From Plough to Camp
Israel Putnam did not stay on his farm. When the French and Indian War broke out, he enlisted. He served as major. He had many thrilling escapes from Indians. Once he was captured and tortured by savages, but was rescued by the French.
After many years’ service, he resigned and went back to his farm. When the news of the Battle of Lexington reached him, he was ploughing. He left his plough in the field, and unyoked his team. Then, in his old farm-clothes, he sprang on a horse and galloped off to Governor Trumbull for orders.
“Go,” said the Governor, “to the seat of action.”
“But my clothes, Governor!” exclaimed Putnam.
“Oh, never mind your clothes,” answered he, “your military experience will be of service to your countrymen.”
“But my men, Governor! What shall I do about my men?”
“Oh, never mind your men,” said he, “I’ll send your men after you.”
So without waiting to change his soiled farm-clothes, Putnam put spurs to his horse and in a single day rode all the way to Cambridge.
He attended a council of war held by the Americans, returned to Connecticut, raised a regiment, and went back to Cambridge in time to take part in the Battle of Bunker Hill. There on Prospect Hill he unfurled the new Banner of Connecticut, which, as a cannon fired a salute, was seen to rise and unroll itself to the wind.
When Washington, appointed by Congress to be Commander-in-Chief, arrived at Cambridge, and saw the redoubts that had been cast up by Putnam and his men, he said to Putnam:—
“You seem, General, to have the faculty of infusing your own spirit into all the workmen you employ.”
Washington had brought with him a commission from Congress, making Israel Putnam a Major-General.