Plymouth advertiser. [volume] (Plymouth, Ohio) 1853-1988, 1855-07-14

the same orders with those IN the redoubt,
not to fire until the enemy should be with
in thirty PAGES. Some few transgressed
the command. Putnam rode up and
swore he would cut down the next man
that fired cantrary to orders. When the
British arrived within the stated distance,
sheeted fire opened upon them from III
files, muskets and fowling pieces, all lev
eled with deadly aim. The carnage, as in
the other instance, was horrible. The
British were thrown into confusion and
fell back some even retreated to the boats.
There was general pause on the part
of the British. The American officers
availed themselves Of it to prepare for an
other attack, which must soon be made.
Prescott mingled among his men in the
redoubt, who were all in high spirits at the
severe check they had given the regulars
He praised them for the steadfastness in
maintaining their post and their good con-
duct in reserving their fire until the word
OF command, and exhorted them to do
the same in the next attack.
Putnam rode about Bunker's Hill and
its skirts to rally and bring on re-enforce-
ments which had been checked or scat
tered in crossing Charlestown Neck by
the raking fire from the ships and batter.
les. Before many could be brought to
the scene of action the British had COM
menced their second attack. They again
ascended the hi to storm the redoubt ;
their advance was covered as before by dis
charges of artillery. Charlestown, which
had annoyed them on their first attack by
Hankins fire, was in flames by shells
thrown from Copp's Hill and by marines
from the ships. Being built of wood.
the place was soon wrapped in a general
conHagration. The thunder of artillery
from batteries and ships, the bursting of
bomb shells; the sharp discharges ofmus-
kerry; the shouts and yells of the COM
batants the crash of burning buildings.
and the dense volumes of smoke which
obscured the summer sun, all formed a
tremendous spectacle. Sure | am, said
Burgoyne in one OF his letters-'I am sure
nothing has or ever can be more dreadful
ly terrible that what was to be seen or
heard at this time. 1t was the most in
cessant discharge of guns that ever was
heard by mortal ears
The American troops although unused
to war stood undismayed amidst scene
where it was bursting upon them with all
its horrors. Reserving their fire, as before
until the enemy was close at hand, they
again poured forth repeated volleys with
the fatal aim of sharpshooters. The Brit
ish stood the first shock, and continued to
advance; but the incessant stream of fire
staggered them. Their officers remonstra-
ted, threatened, and even attempted to goad
them on with their swords, but the havoc
was too deadly; whole ranks were moved
down; many of the officers were either slain
or wounded, and among them several ofthe
staff of Gen. Howe. The troops again
gave way and retreated down the hill.
All this passed under the eye of thous-
ands of spectators of both sexes and all
} ages, watching from afar every turn of a
battle in which the lives Of those most
dear to them were at hazard. The British
) soldisry, in Boston gazed with astonish.
J ment and almost incredulity at the resolute
and protracted stand of raw militia, whom
} they had been taught to despise, and al
the havoc made among their own veteran
troops. Every convoy ofwounded brought
over to the town increased their conster
nation and General Clinton, who had
watched the action from Cops Hill, EN-
barking in boat, hurried over as vol
} unteer, taking with him re-enforcements.
A third attack was now determined on,
though some of Howe's officers remonstra.
, ted, declaring it would be downright
butchery, A different plan was adopted
Instead of advancing in front of the re-
doubt, it was to be taken in flank on the
left, where the open space between the
breast-work and the fortified fence pre-
sented a weak point. 1t having been &C.
cidentally discovered that the ammunition
of the Americans was nearly expended,
preparations were made to carry the works
at the poiut Of the bayon and soldiery
threw off their knapsacks, and some even
their coats. to he more light for acti n.
, Gen. Howe, with the main body, now
made feint of attacking the fortified
fence; but while part of his force was
thus engaged the rest brought some field
pieces to ten6lade the breastwork on the
, left of the redoubt. A raking fire soon
drove the Americans out of this exposed
place into the inclosure. Much damage,
too, was done in the latter by balls which
entered the sallyport.
, The troops were now led on to assail the
, works; those who hinchsd were as before
goaded on by the swords Of the officers
/ The Americans again reserved their fire
| until their assailants were close at hand
: and then made murderous velley, BY
Q which several officers were laid low, ant
e Gen. Howe himself was wounded in tn,
: foot. The British solliery this time like
, lwise reserved their fire and rushed on witt
: fixed bayoret. Clinton and Pigot has
: teached the southern and eastern sides o
: the redoubt, at once. Prescott ordere
e rhose who had no bayone to retire to tn
j back part Of the redoubt, and fire on tn
: enemy as they showed themselves on tn
9 parapet. The first who mounted exclaim
> ed in triumph, "The day is oursp' H
was instantly shot down, and so were Sc,
g eral Others who mounted about the sam
:, time. The Americans, however, had fire
d their last round. their ammunition was 9,
r. hausted; and now succeeded adespsrate an