USA > Massachusetts > The history of Massachusetts, the commonwealth period. 1775-1820 v. III > Part 4
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Pending these movements on the part of the Americans, the British, by taking advantage of the tide, were enabled to bring three or four floating batteries to bear on the intrench- ments, and the firing became severe; but the only return made by the Americans was a few shot from a cannon in a corner of the redoubt.4 At length, about eleven o'clock, the troops under Prescott ceased from their labors, the intrenching tools were piled in their rear, and all awaited the arrival of the expected refreshments and recruits. No works had as yet been thrown up on Bunker Hill, as a protection in case of a retreat ; nor was it possible, under the circumstances, to have
1 Swett, in Life of Putnam, 218; Thacher's Jour. 26; Swett, in Life of Frothingham's Siege, 128.
2 Frothingham's Siege, 128, note.
3 Ward's Shrewsbury, 53, 54, 55 ;
Putnam, 219, 221; Frothingham's Siege, 128.
4 Frothingham's Siege, 129.
e
28
THE BRITISH EMBARK FOR CHARLESTOWN.
Jun. 17.
CHAP. done more than was done. If, therefore, the neglect of this I. post was an oversight, it could not be helped. Yet, as a par- 1775. tial atonement for the error, at a later hour in the day, by the advice of Putnam, the tools were sent to Bunker Hill, and a breastwork was begun; but the operations of the field inter- rupted the labor, and before night the tools were taken by the enemy.1
The preparations of Gage were now completed ; and, about noon, four battalions of infantry, ten companies of grenadiers, and ten of light infantry, with a corps of artillery, were em- barked in boats from the North Battery and from the end of Long Wharf. Two of the ships of war had been ordered to move up the river to join with the Somerset, the floating batteries, and the battery on Copp's Hill in firing upon the American works ; the Falcon and the Lively swept the low grounds in front of Breed's Hill, to protect the landing ; the Glasgow frigate and the Symmetry transport, moored farther up Charles River, raked the Neck.2 A blue flag displayed was the signal for starting ; and, as the meridian sun shone in its splendor upon the glittering array of scarlet uniforms and burnished muskets, the plashing of the oars, as the boats moved on, the flashes of fire from the throats of the cannon, and the deafening roar which reverberated from the waters and the wood-crowned hills, rendered the spectacle one of sublime and thrilling interest.3
At one o'clock the boats touched at Moulton's Point; the troops were landed without molestation, and formed into three lines. Directly it was discovered that the cartridges which had been sent for the use of the artillery were too large for the pieces ; and General Howe, who had examined the Amer- ican works, and found them more formidable than he had
1 Heath's Mems. 19, 20; Froth- ingham's Siege, 130, and note; Swett, in Life of Putnam, 225.
2 Impartial Hist. of the War, 209 ; Heath's Mems. 18; Gordon's Am.
Rev. i. 351; Ramsay's Am. Rev. i. 201; Bissett's Hist. Eng. i. 429; Humphreys's Life of Putnam, 95 ; Frothingham's Siege, 130, 131, notes. 3 Frothingham's Siege, 131.
29
MORE TROOPS SENT OVER.
anticipated, sent to Gage for reinforcements and for a fresh CHAP. supply of powder. During the absence of the messenger, the I.
British troops dined ; and many, at that hour, ate their last 1775. meal.1
Jun. 17.
