The Whites of Their Eyes: The Life of Revolutionary War Hero Israel Putnam from Rogers' Rangers to Bunker Hill

One of the most famous quotes from the Revolutionary War, "Dont fire until you see the whites of their eyes," is believed to have been spoken by General Israel Putnam at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Despite his reputation as a skilled battlefield commander and his colorful military service, Putnam has not received the recognition he deserves from modern historians. The Whites of Their Eyes, by Michael Shay, tells the exciting life of Putnam, born in 1718 near Salem, Massachusetts, and raised in northeastern Connecticut. During the French and Indian War, Putnam enlisted as a private and rose to the rank of colonel, serving alongside Robert Rogers. He led assaults on French forts, marched against Montreal, survived a shipwreck and yellow fever, and defended Detroit during Pontiac's rebellion. When the Revolutionary War began, Putnam was considered for high command and played a significant role in planning and leading the Battle of Bunker Hill. He argued for fortifying Breeds Hill, which would become the focal point of the battle. Putnam demonstrated his ability and courage as a battlefield commander during the battles for Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island in 1776. However, he sometimes struggled with tactical and strategic decision-making. In 1777, the British tricked Putnam into withdrawing from the Hudson Highlands, and he spent the rest of the war on non-battlefield duty in Connecticut before being paralyzed by a stroke in 1779. Putnam's life and exploits make him one of the most interesting officers in American military history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 17 October 2023
Publisher: Stackpole Books

“Dont fire until you see the whites of their eyes” is one of the most enduring and stirring quotations from the Revolutionary War, and it is believed to have been uttered by General Israel Putnam during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Despite Putnam's reputation as a skilled battlefield commander and his extensive military service across the globe, he has not received the recognition he deserves from modern historians. In his book, The Whites of Their Eyes, Michael Shay delves into the exciting life of Israel Putnam.

Born in 1718 near Salem, Massachusetts, Putnam relocated to northeastern Connecticut in 1740. He was a slave owner and is reputed to have killed Connecticut's last wolf, in a cave known as Israel Putnam Wolf Den, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. During the French and Indian War, Putnam enlisted as a private and quickly rose to the rank of colonel. He served alongside Robert Rogers, the famous founder and leader of the Rangers, and was known for his motto, "Rogers always sent, but Putnam led his men to action."

In 1759, Putnam led an assault on French Fort Carillon, which later became Ticonderoga. In 1760, he marched against Montreal. In 1762, he survived a shipwreck and yellow fever during an expedition against Cuba. In 1763, he was sent to defend Detroit during Pontiac's rebellion.

When the Revolutionary War began, Putnam, who had been influenced by the Stamp Act, was immediately considered for high command. He was named one of the Continental Army's first four major generals and played a crucial role in planning and leading the Battle of Bunker Hill. During the battle, Putnam gave the famous order, "Dont fire until you see the whites of their eyes," and advocated for fortifying Breeds Hill, alongside Bunker Hill. Most of the fighting took place on Breeds Hill.

During the battles for Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island in the summer of 1776, Putnam played a significant role. He commanded the left wing of the army during the Battle of Long Island and was instrumental in securing the victory. His leadership and bravery during these battles earned him the admiration of his fellow soldiers and the respect of his adversaries.

Despite his significant contributions to the Revolutionary War, Putnam has not received the same level of recognition as some of his contemporaries. This may be due to various factors, including the historical focus on other generals and the limited attention paid to the lesser-known battles and commanders. However, Putnam's legacy as a skilled military leader and a courageous fighter should not be overlooked.

In conclusion, Israel Putnam's life and military career are a testament to the bravery and determination of those who fought for American independence. His contributions to the Revolutionary War, particularly at the Battle of Bunker Hill, are worthy of recognition and study. Through his book, The Whites of Their Eyes, Michael Shay has brought Putnam's story to a wider audience, and it is hoped that this will help to ensure that he receives the due recognition he deserves as a key figure in American history.

Weight: 708g
Dimension: 236 x 164 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780811773515