The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1818-08-25

GEN. PUTNAM.

The controversy respecting Gen. Putnam
is still continued in the newspapers, and has
called forth discussion embracing grea
length both of argument and documentary ev
idence. A long series OF numbers in vIAdl
cation Of him has lately appeared in the Cea
tiDel, which in the most satisfactory manner
reiutes the charges preferred by Gen. Dear
born, and places the conduct of the accused,
| al the battle of Bunker's Hill, ina light the
| most distinguished and honorable. As no
attempt has been made in this vicinity TO In
still opinions into the minds Of the pubiick I'm
| favourable to his character, we have abstain
ed from copying these numbers, satisfied that
their effect here would merely be 10 corobo
rate impressions which already exist.
This controversy, although it has resulted
10 the triumph of truth over talsehood-ot
worth, honour, and public usefulness over ram
cour, envy and detraction-has developed
some traits Of character " hch ii is painful tor
US to contemplate. 1t has proved that The
noblest powers OF the mind and the best aifec-
tons of the heart may be obScured by the
dark clouds of passion and party prejudice.
Before Gen. Dearborn commenced his attack
upon Putnam, there was but one opinion pre-
yaillng through the community in regard to
the lattef-that he was brave, ardent and
persevering patriot lie had been viewed by
US all, not merely as the steady friend ofhis
country, and man who performed The duties
allotted 10 his station with fidelity and honour,
but as one who manifested degree of chival-
rick heroism 10 her cause who sought out the
most difficult and daring sphere OF enterprise,
and held life, and comfort, and ease, in abso-
Lutte contempt, when sacrifice OF them was
demanded to promote the cause of liberty
In fact, the name OF Putnam was with us sy-
nonymous with desperate valour, inyincible
fortitude, an the most adventurous enter
prize.
When man, thus uniting publick admira-
ton and love, was assailed in the dearest
prerogatIve OF our nature, eputaton--when
the laurels which bloomed around his brow
were grasped by the hands of violence and
enyy-what should we suppose would be the
feelings of his countrymen Instead Of lend
ing greedy ear to the tale Of his dishonour,
should we not expect them TO feel the most
heart-cnlling reluctance To- credit it-that The
first emotion Of their minds would be, a deep
dislrust of that whose effect was 10 disturb SEN
timents which they had cherished with 50
much ardour and affection
How is it, then, that this accusation of COW
ardice, made after SO long tine since the
decease of Putnam, has had sach ready re
ception among that party to which Gen. Dear
born belongs /! Is il because there was any
doubt existing upon the pubick mind as 10
the conduct OF the assailed at 8unker's Hill
No Thsre was not whisper Of suspicion
derogatory 10 his character heard, until this
cnhallowed attack was made. Was If be.
cause the evidence adduced by Gen. Dear
born was SO strong and convincing, that Il
was impossible 10 resist its influence No
On The contrary, The evidence which has been
poured IN from llquarters OF the country, is
such as to carry conviction TO the most unwil-
ling mind, that, throughout the whole Of that
affair, Putnam conducted in manner the most
gallant ana honourable. Wlthou, any solci
iation from his friends, his surviving comrades,
with holy. indignation at the wanton and