Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1855-06-29


grenaders, rangers and light infantry,
admirably equipped aud commanded
by Major-General Howc.-rhey
made a SPLENDID and formidable APP
pcarancc with their scarlet uniforms,
and the sun flashing upon muskets
and bayonets and brass field pieces
A heavy fire from the ships and bat.
teries covered their advance, but nc
attempt was made TO oppose them.
and they landed about | O'Clock at
Moullon's Point, little to the north
of Breeds Hill.
Here General Howe made pause.
On accommodating the works from
this point, the Americans appeared
10 be much more strongly posted
than he had imagined.-lIc deserted
troops also Fastening to their assis-
lance. These were the NewHamp-
shire troops, led on by Stark. Howe
Immediately sent over TO Gen. Gage
for more forces and a supply of can
non balls, those brought by him be-
ing found, through some cgregious
oversight, too large for the ordinance
While awaiting their arrival, refresh
ments were served out to the troops,
with "grog" by the bucketfIl and
tantalizing ii was to the hungry aud
thirsty provincals 10 look down from
their ramparts of earth and see their
invaders seated in groups on the grass,
eating and drinking, and preparing
themselves 10y hearty meal for the
coming encounter. Their only con-
ISOLATION was 10 take advantage of the
delay while the enemy were carous-
ing 10 strengthen their position. The
breasi-work 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 undclended, leaving
pass 10y 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 under his com
mand. A novel kind of rampant, sa-
voring of rural device, was suggested
10y the ruttic General. About six hun
bred feet in the rear of the redoubt
and about enc hundred feet to the
left of the breastwork was a post-and
rail fence set in low loot-wall of
stone, and extending down TO Mystic
River. The posts and rails Of anolh-
er fence were hastily pulled up aud
set few feet in behind this, and the
intermediate space filled up with new
mown hay from the adjacen, mead
ows.-The double fence it will be
found proved an important protection
TO the redoubt, although there still
remained an unprotected interval o.
about seven hundred feet.
While Knowlton and his men
were putting up this fence, Putnam
proceeded with other Of his troops to
,l.o" up the works on Bunker's Hin.
dispatchlng his son, Capt. Putnam,
on horseback, 10 hurry up the re-
mainder 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 Med
ford, distance of FIVE or six miles,
had been in character. He led his
men at Il moderate pace to bring
them into action fresh and vigorous.
In crossing the Neck, which was en-
iiladed 10y the enemy's ships and bat
teries, Capt. Dearborn, who was by
his de, suggested quick STEP
The veteran shook his head. Zone
fresh man in action is worth ten tired
ones, replied he, and marched stead
lily on.
Putnam detained some Of Stark
men to aid in throwing up the works
on Bunker's Hill, and directed him
to re-enforce Know,on with the rest.
Stark made short speech 10 his
men, now that they were likely 10
have warm work. He then pushed
on, and did good service that day at
the rustic bulwark.
About 2 O'Clock Warren arrived
on the nights, ready TO engage in
their perllous defence, although he
had opposed the scheme of their oc-
cupalon. He had recently been c
lected major general, but had no
received his commission like Pom
eroy, he came TO serve IN the ranks
with musket on his shoulder. Put
nam offered him the command at the
fence: he declined ii, aud merely
asked where he could be Of the most
service as volunteer. Putnam
pointed 10 the redoubt, observing lha'
there he would be under cover
Don't think seek a place of safe
! ty,' replied Warren, quickly; wher
will the attack be hottest = Putnam
still pointed 10 the redoubt. THAT
is the enemy's object; if that can be
maintained the day is ours Warren
was cheered by the troops as he en-
tered the redoubi. Col. Prescott
rendered him the command. liz
again declined. Il have come Il
serve only as volunteer, and shal
be happy 10 learn from soldier o
your experience Such were IN
, noble spirits assembled on thes'
, perilous nights.
The British now prepared for
general assault. An easy victor,
,yas anticinated the main thouoh