The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1851-06-17
Glorious Battle Of Bunker Hill.


ing for liberty and the right Of self-government
against the British troops by command ofa tyranni-
cal government claiming the right to rule by abso-
lutte authority. The governed were not allowed to
be heard, nor were they permitted to judge or re-
monstrate against the lawless acts that oppressed
them. Such state of things could be no longer
borne by people and their descendants, who had
fled from oppression in the old world to find liberty
in the new. Unarmed and undiscipned in war,
they did not hesitate to throw the gauntlet at Brit
ish power and defy her military host. The people
struck for freedom, and nothing could Withstand
their firm resolve. Call it rebellion if you will,
but it was oppressed people casting off the yoke
OF the oppressor. Whenever a government be-
comes insupportabe by reason of the expressions
and wrongs of the governed, the latter have the
right resist and throw off the yoke of the oppres-
sor then it is revolution This state of things
led to the ever memorable battle Of Bunker Hill,
in America, and laid the foundation of the Ameri-
Gao Republic, the United States of America"
Intelligence of the breaking out of hostilities and
the collision of arms at "the Battle OF Lexington,
the 18th April 1775," between detachment of the
British troops from Boston, and the Provincial
Militia of Massachusetts,, flew through the country
Circulars addressed by the committee OF safety
calling the militia. Arms and ammunition were
scarce but the different towns were urged :" to en-
courage the enlistment Of men to form an army"
and to send them forward without delay sour
all is at stake" the language used, death and
devastation are the certain consequences of delay.
Every moment is infinitely precious. An hour
lost may deluge our country in blood, and entail
perpetual slavery upon the few of our posterty
that may survive the carnage"
The British army stationed in Boston, under
the order of General Gage, invested with plenary
powers and absolute command. 1t was officered
by many of the most distinguished generals, and
composed OF the flower of the British forces. The
force was large. 1t was in the face of this formi-
dable array, the Americans almost without arms
and destitute had to contend.
1t was on Friday the 10th of June, ITS, the
commanders of the militia began to fortify Bun
ker HILL Orders were issued for Prescott's, Frye's
and Bridges regiments, and fatigue party of 200
Connecticut troops, to parade at six O'Clock in the
evening, with entrenchiDg tools. They furnished
their own packs, blankets, and provisions. Capt.
Gridley's Artillery company Of forty-nine men and
two field pieces, was ordered out numbering in
all about 1900 men. The detachment was placed
in command of Col. w. Prescott, OF Pepperell,
who had orders from Gen. Ward, the Commander.
ln-chief Of the Provincial militia, tc fortly Bun
ker Hill, under the direction of Col Richard Grid
ley, ,i.o cl..~t Fnainsar e----- =4---- -
off the packs thrown down. and the men went TO
work about II O'Clock at night. The intrench-
mens, by the well directed labor of The night,
were raised about six feet high, and were seen by
the British at early dawn from their out posts in
Boston, on the morning of the l7th June. The
sailors on board the ships OF war in the harbor
were the first to espy this band of patriot soldiers
Some of the ships commenced firing, and battery
of six guns opened upon this devoted band, from
Copp's Hill, in Boston. The Americans, protected
by their works, kept steadily al their works and
labor making platforms of wood and earth TO stand
Oh and fire.
Early in the morning, private was killed by 6
cannon ball, and some of the men left the hill.
was asked what should be done. Bury him, !
said Col. Prescott. "What." F." said an as,onishet
officer without prayers!" chaplain insisted
on performing service over the first victim, ant
gathered many soldiers about him. Prescott or
deed them to disperse but the chaplain persisted
and the victim was buried, with prayers said! Col
Prescott to inspire confidence, mounted the para
pet and walked leisurely around it, encoufagin
his officers and men all the while The tall, com
manding form of Prescott observed by Ger
Gage, as he was viewing the Americans ihroug
his glass. He interrogated Councillor Willard a
to who the person was, who seemed to command
Willard recognized his brother in law, Col. Preston
"Wi he fght!" inquired Gen. Gage. Yes
sir; he is an old soldier, and will fight as long a
drop of blood remains in his VEINS" 9Th
works must be carried replied Gen. Gage.
As the day advanced, the heat became oppre'
sve. There was as much suffering among the me
from want of food and drink, as from heat and f5
tigue. They asked to be relieved, but the Colon'
refused The enemy, he said, did not dare
ni. IL nd ha did would he 6elaa taf
The men who raised the works, were the best alb
to defend them.
Gen. Ward was applied to for reinforcement
but was at first in doubt to what point to dire
them. But at II O'Clock, the regiments of Col
Read and Stark, of New Hampshire, were sent
Bunker Hill to join Prescotl's party. Other troo
were ordered. During the forenoon, the hood.tit
enabled the British to bring three or four hoatir
batteries to play on the entertainments, when Il
fire became more severe. The ships continued
discharge their guns all morning.
In the meantime, General Gage completed h
arrangements to attack the entertainments. I
ordered the ten Oldest companies Of grenadiers, 4
fifth and thirty-eghh regiments, to parade al
march to the long wharf. The ffty-second al
forty-thrd regiments, with the remaining comp
nies of grenadie.s and light infantry, to mar
to the north battery; and the forty seventh reg
ment and first battalion Of marines were to pl
coed TO the same point and hold themselves
readiness. The rest OF the army were held
readiness to march at moments warning. tt
force was placed under the command of Gene
Howe and Brigader General Pigot, and other v
eran officers.
About o'clock the British landed in et
order at Moulton's point, under cover and the
of their ships of war and batteries. 1t was m
imposing sight, The sun shining in melid
spendor; the scarlet uniforms the glisten
armor the brazen artillery; the flashes of fire {
belchngs of smoke from the big guns, forme
spectacle fitted to appal the stoutest heart.
The army formed into three lines on landi
and reconnotred the American position. Gene
Howe, on viewing the entertainments which
was ordered to carry, sent to General Gage
re-inforcements. Many Of the troops quietly din
II was the last meal Of many brave soldier.
In the meantime, the patriot band at the
trenchments, near Bunker Hill and Breeds H
viewed this formidable display Of British force v
intense anxiety They knew the contest would
an unequal one-that of raw militia against the
famed regulars. Re-inforcements had been pro
ised, but did not arrive was expected
deences of the Americans at three O'Clock in
afternoon, still in an unfinished state.
lines Of defence, the redoubt and entrenchme
were manned by the original force under Colt
Prescott, except the 200 Connecticut troops,
the artillery company, with two field pieces, VI