Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-06-17
REPUBLICAN NOMINATION.
BUNKER NH CENTENNIAL.

BUNKER MIL CENILAAIdL'
One hundred years ago to-day the bat
tie of Bunker Hill was fought. After the
battle of Lexington the American militia
gathered around Boston in such numbers
that the commander of the British forces
found it prudent to establish himself more
firmly in the city if he expected to hold it
and keep up communication with the
country, on which he depended for sup
plies. Early in June Warren visited the
city in disguise, and learned that /; was
the intention of the British to seize the
heights of Dorchester on the south and
Bunker Hill on the north, on the 10Th.
As soon as Warren made his report the
Committee of Safety passed a resolution
recommending the occupation OF Bunker
Hill BY the American troops. According
" on the night of the 10th some Massa-
chusetts and Connecticut soldiers marched
under the command of Col. William Pres
colt to take possession of that locality, but
after arriving there it was decided TO oc-
cupy and fortify Breeds Hill, as the latter
point was nearer the city than Bunker
Hill. At midnight the first blow of the
spade was struck, and when the morning
dawned the British were astonshed to
perceiye that formidable earthwork had
arisen before them during the ght as if
BY magic. A twenty-gu ship lying OFT
the site Of the present navy yard at once
opened fire upon the work, giving the
first signal of the bloody events of that
day.
In the afternoon General Howe, having
about 8, 500 men under his command. ad
vanced to assault the breastwork. thinking
to have an easy victory. Twice his lines
were broken under the deadly aim of the
American militia. and the British forced
to retreat, while the ground which they
occupied was covered with their dead and
wounded. Prescott had ordered his men
to reserve their fire till the enemy were
close at hand, and then take deliberate
aim ut their Wristbands. Putnam also
struck up the guns of his men who were
anxious to fire, exclaiming: Powder is
precious, and must not be wasted; wait
till you can see the whites of their eyes
and then fire iow." The British having
rested themselves. reformed their ranks
and received reinforcements, again adj
ysuced for third and final attack, this
time conducted with more wisdom and
against troops whose ammunition was
nearly spent. The redoubt was assailed
at once on three sides, and at last the
Americans. without powder, and only
having the butts of their muskets and stones
to defend themselves with. were obliged
to retreat. In the beginning OF the re-
treat Warren was killed. Prescott marched
backward behind his men, the last upon
the ground, parrying the bayonets of the
British with his sword.
The moral effect of this battle was great.
1t encouraged the Americans and taught
the British that the war 10 which they had
embarked was concern Of serious mo-
ment, for which they must prepare with
the best resources at their command.
They learned from this fight the following
truths which were stated in General Cages
despatch to his government: 1.-The trials
I'VE have had show that the rebels are
mot the despicable rabble too many have
supposed them to be, and find it owing
ito military spirit encouraged among
them for few years past, joined with
IAN uncommon degree of zeal and enthu-
"siasm, that they are otherwise.
Your Lordship will perceive that the
conquest of this country is not easy, and
lean be effected only by time and perse-
"verance, and strong armies attacking it
"in various quarters and dividing their
forces" Alter this there was no hope OF
reconciliation between the colonies and
the mother country. Both sides settled
down resolutely to long and bloody
struggle, in which British obstnacy and
valor were overmatched by American
bravery and love of freedom and indie
pendence.
To-day, this early, memorable and event
full contest in the struggle of our fore
fathers for liberty will De celebrated on
the spot where it occurred, in manner
worthy Of its renown and Importance.
One hundred years have passed since the
guns of the Lively saluted the ears of the
bold men busiy throwing up their breast
work on Breeds Hill, and what change
has taken place during that time in this
country, very little Of which could have
been accomplished had America remained
tied to the apron strings OF England. We
may thank Bunker Hill for much of what
we now are as government and people
The anti-temperance folk, decided they would
not have any temperance resolution, but they were
made TO feel how little their decision amounted TO.
shorey Of BridgtoD, and few other radical tenn
persnce men got on the committee on resolutions,
and the result was Gen. Conner said he was in ia
vor Of prohibition, and a temperance plank was
pat into the platform. If il had not been done