Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1845-05-01
ISRAEL PUTNAM.

Putnam's early days were spent a.
those of most boys placed in his situa
ton in life. One of his favorite amuse
ments was bird nesting cruel ane
useless custom, followed in all country
places with ferocity perfectly atrocious
These hunts for nests were followed il
company; but Putnam was always th'
leader of the band.
On one occasion he and his compan
ions came across fine nest which lod
ged in frail branch of very high
I tree. The tree stood apart from the
others, and was difficult of climbing
Besides this, it was evident that nc
pole or continuance would answer the
purpose of getting the nest-there was
no way Of obtaining it save by ventu-
ring upon the branch, which, nine
chances to ten, would break under the
weight of the robber No one would
venture.
putnam rega&d the nest and limb
/ in silence for some moments, and at
length said
sThat bird has al! the qualities of the
soldier. 1t has completely fortified its
home. I'll wager there is not a boy
for ten miles round that could get that
nest .ga.
All agreed with him.
I'll try it, said he, deliberately Ia
king off his jacket and rolling his pan,
falcons up to his knees.
The little knot of boys attempted to
dissuade him; but to no purpose. Go
he would.
sI'll fancy that one of the kings
strongest holds said Putnam, 'and
may be shot if don't come off VIC
tor ..-r
The tree was assembled the limb
gained-Putnam placed his foot on it
and it cracked, while the old bird few
off with a sharp cry, and remained de-
scribing circles round the tree, and ut
tering touching complaints.
Hah!' said Putnam, do you not
prey upon our felds3 Do you not tax
US for your support Do you not take
our goods against our will, just like the
king?' ra
He ventured foot further on to the
limb. 1t bent low, and a warning
murmur arose from the boys below
Putnam put his knee TO the branch and
reached toward the nest. The limb
broke partially shout below-and
Putnam persevered. His fingers tou-
ched the wlshed-for prize, and just as
he cried, sI've got it, the limb broke
clear off, and he fell, but not to the
ground. His pantaloons caught in
one of the branches, and his head hung
do wnwards.
Put, are you hurts asked one of
the boys.
mot hurt answered the undaunted
heart; but sorely puzzled how to get
down. - s ff+S
&c We can't cut away the limb be-
cause we have no knife '*9'o 9-
Il can't stay here till you get one.
We'll strike a light and burn the
tree down.
T Aye,and smother me in the smoke.
That won't do
There was boy named Randall in
the group, who was noted for being a
crack marksman, and who afterwards
fought very bravely at Putnam's side.
Him Putnam addressed: Hsc
Jim Randall there's ball in your
rifle M sr s
Yes 9lgg
do you see that very little limb
holds me here!' sa
Il do 5a 3
sWhat to cut you DOWN.
'Oe course Aft .sta
But Knight strike your head.
7 sShoot! You had better blo,u ont
my BRAINS than see me die here, which
/ thall in fifteen minutes. Shoot!''
But you will fall. -
sJim Randall will you fire ?
The sharp crack Of the rifle rang
through the forest~-the splinters flew
and Putnam fell to the ground. He
was severely bruised !; but laughed the
matter off, and nothing more was tho't1
Of it, s4s
Three days after Putnam met Randall
and the rest, and taking the nest from
his pocket, said gum
I Here is that nest. ] said would
have it Or perish but | went alone,
because / determined no one, should
see me fail, and aid me to escape the
consequences. Es.sa
I've same indomitable spirit was dis.
4 played in that instance as in the peril
Gus leap, and the many otherdangerous