Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1870-10-21

since the dsbandmont Of the colonial fore
cs at the close OF tho French War, his ia
thor and grandfather had never met Put
nam. inferred, indeed, from all that he
said-and nc naturally liked to talk of the
subject-that after this adventure they were
detailed upon such service that neither of
of them was brought particularly to the
notice of the Captain again. They heard
In common with their noighbors, that Con-
gress had made him a Major-Genoral, and
they learned with eager interest, MS the war
went on, Of the vigilant service which
their former Captain was giving his coun-
try in his position but being very poor as
well as very humble, and, since the inlirn-
tiles Of the ono and the lameness of the
other, never travelling beyond their little
garden, no opportunity had offered since
the beginning of the war for meeting with
the General. My comrade, in telling me
this, always concluded by declaring that
beforoa great while he should seek out
General Putnam, and ask him if ho remem-
bered the Pattersons.
"Of course, wouldn't ask no, take any
reward" he would add "but the General
is great man now, and should be proud
to tell him that l am the son of one of the
men that saved him from torture and
death by the Indians, and grandson of the
other"
His opportunity came in the spring of
1913 think certainly just before the Brit
ish under Tyron invaded the State. 1t so
happened that brigade of Continentals
- NNi hnIf 90, al, D.t
torsOns' house and a change in the divs-
ions brought our regiment into that brig
ado, much to the delight of my comrado.
The morning we reached this place, and
before Rufus had obtained leave to visit his
home, we received an order to be ready for
muster and inspection at . o'clock, when
Gen. Putnam would review the brigade.
Now is your time, Rufus" l said, as we
were furnishing our accoutrements. But
Rufus was a shy, bashful fellow, although
good soldier; and l anticipated that he
would never summon the courage to ad-
dress the General on this or any other sub
jcct. AS it happened, ho was saved the Of
fort.
The General rode on the ground very
carly, the orderly's call had been sounded
and the companies were forming for roll
call. 1t was twenty minutes, at least, be-
fore thc:time for forming brigade line, and
the General spent the interval in riding
about through the camps, looking at the
men and the quarters. He passed around
among our tents accompanied by our Col
onel and two or three other officers. all
mounted. l perfectly remember how he
appeared as he rode along in front of our
company and looked sharply at us. lie
was middesizod, neither tall nor short.
strongly built, with full, round face. for
id complexion, and eyes as keen as "A
hawks. He wore his full uniform of a
Major General, and altogether made an i'm
posing figure. l noticed, also, the horse
that he rode. 1t was the same that after
ward carried him safely on his wonderful
ride down the declivity at Horseneck a
powerful, strong-limbed animal, black and
handsome, and with nettlesomo eye and
action.
Just as this horse and his rider reached
the front of our company, the orderly SER
geant came TO the name of Patterson on his
roll, and called it aloud. The attention of
the General was instantly attracted. lie
rcined in his horse.
"Patterson-Patterson |" he exclaimed.
as there n man Of that name in this COM
pany?"
"Nes, sir" answered the sergeant.
"Let him step out here"
Rufus took three PAGES to the front, and
tho Generals eager, animated face changed
its expression TO something like disap-
pOintment.
"liumph-young man. said he. "Did
you have any relatives in the French WARP"
"Ies, General" answered Rufus, speak
ing fast, between excitement and anxiety.
My fther and grandfather were both in
your company Of Rangers in Col. Lyman's
regiment; they have told me often about
saving you from the Indians when"
Are they alive? Whore do thoy live?
How can find them?" Putnam asked in
breath, interrupting the story which none
knew better than himself
"1hey are both alive, General and live
in that little house which you see yondcr
with the roof rising above the TOP of the
hill"
Both spurs went together into the sides
of the black horse, and with a snort and a
bound the animal was Off at n mad gallon.
The distance from the camp to the home of
the Pattersons was, as l have said, about
half mile. The land assembled gradually
toward the house, terminating in a hill. ON
the further side of which the dwelling
stood. 1t was mostly fresh-ploughed soil.
and three or more stone fences crossed il at
right angles with line drawn straip Int from
the camp to the house. The distance bv
the road was but triile further; but the
General neyor stopped to inquire about
that. lie reached the first fence with his
aids ten rods behind him. We heard him
shout TO tho noble animal that carried him.
and over he went at flying leap, which
drew IL cheer from every man that saw il,
Tho aids pulled up and went around by the
road. We watched the fearless horse and
rider, and saw them rapidly clear the
heavy ground, taking the intervening fouc-
es in tho same style, and presently disar-
pear from sight over the brow of tho hill,
The interview of Gen. Putnam with the
Pattersons was afterwards related to me
by their housckeeper, who witnessed IT.
SHo He"ru quick rap on tue door, and
opening it saw Putnam, who WAS unknown
to her sitting on his horse.
"Aro tho Pattersons horoH" he asked
Tell them both to come out here"
Heres an officer at the door wants TO
see YOU" the woman called to the elder of
the two, who was sitting in the back room.
Let him como in here then," gruffly re-
Piled tho old man, who rightly regarded
his years, his inf rlnites, and his good sor-
vice to his country as entitled to considera-
ton "lf he wants to SEQ me worse than |
do him, he can come whero I am"
The General plainly heard the reply.
"rhe devil take your impudcnccy, he
roared.
"And you too sturdly returned tho 9TH
or,
"Do you know who | amp" the General