The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1864-03-16
AnecdOte OF Putnam

Hc loiio"ilS aDeCuOte WAS ielateu Oy
an old soldier who served under the worthy
General Putnam, and it presents one Of tbs
very few instances in which this shrewd
hero brought joke upon himself: ..
lie was at times suspicious of the fidelity
OF his soldiers, and hence, to test their aith>
iulness, he wonld sometimes approach those
who were on guard and il he could hatter
or irighten them to let him pass, he would
afterwards bring them to punishment for
their delinquency.
One cold night in December, one OF his
soldiers, who was seldom outdone, was
stationed on guard in an open field some
one or two hundred rods from the encamp"
ment Being aware Of the Generals ex
periments, he had resolved that no man
should pass him that night live. While
walking round his limits, to protect himself
against the action of theeirost, his attention
was arrested by an approaching horseman,
whom he instantly recognized to be the
General.
''liali! and give the countersign," shouted
the soldier, as Putnam advanced.
The General did not seem inclined to
hearken to this mandate, and the soldier
raised his gun.
"Halt! OF you're q dead man"
The General put spurs to his horse, as ii
determined to pass, but vivid flash from
the soldiers gun convinced him there was
seriousness in the matter. Fortunately the
piece missed its fire; but the General con
cluded, after a still stronger invitation to
halt. that his personal safety depended on a
little moderation, and hence he came to a
pause merely opposite the soldier
II suppose you know who you are de
taining?' said the General haughtily.
Certainly, General; and hops you will
indulge your servant by giving the counter
sign"
The General sneeringly answered, and
made an attempt to proceed.
"But stop and dismountG' said the soldier
placing the muzzle Of his piece within two
feet Of the Generals head
This was case Of dire necessity, and the
General would gladly have gwen The coun
tersign had he not unwittingly forgusten i
Alter finding there was no better way, he
reluctantly dlsmounted, and his horse was
secured.
"Now have the goodness to keep youl
standing" continued the victorious soldier
al you take one step in any direction,
will give you specimen Of my shooting
ability"
A short time passed in silence. The frost
was very familiar with the Generals whisk-
ers, nose and chin and he soon found EN-
ployneat in swapping his fingers and rubbing
lis ears. His indignation gradually inereas
ed until it was beyond control
NJ r..
the magnitude Of his rage, ''or by Jupiter!
you shall stand at the whipping post to NOR
row.
If should escape the whipping>post you
would miss the object Of your VISIT coolly
replied his captor.
'But let me go now, and all shall be well
with you.'
mo; my conscience will smite me for
violating strict military law
Then suffer me to walk within your llm>
Its, for am freezing to DEATH
No, you might dodge off in the dark, and
that would increase my fogging.'
Now, my brave man, don't be cruel; YOU
have acted the part Of hero; now let me
90, andyou shall be rewarded
My conscience will not allow me to be
bribed while in my country's servce.'
Again the Generals anger returned.
4 shall go!' he exclaimed with emphasis,
cautiously raising one of his half frozen feet.
One step, and you're dead mani replied
the soldier, presenting his gun.
The General, finding bis threats and en-
treaties we're alike in vain, again applied
himself to circulating the blood by hand
through his freezing extremitles. The mo.
nents wore away, and after long time tht
relief appeared. The proud victor now
resigned his post, conducted in his pri,oner
and delivered him according to the rules o
war.
Early on the following morning the daring
soldier was summoned to the Generals
presence, who, after giving him severe re,
prehension, sternly asked:
Would you actually have shot me, you
villa;n?'
'Yes,' was the simple sober reply.
The General was satisfied, aod raising
the lid Of chest, he drew forth q we'll filled
junk bottle. u." .-.a....0.
Come, my good fellow said he take 8
glass of wine with me. aad do your duty as
well In the future'