PUTNAM INVESTORS FUND
NSAR-B, 1999-09-27
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SIGNATURE   PAUL G. BUCUVALAS
TITLE       MANAGING DIRECTOR



Page



The Board of Trustees
Putnam Investors Fund

In   planning  and  performing  our  audit  of  the  financial
statements  of Putnam Investors Fund for the year  ended  July
31,  1999,  we  considered  its  internal  control,  including
control  activities for safeguarding securities, in  order  to
determine   our  auditing  procedures  for  the   purpose   of
expressing  our  opinion on the financial  statements  and  to
comply  with  the requirements of Form N-SAR, not  to  provide
assurance on internal control.

The  management  of  Putnam Investor Fund is  responsible  for
establishing and maintaining internal control.  In  fulfilling
this responsibility, estimates and judgments by management are
required to assess the expected benefits and related costs  of
controls.  Generally, controls that are relevant to  an  audit
pertain  to  the  entity's objective  of  preparing  financial
statements for external purposes that are fairly presented  in
conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.
Those  controls  include the safeguarding  of  assets  against
unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition.

Because of inherent limitations in internal control, errors or
irregularities   may  occur  and  not  be   detected.    Also,
projection  of  any evaluation of internal control  to  future
periods  is subject to the risks that it may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions or that the effectiveness  of
the design and operation may deteriorate.

Our  consideration of internal control would  not  necessarily
disclose  all  matters  in  internal  control  that  might  be
material  weaknesses  under  standards  established   by   the
American   Institute  of  Certified  Public  Accountants.    A
material  weakness  is  a condition in  which  the  design  or
operation  of  one or more of the internal control  components
does not reduce to a relatively low level the risk that errors
or  irregularities  in  amounts  that  would  be  material  in
relation  to the financial statements being audited may  occur
and not be detected within a timely period by employees in the
normal   course   of  performing  their  assigned   functions.
However,  we  noted no matters involving internal control  and
its operation, including controls for safeguarding securities,
that we consider to be material weaknesses as defined above.

This report is intended solely for the information and use  of
management, the Board of Trustees of Putnam Investor Fund, and
the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not intended  to
be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified
parties.
Boston, Massachusetts
September 8, 1999

/s/   KPMG LLP




July 16, 1999

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549

Dear Sirs:

We have read the statements made by John D. Hughes,
Treasurer of The Putnam Funds (copy attached), which we
understand will be filed in response to Sub-Item 77k of Form
N-SAR and agree with the statements concerning our firm
contained therein.

Very truly yours,



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers












                              July 12, 1999



Mr. B. Robert Rubin, Partner
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109

Dear Mr. Rubin:

     On June 3, 1999, the Audit and Pricing Committee of the
Putnam funds listed on the attached Exhibit 1 voted to
recommend to the Trustees not to retain
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent accountants
for such funds.  The Trustees are expected to consider this
recommendation at their upcoming meeting in July.

     In accordance with the requirements of Item 304 of
Regulation S-K, please provide us with a letter from your
firm addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission
stating your agreement with the following:

     1.   On June 3, 1999, the Audit and Pricing Committee
          of the Putnam funds specified on Exhibit 1 voted
          not to retain PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
          funds' independent accountants.  The Trustees are
          expected to consider this recommendation at their
          upcoming meeting in July.

     2.   PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's reports on the funds'
          financial statements for fiscal years ended in
          1997 and 1998 did not contain an adverse opinion
          or a disclaimer of opinion, nor were such reports
          qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit
          scope or accounting principles.

     3.   During the funds' fiscal years ended in 1997 and
          1998, and through the date hereof, (i) there were
          no disagreements with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
          on any matter of accounting principles or
          practices, financial statement disclosure, or
          auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements,




                                               July 12, 1999

                              -2-

Mr. B. Robert Rubin, Partner

          if not resolved to the satisfaction of
          PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, would have caused it
          to make reference to the subject matter of the
          disagreement in its report on the financial
          statements for such years and (ii) there were no
          "reportable events" as defined in paragraph (a)
          (l) (v) of item 304 of Regulation S-K.

     A copy of your letter will be filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission along with this letter as an exhibit
to each fund's next form N-SAR (in accordance with Sub-Item
77k of form N-SAR).

