up the hill. The Americans awaited their approach in silence. They had been ordered to reserve their fire till they saw the whites of the enemies' eyes, and Gen. Putnam aided in restraining their impatience. When the British had reached the prescribed point, Prescott waved his sword above his head and shouted FIRE! A deadly discharge was poured upon the advancing columns. Platoon after platoon was swept down; the ranks were broken, and the survivors hastily retired. They were rallied for a second charge under cover of a smoke produced by the burning of several hundred wooden houses in Charlestown, which the British had wantonly set on fire. Again the Americans lay perfectly quiet, till the enemy were within ten rods of the redoubt. Again they swept down officers and men, and again the British veterans retreated. Gen. Clinton now crossed with 1,000 fresh troops. It was resolved to make another attack, though some of the officers declared that it was leading their men to certain death. After few moments' rest, during which, in the face of a destructive fire, a small party of Americans crossed Charlestown Neck and joined their countrymen, the British troops a third time commenced the ascent. The patriots, as before, poured in a galling fire; they shot down a number of officers, and wounded Howe himself. Unfortunately, however, their ammunition gave out. The British rushed up to the parapet, and, as they mounted it, were received with stones and clubbed muskets. Resistance being hopeless, Prescott ordered a retreat. He himself and Warren were the last to leave the redoubt. The latter, having done good service, was about joining his companions, when he received a musket-ball in the head and was instantly killed. In him America lost one of her truest friends. The British general, on hearing of his fall, said it was worth that of 500 ordinary rebels. of the first charge of the British. Of the second. Who now arrived on the field? What was it resolved to do? What did some of the officers declare? How were the Americans reinforced? How was the third charge of the British received? What obliged the Americans to retreat? Who were the last to leave the redoubt? What 1775] ADVENTURES OF OLD PUT". 213 297. The retreat of the provincials was bravely covered by detachments of their countrymen who had occupied a position in the rear during the engagement. Evening found them safely encamped at Prospect Hill, a mile from the battle ground. They had lost 115 killed, 305 wounded, and 32 prisoners. On the British side 226 were killed, 828 wounded and missing. The battle had taken place in sight of the whole people of Boston. The roofs and steeples, as well as the surrounding hills, were filled with anxious women and children, whose destinies depended on the issue of the day. The Americans had the decided advantage, though the British, remaining masters of the field, claimed the victory. 298. Israel Putnam, familiarly known as "Old Put”, one of the heroes whose name is embalmed in the glories of Bunker Hill, was born in Salem, Massachusetts, 1718. He emigrated to Connecticut, and his life from early youth was full of romantic adventures. At one time we see him descending into the wolf's den and shooting her by the light of her own glaring eyes; at another, actively engaged in the French and Indian War, now saving a comrade's life at Crown Point by killing a French sentinel, and anon escaping from his enemies with twelve bullet-holes in his blanket. In 1756, he found himself the prisoner of a party of savages, who, after driving him for miles under a heavy load, bound him to a stake, and prepared to burn him to death. Already had the flames scorched his skin, when a French officer burst through the crowd, scattered the brands, and saved his life. Shortly afterwards, Putnam was surprised by Indians just above the rapids in the Hudson. A glance showed him that his only chance of escape lay in threading the channel of the boister ous passage. With amazement his pursuers saw his boat leap into the seething waters, shoot through yawning whirlpools, dash past hidden rocks, and at last dart out into the placid waters far below. befell Warren? What did the British general say on hearing of his fall? 297. By whom was the retreat of the provincials covered? Where did they encamp? What was the loss on both sides? Who had witnessed the engagement? Which side gained the victory? 298. Where was Gen. Putnam born? To what colony did he emigrate? What is said of his life from early youth? Mention some of his early exploits. What Putnam's remarkable presence of mind was again displayed at Fort Edward. The barracks caught fire; and, separated from them only by a thin partition, was a magazine containing 300 barrels of gunpowder. The men fled in alarm from the scene of danger; but Putnam persisted in pouring water on the flames, put out the fire, and at the expense of some severe burns saved the fort. He was in the field ploughing, when he heard of the battle of Lexington. Leaving his plough where it was, without even changing his clothes, he hastened to Cambridge. The British offered him the rank of major-general and a large sum of money if he would desert the American cause; but the sturdy patriot scornfully refused, and paid them for the insult on the bloody field of Bunker Hill. He appears to have directed the movements of the patriots on that occasion jointly with Col. Prescott. 