At two o'clock, more troops arrived ; and at three, the re- enforcements, consisting of the forty-seventh regiment, the battalion of marines, and a few companies of grenadiers and light infantry, landed at the ship yard, at the east end of Breed's Hill.2 The movements of the British were soon known at Cambridge; and the bells were rung, and drums were beaten. Orders were likewise issued for all the troops, save Ward's own regiment, and those of Gardner and Patter- son, and part of Bridge's, who were reserved to be prepared for an attack on Cambridge, to march to Charlestown. At the latter place the Americans were particularly active ; and the Connecticut troops, under Captain Knowlton, with the artillery and two field pieces, were ordered to oppose the Brit- ish right wing, and took post behind a rail fence running across the tongue of land from the road to the Mystic, - a distance of two hundred and fifty yards, -in front of which was a thick orchard ; and, by pulling up the neighboring fences, a breast- work was hastily formed, the intervening spaces being stuffed with grass which had been recently mown. This imperfect defence was about two hundred yards in the rear of the main breastwork, and eighty yards in the rear of the head of the slough, leaving an extensive opening between the breastwork and the fence exposed to cannon shot, and a considerable space be- tween the slough and the fence open to the advance of infantry. This was the weak point, yet the key, of the American position.3
1 Impartial Hist. of the War, 209; Bissett's Hist. Eng. i. 429; Lord Ma- hon's Hist. Eng. vi. 55; Swett, in Life of Putnam, 225 ; Frothingham's Siege, 131, 132.
Impartial Hist. of the War, 209; Ramsay's Am. Rev. i. 201 Hum-
phreys's Life of Putnam, 95 ; Heath's Mems. 18; Frothingham's Siege, 137. 3 Heath's Mems. 19; Thacher's Jour. 28; Swett, in Life of Putnam, 222, 223 ; Frothingham's Siege, 134, and note.
30
POSITION OF THE AMERICANS.
CHAP. The detachments of guards were now recalled by Colonel I. Prescott, and posted at a cartway running southward from
Jun. 17.
1775. the south-eastern angle of the redoubt to the narrow road round the hill, where a breastwork of fences, filled in with grass, was thrown up as on the left.1 Already had Warren and Pomeroy arrived on the field as volunteers; and their presence was greeted with the heartiest cheers.2 General Putnam had likewise returned, with the intention of remain- ing to share in the battle; and he tarried in Charlestown through the whole afternoon, ordering the reinforcements as they arrived, encouraging the troops to behave gallantly in the action, and rendering invaluable services in every quarter. The regiment of Stark arrived at the Neck between two and three o'clock ; and though it was enfiladed by a galling fire from the ships and batteries, and Captain Dearborn, who was by his side, urged him to quicken his step, the undaunted colonel replied, " One fresh man in action is worth ten fatigued ones," and marched steadily over.3
The American troops were posted as advantageously as the nature of the ground permitted. The original detachment, commanded by Colonel Prescott, with the exception of the Connecticut troops, were at the redoubt and breastwork, where they were joined, just before the action commenced, by portions of the Massachusetts regiments under Colonels Brew- er, Nixon, Woodbridge, and Little, and Major Moore with one of Callender's artillery companies. General Warren was also at the redoubt, where he served as a volunteer.4 Gridley's artillery company and that under Captain Callender were stationed at the exposed point between the breastwork and the rail fence. Perkins's company, belonging to Little's regi- ment, and the troops under Nutting, with a part of Warner's
1 Swett, in Life of Putnam, 223.
2 Frothingham's Siege, 133.
3 Frothingham's Siege, 134. Swett, in Life of Putnam, 225, relates simi- ham's Siege, 136.
lar incidents, but refers them to Gen- eral Putnam.
4 Heath's Mems. 20; Frothing-
31
NUMBER AND OFFICERS OF THE BRITISH ARMY.
company, lined the cartway on the right of the redoubt. The CHAP. Connecticut troops, under Knowlton, with those from New I. Hampshire under Stark and Reed, and a few of the Massachu- 1775. Jun. 17 setts troops, were at the other fence. Putnam, who took charge of these scattered forces, was at the same place when the battle began ; 1 and General Pomeroy, armed with a mus- ket, served there as a volunteer.2 Three other companies were stationed in Main Street, at the base of Breed's Hill, and formed the extreme right.3
The British troops, probably not less than three thousand in number,4 were under the command of General Howe, an officer of distinguished bravery and merit ; and under him were Pigot, Nesbit, Abercrombie, Clarke, Butler, Williams, Buce, Spendlove, Smelt, Mitchell, Pitcairn, Short, Small, and Lords Percy and Rawdon, most of whom were veterans in the service.5 The neighboring heights, which commanded a view of the scene of action, were thronged with people, many from a distance, anxious to witness the approaching contest ; and the steeples of the churches in Boston were crowded by the inhabitants of the metropolis and by British soldiers.6
The fire from Copp's Hill, from the ships, and from the bat- teries now centred on the intrenchments ; while a furious cannonade was opened on the American camp at Roxbury, to divert the attention of that wing of the army.7 Before open- ing the action, General Howe addressed his army, encouraging
