National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1871-04-21

To tell him that am the son OF one Of tho
by the Indians, and grandson Of the 9th
er."
liis opportunity came in the spring OF
l779, think certainly, just before the
British under Tyron invaded the State.
II so happened that brigndr Of Contin-n-
tai, Was stationed within half mile Of the
Pattcrson'' house and u change IN the
divisions brought our regiment into that
brigade, much 10 the delight Of my com
rade. The morning We reached this place,
and before Rufus had obtained leave 10 Wis
il home, he received an order to be ready
for muster and inspection at two o'clock,
when General Putnam would review the
brigade.
"Now Is your time, Rufus" | remarked,
us we We're Furnishing our accoutrements,
But Ruff, was a shy, bashiul fellow, al
though good soldier; and I anticipated
that he wouk never summon the courage
TO address the General on this or any 9TH
er sst tssahaisGi. As it happened. he was -''"d
The General rode on the ground very
early the olderly's call had been sounded,
and the companies were forming for roll
call. II was twenty minutes, at least, be-
fore the time for forming brigade-line, and
the General spent the interval in riding
about through the camps looking ut the
men and their quarters. lie passed around
among our tents accompanied by .he Col
one and two or three other officers, all
mounted. perfectly remember how he
appeared as he rode along in front of our
company and looked sharply at IL. lie
was middle-sized, neither tall nor short,
strongly built, with full round face, horid
compile Nion, and eyes MS keen as u hawks.
He wore his full uniform Of major-general,
and altogether made an imposing figure,
noticed also the horse that he rode. II
was the same that afterward carried him
safely on bis wonderful ride down the de
cliyity at Ilorseneck a pow ertul, strong
limbed animal, black and handsome, and
with mettlesome eye and action.
Just as this horse and his rider reschcd
the front Of our company, the orderly-ser-
geant came to the name Of Patterson on
his roll, and called it aloud. The atten
ton of the General was instantly attract
cd He relned in his horse.
Patterson-Patterson " he exclaimed.
"ls there man of that name in this com
pany p
"les, sir" answered the sergeant.
" Let him step out here
Rnfus took three PAGES to the front, and
the Generals eager, animated face changed
its expression to something like disappoint-
ment.
"Ilumph "a young man" said he "Did
YOU have any relatives in the French warN
"Yes, General" answered Rufus, speak
ing fast, between excitement and anxiety,
"My father and grandfather were both in
your company Of rangers in Colonel Ly-
mans regiment they have told me often
about saving on from the Indians when"
" Are they alive Where do they livel
How can find them ?" Putnam asked in
a breath, interrupting the story which
none knew better than himself.
They are both alive, General, and live
in that little house which you see yonder,
with the roof rising above the top of the
hill."
Both spurs went together into the sides
Of the black horse, and with snort and a
bound the animal was Of at a mad gallop.
The distance from the camp to the home
Of the Pattersons was, as have said, about
half mile. The land assembled gradually
toward, the house, terminating in hill,
on the further side of which the dwelling
stood. 1t was mostly frcsh-plowed soil,
and three or more stone fences crossed it
ut right angles with line drawn straight
from the camp to the house. The distance
by the road was but tritle further but
the General never stopped to inquire about
that He reached the fence with his aids
about ten rods behind him. We heard
him shout to the noble animal that carried
him, and over he went at flying leap,
which drew cheer from every man that
saw it. The aids pulled up and went
around by the road We watched the
fearless horse and rider, and saw them rap
idly clear the heavy ground, taking the in
tervcning fences in the same style. and
presently disappear from sight over the
brow of the hill.
The interview OF General Putnam with
the Pattersons was afterwards related to
me by their housekeeper who witnessed
it. She heard quick rap on the door,
and opening it, saw Putnam, who was un-
known to her, sitting on his horse.
Are the Pattersons here p he asked
:" Tell them both TO come out here
"Here'o an officer at the door wants 10
see you,n the woman called to the elder
of the two, who was sitting in the back
room.
LET him come in here then gruffly
replied the old man, who rightly regarded
his years, his iniirmties, and his good ser
vice to his country, as entitled to consid-
Grafton. "lf he wants to see me worse
than do him, he can come where am"
The General heard the reply. "The
devil take your hnpudence !" he roared.
"And you too" >turdily returned the
other.
"Do You know who am J" the Gen
ersl asked, emphasizing the inquiry with
an oath.
"No-and don't care" responded old
Patterson, with an expletive equally pro-
fame.
"Did you ever hear of Israel Putnam,
you old rascal p the General thundered,
fast getting into rage. The old man had
been sitting where we could not see the
other but at the mention of his name he
rose from his chair and hobbled on his
crutches out OF the door.
Putnam-Captain Putnam-General
Putnam ;" he eagerly exclaimed. "Good
Lord, is he the man I've been treating n
this shabby way, at my own door J"
While he was coming slowly forward,
trying TO see the face Of his visitor with
his imperfect vision, Putnam recognized
him; and di,mounting with a jump, he
threw his reins to one of his aids who had
just then rode up. and running into the
house, caught the old soldier in his arms,
crutches and all, and embraced him while
the old man wept tears of pride and pleas