HISTORY OF VERMONT. 38B. 



jnen on one of the islands in the lake. Leaving 

 two of his boats to fish at a distance, that they 

 might not occasion any alarm, he returned him-, 

 self with the information. The general saw 

 him rowing back with great velocity in a single 

 boat, and concluded that the other two had been 

 captured ; he sent orders to Putnam to leave 

 his men in the boat, and come ashore alone. 

 Putnam informed him of the discovery he had, 

 made, and urged the necessity of returning im- 

 spxcdiately to make further discoveries, and 

 hnui!: off the boats, Webb reluctantlv consent- 

 cd, and Putnam hastened to secure liis boats j 

 having joined his men, he pressed further on 

 till he discovered a large army in motion, and 

 was seen by the enemy. Several of their ca- 

 noes pursued him, and though nearly surround- 

 ed at times, by the most vigorous exertions he 

 escaped. On his return, he gave to general 

 Webb, a minute account of all that he had seen 

 and added that the army of the enemy must 

 undoubtedly be designed against fort William 

 Plenry. General Webb enjoined the most 

 absolute silence upon the subject, and directed 

 him to put his men under an oath of secrecy, 

 and prepare immediately to return to the head 

 quarters of the army at fort Ed\vard. Wish- 

 ing to be engaged in surprising the enemy on 

 the lake, Putnam made this remark, " He ho. 

 ped his excellency did not intend to neglect so 

 fair an opportunity of giving battle, should the 

 enemy presume to land." " What do you 

 think we should do here," replied the general. 

 The next di\y, Webb returned to fort Edward, 

 escorted by Putnam; and the day after, colonel 



