"Word having been brought to General Putnam," says Major Humphreys,
who was present, "that the second brigade was under arms for this
purpose, he mounted his horse, galloped to the cantonment, and thus
addressed them: 'My brave lads, whither are you going? Do you
intend to desert your officers, and to invite the enemy to follow
you into the country? Whose cause have you been fighting and
suffering so long in--is it not your own? Have you no property, no
parents, wives or children? You have behaved like men so far--all
the world is full of your praise--and posterity will stand
astonished at your deeds; but not if you spoil all at last. Don't
you consider how much the country is distressed by the war, and
that your officers have not been any better paid than yourselves?
But we all expect better times, and that the country will do us
ample justice. Let us all stand together, then, and fight it out
like brave soldiers. Think what a shame it would be for Connecticut
men to run away from their officers!'"
The gallant general's rude eloquence prevailed, the men saw their error,
were indeed ashamed of it; they listened with attention, presented arms,
as their beloved commander rode along the line to the din of the drums,
and about-faced for camp, which they did not desert again during the
winter.
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