Israel Putnam (January 7, 1718 â May 29, 1790), popularly known as “Old Put”, was an American army general officer who fought with distinction at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War (1775â1783). He also served notably as an officer with Rogers’ Rangers during the French and Indian War (1754â1763), when he was captured by Mohawk warriors. He was saved from the ritual burning given to enemies by the intervention of a French officer with whom the Mohawk were allied.
By the eve of the American Revolution, Putnam had become a relatively prosperous farmer and tavern keeper, with more than a local reputation for his previous exploits. On April 20, 1775, while plowing one of his fields with his son, he received news of the Battle of Lexington and Concord that started the war the day before. He literally “came off the plow”, leaving it in the field and riding 100 miles (160 km) in eight hours, reaching Cambridge the next day and offering his services to the Patriot cause. Putnam was named a major general, making him second in rank to General Artemas Ward in the Army of Observation, which preceded the founding of the Continental Army.
MILITARY HISTORY SOCIETY OF ROCHESTER
ROCHESTERMILITARY.COM
