEK* General Ward received from the General Congress the appointment of first mskjor geoe^l ral and second in command of the American army. On the arrival of General Washington at Cambridge, he assumed the comiuand of^ the right wmg at Roxburj, and his general disposition of the troops about Boston was sanctioned bj the approbation of the comman* der in chief.* From extreme ill health, *ie resigned his commission in April, 1776; but notwithstanding his resignation was accepted, at the earnest request of Congress and Gen- eral Washington, he continued in command, near Boston, until the 20th of March, 1777. He was afterward a member of Congress un- ' der the old confederation and present consti- tution, and died in 1*800, aged seventy three. , -i 'i'.i-. it i The life of General Putnam has been de- s \ r -.. W^ <.. tailed by abler hands. >, * Marshall, vol. ^ p. 242. , / ! 23 i ■j^. T'T^: -■ --;','::• ■■r-\'^---r-r^i'*r-'j:'p,^y\ ^^-^'i"^ .2''^:.-T'7;' ■"■/:-"f^' '.^.'J^ - 262 BUNKER HILL BATTLE. General Thomas was appointed first brig- adier general under the United States, in 1776 was appointed major general, and on the death of Montgomery repaired to Canada to command the American forces before Quebec Their situation was nearly desperate ; but he was too adventurous to relinquish the enter* prise withoiit one attempt to secure the fa- vors of fortune. He endeavoured to burn the enemy's naval force before the city by a fire ship, mtending to attack the place during the conflagration ; but the fire ship miscarried, and the genera) was compelled to order a re- treat, during which he died of the small pox at Chamblee. ) : ■ ■-. ■ ' •• ■' . :•. ' , ^ General Pomeroy expressed his strong fjense o£ the blindness of fortune, that, of the two volunteer generals in the battle, Warren, the young and chivalrous soldier, the eloquent and enligntened legislator, should fall, and he escape, old and useless, unhurt. From age he declined the honorable appointment of brigadier general of the United States army, and retired from service. But, like the vete- ran war horse, when the echoes of his majestic Connecticut rang with the clarion of battle, he spurned the peaceful retreat whicii his long life and long services demanded. He preferred even a regiment to inaction, and as a colonel marched to join the kindred spirits who composed our army in the Jerseys. His exposi fatal i countr and pa Wh well b( ton wii and ba solicite desperi at an e favors arreste The United ington retreat able to proved Hill, k cd to t lion, thanks In 1 ed Gen victory whole i ■•Tyr- T'- '«•■■;- BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 26'3 exposures produced a pleurisy, which proved fatal at Peckskiil in New lork, where his country owes him a monument, and hraverj and patriotism perennial fame. -'^s ■':.'/.. * ;• «■,■ !';••■■ Sr? '. ■ !■ "^ ->*■ . ■ ' ■: ';■■ 's ' --"■"■.' When Putnam was ordered on what may well be stjled a forlorn hope, to land at Bos- ton with a detachment, iu face of the army and batteries of the enemy. Colonel Prescott solicited of him the honor of participating the desperate undertaking. But heaven frowned at an excess of presumption which her past favors had encouraged | a violent hurricane arrested the enterprise. i-*i.-r ?-^' The colonel continued in the service of the United States, accompanied General Wash- ington to New York, and on the disastrous retreat through the Jerseys, he alone was able to keep his men in the ranks. They proved themselves worthy the hero of Bunker Hill, kept the enemy in respect, were exhibit- ed to the anay as an example worthy imita- tion, and the colonel received the cordial thanks of Washington in general orders. In 1777 he, with a corps of volunteers, join^ ed General Gates, and served with him till victory crowned our arms, and Burgoyne's whole army was the trophy. c? ♦ fe/'i ^^,.-..,._-l^-,^.^,,, ' ) 264 BUNKim HILL BATTLE. When peace ensued, he became a member of the legislature, anc >n ^787 distingmshcd himself as a magistrate as he had in 1775 as a soldier. From the miseries and poverty \ivhich succeeded the war, manv of the suffer- ers were driven to oppose the coarse o.f legal authority. The enlightened patriot employed his potent influence to stay the tempestuous waves of insurrection. He collected his friends and proceeded to Concord armed to protect the court in session there against the conspirators. He lived to advanced age, and we are happy to add he was a christian, ^ ^^^ . The veteran Colonel Joseph Frye,* who had served in the war of 1756, was at the siege of Louisbourg, and taken prisoner in Fort William Henry, immediately after the battle the 21st June, was appointed major general by the Provincial Congress. He serv« ed some time in the revolutionary war^ and lived to a very advanced age, at Fryeburghj which received its name from his family. Colonel Gardner lived a few days after the battle, and on being asked if he was well enough to see his son, ^^ yes,'' answered the hero, '^ if he has done his duty." Being in- formed that he had distinguished himself, he * Brother of Colonel James Frye* ir ■ tt .