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.
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