The History of England - a Study in Political Evolution

s than for free-men, and all made up their minds to throw off the yoke. They could not bear t

nd fame. They filled the streets of Bos-ton, and it was thought they might bring t

cry of "To arms!" had seized their guns, and come in the home-spun clothes it was their pride to wear. Those from Mas-sa-chu-setts were led by Gen-er-al Ar-te-mas Ward; those from New Hamp-s

s were on guard. But though sharp eyes were on the watch, sly deeds were done by those who knew the ways in and out of each store-house. Carts w

ield guns were at Sa-lem, and he sent troops there to seize

large stock of arms and war-stores at Con-cord,

at no one but the troops should leave the town, but the news was borne to Lex-ing-ton-a t

g and guns were fired. Men who heard these sounds ran as fast as t

oats came in sight, and at once three-score and ten

t off a small gun, swung his sword in air, and told his men to fire. The troops ran up, with loud cheers, and poured a storm of shot on our men, some of whom were killed. Then they pushed on to Con-cord

quite worn out with what they had done, and would have been c

ed there-to. The red-coats might laugh at their clothes, and the way in which they tried to ke

ight have a chance to rest. Then they all set out to march back to Bos-ton, with two field guns in the rear to keep off the "flock

's troops the most was to be put to flight by such a

have been safe for the red-coats to try to leave the town. The Kings troops did not like to

ips at or near the wharves. Put-nam thought it would be a good plan to seize these heights and place troops there; but

y could fight back of a screen. "They have no fear of their heads," he said, "the

d weight. The chief man was Col-o-nel Pres-cott, who was just the style of man, in port and in dress, that a lot

there, and guard them from the foe. There were 1200 in all, and they set out on the night of June 16, 1775. No

teps, and moved with great care. For on this the red-coats kept a close watch. Five of their ships-of-war stood

ere they were to make their stand, but it was found that Breed's Hill, which was half a mile off, was not quite s

to go on. There was no time to lose. So pick and spade were brought out, and th

eam, to see and hear if the red-coats had made a stir. There was not a sound save the cry of

ere brought up and turned on the hill. Their shot did not harm the works, but one man who went out-side was killed, and this threw the rest in

held his troops as he did. He stood up on top of the earth-works in full view of the red-coats, and talked with his men, an

full of men had sprung up in the night! How had it been done? What kind of men were these he had to meet? As he stood on Cop

ood near, and who knew Pres-cott. "He will fight to the

d at once called up his chiefs for a talk

calls to war, the sharp click of hoofs, and the deep roll of wheels that bore the fie

heat made them feel weak and dull. There was need of more men, and a lot of raw New Hamp-shire troops, led by Col-o-nel Stark came to their aid

of the guns they bore, and from the brass field guns that stood on the deck. It was a gay scene. They made their way to a point north of Breed's Hill, where Gen-er-al

t round, the red-coats in the mean-time were served with food and drink. The "grog" was passed round in pails, and the men sat

ad a chance to add to the strength of their fort, and to

e might turn the left-flank of th

th more ease than if they stood out in the field. Not a long way off was a post-and-rail fence set in a low foot-wall of stone, and this fence ran down to the Mys-tic Riv-er. The posts a

rk on this fence, Put-nam and his troo

ch I have told you. He led his men at a slow pace, so that they would be fresh and strong to take part in the fight. As they came up to th

ght is worth ten tired ones," and kept on at the same pace;

nce. He said he did not care to lead; he was there to fight. "Where will the fire be the hot-test?" he asked. He was told

s-cott, who was not so high in rank, sought to have War-ren take charge of the troops. But he would not. "I h

the left wing, was to mount the hill and seize the earth-works, while Gen-er-al Howe came

ge. Then, as they were all good marks-men each shot told, and some of the best men fell at the first fire.

their flank from the band of men in Charles-town. So much blood had been shed, and the

reast-work with ease, and so get in the rear of the fort. But he did not know the ground, and could not bring his large guns throug

ake good aim the balls flew o'er the heads of our troops, who ha

fired ere he had the word to do so. When the red-coats were in the right range, such a storm of lead pour

n great haste. Some of them ran back as far as the boats, and got on

rles-town on fire. The town was built of wood, and was soon a mass of flames. The dense smoke put out the light of the sun On all sides was heard the din of war. The big gu

foe, who, as soon as they were close at hand, w

brought to a halt. In vain did the men who led them urge them on with drawn swords. Whole ranks were mowed down

some of whom threw off their knap-sacks and some the

e to our men. While some of his troops were at work at that point, Howe brought the rest of hi

he red-coats that showed them-selves on the wall. Soon one leaped up and cried out

EN FOR COMMANDE

he foe in a hand-to-hand fight. With stones and the butt-ends of their guns they sought t

last to leave the fort. He scarce had done so ere

the rear and cried, "Halt! make a stand here! We can check

of more than half of their men. And it hurt their pride to think that it had cost them so dear

oss was

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