By the start of the American Revolution, Putnam had established a career as a farmer and innkeeper, but when he received news concerning the recently begun Battle of Lexington, he immediately set out to join the cause, reaching Cambridge the next day and offering his services. He was appointed colonel of the 3rd Connecticut Regiment, and after leading the militia to Boston, he was named major general and served as one of the primary figures in the Battle of Bunker Hill. During the battle, Putnam may have spoke the memorable Revolutionary quote “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” After Bunker Hill, Israel took temporary command of the American Army in New York while awaiting the arrival of Lieutenant George Washington in 1776. Unfortunately, Putnam’s luck changed shortly thereafter, and he was forced into a quick retreat during the Battle of Long Island. Washington did not blame the general for his retreat, but he did reassign him to a recruiting role. Later, Putnam received another military command, this time in the Hudson Highlands, but after abandoning two forts under his charge to the British, he was brought before a court of inquiry for his actions. He was cleared of any wrongdoing, and during the next winter, Putnam and his men were camped at Redding, Connecticut when the general suffered a paralyzing stroke that ended his military career. Putnam passed away in 1790, and he was buried in Brooklyn’s South Cemetery.
Born. | |
Served with Roger's Rangers during the French and Indian War. | |
Promoted to major. | |
Captured by Caughnawaga Indians and almost roasted alive. | |
Sent to relieve Fort Detroit from Pontiac's siege. | |
Elected to the Connecticut General Assembly. | |
Helped found the Sons of Liberty. | |
Converted and joined the Congregational Church. | |
Served at the Battle of Bunker Hill. | |
Defeated during the Battle of Long Island. | |
Allowed the British to capture two military forts. | |
Brought before a court inquiry following the incident but was cleared of any wrongdoing. | |
Suffered from a paralyzing stroke. | |
Died. |
Another Wolf Story in | Fifty Famous People by James Baldwin |
Roger's Rangers in | Indian History for Young Folks by Francis S. Drake |
Putnam and the Wolf in | Stories of Great Americans for Little Americans by Edward Eggleston |
Israel Putnam in | America First—100 Stories from Our History by Lawton B. Evans |
Indians and Major Putnam in | America First—100 Stories from Our History by Lawton B. Evans |
The Battle of Lexington in | Story of the Thirteen Colonies by H. A. Guerber |
Putnam's Adventures in | Story of the Thirteen Colonies by H. A. Guerber |
Some Adventures of Major Putnam in | Historical Tales, Vol I: American by Charles Morris |
British at New York in | Historical Tales, Vol I: American by Charles Morris |
Israel Putnam in | American History Stories, Volume II by Mara L. Pratt |
Image Links | ||
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The French commander saving Putnam in Indian History for Young Folks |
Major Israel Putnam in British uniform in Indian History for Young Folks |
Putnam saving Fort Edward in Indian History for Young Folks |
Istrael Putnam in Back Matter |
Leader of a Great Lakes tribe who planned a rebellion. His attempt to take fort Detroit was thwarted by an Indian who warned the garrison. | |
Robert Rogers | Leader of a band of mountain men who did great service for Britain during the French and Indian War. |
George Washington | Leader of the Continental Army of the U.S. during the Revolutionary War, and first President. |