 | The American war |  |
1
BOOK I.
THE ARGUMENT.
The exordium. The emigration to the continent: Transactions with the Indian nations, and Great Britain: The royal charter granted by King William III: Complaints from the continent; stamp-act repeal'd; fray in Boston; smuggling act made, and the tumults which ensued. Tea destroyed in Boston harbour: General Gage sent with 4000 to shut up the port of Boston. Restriction of the fishery: Falmouth burnt: The men of Boston disarmed: The first general congress, and continental preparation for war: The expedition to Lexington, skirmishes, and retreat to Boston; the Town invested; ingress, and egress, forbid: Skirmishes in different places; expeditions of Colonel Easton Allen, &c. to various parts; the provincials beat the savages, and advance to Canada: The Generals Howe, Burgoyne, and Clinton, arrive with reinforcements: The battle of Bunker's Hill, and its consequences.
Of arms I sing, and trans-Atlantic war,
Where, oft amidst the desolating jar,
Once friendly thousands, meet as mortal foes!
And various great accumulating woes
Spread discontent; making the breach more wide;
Whilst to the field, on each contending side
Relations march, and brothers may be found
In hostile ranks, disputing for the ground!
Political discussions I disclaim;
Historic truth is my determin'd aim.
Through the whole work I shall not introduce
'Gainst either side, illiberal abuse;
Shall no degrading epithets bestow;
Unprejudic'd the narrative shall flow:
Shall in a manner most impartial tell
Th' events of war, without a parallel;
Who plann'd, who fought, who bled, and bravely fell.
Where, oft amidst the desolating jar,
Once friendly thousands, meet as mortal foes!
And various great accumulating woes
Spread discontent; making the breach more wide;
Whilst to the field, on each contending side
Relations march, and brothers may be found
In hostile ranks, disputing for the ground!
Political discussions I disclaim;
Historic truth is my determin'd aim.
Through the whole work I shall not introduce
'Gainst either side, illiberal abuse;
2
Unprejudic'd the narrative shall flow:
Shall in a manner most impartial tell
Th' events of war, without a parallel;
Who plann'd, who fought, who bled, and bravely fell.
Come Clio, thy strong inspiration bring;
Through the grand theme assist me, whilst I sing
Civil commotions! terrible alarms!
Great Britain 'gainst a continent in arms!
A war, in which Great Britain's self must feel
Each hurtful ball, and the deep-wounding steel;
To suit the subject, may my diction flow,
Nervous, sublime, and full of martial glow.
Forward to look, an awful scene appears,
To trace the tumult through revolving years;
The vernal fields deform'd with human gore,
And wintry snows with blood empurpled o'er;
Where, ruin seems t' advance with equal stride,
Towards the conqu'ring and the vanquish'd side
Through the grand theme assist me, whilst I sing
Civil commotions! terrible alarms!
Great Britain 'gainst a continent in arms!
A war, in which Great Britain's self must feel
Each hurtful ball, and the deep-wounding steel;
To suit the subject, may my diction flow,
Nervous, sublime, and full of martial glow.
Forward to look, an awful scene appears,
To trace the tumult through revolving years;
The vernal fields deform'd with human gore,
And wintry snows with blood empurpled o'er;
Where, ruin seems t' advance with equal stride,
Towards the conqu'ring and the vanquish'd side
Thou great eternal source of light and life;
(Sole arbiter of this destructive strife)
Look down in mercy on each threaten'd land;
Unite us in an amicable band;
Send forth thy fiat, speak us into peace,
And bid fraternal devastation cease.
(Sole arbiter of this destructive strife)
Look down in mercy on each threaten'd land;
Unite us in an amicable band;
Send forth thy fiat, speak us into peace,
And bid fraternal devastation cease.
From first to last, whatever we design,
All must submit to Providence divine.
If heav'n decrees the natives must be sent
From hence, to explore the northern continent,
Wisdom will so direct the ways of man,
That he shall execute the destin'd plan.
All must submit to Providence divine.
If heav'n decrees the natives must be sent
From hence, to explore the northern continent,
3
That he shall execute the destin'd plan.
When Charles the First o'er Britain's land bore sway,
Some thousands sail'd across th' Atlantic sea,
And found the shores by savages possest,
Who often put their manhood to the test:
They persever'd, by Providence sustain'd,
Built forts, and towns, and ample footing gain'd;
As they increas'd they wider spread around;
With great expence of blood maintain'd the ground:
With Indian chiefs, and tribes, intent on peace,
They oft had talks to make the slaughter cease;
Where they agreed to smooth each hostile frown,
And lay the hatchet and the musket down:
Not long the colonists could peace enjoy,
Some sad mischance wou'd all their hopes destroy,
And urge them on reluctantly to jar,
'Midst all the horrors of a butch'ring war!
Sometimes victorious, sometimes full of woe,
And forc'd to flee before the scalping foe!
Through near a century they boldly strove,
And ev'ry savage nation backward drove;
At length kind Providence their efforts blest,
And gave the conscientious exiles rest:
Some thousands sail'd across th' Atlantic sea,
And found the shores by savages possest,
Who often put their manhood to the test:
They persever'd, by Providence sustain'd,
Built forts, and towns, and ample footing gain'd;
As they increas'd they wider spread around;
With great expence of blood maintain'd the ground:
With Indian chiefs, and tribes, intent on peace,
They oft had talks to make the slaughter cease;
Where they agreed to smooth each hostile frown,
And lay the hatchet and the musket down:
Not long the colonists could peace enjoy,
Some sad mischance wou'd all their hopes destroy,
And urge them on reluctantly to jar,
'Midst all the horrors of a butch'ring war!
Sometimes victorious, sometimes full of woe,
And forc'd to flee before the scalping foe!
Through near a century they boldly strove,
And ev'ry savage nation backward drove;
At length kind Providence their efforts blest,
And gave the conscientious exiles rest:
The colonies throughout the continent,
Increas'd in numbers, and grew opulent;
But chiefly Massachusets, which at length,
For elbow-room began t'exert its strength;
Pray'rs for defence, and great complaints were sent
'Gainst their proceedings, from the continent;
And now the dreaded day of reck'ning came,
When Massachusets suffer'd courtly blame:
The reprimand they with reluctance took,
And the restraint annex'd could never brook:
Oft Britain threaten'd, and with pow'rful hand,
She seiz'd at length the charter of the land:
But, when for their deliv'rance Nassau came,
(Highly they reverence the monarch's name)
On Massachusets Bay the king bestow'd
A royal charter, from which charter flow'd
A great advantage to th' inhabitants;
Including too all future emigrants.
Increas'd in numbers, and grew opulent;
But chiefly Massachusets, which at length,
For elbow-room began t'exert its strength;
Pray'rs for defence, and great complaints were sent
'Gainst their proceedings, from the continent;
4
When Massachusets suffer'd courtly blame:
The reprimand they with reluctance took,
And the restraint annex'd could never brook:
Oft Britain threaten'd, and with pow'rful hand,
She seiz'd at length the charter of the land:
But, when for their deliv'rance Nassau came,
(Highly they reverence the monarch's name)
On Massachusets Bay the king bestow'd
A royal charter, from which charter flow'd
A great advantage to th' inhabitants;
Including too all future emigrants.
Amply t' enumerate each fatal cause,
From which this dread wide-wasting tumult rose,
Page after page voluminous wou'd rise,
And swell the work beyond a common size;
From fears and jealousies, on both sides, grew
Th' unnat'ral war, which we at present rue!
Some acts the British legislature made,
Which much restrain'd the freedom of their trade;
They struggled, and complain'd; the throne address'd;
Got laws made void, still thought themselves oppress'd;
And 'gainst the ministry so far prevail'd,
The most disgustful stamp-act was repeal'd:
In the mean time another dreadful cause,
To make the breach more wide, in Boston rose!
Ever regretted be that fatal
day,
The troops and townsmen met in mortal fray!
When, in the midst of that lamented strife,
Four men of Boston were depriv'd of life!
And when they heard an act was lately made,
Concerning slaughter in the smuggling trade;
Th' offender was permitted to appeal,
The culprit, and the witness, both must sail
To Britain's distant shore, and wait th' event
Of the transactions on the continent;
Like as when oil on kindling fire is thrown,
By blust'ring winds to dreadful fury blown,
So Warren's rhetoric at Fanueil Hall,
Inflam'd them loudly for revenge to call:
So pow'rful on their minds th' oration wrought,
The major part the wild infection caught.
