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

Hampshire troops, led on By Stark
Howe immediately ly sent over 10 Gen. Gage
for more forces and supply of cannon
balls, those brought by him being found,
through some egregious oversight, too
large for the ordinance. While awaiting
their arrival, refreshments we served out
to the troops, with "grog' by the bucket
full; and tantalizing it was to the hungry
and thirsty provincials to look down from
their ramparts of earth and see their inva-
ders seated in groups upon the grass eating
aud drinking, and preparing themselves
by hearty meal for the coming encoun-
ter. Their only consolation was to take
advantage Of the delay while the enemy
were carousing to strengthen their posi-
ton. The breastwork on the left of the
position extended to what was called the
Slough, but beyond this the ridge of tue
hill, and the slope toward Mystic River
were undefended, leaving pass by which
the enemy might turn the left flank of the
position and seize upon Bunker's Hill
Putnam ordered his chosen officer, Capt.
knowlton, to cover this pass with the
Connecticut troops underh his command
A novel kind of rampant, savoring of ru-
raj device, was suggested by the rustic
General. About six hundr d feet in the
rear of the redoubt and one hundred feet
to the left. of the breastwork was post
and-rail fence set in a low foot wall Of stone
and extending down to Mystic River.
ha i &c, hor
hastily pulled down and set few feet be-
hnid this, and the intermediate space
was filled up with new mown hay from
the adjacent meadows. The double fence
it will be found proved an important pro-
lection to the redoubt, although there still
remained an unprotected interval Of about
seven hundred feet
While knowlton and his men were put
ting up this fence Putnam proceeded with
others of his troops to throw up the works
on Bunker's Hill, despatching 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, distance of five or
six miles, had been in character. He led
his men at moderate pace to bring them
into action fresh and vigorous. In cross
ing the Neck, which was en6laded by the
enemy's ships and batteries, Capt. Dear
, born, who was by his Side, suggvotod a
quick step. The veteran shook his head 4:
Zone fresh man in action is worth ten
tired ones, replied he and marched on.
Putna detained some of Stark's men
} to aid in throwing up the works on Bun
fer's Hill, and directed him to reinforce
kno wilton with the rest. Stark made a
short speech to his men, now that they
were likel y to have warm work. He then
pushed on. and did good service that day
at the rustic bulwark.
: About two o'clock Warren arrived OF
S the nights, ready to engage in their peril
Y Gus defense, although he had opposed thu
t scheme of their occupation. He had re
t Gently been elected a major-general, bu
! had not received his commission; ikt
< Pomeroy, he came to serve in the rank
, with a muskct ON his shoulder. Putnam
: offered him the command at the fence; HI
: declined it, merely asked where he coull
$ be of the most service as volunteer, Put
f nam pointed to the redoubt, observing tina
= there he could be under cover. "Don'
t think seek place of safety" rOpliee
: Warren, quickly; "where will the attach
: be hottest!' Putnam still pointed to thu
|. redoubt. "That is the enemy's object i
: that can be maintained the day is ours,
Warren was cheered by the troops as h
n entered the redoubt Col Prescott tender
ed him the command. Heagain declined
S II have come to serve only as volunteer
; and shall be happy to learn from soldier
t of your experience" Such were the no
t Bile spirits assembled on these perilout
| nights.
The british now prepared for genera
1 assault. An easy victory was anticipated
the main thought was, how to make it mos
y efectual. The left wing, commanded by
: Gen. Pigot, was to mount the hill and fore,
the redoubt, while Gen. Howe, with tn,
right wing, was to push on between tn
: fort and Mystic River, turn the left fanl
e of the Americans, and cut off their re
: treat.
e Gen. Pigot accordingly advanced up tn
= hill under cover of fire from feld-piece
q and howitzers planted on small high
y near the landing place on Moulton's Point
;, His troops commenced discharge Of mus
: kerry while yet long distance from tn
redoubts. The Americans within tn
e works obedient to strict command, retain
s ed their fire until the enemy were within
o thirty or forty PAGES, when they opene
@ upon them with tremendous volley.-
n Being all marksmen, accustomed to tax
Is deliberate aim, the slaughter was immens
Il and especially fatal to offisers. The as
If sailants fell back in some confusion; but
a rallied on by their officers advanced witt
in pistol shot. Another volley more el
d fective than the first, made them again re
N coil. To add to their confusion. they wei
Re CALLED by Aanking fire from the handft
d of Provincials posted in Charleston
ID Shocked at the carnage, and seeing th
: confusion of his troops. Gen. Pigot wa
D. urged to give the word for retreat.
ID In the meantime Gen. Howe, with tt
o. left wing advanced along Mystic Rive
re toward the fence where Stark, Read an
r Knowlton were stationed, thinking to ca