1 Frothingham's Siege, 136.
Swett, in Life of Putnam, 228;
2 Frothingham's Siege, 136.
3 Frothingham's Siege, 136, notes. There is considerable confusion in the account of the position of the Amer- icans.
4 Trumbull, Lett. of Aug. 31, 1779, in 1 M. H. Coll. vi. 159, says the number of the British was but 1200. Stedman, Am. War, i. 126, Bissett, Hist. Eng. i. 429, Lord Mahon, Hist. Eng. vi. 59, and Heath, Memoirs, 20, say 2000. Marshall, Life of Wash- ington, ii. 231, Ramsay, Am. Rev.
i. 202, Thacher, Jour. 26, Gordon, Am. Rev. i. 352, and Bradford, i. 384, say 3000. Contemporary MSS. say 3300 ; and the Jour. of the Prov. Cong. 366, says between 3000 and 4000. Swett's estimate of 5000 is altogether too large. See, further, Frothingham's Siege, 191.
5 Swett, in Life of Putnam, 226.
6 Swett, in Life of Putnam, 226, 227.
7 Heath's Mems. 20; Swett, in Life of Putnam, 227 ; Frothingham's Siege, 138.
32
COMMENCEMENT OF THE BATTLE.
Jun. 17.
CHAP. them to " behave like Englishmen and good soldiers ; "1 and, I. before moving from his first position, he sent out strong flank 1775. guards, and directed his field pieces to play on the American lines.2 This fire was but feebly returned by Gridley and Cal- lender ; and the guns of the former were soon disabled and drawn to the rear, while Callender, alleging that his cartridges were too large for his pieces, withdrew to Bunker Hill. Here he was met by Putnam, and ordered to return ; but he refused to obey. At length he was deserted by his men; and the pieces were recovered, and drawn to the rail fence, by Captain Ford's company, which had just entered the field.3 Flanking parties, under Robinson and Woods, were likewise detached to annoy the enemy ; but no particulars are given of their service.4
The British columns were soon put in motion, and advanced in two divisions - the right, under General Howe, pushing towards the rail fence, to cut off a retreat from the redoubt, and the left, under General Pigot, proceeding to storm the redoubt and breastwork.5 In a short time, the fire from the artillery ceased ; and General Howe, much to his chagrin, learned that twelve pound balls had been sent to load his six pound guns ; upon which he ordered the pieces to be charged with grape. The progress of the artillery, however, was greatly impeded by the miry ground at the base of the hill ; and it was posted near the brick kilns, where its balls pro- duced but little effect.6 The troops, heated by the burning sun, burdened with knapsacks, and obstructed by the tall grass and fences in their way, moved forward slowly, yet with
1 Clarke's Narr. in Frothingham's iii. 490; Frothingham's Siege, 185. Siege, 137.
2 Frothingham's Siege, 138.
3 Force's Am. Archives, ii. 1705 ; Lord Mahon's Hist. Eng. vi. 60; Swett, in Life of Putnam, 231, 232; Boston Centinel for 1818; Frothing- ham's Siege, 138. Callender was af- terwards cashiered for his conduct on this occasion. Sparks's Washington,
4 Frothingham's Siege, 138.
5 Impartial Hist. of the War, 210; Stedman's Am. War, i. 126; Ram- say's Am. Rev. i. 202; Swett, in Life of Putnam, 229; Frothingham's Siege, 138, 139.