299. THE day before the battle of Bunker Hill, Washington accepted the office of commander-in-chief, expressing his sense of the high responsibilities it involved, and declining to receive any remuneration except the payment of his expenses. After removing his mother to a place of safety, he set out at once for Cambridge, where he arrived July 2d, 1775. He found an army of 14,500 men, with little or no knowledge of military manœuvres. Months of constant drilling were spent in making them effective soldiers. There were no engineers; and almost every difficulty that can be conceived had to be encountered in conducting the siege. Even powder was wanting; and it was with great difficulty that a small supply was obtained. happened to him in 1756? Shortly afterwards, where was he surprised by the Indians? How did he escape? What other story is told, illustrating Putnam's presence of mind? How was he engaged when he heard of the battle of Lexington? What did he do? What offer was made him by the British? How was it received? 299. What did Washington do on the day before the battle of Bunker Hill? What were his next movements? What state of things did he find, on arriving at Cambridge! 1775] ARNOLD'S EXPEDITION. 215 300. On the 6th of July, Congress in an able manifesto set forth its reasons for taking up arms. It also established a line of posts for the communication of intelligence, under the superintendence of Franklin. This same month, Georgia, which had not before taken part in the movement, joined her sister colonies, and chose delegates to Congress. 301. Knowing that large stores were collected at Quebec, and believing that the people would join in the Revolution if opportunity offered, Congress determined on an expedition against Canada, and placed General Montgomery at its head. St. John's surrendered to the invaders on the 3d of November; the country was overrun, and Montreal was taken. The time for which many of the American soldiers had enlisted now ran out; and, as they insisted on returning, Montgomery was left with no more than 300 followers to advance upon Quebec. Meanwhile, 1,100 Americans, under Benedict Arnold, now raised to the rank of colonel, were marching through the northern wilderness of Maine to the succor of their countrymen. No one at the present day can estimate the hardships which that devoted band were called on to endure; now forcing their way through tangled thickets and over pathless mountains; and now wading through swollen rivers, pushing their boats before them, or borne away by rapids and struggling for life amid the waves;-worn out, sick, cold, hungry, disheartened. Not a few gave up the expedition, and returned to Massachusetts. With some of his bravest men, Arnold pushed on to a French village for supplies, leaving the rest of his force in a most critical position. The last ox was killed and distributed; the last dog was eaten with avidity; then roots and moose-skin moccasins were their only resource. When the aid sent back by Arnold reached the famished band, they had eaten nothing for two days. 800. What was done by Congress in July, 1775? What action was taken by Georgia f 301. Whither did Congress determine to send an expedition? What led them to do so? Who was placed at its head? What places were taken by Montgomery? What thon put a stop to his victorious movements? How many remained with him, to proceed Against Quebec? Who was advancing to his aid? With how many men? By what route? Give an account of the difficulties encountered by Arnold's men. How did be Even such suffering, however, could not discourage these brave hearts. Among them were not a few noted in later times-Morgan, Greene, and Meigs [megz], all benefactors of their country,-and Aaron Burr, then a youth of 20, afterwards Vice-President of the United States. At last, surmounting incredible obstacles, the heroic band stood before Quebec, and effected a junction with the army of Montgomery, who took command of the whole. Together they numbered but 900 effective men. A commander less brave and energetic would have shrunk from attacking those massive walls with so insignificant a force. Montgomery hesitated not; he had been there before under Wolfe, and remembered his glorious example. After besieging the place three weeks, and finding that his few small cannon could make no impression on its defences, on the last day of the year 1775, with the approval of his officers and men, he prepared for an assault. 302. Four divisions issued from the American camp, two of which were to make feigned attacks for the purpose of distracting the enemy's attention. Montgomery was to approach along the St. Lawrence, Arnold by the St. Charles; and both, having united their forces, were storm the Prescott gate. Montgomery, having toiled over enormous masses of ice, amid drift save them from perishing? What was their condition when relief arrived? Mention some of Arnold's followers who afterwards became noted. At last, where did they arrive? Who took the command? How many effective men were found in both divi3ions? What was the prospect of success? How long did Montgomery besiege Quebec? What did he find? On what did he then resolve? What day was selected for the attack? 302. [See Map.-At the confluence of what two rivers is Quebec situated ? |