From which this dread wide-wasting tumult rose,
Page after page voluminous wou'd rise,
And swell the work beyond a common size;
From fears and jealousies, on both sides, grew
Th' unnat'ral war, which we at present rue!
Some acts the British legislature made,
Which much restrain'd the freedom of their trade;
They struggled, and complain'd; the throne address'd;
Got laws made void, still thought themselves oppress'd;
And 'gainst the ministry so far prevail'd,
The most disgustful stamp-act was repeal'd:
In the mean time another dreadful cause,
To make the breach more wide, in Boston rose!
5
The troops and townsmen met in mortal fray!
When, in the midst of that lamented strife,
Four men of Boston were depriv'd of life!
And when they heard an act was lately made,
Concerning slaughter in the smuggling trade;
Th' offender was permitted to appeal,
The culprit, and the witness, both must sail
To Britain's distant shore, and wait th' event
Of the transactions on the continent;
Like as when oil on kindling fire is thrown,
By blust'ring winds to dreadful fury blown,
So Warren's rhetoric at Fanueil Hall,
Inflam'd them loudly for revenge to call:
So pow'rful on their minds th' oration wrought,
The major part the wild infection caught.
Now freighted ships were sent from Britain's shore,
With tea, deliver'd from the East India store,
The colonists seem'd all resolv'd to be
As heretofore, from ev'ry duty free;
This innovation they cou'd not endure,
Determin'd in that point to be secure:
The men of Boston most outragious grew,
And overboard th' East Indian produce threw!
This most unwarrantable mode they took,
The legislature cou'd not overlook;
But thus insulted, rouz'd, an act was made,
Which put a stop to their lucrative trade;
And with four thousand forces Gage was sent,
To shut the port, and check the continent,
Which seem'd on gen'ral insurrection bent.
Firm they united, and a compact made,
In British articles no more to trade;
No cargoes wou'd permit of any sort,
To sail from thence for any British port.
Both Britain, and America, had foes,
Which brought on them accumulated woes;
Both were deceiv'd, abus'd, and either side,
On trans-Atlantic friends too much rely'd.
Some fatal cause continu'd to arise,
Discord to sow, t' obstruct a compromise;
The men of Massachusets scorn'd to hide
Their sentiments, and Britain's troops defy'd;
The colonists look'd forward, and began
A preparation for the destin'd plan;
Frequent they met in arms, and exercis'd,
And with precaution ev'ry thing devis'd:
From first to last, with one great point in view,
More strong and fit for insurrection grew;
Both sides indignant rouz'd, and Britain seem'd
To claim a right to be superior deem'd:
The colonists with a contracted brow,
Wou'd not superiority allow:
As North America so distant lay,
Three thousand miles across th' Atlantic sea;
Confiding in their numbers, they combin'd,
To try Great Britain's utmost strength inclin'd:
With diligence, and care, they daily wrought,
And military stores to Concord brought;
Intending there to lay provisions in,
That when their insurrection should begin,
They might from thence obtain a large supply
For all, who should to their assistance fly:
And now they openly avow'd th' intent;
Their deputies to gen'ral congress sent!
T' increase the kindling flame, an act was made,
T' obstruct their fish'ry, and restrain their trade!
By this some thousands daily were maintain'd:
But from th' employment totally restrain'd;
Which made no difference 'twixt friend, or foe;
For livelyhood, uncertain where to go:
They ruminated on the sad event;
Gloomy! distress'd! and full of discontent!
They join'd th' insurgents in the common cause;
And added thousands to Britannia's foes!
Falmouth's destruction 'midst consuming fire,
Fix'd their resolves, and blew their kindling ire
To such a pitch; which nought cou'd satisfy
But great revenge; which seem'd the gen'ral cry.
Gage mark'd their progress; cautiously alarm'd,
And long before the townsmen had disarm'd:
Secur'd each avenue; on ev'ry side;
And Boston-neck completely fortify'd:
Striving their further progress to prevent;
To Concord, he a large detachment sent:
At Lexington, upon a level ground,
A small provincial corps in arms they found;
The regulars advancing with a shout,
In great confusion put the corps to rout;
But in an evil hour, by rage inspir'd,
A fatal volley either party fir'd!
The colonists dispers'd, and distant fled,
Th' advancing regulars to Concord sped;
There, they (th' insurgents deep-laid schemes to marr)
Destroy'd provisions, and the stores for war:
To arms the colonists by thousands ran,
And first at Concord Bridge the fray began;
Sometimes they distant fought, sometimes a few,
With resolution near each other drew:
Howard press'd on (as if he knew no fear)
And singled out a British grenadier;
His threat'ning attitude the Briton ey'd,
And with a frown the colonist defy'd;
With mortal ire each other they survey'd,
Took certain aim, and with an hasty tread,
Fierce they advanc'd, and both together fir'd,
Both fell, and both the combatants expir'd.
With tea, deliver'd from the East India store,
The colonists seem'd all resolv'd to be
As heretofore, from ev'ry duty free;
This innovation they cou'd not endure,
Determin'd in that point to be secure:
The men of Boston most outragious grew,
And overboard th' East Indian produce threw!
6
The legislature cou'd not overlook;
But thus insulted, rouz'd, an act was made,
Which put a stop to their lucrative trade;
And with four thousand forces Gage was sent,
To shut the port, and check the continent,
Which seem'd on gen'ral insurrection bent.
Firm they united, and a compact made,
In British articles no more to trade;
No cargoes wou'd permit of any sort,
To sail from thence for any British port.
Both Britain, and America, had foes,
Which brought on them accumulated woes;
Both were deceiv'd, abus'd, and either side,
On trans-Atlantic friends too much rely'd.
Some fatal cause continu'd to arise,
Discord to sow, t' obstruct a compromise;
The men of Massachusets scorn'd to hide
Their sentiments, and Britain's troops defy'd;
The colonists look'd forward, and began
A preparation for the destin'd plan;
Frequent they met in arms, and exercis'd,
And with precaution ev'ry thing devis'd:
From first to last, with one great point in view,
More strong and fit for insurrection grew;
7
To claim a right to be superior deem'd:
The colonists with a contracted brow,
Wou'd not superiority allow:
As North America so distant lay,
Three thousand miles across th' Atlantic sea;
Confiding in their numbers, they combin'd,
To try Great Britain's utmost strength inclin'd:
With diligence, and care, they daily wrought,
And military stores to Concord brought;
Intending there to lay provisions in,
That when their insurrection should begin,
They might from thence obtain a large supply
For all, who should to their assistance fly:
And now they openly avow'd th' intent;
Their deputies to gen'ral congress sent!
T' increase the kindling flame, an act was made,
T' obstruct their fish'ry, and restrain their trade!
By this some thousands daily were maintain'd:
But from th' employment totally restrain'd;
Which made no difference 'twixt friend, or foe;
For livelyhood, uncertain where to go:
They ruminated on the sad event;
Gloomy! distress'd! and full of discontent!
They join'd th' insurgents in the common cause;
And added thousands to Britannia's foes!
Falmouth's destruction 'midst consuming fire,
Fix'd their resolves, and blew their kindling ire
8
But great revenge; which seem'd the gen'ral cry.
Gage mark'd their progress; cautiously alarm'd,
And long before the townsmen had disarm'd:
Secur'd each avenue; on ev'ry side;
And Boston-neck completely fortify'd:
Striving their further progress to prevent;
To Concord, he a large detachment sent:
At Lexington, upon a level ground,
A small provincial corps in arms they found;
The regulars advancing with a shout,
In great confusion put the corps to rout;
But in an evil hour, by rage inspir'd,
A fatal volley either party fir'd!
The colonists dispers'd, and distant fled,
Th' advancing regulars to Concord sped;
There, they (th' insurgents deep-laid schemes to marr)
Destroy'd provisions, and the stores for war:
To arms the colonists by thousands ran,
And first at Concord Bridge the fray began;
Sometimes they distant fought, sometimes a few,
With resolution near each other drew:
Howard press'd on (as if he knew no fear)
And singled out a British grenadier;
His threat'ning attitude the Briton ey'd,
And with a frown the colonist defy'd;
With mortal ire each other they survey'd,
Took certain aim, and with an hasty tread,
9
Both fell, and both the combatants expir'd.