6 Stedman's Am. War, i. 129; Frothingham's Siege, 140, and note.
33
DIRECTIONS OF THE AMERICAN OFFICERS.
unbounded confidence. "Let us take the bull by the horns," CHAP. was shouted by some ; and, inspired with the hope of an easy I. victory, not a doubt was entertained that the "cowardly 1775. Americans " would flee at the first charge. But the yeomanry of Massachusetts were made of too stern stuff to recoil before any force without giving battle, and were ordered by their officers to reserve their fire until the British were within ten or twelve yards of their works, and then to wait until the word was given. "Powder is scarce," it was said, "and must not be wasted." "Wait till you see the white of their eyes ; then fire low ; take aim at their waistbands." " Aim at the handsome coats." " Pick off the commanders." 1
Jun. 17.
At length the enemy came within gunshot; and a few of the more ardent, forgetting the caution which had been given, hastily fired ; but Prescott severely and indignantly reproved them, and some of the officers ran round the top of the par- apet, and kicked up the guns. When within eight rods, the order was given ; and from redoubt and breastwork a mur- derous volley was poured in, which mowed down officers and soldiers by scores. Colonel Abercrombie had sneered at the cowardice of the Americans. " Colonel Abercrombie, are the Yankees cowards ?" was now shouted from their ranks. But if the Americans were not cowards, neither were the British, and they returned the fire with unperturbed coolness. The Americans, however, were protected by their works; and Pigot, with " surly reluctance," was obliged to retreat.2
Howe, in the mean time, led the right wing against the rail fence ; and the light infantry moved along the banks of the
1 Stedman's Am. War, i. 128, 129 ; Lord Mahon's Hist. Eng. vi. 57; Swett, in Life of Putnam, 230 ; Froth- Ingham's Siege, 140.
2 Impartial Hist. of the War, 210; Thacher's Jour. 27; Lord Mahon's Hist. Eng. vi. 57; Swett, in Life of Putnam, 231 ; Frothingham's Siege, 141. "Then," says Lord Mahon, VOL. III. 3
" were blown to the winds the silly predictions of Lord Sandwich and Colonel Grant as to the alleged defi- ciency of courage in the colonists - predictions which, besides being in this case utterly false and groundless, have always a manifest tendency to defeat themselves."
34
RESULT OF THE FIRST CHARGE.
Jun. 17.
CHAP. Mystic to turn the left of the American line, while the grena- I. diers advanced directly in front.1 The field pieces which Cal- 1775. lender had deserted, and which Putnam had recovered, were here brought to bear, and the general himself directed some of the discharges ; 2 but when the advancing troops deployed into line, and a few, as at the redoubt, hastily fired, the veteran officer rode to the spot, his sword whistling through the air, and with a voice of thunder threatened to cut down the next man who disobeyed. At length, when they were at the right distance, the word was given ; and the British were mowed down as severely as at the redoubt. The officers especially were victims to the aim of the skilful marksmen, who, as they saw one, shouted, "Shoot him! shoot him!"3 Nearly every shot was fatal ; and the carnage was so great, that the col- umns were broken and compelled to retreat. Some of the Americans were eager to pursue, and jumped over the breast- work for that purpose ; but the officers remonstrated, and they were with difficulty restrained.4
For a brief period the Americans seemed to be victorious. But Prescott was confident that the attack would be renewed, and Putnam rode to Bunker Hill to urge forward the re- enforcements which had long been expected. Some had reached Charlestown Neck, but were deterred from crossing by the storm of shot which raked the passage; and Gerrish, who had ventured over, confessed that he was exhausted. In vain did Putnam attempt to rally them, and inspire them with a portion of his own resolute spirit. In vain he entreated and threatened by turns, lashing his horse with the flat of his sword, and crossing and recrossing to convince them there was no danger. The storm raged too fiercely to admit of a revival of their courage, and only a few could be persuaded to follow.5
1 Frothingham's Siege, 141.
2 Frothingham's Siege, 141.
4 Frothingham's Siege, 142.
5 Swett, in Life of Putnam, 233
3 Swett, in Life of Putnam, 232; 236; Frothingham's Siege, 143.
Frothingham's Siege, 142.
35
BURNING OF CHARLESTOWN
1143266
Jun. 17.
