Israel Putnam

Israel Putnam (1718-90), American soldier, who fought in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Although always an energetic and inspiring leader, Putnam proved to be an indifferent military strategist when given high command late in life.

Born in Salem Village (now Danvers), Massachusetts, on Jan 7, 1718, he moved to Pomfret, Connecticut, in 1740 and farmed there successfully. He was commissioned a lieutenant of Connecticut volunteers in 1756 and took part in actions at Ticonderoga, Montréal, and Havana, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel by 1759. In 1764 he helped to relieve Chief Pontiac's siege of Detroit. A militant patriot, he reportedly left his plow in the field and went off to war when word of the battles of Lexington and Concord reached him. First a brigadier, then a major general, he helped to fortify Breed's Hill. He was in command of New York City until George Washington arrived in April 1776. At the Battle of Long Island he was forced to retreat. In 1777 he had to abandon Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton in the Hudson highlands to the British. He commanded the American right wing on the Hudson until a stroke in December 1779 ended his service. He died in Pomfret on May 29, 1790.