Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/384

 fire by Gage's orders, adding new horrors to the scene. General Clinton hastened from Boston, to give aid and encouragement, but it was with the greatest difficulty that the troops were rallied and led a third time up the hill. "The thunder of artillery from batteries ind ships; the bursting of bombshells; the sharp discharges of musketry; the shouts and yells of the combatants; the crash of burning buildings, and the dense volumes of smoke, which obscured the summer sun, all formed a tremendous spectacle." The ammunition of the Americans was nearly expended, and no supply was at hand. The British troops also brought some cannon to bear, which raked the inside of the breastwork from end to end. The fire from the ships, batteries, and field artillery was incessant, and the soldiers were goaded on by their officers. The redoubt was attacked on three sides at once. Under these circumstances, Prescott ordered a retreat, but the provincials delayed, and made resistance with their discharged muskets, as if they had been clubs, so long, that the regulars, who easily mounted the works, had half filled the redoubt, before it was given up to them. While these operations were going on at the breastwork and redoubt, the British light infantry were attempting to force the left point of the former, that they might take the American line in flank. Though they exhibited undaunted courage, they met with an opposition which called for its greatest exertions. The provincials here, under the veteran Stark, in like manner, reserved their fire till their adversaries were near, and then poured it upon the light infantry, with such an incessant stream, and in so true a direction, as mowed down their ranks. The engagement was kept up on both sides with great resolution. The persevering exertions of the regulars could not compel the Americans to retreat, till they observed that their main body had left the hill. They then slowly retired, disputing the ground, inch by inch, and made good their retreat over the Neck, under a galling fire from the ships and batteries, which, however, was not productive of serious injury. They fell back, and entrenched themselves on Prospect Hill, only about a mile from the field of battle. The English troops felt no disposition to pursue them, but were content to remain in possession of their dearly bought victory.

We have dwelt somewhat at large upon the incidents just narrated. The occasion well deserves it, for no subsequent conflict was of more importance than this, in its effect upon the Americans as well as the British. It was truly, as Mr. Irving says, "most eventful in its consequences. The British had gained the ground for which they contended ; but, if a victory, it was more disastrous and humiliating to them than an ordinary defeat. They had ridiculed and despised their enemy, representing them as dastardly and inefficient; yet here their best troops, led on by experienced officers, had repeatedly been repulsed by an inferior force of that enemy,—mere yeomanry,—from works thrown up in a single night, and had suffered a loss rarely paralleled in battle with the