Where was the British commander going? Some thought to the Hudson River, some to Philadelphia. No patriot could know.
Washington was in great distress and perplexity.
Putnam commanded Philadelphia. In this crisis a young man presented himself to General Putnam.
“I am a patriot at heart,” he said, “but have been with Lord Howe. I have been commanded by Lord Howe to bear a letter to General Burgoyne, but, true to the American cause, I have brought the letter to you.”
The letter was, or seemed to be, in the handwriting of Lord Howe. It was sent to Washington. It informed Burgoyne that the fleet was about to proceed against Boston.
“The letter is a feint,” said Washington. But he read into it the real design of Lord Howe, which was to proceed against him, and he was thrown by it into the greatest perplexity.
He must have more troops, and at once. He consulted Putnam, and said: “I want you to send an express to Governor Trumbull at once. Tell him to send the State militia without delay. He will not fail me.” He added: “Connecticut can not be in more danger than this. Governor Trumbull will, I trust, be sensible to this. I must appeal again to Brother Jonathan.”
These were nearly Washington’s own words to Connecticut Putnam, of the fearless heart.
Putnam sent a courier to Connecticut, a man on a winged horse, as it were, who “flew” as Dennis had done.
“If you ever rode, ride now,” was the probable order. “If we ever had need of Brother Jonathan, it is now.”