And he also knew the men of his command better than any officers of inferior rank knew them.

His one cry was, "fight, fight; bring our men into contact with the enemy, in order that they shall gain confidence and learn that they are really their equals, and more than that.

Fight and entrench, entrench and fight; run away when it comes to a pinch, fight while you run; but fight!" "But will our men stand before an enemy ?" queried the timid ones.

"Yes, they will," declared Putnam with a laugh.

"Our troops are not all afraid of their heads, though very much concerned for their _legs_, and if you cover these they'll fight forever!" In other words, put them behind entrenchments, and he would pit them against the finest fighters that could be brought against them.