THE remainder of the life of General Putnam was passed in quiet retirement with his family. He experienced few interruptions in his bodily health, (except the paralytic debility with which he was afflicted) retained full possession of his mental faculties, and enjoyed the society of his friends until the 17th of May, 1790, when he was violently attacked with an inflammatory disease. Satisfied from the first that it would prove mortal, he was calm and resigned, and welcomed the approach of death with joy, as a messenger sent to call him from a life of toil to everlasting rest. On the 19th of May, 1790, he ended a life which had been spent in cultivating and defending the soil of his birth. Much of his life had been spent in arms, and the military of the neighbourhood were desirous that the rites of sepulture should be accompanied with martial honours: they felt that this last tribute of respect was due to a soldier, who, from a patriotic love of country, had devoted the best part of his life to the defence of her rights, and the establishment of her independence-and who, through long and trying services, was never once reproached for misconduct as an officer; but when disease compelled him to retire from service, left it, beloved and respected by the army and his chief, and with high claims to the grateful remembrance of his country. 15 Under these impressions, the grenadiers of the 11th regiment, the independent corps of artillerists, and the militia companies in the neighbourhood, assembled each at their appointed rendezvous, early on the morning of the 21st, and having repaired to the late dwelling house of the deceased, a suitable escort was formed, attended by a procession of the Masonic brethren present, and a large concourse of respectable citizens, which moved to the Congregational meeting house in Brooklyn; and, after divine service performed by the Rev. Dr. Whitney, all that was earthly of a patriot and hero was laid in the silent tomb, under the discharge of vollies from the infantry, and minute guns from the artillery. The following eulogium was pronounced at the grave of General Putnam bg Dr. A. Waldo. "Those venerable relics! once delighted in the endearing domestic virtues, which constitute the excellent neighbour-husbandparent-and worthy brother! liberal and substantial in his friendship;-unsuspicious-open -and generous;-just and sincere in dealing; a benevolent citizen of the world-He concentrated in his bosom, the noble qualities of an HONEST MAN. "Born a hero-whom nature taught and cherished in the lap of innumerable toils and dangers, he was terrible in battle! But, from the amiableness of his heart-when carnage ceased, his humanity spread over the field, like the refreshing zephyrs of a summer's evening! -The prisoner-the wounded-the sick-the forlorn-experienced the delicate sympathy of this SOLDIER'S PILLAR-The poor, and the needy, of every description, received the charitable bounties of this CHRISTIAN SOLDIer. "He pitied littleness-loved goodness-admired greatness, and ever aspired to its glo rious summit! The friend, the servant, and almost unparalleled lover of his country;worn with honourable age, and the former toils of war-PUTNAM! Rests from his labours.' "Till mouldering worlds and tumbling systems burst! When the last trump shall renovate his dust→→ Still by the mandate of eternal truth, His soul will flourish in immortal youth!' "This all who knew him know;-this all who lov'd him, tell." The late Rev. Dr. Dwight, President of Yale College, who knew General Putnam intimately, has portrayed his character faithfully in the following inscription, which is engraven on his tomb. remember the distinguished and gallant services by the Patriot who sleeps beneath this marble; whose generosity was singular, raised himself to universal esteem, and a useful life. |