The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-09-20
PUTNAM'S EXPLOIT.

recorded OF Israel human, one of the
bravest men and most successful soldiers
that ever drew sword in defense of their
country. From his youth he was noted
for his intrepidity and fearlessness, as we'll
as that indomitable will which in after
years so characterized and distinguished
him and made him one of the best gen.
erals of the age.
His ingenuity as well as his utter fear
1essness in times of extreme danger was
often put to the severest test. On one oc-
casion it became necessary for General
Amherst, then commanding the expedition
for the reduction of Montreal during the
French and Indian war, on his way up the
St. Lawrence, to dislodge the garrison at
Oswegatchie, a small settlement on Isle
Royal in the possession of the French
The entrance to this place was guarded by
two armed ships of 10 guns each, who
kept possession of the stream, thereby rem
dering it extremely difficult if not impos-
sible for the army to proceed, as a broad
side from either or acting in concert would
demolish completely their whole feet of
transportation boats.
Amherst was deeply annoyed and dis.
concerted. He must either abandon his
boats altogether and proceed by land, and
so leave an enemy in his rear, or else de-
wise some plan which, if successful, would
rid him of their presence. While he was
rejecting what course to pursue to accom-
nam, who was then lieutenant colonel
in the provincial forces, walked up to
where the general was standing, glass in
hand, surveying uneasily the vessels which
lay quietly riding at anchor, and, respect
fully touching his hat, he said, General,
that ship yOnder," pointing to the largest,
Unjust be TAKEN
"Aye," replied the commander ST
would to God she were eapturedl If they
do not withdraw them-Whieh I do not
think they are inclined to do, Judging from
the aspect of things-they will form a Sc
rious obstacle to all my well laid plans and
completely Illustrate Them
"If you will give me your permission,
sir, " replied the provincial 81 will put
her out of your way in the twinkling of
an eye"
''How will you proceed9'' asked Am
herst, smiling incredulously. 81 cannot
for the life of me see how you will sue
coed.
eff you will provide me with some
wedges, a mallet and a few picked men
from my rangers, win take her or per-
ish in the attempt"
Amherst was astonished Here was a
man who, with no arms but beetle and
wedges, together with three or four men,
could capture a fully armed, well manned
vessel which had thwarted and nonplused
O whole army! Well might he have been
Onel was in earnest, and knowing some |
thing of his ingenuity and logged deter |
mination to succeed in whatever he under |
took, he gave the required authority, fur
nished the articles necessary for the haz- |
Rrdous undertaking and waited with min
gled curiosity and incredulousness for the |
result.
All being in readiness, Putnam waited |
for night. 1t came, and, to his satisfac- |
ton, was as dark as Erebus. 1t was noised /
about the camp that a moven ent was on |
foot to capture or destroy the vessels which |
stood, scarcely discernible in the fast gath /
ering gloom, like two grim sentinels |
watching with jealous eyes the broad |
Stream and guarding it from all intruders. |
A number of officers, including Amherst |
himself, gathered around to see the daring |
provincial off on his perilous expedition. |
The general was extremely anxious for the |
success of the stratagem, although he did |
not have much faith in it. He was igno-
rant as to the plan in which it was to be |
for Putnam had not dis !
closed to him the secret. He advised him |
to be cautious and not rush rashly into
danger.
Trust me for that, general, 3" gayly re-
sponded the provincial colonel and then
amid the well wishes of his brother officers
he pushed off.
Silently, with muf1ed oars the little
band, with their intrepid leader at the
helm, rowed on. The darkness was intense,
and not an object could have been seen at
the distance of few yards They skirted
the shore for a short distance and then
struck boldly for the opposite shore.
Once the rowers ran against a floating
log, and the impetus given by the shock
almost knocked them overheard, but they
their balance, and after learning
the cause they rowed on again in silence.
Putnam gave his commands in a low
tone, and not a sound was heard but the
deep, hurried breathing of the men as they
bent energetically to the oars and the rip
pling sound of the waves against the PROV
Of the boat as it glided swiftly onward.
With his eagle eye piercing the gloom
ahead, he at length saw the dark outline
IF the French vessel looming up through
The inky darkness. Giving the order to
rest on their oars, followed Immediate
y by back water, - the little boat bearing
It's determined, resolute crew glided under
jhe vessels stern, and Putnam, DESERVING
The helm, grasped the chains of the ships
-udder and made fast Listening intent
y, the low, measured tramp of the SEN
incl was distinctly heard pacing the deck,
md his "Qui vige?'' as a fellow sentinel
him were the only sounds that
we're heard, and the little band breath,
more freely as they learned that they were
They then firmly but noiselessly drove
he wedge between the rudder and the
so as to render the rudder COM
lletely unmanageable. They then eau
iously, stealthily effected their escape.
The sequel to this daring attempt was
hat the man -of-war, deprived of her helm,
vas left at the mercy of the winds and
waves and was soon driven ashore, where
he struck her colors. Her companion soon
ollowed her example, seeing her fate, and
hus this victory was won without the
ring of a gun on either side, and the
rmy were enabled by this gallant exploit
t Putnam to GROSS over in safety and re-
uce the fortress, which they did without
0ss of a man.-Hesperian