USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > History of South Boston (its past and present) and prospects for the future, with sketches of prominent men > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
83
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
taking off his thigh : the other. a private, by the explosion of a shell, which also slightly wounded four or five more.
Our taking possession of Dorchester Heights is only preparatory to taking post on Nook's Hill, and the points opposite to the south end of Boston. It was absolutely necessary, that they should be previously forti- fied, in order to cover and command them. As soon as the works on the former are finished, measures will be immediately adopted for securing the latter, and making them as strong and defensible as we can. Their con- tiguity to the enemy will make them of much importance and of great service to us. As mortars are essential, and indispensably necessary for carrying on our operations, and for the prosecution of our plans, I have applied to two furnaces to have some thirteen-inch ones cast with all expedition imaginable, and am encouraged to hope, from the accounts I have had, that they will be able to do it. When they are done, and a proper supply of powder obtained, I flatter myself, from the posts we have just taken and are about to take, that it will be in our power to force the ministerial troops to an attack, or to dispose of them in some way, that will be of advantage to us. I think from these posts they will be so galled and annoyed, that they must either give us battle or quit their present possessions. I am resolved that nothing on my part shall be wanting to effect the one or the other.
It having been the general opinion, that the enemy would attempt to dislodge our people from the Heights, and force their works as soon as they were discovered, which probably might have brought on a general engagement, it was thought advisable, that the honorable Council should be applied to. to order in the militia from the neighboring and adjacent towns. I wrote to them on the subject, which they most readily complied with : and, in justice to the militia, I cannot but inform you, that they came in at the appointed time, and manifested the greatest alertness and determined resolution to act like men engaged in the cause of freedom.
When the enemy first discovered our works in the morning, they seemed to be in great confusion, and, from their movements, to intend an attack. It is much to be wished, that it had been made. The event, I think, must have been fortunate, and nothing less than success and victory on our side, as our officers and men appeared impatient for the appeal, and to possess the most animated sentiments and determined reso- lution. On Tuesday evening a considerable number of their troops embarked on board of their transports, and fell down to the Castle, where part of them landed before dark. One or two of the vessels got aground, and were fired at by our people with a field-piece, but without any damage. What was the design of this embarkation and landing, I have not been able to learn. It would seem as if they meant an attack ; for it is most probable, that, if they make one on our works at Dorchester at this time, they will first go to the Castle, and come from thence. If such was their design a violent storm that night, which lasted till eight o'clock the next day, rendered the execution of it impracticable. It carried one or two of their vessels ashore, which they have since got off.
In case the ministerial troops had made an attempt to dislodge our men from Dorchester Heights, and the number detached upon the occasion had been so great as to have afforded a probability of a successful attack
84
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
being made upon Boston ; on a signal being given from Roxbury for that purpose, agreeably to a settled and concerted plan, four thousand chosen men, who were held in readiness, were to have embarked at the mouth of Cambridge River, in two divisions, the first under command of Brigadier- General Sullivan, the second under Brigadier-General Greene; the whole to have been commanded by Major-General Putnam. The first division was to land at the powder-house, and gain possession of Beacon Hill and Mount Horam ; the second at Barton's Point, or a little south of it, and, after securing that post, to join the other division, and force the enemy's gates and works at the neck, for letting in the Roxbury troops. Three floating batteries were to have preceded, and gone in front of the other boats, and kept up a heavy fire on that part of the town where our men were to land.
How far our views would have succeeded, had an opportunity offered for attempting the execution, it is impossible for me to say. Nothing less than experiment could determine with precision. The plan was thought to be well digested ; and, as far as I could learn from the cheerfulness and alacrity, which distinguished the officers and men, who were to engage in the enterprise, I had reason to hope for a favorable and happy issue. The militia, who were ordered in from the adjacent towns, brought with them three days' provisions. They were only called upon to act under the idea of an attack being immediately made, and were all discharged this afternoon.
