The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-06-27
MEMORABLE SEVENTEENTH OF JUNE
Stirring Incidents of the Day When the
Famous Battle of Bunker Hill Was
Fought.


It is a brilliant scene under that
flaming June sun, rank after rank
moving up thoee rough slopes.
When will Pigot's men get warn.
ing from the farmers in the redoubt
that this is an invasion of American
soil?
The assaulting column is within
twelve rods of the redoubt, but the
fowling pieces are silent. Ten rods
are reached, nine eight, when sudden
ly there is a death-fiash all along the
line of the redoubt, and the assailants
waver. reel. halt. turn and there is a
rush down the hill
Gen. Howe advances with his troops
toward the grass-stuffed rails, where
the Americans, under Stark and
Knowlton. are waiting for him. An
other death-fash along the American
line and the British wither before 1t
like the grass in the hot summer sun.
A second time the British are form
ing and coming up the hill. They near
the redoubt, they are within ten rods,
eight rods-six, when that volcano in
the redoubt pours out its stream of
death. Again, the British retreat to
the foot Of the hill.
On the left of the Americans, Howe
again leads his men, and again those
proud, scarlet lines are hopelessly
broken as they near the waiting force,
crouching in silence. 1t is only bar
ricade of grass, but it is like adamant.
Indeed, how could we penetrate
it?" some of the surviving British in
fantry will say Most Of our grenad-
iers and light infantry, the moment of
presenting themselves lost three
fourths. and many nine-tenths Of their
men. Some had only eight or nine
men in company left, some only
three, four or FIVE"
There are two scenes, two assaults.
that have now been witnessed in that
American tragedy by the spectators
on the adjacent highlands, and every
available elevated point. They are
watching every detail as the curtain
of smoke from the battlefield and
from the burning houses and from the
consuming ships in their yards. shall
lift their folds and roll up against the
summer sky.
Gen. Burgoyne has said: "The
whole was complication of horror
and importance beyond anything that
ever came to my lot to be witness to-.
1t was a sight for young soldier that
the longest service may not furnish
again"
VIII the tragedy have IT'S third
ssene, the battle its third attack?
''If we drive them back once more,
Prescott declares, they cannot rally
again"
His men cry: I'VE are ready for the
redcoats again"
They are hot, they are hungry, they
are thirsty, they are weary. but their
huzzas enthusiastically ring along the
earthworks, as they applaud their
commander.
There is one appalling deficiency,
more serious than the want of water
or rations, and that is the lack of am.
munition. None has been received, !
and the British are coming again.
Yes, there they are! Watch them
going up!
Cen Howe wears white silk stock
ings this day Of attack, but there is
no silk in his spirit. He and his men
press higher, higher and the redoubt !
is theirs.
There go the Americans, their am.
munition exhausted. They have lost
one hill; they have gained a name for
daring that decides long struggle
just ahead.