20 February 1777

Putnam, Israel, 1718-1790

Letter signed

Title: to John Neilson

Informs that he has received a letter from General Philomen Dickinson transmitting a warning about a British plan of attack against Continental General Putnam and Colonel Neilson. Someone overheard that Cortlandt Skinner, a Tory officer and Lagranger[?] were planning an attack. Directs him to take the necessary precautions. Text in hand of Aaron Burr. Note on address leave permitting John Long to pass to Cranbury, New Jersey, with this letter by orders of Putnam.

GLC06307.01

February 25, 1777

Putnam, Israel, 1718-1790

Letter signed

Title: to John Neilson

Reports that there is intelligence showing that the British are planning a movement toward Delaware. Advises that if this occurs, Colonel Neilson should join him immediately with his men. Warns him not to be fooled, "be careful that you are not deceived into this Movement by any Foraging Party for the Enemy, but previous to taking this step observe if possible whether or not they are really prepared for a March." Informs that the British are building pontoons in New York and that he should try to find out if any arrive at Amboy, New Jersey. Also instructs Neilson to spare no expense to…

GLC06307.02

November 22, 1778

Putnam, Israel, 1718-1790

Letter signed

Title: to Ezra Badlam

Letter written by Major General Putnam as commanded Continental forces near Redding, Connecticut to Lieutenant Colonel Badlam as commander of the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment. Orders Badlam to take his regiment to New Hartford, Connecticut or wherever General Enoch Poor is, to relieve him from oversight of the Convention troops. Those troops were British prisoners of war from the Saratoga Campaign of 1777. Wants Badlam to take the Convention troops to Fish Kill Landing. Recommends taking only provisions and no baggage. Says Poor will provide further directions. Struck out on a blank page is…

GLC01450.157

28 March 1776

Putnam, Israel, 1718-1790

Manuscript document signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Instructs Knox to withhold four pounds from the pay of a matross in his regiment named Henry Irvington. The money had previously been advanced to Irvington. Putnam was one of the original major generals appointed by the Continental Congress.

GLC02437.00262