Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1855-06-20
While Knoxlton and his men were putting

er's Hill dispatching his son. Capt. Putnam.
on horseback to hurry up the remainder of
his men from Cambridge. By this time his
compeer in French and Indian warfare, the
veteran Stark, made his appearance with the
New Hampshire troops, FIVE hundred strong
He had grown cool and wary with age, and
his march from Medford, a distance of five or
six miles, had been in character. He led his
men at a moderate pace, to bring them into
action fresh and vigorous. In crossing the
Neck, which was enfladed by the enemy $
ships and batteries, Capt. Dearborn, who was
by his side, suggested quickstep. The vet
eran shook his head. Zone fresh man in
action is worth ten tired ones" replied he, and
marched steadily on.
Putnam detained some of Stark's men to
aid in throwing up the works on Bunker's
f Hill, and directed him to reinforce Knowlton
his men, now that they were likely to have
good service that day atthe rustic bulWark.
About two o'clock Warren arrived on the
heights, ready to engage in their perilous de-
fence, although he had opposed the scheme of
their occupation. He hadrecently been cleo
ted a major general, but had not received his
commission like Pomeroy, he came to serve
in the ranks with a musket on his shoulder.
Putnam offered him the command at the
fence; be declined it, and merely asked where
he could be of the most service as volunteer.
Putnam pointed to the redoubt observing that
he would be under cover.
:. Don't think / seek place Of safety" re-
piled Warren, quickly: where viii the attack
be hottest?' Putnam still pointed to the re-
doubt That is the enemy's object; if that
can be maintained the day is ours" Warren
was cheered by the troops he entered the
rcdoubt Col. Prescott rendered him the
command. He again declined. II have
come to serve only as a volunteer, and shall
be happy to learn from soldier of your expe-
l.ience'' Such were the noble spirits assem-
bled on these perious heights.
I The British now prepared for a general as
sault. An easy victory was anticipated. the
main thought was how to make it most effec-
tual. The left wing, commanded by Gen.
Pigot, was to mount the hill and force the
rcdoubt, while Gen Howe, with the right
wing, was TO push on between the fort and
Mystic river, turn the left flank of the Amer
leans. and cut off their retreat.
Gen. Pigot accordingly advanced mp the
hill under cover of fire from ield-pieces and
howitzers planted on small height near the
landing place on Moulton's Point. His troops
commenced a discharge of musketry while yet
at long distance from the redoubts
The Americans within the works, obedient
to strict command, retained their fire until the
enemy were within thirty or forty PAGES. when
they opened upon them with a tremendous
volley. Being all marksmen, accustomed to
take deliberate aim, the slaughter was inn
mense, and especially fatal to officers. The
assailants fell back in some confusion; but,
rallied on by their officers. advanced within
pistol shot. Another volley. more effective
than the first made them again recoil To
add to their confusion they were CALLED by
fankIng fire from the handful of Provincials
posted in Charlestown Shocked at the car
mage, and seeing the confusion of his troops,
Gen. Pigot was urged to give the word for
retreat.
In the meanwhile Gen. Howe with the left
wing, edyanced along Mystic river. towards
the fence were Stark, Read and Knowlton
were stationed, thinking to carry this slight
breast work with ease. and so get in the rear
of the fortress. His artillery proved of little
avail, being stopped by swampy piece of
ground, while his columns suffered from two or
three field pieces with which Putnam had
fortified the fence Howe's men kept up
FIRE of musketry as they advanced but, not
of the Americans. The latter had received
the same orders with those in the redoubt,
not to FIRE until the enemy should be within
thirty PAGES. Some few transgressed the
command Putnam rode up and swore he
would cut down the next man that fred con-
trary to orders.
When the British arrived within the stated
distance, a sheeted fire opened upon them
from rifles, maskets and fowling-pieces, all
levelled with deadly aim. The carnage, as
Ia the other instance, was horrible The
British were thrown into confusion and fell
back some even retreated to the boats.
There was a general pause on the part of
the British The. American officers avalied
themselves of it to prepare for another 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 g the regulars" He praised them for
their steadfastness in maintaining their post
and their good conduct in reserving their Ere
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-inforcements
which had been checked or scattered in cros-
sing Charlestown Neck by the raking fire
from the ships and batteries. Before many
could be bought to the scene of action the
d. british had commenced their second attack.
iney again ascended the hill TO storm the re-
aoup.; their advance was covered as before
~ discnarges OF artillery. Charlestown,
Wnlch had annoyed them or their first attack
by fianking FIRE, was in flames bv sbcels
thrown from Copp's Hill and by marines from
the ships. Being built wood. the place was
soon wrapped IN general confagration.
The thunder of artillery from batteries and