The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1845-03-29

IsxAxl PursAm lin these little sketches we do mol
propose To be profound only talkstivc, chstty, ana
smpie As we have very little space this week, for
this feature, wo shall continue our subject without
needless preface.
Pulnam's early days were spent as those Of most
boys placed in bis situation IN lilo. One OF his iasor
tie alnusemeots was "bird nesting, cruel and i"e
less custom, followed IN all country places WIN
ferocy perfectly auocious. These buhts LOT hoses
were followed IN company Out rulnan' was always
the leader Of the band.
On one occasion he aud his companions came across
a fine nest which lodged iraii branch oil very
high tree The tree stood apart from the olhers,
and was difficult Of climbing. Besides TINS IL was
evident that pole, or eontrivanee, would ansSe,
the purpose OF getting the nestthere was no way Oh
obtaining ii save by yenturiDg upon the branch
which, uine chances TO ten, would break under the
weight Of the robber. No one would venture
Putnam regarded the nest and limb in silence, ior
some moments, and at length said
4" That bird has all the qualities OF soldier'-
1t has completely fortified its home. III wager
there is not boy for ten miles round That could get
that nest"
All agreed with him.
an try IT," said he, deliberately taking Oh his
jacket and rolling his panlaloons nP TO his knees.
The little knot Of boys attempted to dissuade MN J
but to no purpose Gro no would
{" PIl fancy that one Of the Kings stronghods,
said Putnam, "and may be shot If | don't cone OIL
| victor"
lhc tree was ascended-the limD Baibeu. W
nam placed his foot on IT, and IL creaked, while the
old bird flew of with sharp cry, and remained de
scribng circles round the tree, and uerng touching
complaints.
+" Bah :" 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 WILL just like The
kingn
He yen,ured foot further to the limb. II bent
low, and a warning murmur from the boys be-
low Putnam pot has knee TO the branch, and reached
towards the nest The limb broke partially shout
below-and Putnam peIseyered. His fingers touch.
ed the wished for prize, and just as he cried-"Pye
got IT, the limb broke clear off, and he fell but
not to the ground. His panlaloons caught IN one
Of the lower branches, and his head hung down
| wards
Put, are you hurt, /" asked one of the boys.
"Not hurt answered the undaunted heart; shut
| sorely puzzled how to get down.
"We can't cut away the limb because we have no
knife"
al can't stay here till you get one"
"We'l strike a light and burn the tree down"
"Aye, and smother me in the smoke. That
won't do"
There was boy named Randall in the group,
who was noted for being crack marksmnn, and who
afterwards fought very brayely at Putnam's side
Him Putnam addressed:
"Jim Randall, there's ball in your rife"
ayes"
"Do you see that very little limb holds me
here"
81 do"
Sire at it,"
"What to cut you down.
"Of course"
"But might strike your head
"ShooL Better bioo out my brains than me die
here, which shall 10 fifteen minutes. Shooin'
"But you will fall"
"Jlm Randall will you fire ~
The sharp crack of the rifle rang through the for
est-the splinters few-and Putnam fell upon the
ground. He severely bruised but laughed
the matter of, and nothing more was thought OF II.
Three days after, Putnam met Randall and the
rest, and, taking the nest from his pocket, said
Here is that nest | said would have il or per-
sh but went alone, because deter mined no
should see me fail, and aid me to escape the con-
sequences.
The same indomtable spirit was displayed in that
instance as in the perous leap and the many other
dangerous and daring exploits, performed by the gal
liant man in his efforts for the ascendency Of the
cause of lberty.-.Noah's Messenger.