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THBc. 1778 Revolutionary War Engraving of American General Israel Putnam
Lot 142
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$500 - $600
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About Auction
Live
By Early American History Auctions
Aug 24, 2019
Set Reminder
2019-08-24 12:00:00
2019-08-24 12:00:00
America/New_York
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Bidsquare : Autographs, Colonial Currency, Political Americana, Historic Guns
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Historic Autographs • Colonial Currency • American Civil War Colonial Era • Revolutionary War • Political Americana • Black History Early American History Auctions auctions@earlyamerican.com
Historic Autographs • Colonial Currency • American Civil War Colonial Era • Revolutionary War • Political Americana • Black History Early American History Auctions auctions@earlyamerican.com
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- Lot Description
American Revolution
Engraved Portrait of American Major General Israel Putnam Commander of American Forces at the Battle of Bunker Hill
c. 1778, Revolutionary War Period Copper Plate Engraving of General Israel Putnam, Murray's History of the American War, England, Choice Crisp Extremely Fine.
A scarce classic, original Engraved Copper Plate Portrait of General Israel Putnam (1718-1790), the highly important early Commander of American forces at Bunker Hill in the Revolutionary War. Famous for his historic command on June 17, 1775 at Bunker Hill: "Men, you are all marksmen -- don't one of your fire until you see the whites of their eyes." Imprinted page measures to 5" x 8", text and designs sharply printed in black on handmade laid period paper. This image American General Israel Putnam, who was already well known in England for his role with Rogers Rangers during the French and Indian War, was removed from a book on the history of the American Revolution published at Newcastle upon Tyne: Printed for T. Robson. A historic and wonderful original print, having a blank reverse, this is excellent for display.
Israel Putnam was born in Salem Village (now Danvers), Massachusetts, the son of a prominent farm family. In 1740, he moved to Pomfret in northeastern Connecticut, where cheaper land was available, and quickly became prosperous.
Putnam put domestic affairs aside during the French and Indian War, serving early with Rogers' Rangers. He later was captured by Indians, but was spared from being burned at the stake by the last-minute intervention of a French officer.
In 1759, he participated in the attack on Fort Ticonderoga and later at Montreal. In 1762, he survived a shipwreck during a campaign against the Spanish in Havana and later served at Detroit during Pontiac's Rebellion.
Putnam's postwar life as a farmer and innkeeper exhibited a growing political involvement. He was outspoken against British taxation policies during the Stamp Act crisis and became active in the Sons of Liberty. During this time, Putnam parlayed his fame as a military hero into a seat in the Connecticut assembly.
According to legend, Putnam left his plow in the field when he received word of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, to offer his services to the Patriot cause. His reputation secured his appointment as one of four major generals to serve under George Washington.
In June 1775, Putnam offered distinguished service at the Battle of Bunker Hill, planned the fortifications for Breed's Hill and later fought in the battle itself. He progressed to overall command of the American forces in New York until Washington's arrival.
Putnam's fortunes took a downturn at Long Island, where he was forced to effect a hasty retreat. Washington did not blame Putnam for this failure as some in Congress did. However, Washington reconsidered the talents of his general and assigned him to recruiting activities.
In 1777, Putnam received another, though lesser, military command in the Hudson highlands. He abandoned Forts Montgomery and Clinton, and was brought before a court of inquiry for those actions. However, he was exonerated of any wrongdoing. In December 1779, Putnam suffered a paralyzing stroke, which ended his military service.
In the early days of the war, Putnam was regarded by Washington as one of the Americans' most valuable military assets, but this view was probably based primarily upon earlier exploits from his colorful past. In the War of Independence, however, Putnam proved to be incapable of commanding complex campaigns, which sharply reduced his value to the cause.
---- Selected Quotes ----
Quote by Israel Putnam:
Regarding Battle of Bunker Hill
Men, you are all marksmen -- don't one of your fire until you see the whites of their eyes.
June 17, 1775
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