                              Sincerely,



                              /s/ John D. Hughes
                                   Treasurer of The Putnam
Funds





























                          Exhibit 1

Trust/Fund                         1940 Act    1933 Act
                                   SEC File No:   Sec File
No:

Putnam Growth Opportunities Fund   811-7237    33-56339

Putnam Investors Fund              811-159     2-10783

Putnam Premier Income Trust        811-5452    33-19648

Putnam Research Fund               811-7237    33-56339

Putnam California Tax Exempt Income Fund       811-3630
2-81011

Putnam California Tax Exempt Money Market      811-5333
33-17211
Fund

Putnam Asia Pacific Growth Fund    811-6202    33-37528

Putnam Tax Exempt Income Fund      811-2675    2-57165

Putnam Convertible Income-Growth Trust         811-2280
2-43384

Putnam Global Growth Fund          811-1403    2-25258

Putnam Income Fund                 811-653     2-11147

Putnam Managed Municipal Income Trust          811-5740
33-26292

Putnam Master Income Trust         811-5375    33-18169

Putnam Equity Income Fund          811-2742    2-58869

Putnam Growth & Income Fund II     811-7223    33-55979

Putnam High Yield Advantage Fund   811-4616    33-2710

Putnam Intermediate U.S. Government Income     811-6257
33-37991
Fund

Putnam Investment Grade Municipal Trust        811-5901
33-30934














WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

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Putnam Investors Fund
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   <NAME> CLASS A

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<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            13.67
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                  (.02)
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<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              15.78
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .89
[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING]                               0
[AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE]                                 0


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WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
Putnam Investors Fund
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 5
   <NAME> CLASS B

<S>                             <C>
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<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1999
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<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                  10,140,947,838
<RECEIVABLES>                               62,442,038
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     181
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<TOTAL-ASSETS>                          10,203,390,057
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    47,427,377
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   40,799,031
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         88,226,408
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                 7,869,844,856
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                      201,167,798
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                       74,395,758
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<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
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<INTEREST-INCOME>                            9,561,150
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<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                   (24,424,448)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    71,709,481
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                1,096,027,095
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                    1,143,312,128
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<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                  (42,895,379)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
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<GROSS-EXPENSE>                             76,525,819
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                     1,950,684,947
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            13.17
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                  (.13)
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           2.40
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[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING]                               0
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WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
Putnam Investors Fund
</LEGEND>
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   <NUMBER> 5
   <NAME> CLASS C

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<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                 7,869,844,856
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           97,234
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                     69,793,441
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                 2,175,525,352
<NET-ASSETS>                            10,115,163,649
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                           41,592,500
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            9,561,150
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                              75,578,098
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                   (24,424,448)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    71,709,481
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                1,096,027,095
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                    1,143,312,128
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         97,234
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                   5,632,626,154
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                  159,282,911
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                       32,921,759
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                             76,525,819
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                           607,042
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            16.08
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                         (0.31)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              15.77
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .03
[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING]                               0
[AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE]                                 0


</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
Putnam Investors Fund
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 5
   <NAME> CLASS M

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1999
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                    7,965,422,486
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                  10,140,947,838
<RECEIVABLES>                               62,442,038
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     181
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                          10,203,390,057
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    47,427,377
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   40,799,031
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         88,226,408
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                 7,869,844,856
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       12,924,354
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                        6,512,897
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                     69,793,441
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                 2,175,525,352
<NET-ASSETS>                            10,115,163,649
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                           41,592,500
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            9,561,150
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                              75,578,098
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                   (24,424,448)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    71,709,481
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                1,096,027,095
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                    1,143,312,128
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                   (3,292,652)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      9,707,455
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (3,530,485)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                            234,487
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                   5,632,626,154
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                  159,282,911
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                       32,921,759
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                             76,525,819
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       142,522,109
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            13.47
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                  (.09)
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           2.46
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                        (.38)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              15.46
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.39
[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING]                               0
[AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE]                                 0


</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
Putnam Investors Fund
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 5
   <NAME> CLASS Y

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1999
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                    7,965,422,486
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                  10,140,947,838
<RECEIVABLES>                               62,442,038
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                     181
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                          10,203,390,057
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    47,427,377
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   40,799,031
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         88,226,408
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                 7,869,844,856
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       47,635,019
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                       14,983,802
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                     69,793,441
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                 2,175,525,352
<NET-ASSETS>                            10,115,163,649
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                           41,592,500
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            9,561,150
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                              75,578,098
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                   (24,424,448)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    71,709,481
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                1,096,027,095
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                    1,143,312,128
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                   (5,993,204)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     45,409,117
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (13,193,453)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                            435,553
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                   5,632,626,154
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                  159,282,911
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                       32,921,759
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                             76,525,819
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       357,775,243
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            13.70
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .01
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           2.51
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                        (.38)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              15.84
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .64
[AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING]                               0
[AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE]                                 0


</TABLE>


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