On all sides the provincials pour'd around,
And in their turn the regulars gave ground;
Forc'd to retreat, and in their flight destroy'd,
From houses, hedges, ditches, walls annoy'd;
In front, and rear, on either flank engag'd,
Oft sternly turn'd, and fierce for vengeance rag'd;
Again o'erpower'd, and driv'n retrograde,
With fire and sword, they dreadful havoc made;
And as they fought th' assailants to repel,
Men , women, children, 'midst the tumult fell;
To Lexington their course they briskly bent,
Harrass'd, fatigu'd , their powder nearly spent:
And in their turn the regulars gave ground;
Forc'd to retreat, and in their flight destroy'd,
From houses, hedges, ditches, walls annoy'd;
In front, and rear, on either flank engag'd,
Oft sternly turn'd, and fierce for vengeance rag'd;
Again o'erpower'd, and driv'n retrograde,
With fire and sword, they dreadful havoc made;
And as they fought th' assailants to repel,
Men , women, children, 'midst the tumult fell;
To Lexington their course they briskly bent,
Harrass'd, fatigu'd , their powder nearly spent:
Meanwhile the gallant
Percy rouz'd to arms,
Warn'd by the continental loud alarms;
Press'd forward with nine hundred vet'rans brave,
To check his foes, his hard-press'd friends to save.
Yet unassisted, in a dismal plight,
The British troops maintain'd a running fight;
Smith, Pitcairne, Bernard, Souter, parsons brave,
Expos'd themselves their harrass'd troops to save:
Where danger call'd, the British leaders flew,
And did whatever mortal men cou'd do:
With little hope that action to survive;
Firmly determin'd to the last to strive:
They chear'd the troops, who fiercely wish'd to close
In open field, and grapple with their foes;
At length the bellowing engines of the war,
Proclaim'd brave Percy coming from afar:
They chearful, briskly march'd o'er hostile ground,
Well pleas'd, and listen'd to the charming sound;
Which more melodious grew, advancing near,
Discordant roar'd, and fill'd their foes with fear:
They join'd their friends with an exulting shout;
Halted, reviv'd, and gloomy fac'd about.
Imbody'd now, they boldly stood their ground,
And gather'd up their wounded friends around;
Again they march'd, and oft their foes came near,
Press'd on their flanks, and threaten'd in the rear;
As oft they were with slaught'ring loss repell'd,
And by the cannon at a distance held;
They under covert ran from place to place,
And thus continu'd a vexatious chace,
Until the British forces reach'd the shore,
Defended by Great Britain's naval roar;
Hoping a day wou'd ample vengeance yield,
When they shou'd grapple in an open field.
Warn'd by the continental loud alarms;
Press'd forward with nine hundred vet'rans brave,
To check his foes, his hard-press'd friends to save.
Yet unassisted, in a dismal plight,
The British troops maintain'd a running fight;
Smith, Pitcairne, Bernard, Souter, parsons brave,
Expos'd themselves their harrass'd troops to save:
10
And did whatever mortal men cou'd do:
With little hope that action to survive;
Firmly determin'd to the last to strive:
They chear'd the troops, who fiercely wish'd to close
In open field, and grapple with their foes;
At length the bellowing engines of the war,
Proclaim'd brave Percy coming from afar:
They chearful, briskly march'd o'er hostile ground,
Well pleas'd, and listen'd to the charming sound;
Which more melodious grew, advancing near,
Discordant roar'd, and fill'd their foes with fear:
They join'd their friends with an exulting shout;
Halted, reviv'd, and gloomy fac'd about.
Imbody'd now, they boldly stood their ground,
And gather'd up their wounded friends around;
Again they march'd, and oft their foes came near,
Press'd on their flanks, and threaten'd in the rear;
As oft they were with slaught'ring loss repell'd,
And by the cannon at a distance held;
They under covert ran from place to place,
And thus continu'd a vexatious chace,
Until the British forces reach'd the shore,
Defended by Great Britain's naval roar;
Hoping a day wou'd ample vengeance yield,
When they shou'd grapple in an open field.
The colonists for slain relations mourn'd;
And for revenge with great impatience burn'd:
For insurrection ripe they spread th' alarm,
Which operated like a potent charm!
As when a shock electrical is giv'n
(To ev'ry person quick in contact driv'n)
From town to town the fascination flew,
And ev'ry colony tumultuous grew:
To arms! to arms! was now the gen'ral dry,
To arms, and war, th' indignant people fly:
Their own importance they perceiv'd at length,
Like a young lion rouz'd, they felt their strength:
The scholars, tradesmen, merchants, take the field;
The burnish'd weapons of destruction wield;
Revenge, and freedom, rustic bosoms warms,
They launch the tomahawk from nervous arms;
The foresters now glow with warlike flame;
Their rifled tubes prepare for noble game;
Panting for same, they ruminate on war,
And strive to strike the destin'd marks from far;
High-mettled youths the fiery steeds bestride,
Teach them to stand, and scorn to start aside,
When drums, fifes, trumpets sound, and shouting foes
Range front to front, and in th' encounter close,
When fulminating cannons banish day,
Terrific roar, and sweep the ranks away:
All strove to make themselves completely skill'd,
In ev'ry brisk manœuvre of the field:
The litt'rate orators (with war in view)
The kindling flames to greater fury blew:
Amongst the rest, the rev'rend clergy cease
To preach the gospel of eternal peace!
They mount the pulpits, help to spread th' alarms,
Widen the breach, and loudly call to arms;
In arms they rose t' oppose Great Britain's laws,
Religion's preachers sanctify'd the cause!
From distant parts they came, and ev'ry man,
With Indignation straight to Boston ran!
Corps after corps, blockading it, sat down,
Till sixty thousand gather'd near the town;
For war equip'd, they formidable grew,
And round the place a living rampart drew!
For an attack appearing much too strong,
From Roxbury, to Mystick, stretch'd along;
They'd not permit the town to be supply'd,
Ingress, and egress, Gen'ral Gage deny'd:
Horrid forebodings fill'd th' invested place;
Distress, want, famine, star'd them in the face!
The troops, and tars, expecting an attack,
Tho' few, prepar'd to drive th' assailants back;
Detachments came at times from various parts,
And ships of war, which chear'd their drooping hearts;
But yet sufficient cause for fears remain,
Lest sixty thousand shou'd their force disdain,
Shou'd over-leap their works, 'midst hostile roar,
And like a tempest sweep them from the shore!
Doubtless they had a rough irruption plann'd,
But Gage held such a precious pledge in hand,
More than ten thousand to themselves ally'd;
A large, and well-built trading town beside;
Tho' rouz'd in arms, they trembled for the lives
Of children, parents, friends, and dearer wives.
Tho' from the gen'ral storm this held them back,
They often dar'd the troops, and tars t' attack;
Worsted, and vex'd, and full of sad dismay,
They sev'ral times discomfitted gave way!
And seldom cou'd in skirmishes
prevail,
When the rough colonists wou'd them assail!
Their rifle-men at length a terror grew,
And oft an officer, or centry slew;
Now Clinton, Howe, Burgoyne, and many more,
Of Britain's leaders, gain'd the Atlantic shore;
Artill'ry, horse, and infantry arriv'd;
This reinforcement Gage's hopes reviv'd.
And for revenge with great impatience burn'd:
For insurrection ripe they spread th' alarm,
Which operated like a potent charm!
11
(To ev'ry person quick in contact driv'n)
From town to town the fascination flew,
And ev'ry colony tumultuous grew:
To arms! to arms! was now the gen'ral dry,
To arms, and war, th' indignant people fly:
Their own importance they perceiv'd at length,
Like a young lion rouz'd, they felt their strength:
The scholars, tradesmen, merchants, take the field;
The burnish'd weapons of destruction wield;
Revenge, and freedom, rustic bosoms warms,
They launch the tomahawk from nervous arms;
The foresters now glow with warlike flame;
Their rifled tubes prepare for noble game;
Panting for same, they ruminate on war,
And strive to strike the destin'd marks from far;
High-mettled youths the fiery steeds bestride,
Teach them to stand, and scorn to start aside,
When drums, fifes, trumpets sound, and shouting foes
Range front to front, and in th' encounter close,
When fulminating cannons banish day,
Terrific roar, and sweep the ranks away:
All strove to make themselves completely skill'd,
In ev'ry brisk manœuvre of the field:
The litt'rate orators (with war in view)
The kindling flames to greater fury blew:
Amongst the rest, the rev'rend clergy cease
To preach the gospel of eternal peace!
