Iowa territorial gazette and advertiser. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa Territory [Iowa]) 1840-1846, 1845-04-26

4
| In these little sketches, I'VE do not pro.
pose tobe profound; only talkative, chatty,
and simple. AS we have very little space
this week, for this feature, we shall con-
tinue our subject without needless preface.
Putnam's early days were spent as those
Of most boys placed in his situation Ii life.
One Of his favorite amusements was ssbird
nssting,' cruel and useless custom, fol-
lowed in all country places with ferosity
perfectly atrocious. These hunts for nests
were followed in company; but Putnam
was always the leader Of the band.
On one occasion he and his companions
came across a fine nest which lodged on
frail branch on very high tree. The
tree stood apart from the others, and was
difficult Of climbing. Besides this, it was
evident that no pole, or continuance, would
answer the purpose Of getting the nest
there was no way Of obtaining it save by
venturing upon the branch which, nine
chances to ten, would break under the
weight Of the robber. No one would ven
turc. ST
Putnam regarded the nest and limb in
silence, for some moments, and at length
said- saiYq
"That bird has all the qualities Of sol
der. 1t has completely fortified its home.
I'll wager there is not boy for ten miles
round that could get that nest"
ld All agreed with him. haei
"I'll try it," said he, deliberately taking
off his jacket and rolling his pantaloons up
to his knees. rE n.
The little knot Of boys attempted to dis
suade him; but TO no purpose. Go he
would:
/ '.I'll fancy that one of the Kings strong
holds" said Putnam, and may l, be shot if
| don't come Off victor" VI rr.5 "
The tree was ascended-the limb gained.
Putnam placed his foot on it, and it creaked,
while the old bird flew off with sharp
cry, and remained describing circles round
the tree, and uttering touching complaints.
1 sBah!'' said Putnam, "do You not prey
on our fields? Do you not tax us for your
support? Do you not take our goods
against our viii, just like the King?"
! He ventured foot further on the limb.
Il bent low, and a warning murmur arose
from the boys below, Putnam put his knee
to the branch, and reached towards the
nest. The limb broke PARTIALLY shout
below-and Putnam, preserved. His fin
gers touched the wished for prize, and just
as he cried-s.I've got it, the limb broke
clear of, and he feel; but not to the ground
His pantaloons caught in one Of the lower
branches and his head hung downwafds
"Put, are you hurt9" asked one Of the
boys.
4 "Not hurt" answered the undauntet
heart; but sorely puzzled how toget down.
\; eve can't cut away the limb because
we have no knife" -,
81 cant stay here till you get one.'
I "We'll strike a light and burn the tre'
!, down." .hsMlas
"Aye. and smother me in the. SMOKE
That won't do.n G9l4asi sl'l
There was boy named Randall in tn
!. gronp, who was noted for being a cracl
marksman, and who afterwards Tough
very bravely at Putnam's side. Him Put
man addressed:
!, "Jim Randall there's aball in you fife.
i '3goYes." ita #N s3 Ssf
] $40 you see that very limb holds nj
here2' 3eat 1l
81 do" .asygf
"Fire at it"
]. "What, to cut you DOWN."
4 "Of course" s,,is re9 goa
"But might strike your head" :.
"Shoot. Better blo,c out my brains thar
see me die here, which / shall In iifteer
minutes. Shocs.".' -te9 M
"But you will FALL"
slim Randall win yon fre3''F
The sharp crack Of, the rifle rang thro
! the forests-the splihters aew-and Put
nam fell upunthe ground. He was severe
" bruised; but laughed The, matter Of, ant
nothing more was thought Of it. idaa
Three days after Putnam met Randall
aid the rest, taking the nest from his peck
ct, said: i,8 .A.,-5 .a;,!
aHere is that nest. said | would hav,
\ it or perish; but went alone, because
determined no one should see me fail ant
aid me to escape the Consequences" /.
The same indomitable spirit was dis
played in this instance as in the perilou
leap and the many other dangerous ant
daring ex ploits, performed BY the gallan
man in his efforts for the ascendancy Of th'
cause Of liberty. o9sl Has
! The Evening Mirror translates from tn
French a capital bit Of Partisan gossip