THE REVOLUTIONBunker Hill
TWO
After the battle of Lexington and Concord, England saw that the resistance of the Colonists was determined, and sent reinforcements to General Gage in Boston. By the end of May, 1775, he had 10,000 trained soldiers under his command. The American force besieging him amounted to about 16,000 men, undisciplined, but brave. The British were virtually held prisoners in Boston.
General Gage therefore decided to sally out on the night of June 18 and capture Bunker Hill near Charlestown. But first he proclaimed martial law and pardon for all those who would lay down their arms and return home, except Samuel Adams and John Hancock. None of the courageous patriots took advantage of his offer.
The Americans discovered Gage’s plans, and decided to beat him to it. So on the evening of June 16 Colonel William Prescott with 1,000 men was ordered to march to Bunker Hill and fortify it. But when they got there it was decided that Breeds Hill, much nearer Boston, would give a better command of the town and shipping. Under Prescott and General Israel Putnam the colonial soldiers worked all night building a redoubt about eight rods square.
When the British sentinels looked up through the mist the next morning (June 17, 1775) they rubbed their eyes in astonishment at sight of the fortifications. The guns from the vessels in the Charles River immediately opened fire; but the Colonists kept steadily at work. At last the redoubt was finished, and the tools were sent to Bunker Hill.
But by this time General Gage had ordered an attack on Breeds Hill. Three thousand picked soldiers landed at the eastern base of the hill, and a little after three o’clock in the afternoon began their advance. The tired Americans, who had been working all night at the intrenchments, expected to be relieved by others; but the reinforcements did not come. Nevertheless, they did not falter for an instant. Steadily up the hill came the level ranks of the Redcoats.
“Wait till you can see the whites of their eyes!” was the order.
Nearer and nearer came the British. Still not a movement from the redoubt. It was believed that the Colonials had fled.
But no! Suddenly, at the word “Fire!” fifteen hundred of the concealed patriots rose and poured such a deadly rain of bullets upon the English that whole companies were wiped out. Pellmell down the slope ran the terrified British; while a shout of triumph rose from the redoubt. But at the bottom their officers beat them back into line, and the attack was begun once more. Charlestown was set afire by Gage’s orders. This infuriated the Americans, and again the English were driven back down the hill in disorder.
Then came the third attack. The ammunition of the Colonists was giving out. Only a few more shots remained, and after this the Americans retreated in good order across Charlestown Neck. The British had won a technical victory; but at terrible cost—1,054 killed and wounded out of 2,500 engaged. The American loss was 450, among this number the brave General Warren.
This battle, which took place on Breeds Hill, has always been known as the battle of Bunker Hill. It lasted two hours.
The cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument was laid on Breeds Hill on the fiftieth anniversary of the battle, June 17, 1825. Daniel Webster’s speech on this occasion is well known as a great piece of oratory. The monument is an obelisk, 221 feet high and 30 feet square at the base.
PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATIONILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR. VOL. 1, No. 43. SERIAL No. 43COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC.
©The Knapp Co., Inc., N. Y.WASHINGTON CROSSING THE DELAWAREPAINTING BY HENRY MOSLER
©The Knapp Co., Inc., N. Y.
WASHINGTON CROSSING THE DELAWARE
PAINTING BY HENRY MOSLER