March 9th .- The account given by Capt. Irvine, as to the embarka- tion, and their being about to leave town, I believe true. There are other circumstances corroborating ; and it seems fully confirmed by a paper signed by four of the selectmen of the town (a copy of which I have the honor to enclose to you), which was brought out yesterday evening by a flag, and delivered to Col. Learned, by Major Bassett, of the tenth regi- ment, who desired it might be delivered to me as soon as possible. I advised with such of the general officers upon the occasion as I could immediately assemble ; and we determined it right ( as it was not addressed to me, nor to anyone else, nor authenticated by the signature of Gen. Howe, or any other act obliging him to a performance of the promise men- tioned on his part), that I should give it no answer ; at the same time, that a letter should be returned, as going from Col. Learned, signifying his having laid it before me ; with the reasons assigned for not answering it. A copy of this is sent.
Tonight I shall have a battery thrown up on Nook's Hill, Dorchester Point, with a design of acting as circumstances may require ; it being judged advisible to prosecute our plans of fortifications, as we intended before this information from the selectmen came. It being agreed on all hands, that there is no possibility of stopping them in case they determine to go, I shall order look-outs to be kept upon all the headlands, to discover their movements and course, and, moreover, direct Commodore Manley and his little squadron to dog them, as well for the same purpose, as for pick- ing up any of their vessels, that may chance to depart from their convoy. From their loading with such precipitancy, it is presumable they will not be in the best condition for sea.
If the ministerial troops evacuate the town and leave it standing, I
S5
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
have thoughts of taking measures for fortifying the entrance into the har- bor, if it shall be thought proper, and the situation of affairs will admit of it. Notwithstanding the report from Boston, that Halifax is the place of their destination, I have no doubt but that they are going to the south- ward. and. I apprehend to New York. Many reasons lead to this opinion. It is in some measure corroborated by their sending an express ship there, which. on Wednesday week, got on shore and bilged at Cape Cod. The despatches. if written. were destroyed when she was boarded. She had a parcel of coal. and about four thousand cannon-shot, six carriage-guns, a swivel or two, and three barrels of powder.
I shall hold the riflemen and other parts of our troops in readiness to march at a moment's warning, and govern our movements by the events that happen, or such orders as I may receive from Congress, which I beg may be ample, and forwarded with all possible expedition. I have the honor to be, etc.
The following is a copy of a letter written to his wife by Gen. Thomas, while yet on Dorchester Heights, and dated March 9, 1776 :
DEAR MRS. THOMAS :
We have for some time been preparing to take possession of Dorches- ter Point. On Monday. about 7 o'clock, I marched with about three thousand picked men. besides three hundred and sixty ox teams and some pieces of artillery. Two companies of the train of teams were laden with materials for our works. About 8 o'clock we ascended the high hills, and by daylight got two hills defensible.
About sunrise the enemy and others in Boston appeared numerous on the tops of the houses and wharves, viewing us with astonishment, for our appearance was unexpected to them.
The cannonading which had been kept up all night from our lines at Lamb's Dam, and from the enemy's lines likewise, at Lechmere Point, now ceased from these quarters, and the enemy turned their fire toward us on the hills, and they soon found it was to little effect.
About 10 o'clock we discovered large bodies of troops embarking in boats with their artillery, which made a formidable appearance. After some time they were put on board transports, and several of the ships came down near the Castle, as we supposed, with a design to land on our shore. Our people appeared in spirits to receive them. We were now in good posture of defence. and had two thousand men added to our number. The enemy viewed us critically, and remained in that situation that night. The next day it stormed and the ships returned to town and landed their troops. On Friday about 2 o'clock p.M. they sent a flag of truce, with a paper, a copy of which I enclose.
I have had but very little sleep or rest this week, being closely employed night and day. But now I think we are well secured. I write in haste, thinking you may be anxious to hear, as there is much firing this way. We lost but two men killed in all this affair. How things are in Boston, or what loss they have sustained from our shot and shells, at present we are not informed : but I am sensible we distressed them much, from appear- ance. I have wrote you enclosed by the same hand, and am in haste.
JNO. THOMAS.
Dorchester Hills, in a small hut, March 9, 1776.