■ '-•*:.'■: ' ^7 ■■;•%' I '; ■■.■=■" } -->,.•* ■ ''-'' 'V'-^ i"^"^ " i^- r the well the BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 265 ftaw him, and died with the elorious coDSola* tion of leaving the invaluable legacy of his own fame and his country's gratitude to a son worthy to support the honors of his name. ■::\'^" The life of Major Brooks since the battle of Bunker Hill has been far too distinguished in the military and political history of America to be noticed satisfactorily in a supplement. Some biographer may hereafter confer on the public, a donation worthy their gratitude, a dis- tinct account of this hero and statesman. But this cannot be anticipated till the last enemy of man has overcome the amiable modesty, for which be is equally distinguished as for all his higher excellencies, and the requisite informa- tion be obtained irom his papers which has often been solicited in vain from himself. When General Washington arrived at Cambridge his regiment was distinguished for the superior disci plitie he had introduced, and General Gates pronounced him one of the first disciplinarians in service. He was ap- pointed 6rst inspector of the army under the Baron Steuben, and afterwards adjutant gene- ral for the army on the North RiViCr. He was distinguished in nearly all the im- portant battles of the revolution. He was in the battle on Long Island with the reinforce- ment, and in that of White Plains. History 23 * . ..' * .«> ^ I 266 BUNKER HILL BATTLE* has recorded him among the most distinguish- ed commanders of the army which achieved the conquest of Burgoyne, and he was in the battle of Monmouth as adjutant general. From their earliest acquaintance he was a favorite of Washington, enjoying his uniform friendship, and was honorably distinguished, by his selecting him, among the seven generals at his choice, to serve with him in 1798. During the last war he had the superintend- ance of the militia of Massachusetts, directed the forces with admirable skill, and secured the country from inroads of the enemy. For some years he has been elected gover- nor and commander in chief of the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, by the voice of the people, to the universal satisfaction of all par- ties. Over the liberties and free constitutions he established as a warrior, he now presides as a legislator with distinguished ability. The brave Knowlton, from the first mo- ment of the battle to the latest period of the re- treat, showed himself worthy the distinguish- ed honor of being selected as the first among the Connecticut captains. He afterwards received the commission of lieutenant colonel, and at the battle of Harlem ■ *"1.. V' BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 267 Heights, was sent by Washington to get into the enemy's rear ; a bloody action ensued ; Knowlton and his men fought the whole force of the enemy, of vastly superior numbers, be- fore the Americans could attack in iront, and got the better of them. He restored by tiiis gallant affair a glorious moral force to the ar- my nearly extinguished by disasters; but it was at the expense cf many brave men in the unequal contest ; his assistant officer, Major Latch, was slain, with three balls through him^ and he himself reaped immortal honor and im- mortal life together. Washington paid due honors to his memory in general orders, and declared, " he had died " a glorious death, which every soldier ought " to wish tor, and would have been an honor " to any country on earth." The same indignation felt by Colonel Pres- cott, at the loss of the battle, was general in the army, and throughout the country ; a scruti- ny, most severe and unrelentmg, was instituted into (he conduct of every one, to bring con-» dign punishment on those whose misconduct had caused the final issue. Even Colonel Bridge, notwithstanding the severity of his la- bors, and the dangerous and honorabk: wounds he received, had to pass the ordeal of a court martial. . i ^OQ BUNKER HILL BATtLE. Notwithstanding this inquisitorial research^ we arc iiappy to add, out of near three thou- sand, who, at different stages of the battle^ must have been engaged in it, and most of th^m for the first time, four onlj v/ere discov- ered guilty of misconduct. Of these, Major Gridiey was tried for neglect of duty. Briga- dier General Green being president of the court, which " find him guilty of breach of " orders, and therefore dismiss him from the " Massachusetts service; but on account of his " inexperience and youth, and the great confu- •* flion which attended that day's transaction in " general, they do not consider him incapable " of a Continental commission, should the gen- *'eral oflicers recommend him to his Excel- ** lency." Colonel Mansfield was obviously guilty of an error only arising from inexperience. Two only were found guilty of cowardice ; of these Colonel Gerrish was certainly guilty of a want of military ardor and activity, but this was a constitutional defect. He was not accused be- fore the committee of Congress by General Putnam, and, in the opinion of the very re- npcclable judge advocate who tried him, and who yet lives, he was far too harshly treated. The only officer apparently guilty of cow- ardice, Captain Callender, is a glorious in- stance of wic buoyancy of reel Ne »v England BUNKER HILL BATTLE. 