Israel Putnam

thumb|Israel Putnam Israel Putnam (January 7, 1718 – May 29, 1790), popularly known as "Old Put", was an American military officer and landowner who fought with distinction at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783). He also served as an officer with Rogers' Rangers during the French and Indian War (1754–1763), when he was captured by Mohawk warriors. He was saved from the ritual burning given to enemies by the intervention of French officer Molang, with whom the Mohawks were allied. Putnam's courage and fighting spirit became known far beyond his home of Connecticut's borders through the circulation of folk legends in the American colonies and states celebrating his exploits. Quotes Men, you are all marksmen — don't one of you fire until you see the white of their eyes. At the Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775), reported in Richard Frothingham Jr., History of the Siege of Boston, &c. (Boston: Charles C. Little and James Brown, 1849), p. 140, footnote: "Philip Johnson states of Putnam: 'I distinctly heard him say, ...'" External links Category:1718 births Category:1790 deaths Category:Military leaders from the United States Category:People of the American Revolution Category:People from Massachusetts