Israel Putnam

Overview

General Israel Putnam (1718–1790) was a distinguished figure in American history, known for his significant contributions during the American Revolutionary War. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, Putnam’s early life was marked by frontier experiences, including serving in the French and Indian War, where he demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership. His reputation as a courageous and skilled officer was established through numerous engagements, including a notable episode where he narrowly escaped death by the hands of Native Americans. As a resient ofPutnam transitioned from a successful farmer to a military leader, bringing his robust frontier skills and experience into the revolutionary cause.

As the Revolutionary War unfolded, Putnam’s role became increasingly pivotal. He played a key part in the early stages of the conflict, notably during the Battle of Bunker Hill, where his leadership and strategic acumen were on full display. Despite the American forces’ retreat, Putnam’s actions were celebrated for their valor and tactical intelligence. Beyond the battlefield, he contributed to the organizational and strategic development of the Continental Army, working closely with figures like George Washington. Putnam’s legacy is not just in his military achievements but also in his embodiment of the American spirit of resilience and determination, making him a cherished figure in the narrative of American independence and national identity.

Biographies

Bates, Albert C, ed. The Two Putnams: Israel and Rufus in the Havana Expedition 1762 and in the Mississippi River Exploration 1772-73 with Some Account of The Company of Military Adventurers. Hartford: Connecticut Historical Society, 1931.

Cruson, Daniel. Putnam’s Revolutionary War Winter Encampment: The History and Archaeology of Putnam Memorial State Park. Charleston, SC: History Press, 2011.

Cutter, William. The Life of Gen. Putnam. 4th ed. Boston: John Philbrick, 1854.

Dean, Leon W. Old Wolf:  The Story of Israel Putnam. New York: Farrar & Rinehart, Inc., 1942.

Dwight, Allan. Soldier and Patriot:  The Life of General Israel Putnam. New York: Ives Washburn, Inc., 1965.

Fellows, John. The Veil Removed or Reflections on David Humphrey’s Essay on the Life of Israel Putnam. Reprinted. New York: James D. Lockwood, 1843.

Hill, George Canning. The Life of Israel Putnam. New York: A. L. Burt Company, 1903.

Hubbard, Robert Ernest. Major General Israel Putnam: Hero of the American Revolution. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, 2017.

Humphreys, David. An Essay on the Life of the Honourable Major-General Israel Putnam: Addressed to the State Society of the Cincinnati in Connecticut and Published by Their Order. Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2000.

Livingston, William Farrand. Israel Putnam:  Pioneer, Ranger and Major General. New York: G. P. Putnan’s Sons, 1901.

Niven, John. Connecticut Hero, Israel Putnam. Connecticut Bicentennial Series 22. Hartford: American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut, 1977.

Peabody, Oliver W. B. Life of Israel Putnam. Reprinted. Boston: Marsh, Capen, Lyon and Webb, 1839.

Procknow, Eugene. “General Israel Putnam: Reputation Revisited.” Journal of the American Revolution, August 11, 2016. https://allthingsliberty.com/2016/08/general-israel-putnam-reputation-revisited/.

Putnam, Daniel. Colonel Daniel Putnam’s Letter Relative to the Battle of Bunker Hill And. Place of publication not identified: Nabu Press, 2010.

Smith, Fredrika Shumay. Old Put:  The Story of Major General Israel Putnam. Rand McNally & Company, 1967.

Tarbox, Increase N. Life of Israel Putnam (“Old Put”), Major-General in the Continental Army. Boston, MA: Lockwood, Brooks, and Company, 1876.

Memoirs and Papers

Israel Putnam papers, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library

Herbert Putnam Papers, Library of Congress, Manuscript Division

“‘Curnul Putnum Com & Ordered Us Down.’” Accessed May 29, 2017. http://boston1775.blogspot.com/2017/05/curnul-putnum-com-ordered-us-down.html.

“Founders Online: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 20 January….” Accessed January 31, 2017. http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-13-02-0251.\

Sabin, Joseph, ed. “Memoirs of the Life, Adventures and Military Exploits of Israel Putnam, Senior Major-General in the Revolutionary Army of the United States, and next in Rank to General Washington.” In Bibliotecha Americana, Reprinted., 119. Ithaca, N.Y: Mack & Andrus, 1834.

United States, and Israel Putnam, eds. General Orders Issued by Major-General Israel Putnam, When in Command of the Highlands, in the Summer and Fall of 1777. The American Revolutionary Series. American and French Accounts of the American Revolution. Boston: Gregg Press, 1972.

Web Sites

General Israel Putnam Website maintained by Biographer Robert Hubbard

https://sites.google.com/site/generalisraelputnamwebsite/

Folklore

Story recounted in William Livington’s biography of Putnam in which he purportively fights a duel with a British officer with a barrel of gunpowder.  In the end, the British officer blinks first and Putnam reveals that it was just a barrel of onions!

Location of the Famous Putnam Escape in Greenwich, CT