They mount the pulpits, help to spread th' alarms,
Widen the breach, and loudly call to arms;
In arms they rose t' oppose Great Britain's laws,
Religion's preachers sanctify'd the cause!
12
With Indignation straight to Boston ran!
Corps after corps, blockading it, sat down,
Till sixty thousand gather'd near the town;
For war equip'd, they formidable grew,
And round the place a living rampart drew!
For an attack appearing much too strong,
From Roxbury, to Mystick, stretch'd along;
They'd not permit the town to be supply'd,
Ingress, and egress, Gen'ral Gage deny'd:
Horrid forebodings fill'd th' invested place;
Distress, want, famine, star'd them in the face!
The troops, and tars, expecting an attack,
Tho' few, prepar'd to drive th' assailants back;
Detachments came at times from various parts,
And ships of war, which chear'd their drooping hearts;
But yet sufficient cause for fears remain,
Lest sixty thousand shou'd their force disdain,
Shou'd over-leap their works, 'midst hostile roar,
And like a tempest sweep them from the shore!
Doubtless they had a rough irruption plann'd,
But Gage held such a precious pledge in hand,
More than ten thousand to themselves ally'd;
A large, and well-built trading town beside;
Tho' rouz'd in arms, they trembled for the lives
Of children, parents, friends, and dearer wives.
Tho' from the gen'ral storm this held them back,
They often dar'd the troops, and tars t' attack;
Worsted, and vex'd, and full of sad dismay,
They sev'ral times discomfitted gave way!
13
When the rough colonists wou'd them assail!
Their rifle-men at length a terror grew,
And oft an officer, or centry slew;
Now Clinton, Howe, Burgoyne, and many more,
Of Britain's leaders, gain'd the Atlantic shore;
Artill'ry, horse, and infantry arriv'd;
This reinforcement Gage's hopes reviv'd.
Rage, and distraction, ev'ry where prevail'd,
And slaughter seem'd upon the land intail'd!
Friends, fathers, brothers, in the pangs of death,
Bequeath this legacy with dying breath;
Ample revenge these bleeding wounds require:
Revenge, they cry! and with a frown expire!
Mournful survivors swear they soon will have
Ample revenge; or follow to the grave!
Rough was the service, and the contest wide;
Fortune alternate smil'd on either side:
The diff'rent scenes of action distant lay,
Sometimes on land, and sometimes on the sea:
Detachments were to various places sent,
And war, and tumult, fill'd the continent!
And slaughter seem'd upon the land intail'd!
Friends, fathers, brothers, in the pangs of death,
Bequeath this legacy with dying breath;
Ample revenge these bleeding wounds require:
Revenge, they cry! and with a frown expire!
Mournful survivors swear they soon will have
Ample revenge; or follow to the grave!
Rough was the service, and the contest wide;
Fortune alternate smil'd on either side:
The diff'rent scenes of action distant lay,
Sometimes on land, and sometimes on the sea:
Detachments were to various places sent,
And war, and tumult, fill'd the continent!
14
With
Easton marching first, in quest of fame,
Th' ill-fated enterprizing Allen came;
He pass'd the frontiers of Canadia's land,
And fell a captive into Carleton's hand:
Two British forts they seiz'd, and made their own,
Before they were by Campbell overthrown.
Th' ill-fated enterprizing Allen came;
He pass'd the frontiers of Canadia's land,
And fell a captive into Carleton's hand:
Two British forts they seiz'd, and made their own,
Before they were by Campbell overthrown.
Field, Fleming, Lewis, were to war inclin'd;
Began their march, for Canada design'd;
But intercepted near Ohio's flood,
The pass was purchas'd with provincial blood:
Mingoes, and Shawanese, (rough Indian foes),
Tawas, and Delaware's, to battle rose;
Four hours the savages maintain'd their ground;
Sad havoc made, almost with vict'ry crown'd!
Their resolution now began to slack,
Their fire abated, and the tribes fell back:
The colonists on all sides forward push'd,
And with fresh vigor to the battle rush'd;
From post to post compell'd them to retreat;
Drove the main corps, and made the rout complete.
Began their march, for Canada design'd;
But intercepted near Ohio's flood,
The pass was purchas'd with provincial blood:
Mingoes, and Shawanese, (rough Indian foes),
Tawas, and Delaware's, to battle rose;
Four hours the savages maintain'd their ground;
Sad havoc made, almost with vict'ry crown'd!
Their resolution now began to slack,
Their fire abated, and the tribes fell back:
The colonists on all sides forward push'd,
And with fresh vigor to the battle rush'd;
From post to post compell'd them to retreat;
Drove the main corps, and made the rout complete.
15
Meanwhile, the British forces held at bay,
Coop'd up in Boston, there inactive lay;
But reinforc'd, and scorning dull repose,
They rouz'd t' attack their bold surrounding foes.
Determin'd now their enemies t' offend,
Beyond their former bounds their lines t' exend;
The chiefs resolv'd to seize on Bunker's hill,
Which amply prov'd their military skill.
Ere the detachment to the place was sent,
Their foes advanc'd to frustrate their intent;
For under covert of the friendly night,
Warren had seiz'd, and fortify'd that height:
The colonists must be dislodg'd from thence,
Whatever was the dreadful consequence;
About two thousand were embark'd to go
'Gainst the redoubt, and formidable foe:
The Lively's, Falcon's, Fame's, and Glasgow's roar,
Cover'd their landing on the destin'd shore;
They form'd, and part towards the trenches sped;
Th' intrepid Howe those vet'ran forces led.
The trenches, and redoubt, were trebly mann'd,
Howe wisely made a necessary stand;
For reinforcements sent, soon as he view'd
The well-arm'd, congregating multitude.
We may conclude he thus the troops address'd,
(Whose flagging spirits seem'd to be depress'd),
March boldly on, your cause is just, and good,
Th' insurgents have the parliament withstood,
The legislature's acts have set aside,
And have Great Britain's martial pow'r defy'd!
The British chiefs began to pant for fame,
Their souls were full of emulating flame;
Prepar'd t' advance to stem the growing tide
Of thousands, rushing in on ev'ry side.
Well pleas'd, the gen'ral look'd around, and saw
The sympathetic manly martial glow:
He ceas'd, and fac'd towards the strong redoubt,
The troops sent forth a loud approving shout;
Not that exulting shout, when they advance
'Gainst Spanish foes, or vet'ran troops of France;
But on they march'd, to give the dreadful storm;
And do whatever mortals could perform!
On Boston's shore, Burgoyne and Clinton stood,
And ev'ry movement of the forces view'd,
Prepar'd to speed their timely aid to lend,
Or from the spot destructive war to send;
They learn'd that Charles-town must be wrapp'd in flame,
Or Britain's troops retire with tarnish'd fame.
Another corps 'gainst Charles-town made a stand,
With good provincial troops completely mann'd;
Here, the firm animating Pigot fought,
His warlike flame the gallant leaders caught;
The privates felt its force, from man to man,
T' excel in fight an emulation ran.
They steadily advanc'd, on conquest bent;
A mortal show'r of lead incessant sent;
Th' Americans likewise for conquest burn'd,
And a like mortal show'r of lead return'd;
Maintain'd the town, and resolutely strove
To harrass Howe, as up the hill he drove;
But vex'd by bursting shells, and show'rs of balls,
Or crush'd by falling roofs, or batter'd walls,
They felt discomfiture; and now there came
A flight of shells, fraught with destructive flame!
A scene ensu'd might fill the brave with dread;
From house, to house, the conflagration spread:
Ear-piercing shrieks; heart-rending growns, and cries;
And terrifying shouts of vict'ry rise:
Amidst the desolating wild uproar,
Forth rush'd th' inhabitants from ev'ry door:
To sex, nor age, no place an azyle yields;
In crouds they ran, and sought th' adjacent fields:
Swifter than they, the rapid bullets flew,
And some ill-fated persons overthrew:
From hope excluded, in a wild dismay,
The town untenable, the troops gave way:
To Bunker's hill they fled, and in their rear,
In close pursuit, the regulars drew near:
The trenches gain'd, they fac'd, and made a stand,
And intermix'd with Warren's chosen band;
Follow'd by Pigot with a martial frown,
Wrapp'd in the vapour of the burning town.
