Haldimand S. Putnam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Haldimand Sumner Putnam
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| Born | October 15, 1835 Cornish, New Hampshire |
| Died | July 18, 1863 (aged 27) Fort Wagner, South Carolina |
| Allegiance |  Union |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1857–1863 |
| Rank |  Brevet Colonel |
| Commands held |  7th New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Haldimand Sumner Putnam (born October 15, 1835 – died July 18, 1863) was a brave officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He held the rank of a special kind of colonel, called a brevet colonel. Colonel Putnam sadly lost his life during the Second Battle of Fort Wagner.
Early Life and Education
Haldimand Sumner Putnam was born on October 15, 1835, in Cornish, New Hampshire. His father, John L. Putnam, was a farmer and a judge.
When he was sixteen, Haldimand joined the West Point Military Academy. He studied hard and graduated in 1857 with excellent grades.
Military Career
After graduating, Putnam quickly joined the United States Army. He became a second lieutenant in the Corps of Topographical Engineers. This group focused on mapping and surveying land.
He worked at different places across the western frontier. Soon, he was promoted to first lieutenant.
American Civil War Service
When the American Civil War began, Putnam was given an important job. He had to deliver a secret message to Fort Pickens. He completed his mission successfully.
However, on his way back north, soldiers from the Confederate Army captured him. They held him prisoner for several days in Montgomery, Alabama.
After his release, Putnam joined General Irvin McDowell's forces. He fought in the First Battle of Bull Run. For his bravery in this battle, he earned the special rank of brevet major.
In October 1861, Putnam returned to New Hampshire. He took command of the 7th New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment. This group of soldiers had been put together by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Carter Abbott. Putnam became the full colonel of the regiment in December 1861.
His regiment was stationed in several places. They served at Fort Jefferson on Tortugas Island, then in St. Augustine, Florida. Later, they moved to Port Royal, South Carolina, and then near Charleston, South Carolina.
In 1863, Putnam led a group of soldiers called a brigade. He commanded them during an important mission at Stono Inlet. He also led them when they captured Morris Island. In March 1863, he was promoted to captain in the Regular Army.
For several months before the Second Battle of Fort Wagner, he acted as a brigadier general. On July 18, 1863, he led his brigade into battle. His brigade included the 7th New Hampshire, 62nd Ohio, 67th Ohio, and 100th New York regiments.
During the intense fighting, Colonel Putnam was killed. He was hit by a musket ball while encouraging his men. His body was never found.
