He seems to have been formed on purpose for the age in which he lived.

His native courage, unshaken integrity, and established reputation as a soldier, were necessary in the early stages of our opposition to Great Britain, and gave unbounded confidence to our troops in their first conflicts on the field of battle." Over his open grave, on that day in June so long ago, were pronounced the following words, as true now as yesterday, as they will be henceforth, forever: "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.
...

He pitied littleness, loved goodness, admired greatness, and ever aspired to its glorious summit." The name of Putnam, as Washington declared, is not forgotten--nor will be, until time shall be no more.
"He dared to lead Where any dared to follow.

In their need Men looked to him.
A tower of strength was Israel Putnam's name, A rally-word for patriot acclaim; It meant resolve, and hope, and bravery, And steady cheerfulness and constancy.
And if, in years to come, men should forget That only freedom makes a nation great; If men grow less as wealth accumulates, Till gold becomes the life-blood of our States; Should all these heavy ills weigh down our heart, We'll turn to him who acted well his part In those old days, draw lessons from his fame, And hope and strength from Israel Putnam's name." THE END..