269 heroism, and the redeeming efficacy of a pure conscience, a mind conscious of rectitude. The furious denunciation of Putnam, the con- demnation of the court, and thundering pro- scription of Washington, would have crushed any one forever, who was armed with a pano- ply less divine. ' , A committee of Congress was appointed to inquire into the truth of a report, that some officers of the army had been guilty of mis- conduct ; they report, that they had made in- quiry of General rutnani and other officers, who were in the hottest of the battle, and that the general charged Captain Callender and another artillery officer, with infamous cow- ardice, one of the principal causes of the de- feat, and informed them that he would quit the service if these officers were not made an example of, and that one of them ought to be shot. The court martial condemned Captain Callender, and General Washington approved the judgment, *^ aot only from the particular " guilt of Captam Callender, but the fatal "consequence of such a conduct to the army, " and to the rause of America in general." Notwithstanding this, our horo resolved to compel the world to acknowledge, by his fu- ture conduct, that his pa^t had been n>istaken. He continued with his corps a? a volunteer, and desperately exposed hiriiijclf in every ac- ! r •'|: 270 BUKKER HILL BATTLE. tion. The brave and beneficent General Knox^ extended to him his friendship. At the battle on Long Island, the capiaiii and lieutenant of the corapany of artillery, with which he served, were &hot; he assumed the command, and fought the pieces to the last; refused to retreat, and the bayonets of the soldiers were just upon him, when a Brit- ish officer, adminng his chivalrous and des- perate courage, interfered and saved his \1(g. General Washington expressed his high ap* probation of his conduct, gave him his hand with his most cordial thanks ; ordered the sen- tence of the court martial condemning him, to be erased from the orderly book, and re- stored to him his commission. He held his commission during the war, and left the ser- vice at the peace, with (he highest honor and reputation. Captain Dearborn was afterwards highly distinguished during the revolutionary war for his bravery and enterprise. He volunteer- ed at the head of a corapany of men, selected from the regiment to accompany Arnold, in the winter of 1775, through the trackless w^ilds, to Quebec; an enterprise, which, in dar- ing, hardihood and courage, is not surpassed by the immortal passage of the Alps by Han- nibal. He was major of a battalion of light to ItUNKGR HILL BATTLE. 271 infantry at Saratoga, and his services were ac- knowledged by Gates in the highest terms of apj>robation. Cilley's regiment, of which he was lieutenant colonel, was the most distin- guished corps in the battle of Monmouth, and the salvation of the army was owing to their heroic courage. General Washington ac- knowledged the service, and sent to inquire what regiment It was. " Full blooded yankees "by sir," was the answer of Dearborn. He was afterwards secretary at war appoint- ed by Mr. Jefferson ; and during the last war was the first major general and senior officer of the American army. Porter, the promising artillerist, who stood by his piece and lu^ captain to the last, V^ ^^ since then risen through every grade of offico to the rank o^ brigadier general in the army, to wl.ich he has ever since belonged ; and has maintained an uniform and distinguished repu- tation as one of the first artillery officers in service. The important post of Norfolk was entrusted to hiscoimmnd the last war, and he i« now stationed at Boston in command of the very district which he so bravely contributed to defend in 1775. General Howe, notwithstanding his wound^ remained on the field the whole night, watch- ing the enemy's movements, and protecting ills own position : supporting himself against I 272 EVNKeR HILL BATTLE. some hay, he ordered his attendants to pre- vent him from falling asleep. The morning after the battle, a younff gen* tieman from Boiton went on the grodiid, and recognized the body of Warren, and mention- ed the fact. General Howe would not credit the account ; it was too improbable that the president of Congress was in the battle. One