Coop'd up in Boston, there inactive lay;
But reinforc'd, and scorning dull repose,
They rouz'd t' attack their bold surrounding foes.
Determin'd now their enemies t' offend,
Beyond their former bounds their lines t' exend;
The chiefs resolv'd to seize on Bunker's hill,
Which amply prov'd their military skill.
Ere the detachment to the place was sent,
Their foes advanc'd to frustrate their intent;
For under covert of the friendly night,
Warren had seiz'd, and fortify'd that height:
The colonists must be dislodg'd from thence,
Whatever was the dreadful consequence;
About two thousand were embark'd to go
'Gainst the redoubt, and formidable foe:
The Lively's, Falcon's, Fame's, and Glasgow's roar,
Cover'd their landing on the destin'd shore;
They form'd, and part towards the trenches sped;
Th' intrepid Howe those vet'ran forces led.
The trenches, and redoubt, were trebly mann'd,
Howe wisely made a necessary stand;
For reinforcements sent, soon as he view'd
The well-arm'd, congregating multitude.
We may conclude he thus the troops address'd,
(Whose flagging spirits seem'd to be depress'd),
March boldly on, your cause is just, and good,
Th' insurgents have the parliament withstood,
The legislature's acts have set aside,
And have Great Britain's martial pow'r defy'd!
The British chiefs began to pant for fame,
Their souls were full of emulating flame;
16
Of thousands, rushing in on ev'ry side.
Well pleas'd, the gen'ral look'd around, and saw
The sympathetic manly martial glow:
He ceas'd, and fac'd towards the strong redoubt,
The troops sent forth a loud approving shout;
Not that exulting shout, when they advance
'Gainst Spanish foes, or vet'ran troops of France;
But on they march'd, to give the dreadful storm;
And do whatever mortals could perform!
On Boston's shore, Burgoyne and Clinton stood,
And ev'ry movement of the forces view'd,
Prepar'd to speed their timely aid to lend,
Or from the spot destructive war to send;
They learn'd that Charles-town must be wrapp'd in flame,
Or Britain's troops retire with tarnish'd fame.
Another corps 'gainst Charles-town made a stand,
With good provincial troops completely mann'd;
Here, the firm animating Pigot fought,
His warlike flame the gallant leaders caught;
The privates felt its force, from man to man,
T' excel in fight an emulation ran.
They steadily advanc'd, on conquest bent;
A mortal show'r of lead incessant sent;
Th' Americans likewise for conquest burn'd,
And a like mortal show'r of lead return'd;
Maintain'd the town, and resolutely strove
To harrass Howe, as up the hill he drove;
But vex'd by bursting shells, and show'rs of balls,
Or crush'd by falling roofs, or batter'd walls,
They felt discomfiture; and now there came
A flight of shells, fraught with destructive flame!
17
From house, to house, the conflagration spread:
Ear-piercing shrieks; heart-rending growns, and cries;
And terrifying shouts of vict'ry rise:
Amidst the desolating wild uproar,
Forth rush'd th' inhabitants from ev'ry door:
To sex, nor age, no place an azyle yields;
In crouds they ran, and sought th' adjacent fields:
Swifter than they, the rapid bullets flew,
And some ill-fated persons overthrew:
From hope excluded, in a wild dismay,
The town untenable, the troops gave way:
To Bunker's hill they fled, and in their rear,
In close pursuit, the regulars drew near:
The trenches gain'd, they fac'd, and made a stand,
And intermix'd with Warren's chosen band;
Follow'd by Pigot with a martial frown,
Wrapp'd in the vapour of the burning town.
For battle warm'd with military skill,
Howe led two thousand up the dang'rous hill,
Where hostile parties under covert lay,
T' impede his march, and strike with cold dismay.
Now, Warren frowning rouz'd, (erect he stood),
From right to left, his must'ring forces view'd;
From man to man, he saw with great delight,
Resentment flash'd, with readiness to fight:
Prepar'd to speak, the troops attentive hung
On the persuasive accents of his tongue.
Now, my brave friends, your innate worth display:
Great Britain's regulars advance this way:
Soldiers, and sailors, seem dispos'd around,
To drive us from this advantageous ground:
Th' artill'ry's landed on th' adjacent shore,
Their naval thunder hath begun to roar:
On Boston's shore their batteries they ply;
From whence the show'rs of shells incessant fly:
Already Charles-town at their mercy lies;
The lambent flames, and clouds of smoke arise:
That obstacle no longer proves a bar;
And this way comes the tumult of the war.
Tho' Gage ten thousand well-train'd troops may boast,
Join'd by the British fleet t' infest our coast;
Tho' 'mongst their chiefs, (vet'rans in war renown'd),
Howe, Clinton, Pigot, and Burgoyne, are found;
Tho' Pitcairne's, Montcrief's, Abercrombie's name,
Tho' gallant Percy's, swells the list of fame;
Tho' Sherwin, Addison, Page, Bruce, and Small,
Attend on Howe, at honour's glorious call;
Tho' Williams, Campbell, Smith, with many more,
Skilful in war, now tread th' Atlantic shore;
Tho' steady Carleton widely spreads alarms,
And Dunmore our Virginian negroes arms;
I see no cause for fear my friends, since we
Have Putnam, Pribble, Washington, and Lee;
Arnold, Montgom'ry, Gates, Macpherson bold,
Already in the list of fame inroll'd;
Lamb, Wooster, Schuyler, Hendricks, Cheeseman, go
With these, in Canada, to fight the foe;
We've Woodford 'gainst Dunmore; we've Gardner too,
Who stands determin'd now within your view:
Ward, Prescott, Thomas, Heath, and more beside,
Will stand the test whene'er in battle try'd.
I grant, it may prove difficult to bar
The dreadful progress of Great Britain's war!
Whatever single state provokes her frown,
Shrinks from her war; and trembles for the crown:
United France, and Spain, have often felt
The vengeance, which her troops and tars have dealt:
But then, we sent her from our friendly shores,
Provisions, timber, ships, and naval stores;
And in her quarrel, (on the continent),
We risk'd our lives; our blood, and treasure spent:
Now, we are torn from her dismember'd side;
Twelve rising states in arms, her claims deny'd;
And her (European) neighb'ring states around,
In private wish we were with conquest crown'd;
Will fraudful smile on her, will us befriend;
And under covert their assistance lend.
Like to th' invaders of our native land,
We, station'd here, on the defence to stand;
From Wales, Great Britain, and Hibernia sprung;
Our nerves for war, with equal vigor strung:
Our hearts as firm as theirs, our blood the same,
Which swells our veins, and animates each frame:
Th' event with perseverance let us wait,
Some wish'd-for change, a terrible defeat;
Or providential stroke of mighty fate,
May all our daring foes intimidate:
To Heav'n appealing, we for succour fly,
And for success on Providence rely;
I doubt not but we shall experience yet,
“Qui nos transtulit, semper sustinet.”
Altho' shou'd be by ruling Heav'n decreed,
We shall at present unsuccessful bleed;
I forward look compos'd, and firmly trust,
When we are mingled with our kindred dust,
'Tis his decree who rules above the skies,
We shall in time a mighty empire rise.
Shou'd Providence ordain that we must fall,
Let us with chearfulness obey the call;
In death, we shall some consolation have,
We sink with honour to the silent grave;
They shouted loud, and made this short reply,
We will be free, or will with honour die.
Meanwhile, the British chiefs the troops inspir'd,
Examples rouz'd, and exhortations fir'd:
And tho' short time in words they chose to waste,
As up the hill they press'd, with martial haste,
Whilst they surmounted every hostile bar,
Their deeds aloud proclaim'd them form'd for war.
The charging regulars still nearer drew
'Gainst front, and flank, and hot the battle grew:
Whilst Britain's ships of war maintain'd the fight,
Directing all their fire 'gainst Bunker's height.
On churches spires, and lofty domes around,
On hills adjacent, and each rising ground,
Thronging spectators, anxious thousands stood,
And lost in grand suspense the battle view'd:
A scene of carnage! obstinate the fight!
Tremendous, pleasing, horrid, glorious sight!
