Putnam, Israel, as Continental General

Letter signed ("Israel Putnam"), 1 page (9 5/8 x 8 1/4 in.; 245 x 210 mm), Peekskill, [New York], 3 June 1777, to Col. [William] Palfrey [at Middlebrook, New Jersey], docketed on verso "from Genl. Putnam June 3 1777"; formerly folded, lightly browned, offset from engraved portrait affecting text.

Julia M. Dickenson Tayloe — Cabell Gwathmey (sale, Parke-Bernet 9 January 1951, lot 123)

In May 1777, Putnam was about to take command of the Hudson Highlands, an easily defensible natural barrier 45 miles north of occupied New York City. William Palfrey was paymaster general of the army. General Washington had just written (25 May) asking Putnam to consult with Generals McDougall and Clinton on the feasibility of mounting an attack on Kings bridge, and to respond to him through "a careful person" (Papers of GW, 5: 530-531).

Putnam writes: "The money you sent by Capt. Littlefield is just Arived — I shall consult Genl.  McDougall and Genl. Clinton to fix on time some proper person for that appointment and will acquaint you with it when done — I have paid Capt. Littlefield for the Expence of coming which was 20 dollars wanting two shillings and have advanced ten dollars to the Light horse men to return."