86
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
P. S .- Your son, John, is well and in high spirits. He ran away from Oak- ley privately ; on Tuesday morning got by the sentries and came to me on Dorchester Hills, where he has been most of the time since.
The disobedient son, John, left on Monday evening at Roxbury, in charge of his colored servant, Oakley, was afterwards known as Col. Thomas of Kingston, Mass, and was then but ten years of age, and fearless by the side of George Washington and John Thomas did he stand in those days of danger.
A battery was planted on Leek, or Bird Hill (corner of Second and Dorchester Streets) on March 9, and another was placed at the Point. The intention was to annoy the fleet as much as possible.
Nook Hill, at the northern end of the peninsula, (near where is now the Lawrence school) owing to its proximity to the town of Boston, was an important position and Washington was determined to fortify it. He wished, thereby, to bring the British completely under his control.
Accordingly, on the night of March 9, a detachment was sent to erect a battery upon it. The night was cold and blustering and the soldiers, by some strange thoughtlessness, built a fire.
The light attracted the attention of the British and at once a severe cannonade was commenced, from the Green Store battery, near the corner of Washington and Dover Streets. Four soldiers and a regimental surgeon named Dole, were killed and the American troops were obliged to suspend operations and retreat. More than 800 shot were fired during the night.
The evident desire of the Americans to fortify Nook Hill hastened Gen. Howe's preparations and he called on the inhabitants of Boston to deliver to him immediately all the linen and woolen goods, and ordered his horse transports taken down to Castle William.
On the night of the 12th of March, the troops in Boston began to pillage stores and dwellings, and on the 14th, Gen. Howe ordered the streets barricaded and preparations were made for departure as soon as possible.
On the night of March 16th, a strong detachment of Americans was again sent to Nook Hill to fortify it. The British again discovered the work, and cannonaded it severely during the night, but they could not dislodge the Americans this time, and Gen. Howe resolved to evacuate the town without further delay.
On the morning of March 17, a breastwork was discovered on Nook Hill, which, from its position, had complete control of Boston Neck and the south end of the town-a work which the king's troops fearfully dreaded, and which made it imperative for the British either to retreat or be totally destroyed.
This was the culminating touch which Washington gave to his offensive measures, and it had the immediate and desired effect.
87
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
At four o'clock in the morning the British soldiers began to embark, and were all on board and under sail before ten o'clock.
Before noon of March 17, the 150 ships had left the harbor and were anchored off Nantasket Head, where they remained about ten days and were then forced to leave that position, as the Americans, fearing they were not there for any good, decreed that they had been there long enough, and sent a force down to drive them off.
No sooner had the British soldiers embarked on their ships than Gen. Ward, with 300 men, marched over the Neck, opened the gates of the town, and entered Boston, just as the last remnant of the British army, which had been a scourge to the metropolis of New England for eleven months, dropped down the harbor and sailed away for Halifax. Putnam had already taken command of the city, and occupied the important points.
The total number of British soldiers, marines, refugees and others, that thus took their departure was 12,000.
In an orderly book left behind by Gen. Howe, he gives his force as 7575, exclusive of the staff, and the sailors and marines made the number about 10,000. There were also about 2,000 civilians, includ- ing loyalists and other families, crown officers, old inhabitants and others.
Washington wrote to the President of Congress, as follows :
SIR :
HEADQUARTERS, CAMBRIDGE, 19 March, 1776.
It is with the greatest pleasure I inform you that on Sunday last, the 17th. instant, about nine o'clock in the forenoon, the ministerial army evacuated the town of Boston, and that the forces of the United Colonies are now in actual possession thereof. I beg leave to congratulate you, Sir, and the honorable Congress, on this happy event, and particularly as it was effected without endangering the lives and property of the remaining unhappy inhabitants.
