Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-08-11

themselves by a hearty meal for the coming en-
counter.
The only consolation was to take advantage
of the delay, while the enemy were carousing,
to strengthen their position The brcastwork
on the left of the position extended to what
was called the slough, but beyond this, the
ridge of the HILL and the slope toward Mystic
river, were undefended, leaving a 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 Knowl-
ton, to cover the pass with the Connecticut
troops under his command novel kind of
rampant savoring of device, was suggested by
the rustic General
About six hundred feet in the rear of the re-
doubt, and about one hundred feet to left of
the breaStwork was post-andrail fence, set
In low foot wall of stone. and extended
down to Mystic River The posts and rails
OF another fence were hastily pulled up and
set few feet behind this, and the intermedi-
ate space was filled up with new mown hay
from the adjoining meadows The double fence,
1t will be found, proved an important protec-
ton to the redoubt, although there still remain
ed an unprotected interval of about seven hun
dred feet.
While knowlton and his men were putting
the fence, Putnam proceeded with other of
his troops to throw up the work on Bunker's
Hill, despatched his son, Capt. Putnam, on
| horseback, to hurry up the remainder of the
men at 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
had in oh IIo loJ
at moderate pace, to bring them into action
fresh and vigorous. In crossing the Neck which
was enhladed by the enemy's ships and bat
teries, Capt. Dearborn, who sat by his side,
suggested quick step. The veteran shook
his head. Zone fresh man in action is worth ten
tired ones" replied he, and marched steadily
onward
Putnam detained some of Stark's men, to
aid in throwing up the works on Bunkcrs Hill,
and directed him to reinforce Knowlton with
the rest. Stark made short speech to his men,
now that they were likely to have warm work
He then pushed on, and did good service that
day at the rustic buwark
About two o'clock Warren arrived on the
heights, ready to engage in the perilous de-
fence, although he had opposed the scheme of
their occupation. He had recently been cleo
ted Major General, but had not received his
commlsslon-llke PomerOy he came to serve
III the ranks, with a muSket on his shoulder
Putnam offered him the command at the
fence ; he declined it, and merely asked where
he could be Of most service as a volunteer
Putnam pointed to the redOubt, observing that
he would be under cover. Don't think |
seek place of safety" observed Warren quick
ly; "where will the attack be hottest ?" Put
nam still pointed to the redoubt THAT is
the enemys object if that can be maintained
the day is ours" Warren was cheered by the
troops as he entered the redoubt Col. Pres
colt rendered him the command. He again
declined. " have come to serve only as a
volunteer, and shall be happy to learn from a
soldier of your experience" Such were the
noble spirits that assembled on these pcrous
heights.
The British now prepared for a general as
saut. An easy victory was anticipated the
main thought was how to make it the most ef-
fectual. The left wing, commenced by Gen.
Pigot, was to mount the hill and force the re-
doubt, while Gen. Howe, with the right wing,
was to push on between the fort and Mystic
river, turn the left flank of the Americans, and
cut off their retreat.
General PigOt accordingly advanced up the
hill, under cover of fire from field pieces,
howitzers planted on small height near the
landing place on Mouton's Point. His troops
commenced discharge of musketry while vet
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 then
/ opened upon them with tremendous volIey
Being all marksmcn, accustomed to take deli
berate aim, the slaughter was immense, and
especially fatal to officers The assailants fell
back in some confusion, but, rallied Oh by their
officers, advanced within pistol shot. Another
rolley, more effective than the first made them
again recoil. To add to their confusion they
were CALLED by 1anking fire from the handful
of Rroyincials posted in Charlestown. Shocked
at the carnage, and seeing the confusion of the
troops, Gen. Plgot was urged to give the word
| for a retreat, .....
In the meanwhile, Gen. Howe with the left
wing advanced along Mystic river, toward the
fence where Stark Reed 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. Howes men kept up fire of mus
kerry as they advanced, but not taking aim,
their shot passed over the heads of the Ameri-
cans The latter had received the same Or
ders with those in the redoubt, not to fire ur-
til 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 fired contrary to orders.
When the British arrived within the stated
distance, sheeted fire opened upon them from
rifles muskets and fowling pieces, all leveed with
deadly aim The carnage, as in the other in
stance, was horrible. The British were thrown
into confusion and fell back some even re-