Howe led two thousand up the dang'rous hill,
Where hostile parties under covert lay,
T' impede his march, and strike with cold dismay.
Now, Warren frowning rouz'd, (erect he stood),
From right to left, his must'ring forces view'd;
From man to man, he saw with great delight,
Resentment flash'd, with readiness to fight:
Prepar'd to speak, the troops attentive hung
On the persuasive accents of his tongue.
Now, my brave friends, your innate worth display:
Great Britain's regulars advance this way:
18
To drive us from this advantageous ground:
Th' artill'ry's landed on th' adjacent shore,
Their naval thunder hath begun to roar:
On Boston's shore their batteries they ply;
From whence the show'rs of shells incessant fly:
Already Charles-town at their mercy lies;
The lambent flames, and clouds of smoke arise:
That obstacle no longer proves a bar;
And this way comes the tumult of the war.
Tho' Gage ten thousand well-train'd troops may boast,
Join'd by the British fleet t' infest our coast;
Tho' 'mongst their chiefs, (vet'rans in war renown'd),
Howe, Clinton, Pigot, and Burgoyne, are found;
Tho' Pitcairne's, Montcrief's, Abercrombie's name,
Tho' gallant Percy's, swells the list of fame;
Tho' Sherwin, Addison, Page, Bruce, and Small,
Attend on Howe, at honour's glorious call;
Tho' Williams, Campbell, Smith, with many more,
Skilful in war, now tread th' Atlantic shore;
Tho' steady Carleton widely spreads alarms,
And Dunmore our Virginian negroes arms;
I see no cause for fear my friends, since we
Have Putnam, Pribble, Washington, and Lee;
Arnold, Montgom'ry, Gates, Macpherson bold,
Already in the list of fame inroll'd;
Lamb, Wooster, Schuyler, Hendricks, Cheeseman, go
With these, in Canada, to fight the foe;
We've Woodford 'gainst Dunmore; we've Gardner too,
Who stands determin'd now within your view:
Ward, Prescott, Thomas, Heath, and more beside,
Will stand the test whene'er in battle try'd.
19
The dreadful progress of Great Britain's war!
Whatever single state provokes her frown,
Shrinks from her war; and trembles for the crown:
United France, and Spain, have often felt
The vengeance, which her troops and tars have dealt:
But then, we sent her from our friendly shores,
Provisions, timber, ships, and naval stores;
And in her quarrel, (on the continent),
We risk'd our lives; our blood, and treasure spent:
Now, we are torn from her dismember'd side;
Twelve rising states in arms, her claims deny'd;
And her (European) neighb'ring states around,
In private wish we were with conquest crown'd;
Will fraudful smile on her, will us befriend;
And under covert their assistance lend.
Like to th' invaders of our native land,
We, station'd here, on the defence to stand;
From Wales, Great Britain, and Hibernia sprung;
Our nerves for war, with equal vigor strung:
Our hearts as firm as theirs, our blood the same,
Which swells our veins, and animates each frame:
Th' event with perseverance let us wait,
Some wish'd-for change, a terrible defeat;
Or providential stroke of mighty fate,
May all our daring foes intimidate:
To Heav'n appealing, we for succour fly,
And for success on Providence rely;
20
“Qui nos transtulit, semper sustinet.”
Altho' shou'd be by ruling Heav'n decreed,
We shall at present unsuccessful bleed;
I forward look compos'd, and firmly trust,
When we are mingled with our kindred dust,
'Tis his decree who rules above the skies,
We shall in time a mighty empire rise.
Shou'd Providence ordain that we must fall,
Let us with chearfulness obey the call;
In death, we shall some consolation have,
We sink with honour to the silent grave;
They shouted loud, and made this short reply,
We will be free, or will with honour die.
Meanwhile, the British chiefs the troops inspir'd,
Examples rouz'd, and exhortations fir'd:
And tho' short time in words they chose to waste,
As up the hill they press'd, with martial haste,
Whilst they surmounted every hostile bar,
Their deeds aloud proclaim'd them form'd for war.
The charging regulars still nearer drew
'Gainst front, and flank, and hot the battle grew:
Whilst Britain's ships of war maintain'd the fight,
Directing all their fire 'gainst Bunker's height.
On churches spires, and lofty domes around,
On hills adjacent, and each rising ground,
21
And lost in grand suspense the battle view'd:
A scene of carnage! obstinate the fight!
Tremendous, pleasing, horrid, glorious sight!
Gigantic terrors at the breast-work frown'd:
Solemn, and slow, advancing o'er the ground;
The regulars drew near in awful form,
Like Jove attended by a thunder-storm:
They mov'd majestic in a sulph'rous cloud;
Britain's brazen engines bellowing loud;
At the redoubt appear'd no sign of fear;
They brought their brazen thunder well to bear;
On rough defence seem'd resolutely bent;
And down the hill a storm of iron sent;
Long they continu'd thus, and either side,
Howitzers, musquetry, and cannon ply'd.
Whilst 'gainst great obstacles the Britons found,
They strove t' advance, and gain superior ground;
Doubtless, each soldier thought he shou'd contend
With an acquaintance, brother, or a friend!
At least, 'gainst countrymen shou'd lift his hand,
Sprung from Great Britain's, or Hibernia's land!
Their resolution stagger'd, when they saw
The danger still more formidable grow!
And found they must themselves long time expose
To the brisk fire of their well-shelter'd foes!
From rifled tubes, to strike the chiefs intent,
With deadly aim they leaden mischief sent;
Whilst in conjunction, their artill'ry made
'Gainst Britain's troops, a mortal cannonade;
Who, quite expos'd, without the batt'ring aid,
And cover of their cannon were dismay'd:
Thus circumstanc'd, the troops had like t' have fled
From the dread spot, where Abercrombie led:
Nor did they seem to make a firmer stand,
Where Howe, th' intrepid Howe, bore chief command!
From flank to flank, his anxious looks he cast,
From corps to corps, with fearless haste he past;
Travers'd the line of hottest hostile fire;
And by example, strove to reinspire
With resolution, those who seem'd dismay'd,
Irresolute, and ready to recede.
Small, Sherwin, Page, and Addison, were found,
Where duty call'd, and threat'ning danger frown'd;
Both exhortations, and examples fail'd,
A cooling tremor Britain's troops assail'd!
They halted in suspense, at length gave way!
Regardless of the honour of the day!
When the provincial officers beheld
The royal forces stagger'd and repel'd;
Elate with hope, almost with vict'ry crown'd;
They thus address'd their troops which stood around:
They slack their fire! and seem'd to stand at gaze!
Like those, whom thunder strikes with vast amaze!
Mark how they thin! on ev'ry side they bleed!
Their leaders calls, nor glory's impulse heed!
Exert yourselves awhile, and on them pour
Of lead, and iron mix'd, a pond'rous show'r;
No time for recollection let them have,
Convince them North Americans are brave.
Solemn, and slow, advancing o'er the ground;
The regulars drew near in awful form,
Like Jove attended by a thunder-storm:
They mov'd majestic in a sulph'rous cloud;
Britain's brazen engines bellowing loud;
At the redoubt appear'd no sign of fear;
They brought their brazen thunder well to bear;
On rough defence seem'd resolutely bent;
And down the hill a storm of iron sent;
Long they continu'd thus, and either side,
Howitzers, musquetry, and cannon ply'd.
Whilst 'gainst great obstacles the Britons found,
They strove t' advance, and gain superior ground;
Doubtless, each soldier thought he shou'd contend
With an acquaintance, brother, or a friend!
At least, 'gainst countrymen shou'd lift his hand,
Sprung from Great Britain's, or Hibernia's land!
Their resolution stagger'd, when they saw
The danger still more formidable grow!
And found they must themselves long time expose
To the brisk fire of their well-shelter'd foes!
From rifled tubes, to strike the chiefs intent,
With deadly aim they leaden mischief sent;
Whilst in conjunction, their artill'ry made
'Gainst Britain's troops, a mortal cannonade;
22
And cover of their cannon were dismay'd:
Thus circumstanc'd, the troops had like t' have fled
From the dread spot, where Abercrombie led:
Nor did they seem to make a firmer stand,
Where Howe, th' intrepid Howe, bore chief command!
From flank to flank, his anxious looks he cast,
From corps to corps, with fearless haste he past;
Travers'd the line of hottest hostile fire;
And by example, strove to reinspire
With resolution, those who seem'd dismay'd,
Irresolute, and ready to recede.