of the most eminent physicians of that or the present day, and yet living in Boston, was on the field ; he had gone over during the battle to dress the British wounded, and was yet dressing them and the wounded American pritr oners,! with his usual humanity and skill. Gen- eral Howe asked him if he could identify Doctor Warren ; he recollected the doctor had loat a finger nail and wore a false tooth, and inform- ed the general that Doctor Warren had five days before ventured over to Boston in a ca- noe to get information, invited him to join the Arterican troops as surgeon, and informed him that he was himself to receive a commis- sion in the army. General Warren was in- stantly recognized, and Howe declared this victim alone was worth five hundred of his mr.i. hff- \ ^JA-..i^tl ^'.f& ...^i%^-.iiMj^',i:A^ fir>»a-'n!*''^^^^^^ ■* 'u-^H).iV'«' -v/-^ vt m <'\ \ J 4_ -x/r BimKER HILL BATTLE. 273 Omitted pages 92 awcZ 93% ' -^ Immediately after the battle, the rank of major general was conferred on Colonel Grid- ley, u ».-?'. ■) J »*■«■) 'B f 4 ■'iff rSW" ' ^ r'* r* vS , America commenced her revolution with but four pieces of cannon, and to his mechani- cal science and ingenuity she was indebted for the first mortars and cannon ever cast in the country.-!' ■■ '-i .a^'V^fffyii /t;*3it.!*i ^j^t -nmim^vrriiS^ mm: \-i^:- i^AX c;ir^ ^^I^a«; k? \h^m ^^ infif^p^'^- After being confined some months by his wound, he repaired to Cambridge and super- intended the fortifications erecting round Bos- ton. On the 4th March, 1776, he was again engaged in erecting fortifications in the night, and the address, science and prodigies of la- bor, displayed at Dorchester Heights, were perhaps never exceeded, except on Breed's Hill. These works expelled the enemy from Boston. General Gridley fortified the heights of this place and the islands in the harbor, and General Washington urged him to ac- company the army, but his advanced age for- bad. He retired on half pay. In 1795 he assisted in laying the comer stone of the state house, as he had in 1775 to lay the comer stone of the state, and lived in re- markable health to the age of eighty six, a model of courtliness, beneficence and hospi^ 24 ■■*»■ 274 BUNKER HILL BATTLB. tality, as well as all the high perfections of a soldier^ ,a -,.■,-■ V '# 5%^, Coloijel Stark will be recognised as the he- ''',* ro of Bennington, but it is not so generally known that he employed an ingenious and successful expedient to strike a panic into the enemy and assist him in achieving his glorious victory. He had one iron cannon, but neither powder sufficient to employ it, nor balls ; he ordered an officer, however, to charge it, wha objected the want of balls ; '^no matter,'^ said the colonel, '^ load it with blank cartridge, and *Met the discharge be the signal iov all the | " troops to rush on the enemy." The Hes- sians were pt^nic-struck at the thundering re- port, his troops rushed on with loud hurraSy and the victory was complete* i^. V ri:f^- tf /: '.At. ^r --^ w'i>:vii!_^Mb-f *;' « ■;> 1-» '1^ (■*. 1 ■ \ ' ' ^- i' • ^ t{ i*. • 1 ■♦■'' \f >; yfi.f^. ' r-i,^* 'v<<^•' «- '•^ ■'lawi ■'^^%; -A.^; ' 4. r 'If ■ -- % •■ ^ %iKf -.*#|H^- ERRATA. ?r." ■ ■ f. :■:::.«•?>;>•-", Page 272, line 4, after << gentleman from Boston^' add the following note. fvn ■ .■;l«^. »,.'■' . .i%\:, .i-lMi'-:' General Winslow, jet living. Another friend of the author, yet living, was within six feet of Warren when he fell, and received himself a hall through the thigh. Pa^e 183, 1. Unread Major Box, an experi- enced, &c. P. 202, 1. 2, for defence, read defensive. P. 211, 1. 17, for side, on front, read side, or front. P. 222, 1. 4 from hottom, for spare, read sparse. P. 233, 1. 1 4,/or huzza, read hurra. P. 263, 1. 2, for Peckskill, read Peekskill. P. 267, 1. 1 1,/or Latch, read Leitch. P. 189, 1. 4 from hottom, omit his. P. 199, 1. 3 from bottom, omit and. P. 272, 1. 3 from bottom, ybr Howe, read the enemj. P. 183, 1. 18, /or ivio,read four. P.221,f.19,o/- ter Boston, insert the principal part of. Same page, 1. 28, erase a large portion of. P. 258, L 15^ for Prdvincial, read Providence. P. 257, L 22, after killed, add and missing. If ;l fii ini HILL BATTLfi. 276 We neglected to mention that Honorable James Wmthrop, and James Svan, Esquire, accompanied the reinforcements to Breed's Hill, with their muskets, as volunteers, fought valiantly, and the fovmor was wounded. ■/•.- •■-M •«',"• Note. The author was necessarily absent from town during the whole time the work was in the press. "" ■ *r:^i^m^M.k- ■:if^0m'M^ THE END. -h.^t.^--^ -..fi,.^ & '£: \ * ■#v « ■1^ K ■ %• K. ff V rable uire, Jed's ught sent *: 'ork " t i,y ,- .1!^ ■^if*- ,# \' ■> I ■'- '.'3 ■* ^ ir -^ •Him, % ,7 ."^ ■^' % 0.'' m ■% *- '^'A- #'s ■■■ -^k";--^ *" '"^''^^Sfiil . t' ^' « ** f'*j ■« f '^^ :^li ^ >S s __- « J^^ n ^q^^ ^ ,^^ •^^v-. ■#. V- ■^^ ifc.-.» * **■ ^ f^Hf* I f nhi I ■ I ii^yj^i^- ' 1^',^