I have great reason to imagine their flight was precipitated by the appearance of a work, which I had ordered to be thrown up last Saturday night on an eminence at Dorchester, which lies nearest to Boston Neck, called Nook's Hill. The town, although it has suffered greatly, is not in so bad a state as I expected to find it : and I have a particular pleasure in being able to inform you, Sir, that your house has received no damage worth mentioning. Your furniture is in tolerable order and the family pictures are all left entire and untouched. Capt. Cazneau takes charge of the whole, until he shall receive further orders from you. As soon as the ministerial troops had quitted the town, I ordered a thousand men ( who had had the smallpox), under command of General Putnam, to take possession of the heights, which I shall endeavor to fortify in such a manner, as to prevent their return, should they attempt it. But, as they are still in the harbor, I thought it not prudent to march off with the main body of the army, until I should be fully satisfied they had quitted the coast. I have, therefore, only detached five regiments, besides the rifle
88
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
battalion, to New York, and shall keep the remainder here till all suspicion of their return ceases.
The situation in which I found their works evidently discovered that their retreat was made with the greatest precipitation. They have left their barracks and other works of wood at Bunker's Hill all standing, and have destroyed but a small part of their lines. They have also left a number of fine pieces of cannon, which they first spiked up, also a very large iron mortar ; and, as I am informed, they have thrown another over the end of your wharf. I have employed proper persons to drill the cannon, and doubt not I shall save the most of them. I am not yet able to procure an exact list of all the stores they have left. As soon as it can be done I shall take care to transmit it to you. From an estimate of what the quarter-master-general has already discovered, the amount will be twenty-five or thirty thousand pounds. Part of the powder mentioned in yours of the 6th inst. has already arrived. The remainder I have ordered to be stopped on the road, as we shall have no occasion for it here. The letter to Gen. Thomas, I immediately sent to him. He desired leave, for three or four days, to settle some of his private affairs; after which, he will set out for his command in Canada. I am happy that my conduct in intercepting Lord Drummond's letter is approved of by Congress. I have the honor to be, etc.
To his friend, Joseph Reed, Washington also wrote, as follows :
CAMBRIDGE, 25 March, 1776.
MY DEAR SIR:
Since my last, things remain nearly in statu quo. The enemy have the best knack of puzzling people I ever met with in my life. They have blown up, burnt, and demolished the Castle, and are now all in Nantasket Road. They have been there ever since Wednesday. What they are doing, the Lord knows. Various are the conjectures. The Bostonians think their stay absolutely necessary to fit them for sea, as the vessels, neither in themselves nor their lading, were in any degree fit for a voyage, having been loaded in great haste and much disorder. This opinion is corrobor- ated by a deserter from one of the transports, who says they have yards, booms, and bowsprits yet to fix. Others again think, that they have a mind to pass over the equinoctial gale before they put out, not being in the best condition to stand one ; others, that they are a reinforcement, which I believe has arrived, as I have had an account of the sailing of fifteen vessels from the West Indies. But my opinion of the matter, is, that they want to retrieve their disgrace before they go off, and I think a favorable opportunity presents itself to them. They have now got their whole force into one collected body, and no posts to guard. We have detached six regiments to New York, and have many points to look to, and, on Monday next, ten regiments of militia, which were brought in to serve till the first of April, will be disengaged. From former experience, we have found it as prac- ticable to stop a torrent, as these people, when their time is up. If this should be the case now, what more favorable opening can the enemy wish for, to make a push upon our lines, nay, upon the back of our lines at Rox- bury, as they can land two miles from them and pass behind ? I am under more apprehension from them now than ever, and am taking every pre-
89
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
caution I can to guard against the evil: but we have a kind of people to deal with, who will not fear danger till the bayonet is at their breast, and then they are susceptible enough of it. I am fortifying Fort Hill in Boston, and demolishing the lines on the Neck there, as they are a defence against the country only. and making such other dispositions, as appear necessary for a general defence. I can spare no more men till I see the enemy's back fairly turned. then I shall hasten toward New York.
Under date of March 27, 1776, Gen. Washington wrote to the President of Congress that he had received intelligence that the whole of the ministerial fleet, besides three or four ships, got under way the same evening (27th) at Nantasket Road and were standing out to sea, in consequence of which he would detach a brigade of six regiments for New York under command of Brigadier-General Sullivan.
