Completely routed, the enemy made for the shore and
retreated without delay to Ticonderoga. Only one man was killed and two
men were wounded on the side of the Rangers; but while the total losses
of the French and Indians were unknown they must have been great, as one
canoe containing twenty Indians lost fifteen of the number, and many
were seen to fall overboard and drown.
In the preceding, the honors were shared between Rogers and Putnam; but
soon after the affair on the lakes the latter figured as the hero of an
exploit which was unique, if not altogether successful and creditable to
all concerned. General Webb, the commander of the forces, considered it
necessary to secure a French prisoner, for the sake of the intelligence
he might gain from him of the enemy's movements, and Captain Putnam was
deputed to accomplish the difficult task.
Taking with him five men, Putnam concealed himself and them near a trail
which led to Ticonderoga, and they had not lain long in the high grass
before a Frenchman and an Indian came along. The Indian was in advance,
so Putnam allowed him to pass, but when the Frenchman arrived opposite
his place of concealment he sprang out, and after running quite a
distance overtook and seized him by the shoulder.
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