Spirit of the times. [volume] (Ironton, Ohio) 1853-1858, 1855-08-14

General Clinton, who had watched the
action from Copp's Hill, cmbarking in
q boat, hurried over as volunteer, TAX.
ing with him re.enlorcements.
A third attack was now determined
on, though some Of Howe's officers 70.
monstrated, declaring il would be down.
right butchcry. A different plan was
adopted. Instead Of advancing in front
Of tho redoubt, it was to be taken in
flank on the left, where the open space
between the breastwork and the fortified
fence presented weak point. 1t hav.
ing been accidentally discovered that
the ammunition OF the Americans was
nearly expended, preparations were
made to carry the works at the point Of
tho bayonet; and the soldiery threw of
their kanpsacks, and some even their
coats, to be more light for action.
General Howe, with tho main body
now made feint attacking the fortified
fence But while part Of his force was
thus engaged, The rest brought some
eldpieces to enflade tho breastwork
on the left Of the redoubt. A raking
fire soon drove the Americans out OF
this exposed place into the inclosurc.--
Much damage, too, was done in the lat.
ter by balls which entered the sally.
port.
The troops were now led on 10 assal
the works those who ainched were
as before goaded on by swords Of the
officers. The Americans again reserved
their fire until their assaiIants we're lose
at hand, then made murdcrous volley,
by which several officers were laid low
and General Howe himself was wound.
ed in the foot.
The British soldiery this time like.
wise reserved their fire, and rushed on
with fixed bayonets. Clinton and Pigot
had refused the southern and eastern
sides of the redoubt, and it was now as.
sailed on three sides at once. Prescott
ordered those who had no bayonets to
retire to the back part Of the redoubt,
and fire on the enemy as they showed
themselves on the parapet. The first
who mounted exclaimed in Triumph
"The day is ours p He was instantly
shot down, and so were several others
who mounted about the same time
The Americans, however, had fred their
last rounl, their ammunition was ex.
hausted and now succeeded desperate
and deadly struggle, hand to hand, with
bayonets, stones and the stock Of their
muskes.
At length, as the British continued to
pour in, Prescott gave the order 10 re.
treat. His men had to cut their way
threugh two divisions Of the enemy who
were getting in the rear of the redoubt.
and they received a destructive volley
from those who had formed on the cap.
tured works. By that volley fell the
patriot Warren, who had distinguished
himself throughout the action. He was
among the last 10 leave the rcdoubt and
had scarce done so, when he was shot
through the head with musket.ball
and fell dead on the ground.
While the Americans were thus slowly
dislodged from the redoubt, Stark, Read
and Knowlton maintained their ground
at the fortified fence, which indeed had
been nobly defended throughout the &C
,ion. Pomeroy distinguished himsel
here by his sharpshooting until his mus
ket was shattered by ball. The re-
. sislance at this haslily.constructed work
was kept up after the troops in the re
: doubt had given way and until Colone
Prescott had left tho hill. thus defeating
General Howe's design of cutting off thu
retreat Of the main body, which would
: have produced scene of dre(ul con
fusion and slaughter. Having effected
, their purpose, the bravo associates of th'
fence abandoned their weak outpost
, retiring slowly, and disputing the groun'
+, inch by inch with regularity remark
| able in troops many of whom had neve
. before been in action.
, The main retreat was across Bunke
u. Hill, where Putnam had endeavored t
throw up breastwork. The veteran
Q sword in hand, rode to the rear of th'
b retreating troops, regardless Of the ball
!, whistling about him. His only though
J., was 10 rally them at the unfinished
works. "Halt make a stand here !
j.. cried he, Eve can check them yet. Il
a Gods name. folm, and give them on
y shot more"
= Pomeroy, welding his shattered mus
r ket as truncheon, seconded him in hi
n efforts to stay the torrent. it was i'm
$ possible, however, to bring the troops t
,f a stand. They continued on down tn
Il hill to the Neck, and across to Cam
bridge, exposed to raking fire from tn
d ships and batteries, and only protecte
e by single piece Of ordnance. Th
h British were too exhausted TO pursu
IS them ; they contented themselves wit
1t taking possession Of Bunker Hill, wei
d re- enforced from Boston, and threw U
}. additional works during the night.
n HGS. BhRNUM is getting up q prize