As soon as Boston was evacuated the greater part of the Ameri- can army was ordered to New York, as it was supposed that the Loyalists would attempt to gain that important point.
Only one regiment was left on Dorchester Heights. These soldiers resided in a building at the foot of the forts, near G Street.
Regarding the embarkation of the British troops from Boston, a British officer wrote thus to a friend :
NANTASKET HEAD, March 17,-According to my promise, I proceed to give a brief account of our retreat, which was made this morning between the hours of two and eight. Our troops did not receive the smallest molestation. though the rebels were all night at work on the near hill which I mentioned to you in my last letter, and we kept a constant fire upon them from a battery of twenty four-pounders. They did not return a single shot. It was lucky for the inhabitants now left in Boston that they did not : for I am informed that everything was prepared to set the town in a blaze, had they fired one cannon. The dragoons are under orders to sail tomorrow for Halifax,- a cursed cold, wintry place, even yet ; nothing to eat. less to drink. Bad times, my dear friend ! The displeasure I feel from the very small share I have in our present insignificancy is so great, that I do not know the thing so desperate I would not undertake, in order to change our situation.
Thus was the siege of Boston lifted through the magnificent scheming of Gen. Washington and the work of his officers and men. Never before in the history of any country had such delicate, strategic plans been made and successfully accomplished. It was the decisive blow to English tyranny, the unequivocal manifestation that the colo- nists intended to govern themselves.
Is there any wonder that the people of South Boston are proud of their district ? Is there a place of greater historical significance ? Dorchester Heights and Nook Hill commanded the entire harbor, and the latter was, in addition, a menace to the British troops in Boston. They were the most important locations around Boston, and it was only by the conception of the master mind of Washington, who was determined
90
IHISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
to occupy the Heights, and the consummation of his plans by his patri- otic and sturdy soldiers, that the redoubts were erected in one night.
Gen. Howe's conduct during the siege, continued for years to be criticised in Parliament, as well as out of it. Yet for one to carefully con- sider the matter, perhaps the criticism was not fair. It was not wholly that Gen. Howe had erred, but on the other hand, he met a foe that manifested to the British army what the calibre of the American soldier really was. The British were taught a lesson that American patriotism was of a character such as no other country possessed. The construction of the works on Dorchester Heights was only an illustration of the enthusiasm of the men of America. A writer, referring to the redoubts, said, "In history they are equalled only by the lines and forts raised by Julius Caesar to surround the army of Pompey."
The English people were enraged at the failure of Gen. Howe and he was roundly denounced by the English press. An abstract from an article indicates the nature of these criticisms :
Now, I beg leave to ask Sir William Howe, whether Boston was ten- able or not ? He had, indeed, staked his reputation as a general on the affirmative. If it was not, how could he, or his favorite engineer, overlook this Dorchester post ? Could they suppose that the rebels, who, before winter, had made regular approaches to the foot of the hill, would fail, as soon as the season opened, to occupy it ? Why were no precautions taken ? Or if Boston was tenable, as the General had pledged himself, and I confess I have not the least doubt of, why, in God's name, was it so shamefully abandoned ?
On the 25th. of March, a week after the evacuation, Congress heard the good news and immediately, on motion of John Adams, a vote of thanks was passed to Gen. Washington and his army, "for their wise and spirited conduct." It was also ordered that a gold medal be struck off and presented to Gen. Washington. John Adams, John Jay and Stephen Hopkins were also appointed a committee to prepare a letter of thanks. This letter was reported to Congress and adopted April 2. It read as follows :
PHILADELPHIA, April 2, 1776.
SIR: It gives me the most sensible pleasure to convey to you, by order of Congress, the only tribute which a free people will ever consent to pay,- the tribute of thanks and gratitude to their friends and benefactors.
The disinterested and patriotic principles which led you to the field have also led you to glory ; and it affords no little consolation to your countrymen to reflect, that, as a peculiar greatness of mind induced you to decline any compensation for serving them, except the pleasure of promot- ing their happiness, they may, without your permission, bestow upon you the largest share of their affection and esteem.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.