According to an anecdote from his enslaver, Israel Putnam, Dick Putnam became Israel Putnam’s property when Israel rescued Daniel, then a young, enslaved boy, from a beating in Havana, where Dick lived and Israel was visiting while on a military mission. Israel brought Daniel back to his Connecticut farm in present-day Brooklyn, CT, where Daniel began to serve the Putnam family. When the Revolutionary War broke out, Dick Putnam enlisted to serve alongside his enslaver, Gen. Putnam. Dick Putnam appears to have gained his freedom through his military service. By the 1800 census, Dick Putnam is living as a free Head of Household.