The British troops were speedily reorganized, and advanced CHAP: to the attack. But the obstacles before them were the same I. as before ; and they had, besides, to pass over the dead bodies 1775. of their comrades, scattered upon the hill. At this juncture the cry was raised that the town was on fire ; and, turning their eyes thitherwards, the Americans, to their horror, saw dense clouds of smoke ascending, and the forked flames, from churches and dwellings, shooting and glaring upon the even- ing sky.1 It was, indeed, a terrific scene, such as had never before been witnessed on these shores ; and the mingled roar of cannon and flame, and the storm of shot and cinders which hurtled around, contrasted painfully with the calmness of nature, smiling in loveliness and beauty on all.2 Thousands of eyes gazed on the spectacle with feelings of awe ; and the varied emotions excited by the battle and by the burning of the town stirred every heart to its inmost depths.
The British troops continued to advance, but with more caution than at first; and, as their fire was directed more skilfully, a number of the Americans were killed or wounded. When they were within six rods, the Americans fired ; and officers and men fell in heaps - whole ranks being swept away in a moment's time. Partially recovering, however, they still pressed forward ; but the leaden storm burst upon them with resistless fury. General Howe was in the hottest of this fire ; and two of his aids and several officers fell at his side. In vain did the survivors urge the men on at the points of their swords ; they were compelled to give way, and retreated in confusion, leaving the ground strewed with the slain.3
1 Stedman's Am. War, i. 126 ; Thacher's Jour. 28; Ramsay's Am. Rev. i. 202; Swett, in Life of Put- nam, 239 ; Frothingham's Siege, 143. The town seems to have been set on fire soon after the commencement of the action ; and by the time the Brit- ish rallied, the flames had made alarm- ing progress.
2 Thacher's Jour. 29 ; Burgoyne to Stanley, in Force's Am. Archives, ii., and Lord Mahon's Hist. Eng. vi. 56; Gordon's Am. Rev. i. 353; Frothing- ham's Siege, 144.
3 Impartial Hist. of the War, 210; Stedman's Am. War, i. 127, 128; Rivington's Gazette for Aug. 3, 1775; Frothingham's Siege, 145, 146.
-
36
THE THIRD ATTACK.
CHAP I. Some time elapsed before. they again rallied - so much that the Americans thought they would not renew the assault. 1775. Jun. 17. Putnam, who was on horseback, had once more hastened to the rear for the reinforcements ; but the disorder in the camp at Cambridge was such that the commands of General Ward were imperfectly executed. A few companies were col- lected, however, and marched on to Charlestown ; but several which were expected did not arrive.1 In the mean time, some of the troops were scattering-skulking behind rocks, and haycocks, and apple trees ; and some even retreated, alleging exhaustion, or that they had no officers to lead them on. Yet in the redoubt all was quiet ; and the gallant Prescott re- mained at his post, encouraging his men to resist to the last, and assuring them that, if the British were once more driven back, they could never again rally.2 " We are ready for the red coats," was the hearty response. But ammunition was failing ; and only a few artillery cartridges were left, which were opened and distributed. " Waste not a kernel," said Prescott ; " make every shot tell;" and, directing those who had bayonets to be stationed at the points most likely to be assailed, he awaited in silence the approach of the enemy.3 -
A third time General Howe ordered his men to advance ; when some of his officers remonstrated, declaring that it would be butchery to expose them to so dreadful a charge. But their remonstrances were unheeded. To conquer or die was his fixed resolve. The general himself led the grenadiers and light infantry in front of the breastwork ; while Clinton, who had hastened to the rescue,4 and Pigot, led the extreme left, to scale the redoubt. In a short time, the artillery was so posted as to enfilade the breastwork ; and its defenders were driven to the redoubt for protection.5 Colonel Prescott, who
1 Frothingham's Siege, 146, 147.
2 Frothingham's Siege, 147.
3 Swett, in Life of Putnam, 243; Frothingham's Siege, 148.
4 Stedman's Am. War, i. 127;
Conduct of the War, 14; Thacher's Jour. 27 ; Frothingham's Siege, 148. ' Swett, in Life of Putnam, 245 ; Frothingham's Siege, 149.
