Old Put

Old Put

The topic for this blog is People—the subject is Israel Putnam. Full disclosure: I was born in Putnam County, New York, and my other nom de plume is Kent Putnam (since I was born in the Town of Kent). However, the reason I chose Old Put as this week's subject is that a Yankee Doodle Spies Facebook friend recommended it. Simple as that!  

Israel Putnam

Israel Putnam isn't a name that immediately comes to mind when asked about military leaders of the American Revolution. Besides His Excellency, Lieutenant General George Washington, people more readily think of Nathaniel Greene, Henry Knox, Horatio Gates, and even Benedict Arnold. This is somewhat understandable since Putnam's notable achievements came early in the war, and age and health issues slowed him down and eventually stopped him when a stroke left him paralyzed.

A French and Indian War Hero

Born in Massachusetts, Putnam moved to Connecticut as a young man, where he became a landholder. When the French and Indian War erupted, he joined the renowned Rogers' Rangers, where he rose to the rank of Major. Putnam fought fiercely and participated in combat on Lake Champlain, then ranged as far north as Montreal, as far south as Cuba (where he is said to have brought the first Cuban tobacco seeds to Connecticut, sparking an industry), and as far west as Detroit. 

Putnam Joined Roger's Rangers

In an era when a 100-mile trip could be life-threatening, this was no small feat. His exploits during the French and Indian War became legendary in colonial America. His capture and brutal torture by the Indians particularly struck a chord at a time when such an incident was every frontier American's worst nightmare. Ironically, a French officer saved him from the worst abuses and death. Later, he was released but soon joined the British attack on Cuba, where he helped seize the famous Spanish fortress, El Moro.

The Siege of Boston

By the time of the American Revolution, Putnam was a wealthy landowner and businessman. However, when the fighting intensified around Boston in 1775, he left his comfortable farm and hurried east to offer his services, becoming second in command of the rebel forces outside Boston. His most notable achievement was at Bunker (Breed's Hill), where he was largely credited with the brave efforts that caused the British Army to suffer greater losses than it could afford.

Bunker Hill:  Old Put is on the far left

The Battle of New York

The following year, he was in New York, where he worked tirelessly to strengthen the city's defenses. When George Washington arrived with the main army, Old Put was given command of a division and the daunting task of defending western Long Island (today's Brooklyn). Unfortunately, he contracted a virus just as the British commander, Lord Howe, sent over 20,000 men against his small force. This is where we see him in The Patriot Spy. In a brief scene, Old Put has recovered from his illness and is offering advice to my fictional character, Jeremiah Creed.

Command on Long Island

Fighting on despite Ill Health

After the New York campaign, age and illness slowed him down, preventing him from taking on another major field command. However, later in the war, Putnam played a leading role commanding Continental and militia forces "in observation" from the North (now Hudson) River to western Connecticut. A large British force under New York Royal Governor Tryon invaded Connecticut in February 1779. The Loyalist and British troops devastated eastern Connecticut in a blitzkrieg-style attack, burning farms and towns while trying to root out rebels.

Governor Tryon

The famed Horseneck Escape 

While trying to block the British advance near Greenwich, Connecticut, Put's small observation force was caught off guard by an enemy column with cavalry leading the way. While shaving that cold morning, Putnam saw the approaching British column before his scouts did. Dropping his straight razor and drawing his sword, he leaped onto his horse and rallied his men, narrowly avoiding capture. 

Old Put's Ride

British dragoons and the notorious Delancey Tories galloped after the general as his men eluded them. After a long and desperate chase, he made a dramatic escape by riding his horse over a precipice and down a very steep, icy ravine. The surprised enemy halted at the edge and fired their pistols in vain at Old Put. Putnam waved his sword back with taunting words to the frustrated British, whose balls whizzed past him. One of the bullets is said to have pierced his military cap.