Small, Sherwin, Page, and Addison, were found,
Where duty call'd, and threat'ning danger frown'd;
Both exhortations, and examples fail'd,
A cooling tremor Britain's troops assail'd!
They halted in suspense, at length gave way!
Regardless of the honour of the day!
When the provincial officers beheld
The royal forces stagger'd and repel'd;
Elate with hope, almost with vict'ry crown'd;
They thus address'd their troops which stood around:
They slack their fire! and seem'd to stand at gaze!
Like those, whom thunder strikes with vast amaze!
Mark how they thin! on ev'ry side they bleed!
Their leaders calls, nor glory's impulse heed!
Exert yourselves awhile, and on them pour
Of lead, and iron mix'd, a pond'rous show'r;
No time for recollection let them have,
Convince them North Americans are brave.
23
Meanwhile, the British persevering chief,
Whose dauntless soul was full of poignant grief:
Alone, and in the rear, retrod the ground;
Oft fac'd about, and grim defiance frown'd.
(So lagg'd firm Ajax in the Grecian rear,
And strove to banish base desponding fear.)
Howe rais'd his voice in an upbraiding tone,
Will Britons flee! and leave their chief alone!
Can you outlive disgrace? the brave disdain
To purchase life by an ignoble stain!
Shall wond'ring nations now, exulting hear
The Trans-atlantics fill'd our souls with fear!
Rally, return, and brisk your foes assail;
You're Britain's regulars, and must prevail.
Reluctant, Abercrombie join'd the rout,
Halt, halt, oft call'd aloud, and fac'd about:
Halt, halt, from chief to chief, flew round:
Halt, said each officer, and stood his ground:
Oh! shame! they cry'd, that ever shou'd be said,
Great Britain's vet'rans from militia fled!
And left their officers to make th' attack!
Whilst they ran off or from the fight hung back
We, to the post of danger first lay claim;
We will stand foremost for each lev'ler's aim:
We ask no more, than that you'll boldly tread
The path of honour, where you see us lead:
In British annals emulous to shine,
They rang'd in front, a formidable line;
Rush'd on, 'midst blood, sweat, dust, and smoke, and flame;
And leaders in the truest sense became.
Th' undaunted Pitcairne now their hopes reviv'd;
With him, the gallant marine corps arriv'd:
The fifty-second's grenadiers, with these,
Rush'd on, the palm of victory to seize:
Tho' first humanity their souls possest,
And sentiments fraternal warm'd each breast;
Which made them tardily advance to fight,
And almost to commence inglorious flight;
When they beheld their chiefs and comrades fall,
And heard each leader's animating call;
Saw the marines, and Pitcairne, passing by,
They fac'd, and form'd, another charge to try:
Returning ardor, banish'd chilling fear;
The chiefs led on; and they brought up the rear:
And now recover'd from their former dread,
Over the wounded, dying, and the dead,
They trod, and stumbled, with indignant speed;
And as they saw their groaning comrades bleed;
A thirst for vengeance, and desire of fame,
Fill'd ev'ry soul with emulating flame.
When Warren saw them face about, and form,
And onward rush to give another storm;
He stood alarm'd; the consequence he fear'd:
Conceal'd his thoughts, and thus his forces chear'd:
Again recover'd from their cold dismay,
The rally'd British vet'rans move this way:
At the last gasp their fainting courage lies;
The warlike glance forsakes their languid eyes;
Their new rekindling courage soon will fail,
If you stand firm, when they the lines assail:
Each face will like Medusa's front appear!
And fill their wav'ring souls again with fear!
From either party, as they nearer drew,
Destructive show'rs of balls alternate flew:
In ev'ry volley, death triumphant rode;
And thro' the ranks with wasting terror strode:
But for his most delicious morsels sought,
Where Pigot, Howe, Warren, and Gardner fought;
Where Williams, Pitcairne, Abercrombie, turn'd,
He feasted there, and there the battle burn'd.
Whose dauntless soul was full of poignant grief:
Alone, and in the rear, retrod the ground;
Oft fac'd about, and grim defiance frown'd.
(So lagg'd firm Ajax in the Grecian rear,
And strove to banish base desponding fear.)
Howe rais'd his voice in an upbraiding tone,
Will Britons flee! and leave their chief alone!
Can you outlive disgrace? the brave disdain
To purchase life by an ignoble stain!
Shall wond'ring nations now, exulting hear
The Trans-atlantics fill'd our souls with fear!
Rally, return, and brisk your foes assail;
You're Britain's regulars, and must prevail.
Reluctant, Abercrombie join'd the rout,
Halt, halt, oft call'd aloud, and fac'd about:
Halt, halt, from chief to chief, flew round:
Halt, said each officer, and stood his ground:
Oh! shame! they cry'd, that ever shou'd be said,
Great Britain's vet'rans from militia fled!
And left their officers to make th' attack!
Whilst they ran off or from the fight hung back
We, to the post of danger first lay claim;
We will stand foremost for each lev'ler's aim:
We ask no more, than that you'll boldly tread
The path of honour, where you see us lead:
In British annals emulous to shine,
They rang'd in front, a formidable line;
Rush'd on, 'midst blood, sweat, dust, and smoke, and flame;
And leaders in the truest sense became.
Th' undaunted Pitcairne now their hopes reviv'd;
With him, the gallant marine corps arriv'd:
24
Rush'd on, the palm of victory to seize:
Tho' first humanity their souls possest,
And sentiments fraternal warm'd each breast;
Which made them tardily advance to fight,
And almost to commence inglorious flight;
When they beheld their chiefs and comrades fall,
And heard each leader's animating call;
Saw the marines, and Pitcairne, passing by,
They fac'd, and form'd, another charge to try:
Returning ardor, banish'd chilling fear;
The chiefs led on; and they brought up the rear:
And now recover'd from their former dread,
Over the wounded, dying, and the dead,
They trod, and stumbled, with indignant speed;
And as they saw their groaning comrades bleed;
A thirst for vengeance, and desire of fame,
Fill'd ev'ry soul with emulating flame.
When Warren saw them face about, and form,
And onward rush to give another storm;
He stood alarm'd; the consequence he fear'd:
Conceal'd his thoughts, and thus his forces chear'd:
Again recover'd from their cold dismay,
The rally'd British vet'rans move this way:
At the last gasp their fainting courage lies;
The warlike glance forsakes their languid eyes;
Their new rekindling courage soon will fail,
If you stand firm, when they the lines assail:
Each face will like Medusa's front appear!
And fill their wav'ring souls again with fear!
From either party, as they nearer drew,
Destructive show'rs of balls alternate flew:
25
And thro' the ranks with wasting terror strode:
But for his most delicious morsels sought,
Where Pigot, Howe, Warren, and Gardner fought;
Where Williams, Pitcairne, Abercrombie, turn'd,
He feasted there, and there the battle burn'd.
When Pitcairne fell, his son advanc'd in view,
Towards the spot with anxious ardor flew;
Tho' rage, and love, his steps accelerate,
To guard his father's life he came too late;
Already, death had launch'd his mortal dart,
And lodg'd the barb in the bold vet'ran's heart:
Burning for vengeance, and oppress'd with grief,
With filial care, he rais'd the wounded chief
From blood, and dust, (as decency requir'd)
And from the carnage of the field retir'd:
So, stain'd with streams of warm paternal gore,
Young Scipio from the field his father bore.
Another son (in this unnat'ral strife)
Was doom'd to see his parent robb'd of life!
Whilst rushing on elate, at glory's call,
With grief imbitter'd by his father's fall,
The gallant Addison suspended stood;
The prostrate dusty sanguin'd ruin view'd:
Too late, like Pitcairne's, came his filial aid:
With looks, where thoughts of vengeance were display'd,
Like him (with sad regret, and tender care)
He bore the lifeless body to the rear;
From mangling feet the cold remains to save,
With warlike pomp committed to the grave.
Towards the spot with anxious ardor flew;
Tho' rage, and love, his steps accelerate,
To guard his father's life he came too late;
Already, death had launch'd his mortal dart,
And lodg'd the barb in the bold vet'ran's heart:
Burning for vengeance, and oppress'd with grief,
With filial care, he rais'd the wounded chief
From blood, and dust, (as decency requir'd)
And from the carnage of the field retir'd:
So, stain'd with streams of warm paternal gore,
Young Scipio from the field his father bore.
