Rensselaer Gazette, Volume 3, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 October 1859 — Israel Putnam. [ARTICLE]

Israel Putnam.

Putnam's early days were spent as thousands of most boys placed in his situation in life. One of his favorite amusments was “bird nesting.” These hunts for nests were followed in company; but Putnam was always the leader of the band. 4 On one occasion he and his companions came across a fine nest which lodged on a frail branch of a very high tree. The tree stood apart from others, and was difficult to climb. Beside this, it was evident that no pole, or contrivance, would answer the purpose of getting the nest —there was no way of obtaining it save by’ venturing out upon the bianch, which, nine chances out of ten, would break under the weight of the daring robber. No one would venture. Putnam regaided the nest and limb in silence, for some moments, and at length said: “That bird has all the qualities of a soldier. It has completely for'ified its h me. I’ll wager there is not a boy* for ten miles around that could get that nest.” All agreed with him. “I’ll try it,” he said, deliberately taking of! his coat and rolling up his pantaloons The little knot of boys attempted to dissuade him, but to no purpose. Go he would. “I fancy that’s one of tfie King’s strongholds,” said Putnam, “and may I be shot if 1 don’t come off victor.” The tree was ascended —the limb gained. Putnam placed his loot on it and it cracked, while the old bird flew off with a sharp cry, and remained describing a circle round the tree, and uttering touching complaints. “Bah,” said Putnam, “do you not prey on our fields? Do you not tax us for your support? Do you not ta e our goods against our will, just like the King!” He ventured a foot further upon the limb. It bent, and a warning murmur rose from the boys below. Putnam put his knee to the branch and reached toward the nest. The limb broke partially—a shout below—and Putnam persevered. His fingers touched the wishetl-fpr prize, and just as he cr ed, '‘l've got it,” the limb broke clear off, and he fell, but not to the ground. His pantaloons hud caught one of the lower branches, and his head hung downward. “Put., are you hurt?” asked one of the boys. “Not hurt,” answered the undaunted hero, ‘•but sorely puzzled how I m to get down.” “We can’t cut the limb, because we have no knite.” “And I cannot hang here until you get one.” “We’ll strike a light and burn the tree down.” “Ay, and smother me in the smoke. That won 1 ' do.” There was a boy named Randall in the group, who was noted for being a crack marksman, and who afterward (ought very bravely at Putman’a side; Putnam thus addressed him:

“Randall, there’s a ball in your rifle, isn’t there!” “Yes.” “Do you see that limb that holds me here?” “I do.” “Fire at it.” “What, to cut you down?” “Ol course.” “What, shoot!” “"Yes. Better blow out my brains than see me die here, which I shall do in fifteen minutes. Shoot.” “But you’ll fa 11.” “Jim Randall, will you fire!” The sharp crack of the rifle rung through the forest —the splinters flew—and Putnam fell to the ground. He was severely bruised, but laughed the matter off, and nothing more was thought of it. Three days after, Putnam met Randall and the rest, and taking the nest from his pocket, said: “Here is the nest. I said I would have it or perish; but i went alone, because I determined no one ihould see me fall and aid me escape the consequences.” The same indomitable spirit was displayed in that instance as in the perilous le:p and the many other dangerous and daring exploits, performed by the gall: nt man in his efforts for the ascendency of the cause of liberty. where does this road go to?” “I don’t think it goes anywhere. I, always see uni here every mornin’."