37
RETREAT OF PRESCOTT.
had seen every thing, was convinced that the redoubt must be CHAP. carried. Yet he did not for a moment hesitate, but issued his I. orders as coolly as ever. Most of his men had but one round 1775. Jun. 17. left, and few more than three rounds ; and he ordered them all to reserve their fire until the British troops were within twenty yards. The enemy came on, but not with the zeal with which they had formerly advanced. Taught by experi- ence, they had stripped off their knapsacks, and many of them their coats, to be less encumbered ; and, exhausted in strength and depressed in spirits, it was only by the desperate exer- tions of their officers that they could be inspired with firmness for the struggle. As they drew near the works, the Ameri- cans fired ; and the volley was so deadly, that the columns wavered. Recovering in an instant, they again sprang for- ward ; and the redoubt was scaled.1
Nothing remained for Prescott but to retreat. His pow- der was exhausted ; and his men had only stones and the buts of their muskets as weapons of offence. The word was accordingly given ; and while some leaped the walls, others hewed their way through the enemy's ranks. Prescott himself was the last to leave ; and he escaped unharmed, " though his banyan and waistcoat were pierced in several places."2 The chivalrous Warren, who up to this moment had fought in the ranks with self-sacrificing zeal, was reluctant to flee. A few rods from the redoubt, a ball pierced his head ; and he fell to the ground. His death was deeply lamented at the time ; and the country felt it had lost one of its best and bravest men.3
The troops at the rail fence, who had been slightly reën-
' Swett, in Life of Putnam, 245- 248; Frothingham's Siege, 150.
2 . Frothingham's Siege, 150.
3 Impartial Hist. of the War, 213; Sparks's Washington, iii. 512, note ; Swett, in Life of Putnam, 250; Froth- ingham's Siege, 151, 171. After the evacuation of Boston, or on the 8th
of April, 1776, the remains of Gener- al Warren were disinterred from the spot where they had been hastily bur- ied, and a public funeral was celebrat- ed with masonic honors. Gordon's Am. Rev. ii .; Thacher's Jour. 45; Bradford, ii. 96, 97; Austin's Life of Gerry, i. 86, note.
38
TRIUMPH OF THE BRITISH.
CHAP. forced, fought for a time with. desperate courage ; 1 but when I. they saw that Prescott had retreated, they began to give 1775. ground. Their retreat was covered by Putnam with his Con- Jun. 17. necticut troops, who "dared the utmost fury of the enemy in the rear of the whole."2 On reaching Bunker Hill, he ex- claimed, "Make a stand here! We can stop them yet. In God's name, form, and give them one shot more ; " and, taking his own post near a field piece, he “ seemed resolved to brave the foe alone." The veteran Pomeroy, with his shattered musket in his hand, seconded this appeal ; but the troops felt that it would be useless to rally. The slaughter on the brow of the hill was terrible ; and to remain longer was to expose themselves to certain destruction. Once more, therefore, the retreat was commenced ; and the whole body retired over the Neck amidst the shot from the enemy's ships. A solitary can- non was their only defence.3
At five in the afternoon, the British troops, with a parade of triumph, took possession of Bunker Hill, and lay on their arms during the night. General Howe was advised by Clin- ton to follow up his advantage by an attack upon Cambridge ; but he had seen service enough for one day, and contented himself with firing two field pieces upon the Americans, who retreated to Winter and Prospect Hills, and to the camp of
1 Frothingham's Siege, 151.
2 Swett, in Life of Putnam, 252.
3 Impartial Hist. of the War, 211. Subsequent to the date of this battle, there was considerable complaint of the conduct of the officers ; and Gen- eral Washington, on reaching the camp, made a strict inquiry, and re- ported the result as follows, in à con- fidential letter to the president of Con- gress : " Upon my arrival, and since, some complaints have been preferred against officers for cowardice in the late action on Bunker's Hill. I have been sorry to find it an uncontradicted fact that the principal failure of duty that day was in the officers, though
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