habit of
keeping a diary, or journal, and he faithfully recorded all the
happenings at Fort Edward, after his arrival. He could not but make
mention of the most prominent personage there, his distinguished
kinsman; though the latter was too busily engaged in fighting and
marching to concern himself as to diaries and chronicles.

Soon after arriving at Fort Edward, young Rufus Putnam was sent out
scouting with twenty-two men, and encountering some Indians, thirteen of
his comrades were killed. "This was the first sight I had of Indians
butchering," he writes, "and it was not agreeable to the feelings of a
young Soldier, and I think there are few if any who can view such Scenes
with indifference."

Few, indeed. But, while realizing to the full the horrors of savage
warfare, Israel Putnam's kinsman stuck to his task and did his duty
gallantly. His first experience must have been a severe trial, for he
says:

"Capt. Putnam then ordered three of us to follow the trale (of the
Indians) a mile or more further, and there lie close until quite
dark, to observe if any came back; for, said he, 'if they do not
embark in there boats to-night they will send a party back to See
if they are pursued.' We went back according to order but made no
discovery, and here I would remark that Capt. Putnam's precaution
Struck my mind very forceably, as a maxim always to be observed
whether you are pursuing or pursued by an enemy, especially in the
woods. It was the first Idea of Generalship I recollect to have
treasured up."

These two remarkable men had a very similar experience in their youth,
for Rufus, like Israel, was deprived of his father by death at an early
age, the former at seven, and the latter at eight, and each went to live
with his stepfather after his mother had married a second time.

Israel Putnam had been given a major's commission by the Connecticut
Legislature, in 1757, and almost every year succeeding he was promoted,
until finally he was at the head of the forces of the State. In common
with his fellow Provincials, he suffered from the incompetency of the
British commanders sent over from England. Crown Point was the objective
for assault during several years, and still was not reached until the
hearts of all concerned grew heavy with hope deferred. One of the most
glaringly inefficient of Britain's generals in America was Lord
Loudoun, at this time commander-in-chief