Another son (in this unnat'ral strife)
Was doom'd to see his parent robb'd of life!
Whilst rushing on elate, at glory's call,
With grief imbitter'd by his father's fall,
The gallant Addison suspended stood;
The prostrate dusty sanguin'd ruin view'd:
Too late, like Pitcairne's, came his filial aid:
With looks, where thoughts of vengeance were display'd,
Like him (with sad regret, and tender care)
He bore the lifeless body to the rear;
From mangling feet the cold remains to save,
With warlike pomp committed to the grave.
26
Howe, Roden, Pigot, press'd to closest fight:
Warren beheld a dread soul-harrowing sight!
Observ'd his troops preparing to give way;
And mark'd the growing symptoms of dismay!
Aloud he call'd, rouze, and shake off your fears:
Partners in fame, my friends, and volunteers;
Bring no disgrace on the provincial arms;
Have children, wives, and liberty no charms!
Your children, wives, and friends, around us wait,
Wound not their souls by shameful base retreat:
Perhaps on us this day, my gallant friends,
The fate of North America depends;
Wou'd you outlive the fight, and see your lands,
And your effects, seiz'd by the victor's hands?
Stung to the quick, and full of warlike fire;
We'll die they said, before we will retire:
They shouted loud, and for the vict'ry burn'd;
The charging regulars the shout return'd.
Warren beheld a dread soul-harrowing sight!
Observ'd his troops preparing to give way;
And mark'd the growing symptoms of dismay!
Aloud he call'd, rouze, and shake off your fears:
Partners in fame, my friends, and volunteers;
Bring no disgrace on the provincial arms;
Have children, wives, and liberty no charms!
Your children, wives, and friends, around us wait,
Wound not their souls by shameful base retreat:
Perhaps on us this day, my gallant friends,
The fate of North America depends;
Wou'd you outlive the fight, and see your lands,
And your effects, seiz'd by the victor's hands?
Stung to the quick, and full of warlike fire;
We'll die they said, before we will retire:
They shouted loud, and for the vict'ry burn'd;
The charging regulars the shout return'd.
Whilst both contending parties (in the strife)
Struggled for victory, for fame, and life;
Clinton with circumspection ready stood,
And a large British reinforcement view'd;
Who seem'd embarrass'd; scarce knew where to speed
With succour, in the time of dang'rous need:
Most nobly rouz'd, impatient of delay;
He gain'd the shore, and led the glorious way;
Instant toward the foe, their front they turn'd;
Each caught the flame, and for the battle burn'd.
So when Pelides saw the Grecians stand
Irresolutely, on the Phrygian strand,
He join'd his friends, with animating glow,
Rouz'd, chear'd, and led them 'gainst th' exulting foe.
Meanwhile, the first assailants, unsustain'd,
'Midst dreadful carnage, had the summit gain'd:
Convinc'd they must a rapid effort make,
Their honours, victory, and lives at stake.
Examples drew towards the hostile fence,
With more than Ciceronian eloquence
Come on; come on; the mounting leaders cry'd;
We come; we come; the regulars reply'd:
O'er all impediments they dauntless bound
With Gorgon fronts, and spread dismay around:
Confusion, and dispersion, soon ensu'd,
Except where Warren, and his party stood:
Fierce the provincials fought, and fearless bled,
Where the great oratorial Warren led:
He fac'd grim danger with an heart elate;
At length, a rapid ball came wing'd with fate;
And cut th' intrepid rhetorician down,
Scorning retreat, and panting for renown:
His potent language cou'd the mind controul;
Rekindle fainting courage in the soul:
Cou'd make the coolest troops with ardor glow;
And rush in storms of death upon the foe:
With him, the spirit of the battle fled;
From right to left, a consternation spread;
On ev'ry side the colonists gave ground;
The regulars indignant, gather'd round;
O'er trenches, fences, and each palisade,
A passage like an inundation made;
Bore all resistance down, gain'd the redoubt,
And put the firm provincial troops to rout.
Struggled for victory, for fame, and life;
Clinton with circumspection ready stood,
And a large British reinforcement view'd;
Who seem'd embarrass'd; scarce knew where to speed
With succour, in the time of dang'rous need:
Most nobly rouz'd, impatient of delay;
He gain'd the shore, and led the glorious way;
Instant toward the foe, their front they turn'd;
Each caught the flame, and for the battle burn'd.
So when Pelides saw the Grecians stand
Irresolutely, on the Phrygian strand,
27
Rouz'd, chear'd, and led them 'gainst th' exulting foe.
Meanwhile, the first assailants, unsustain'd,
'Midst dreadful carnage, had the summit gain'd:
Convinc'd they must a rapid effort make,
Their honours, victory, and lives at stake.
Examples drew towards the hostile fence,
With more than Ciceronian eloquence
Come on; come on; the mounting leaders cry'd;
We come; we come; the regulars reply'd:
O'er all impediments they dauntless bound
With Gorgon fronts, and spread dismay around:
Confusion, and dispersion, soon ensu'd,
Except where Warren, and his party stood:
Fierce the provincials fought, and fearless bled,
Where the great oratorial Warren led:
He fac'd grim danger with an heart elate;
At length, a rapid ball came wing'd with fate;
And cut th' intrepid rhetorician down,
Scorning retreat, and panting for renown:
His potent language cou'd the mind controul;
Rekindle fainting courage in the soul:
Cou'd make the coolest troops with ardor glow;
And rush in storms of death upon the foe:
With him, the spirit of the battle fled;
From right to left, a consternation spread;
On ev'ry side the colonists gave ground;
The regulars indignant, gather'd round;
O'er trenches, fences, and each palisade,
A passage like an inundation made;
Bore all resistance down, gain'd the redoubt,
And put the firm provincial troops to rout.
28
With conquest flush'd, with hard-earn'd vict'ry crown'd,
Brave Howe; and Pigot, now possess'd the ground,
The rising ground, from whence provincials fled;
And up the hill the gallant Clinton led
A reinforcement, which was near at hand,
In hasty march from Charlestown's hostile strand;
Burgoyne observant stood, ready to speed
Where any shou'd a timely succour need;
And ev'ry soldier long'd at honour's call,
To grace with dreadful pomp his comrade's fall:
Tho' for success all seemingly combin'd,
With sage precaution Howe the chace declin'd;
With circumspection mov'd, and wou'd not dare
To hazard a defeat in Putnam's snare.
Brave Howe; and Pigot, now possess'd the ground,
The rising ground, from whence provincials fled;
And up the hill the gallant Clinton led
A reinforcement, which was near at hand,
In hasty march from Charlestown's hostile strand;
Burgoyne observant stood, ready to speed
Where any shou'd a timely succour need;
And ev'ry soldier long'd at honour's call,
To grace with dreadful pomp his comrade's fall:
Tho' for success all seemingly combin'd,
With sage precaution Howe the chace declin'd;
With circumspection mov'd, and wou'd not dare
To hazard a defeat in Putnam's snare.
From the redoubt the lines to Cambridge ran,
Trench lay near trench, and man supported man;
Each eminence was fortify'd around,
And ambuscades possess'd the lower ground:
Here Putnam, Pribble, Ward, and Thomas stay'd
To check pursuit, and pour in friendly aid;
Prescott and Heath were near, with all their force,
T' oppose the victors in their destin'd course.
The diff'rent parties seem'd resolv'd t'abide
In each well-chosen post, they occupy'd;
Altho' their routed friends might help require,
They wou'd not pass the line of naval fire,
Whilst the provincials from their late defeat,
Fil'd off, and strove to make a good retreat:
This to effect, they must determin'd push,
As if thro' death's expanded jaws to rush!
A victor foe
threaten'd their broken rear;
Frigates, and floating batteries, lay near,
Across their path, in front, and flank, to rake,
A dreadful desolating sweep to make;
And cut off ev'ry hope of fresh supply,
Tho' twenty thousand well arm'd friends were nigh!
Trench lay near trench, and man supported man;
Each eminence was fortify'd around,
And ambuscades possess'd the lower ground:
Here Putnam, Pribble, Ward, and Thomas stay'd
To check pursuit, and pour in friendly aid;
Prescott and Heath were near, with all their force,
T' oppose the victors in their destin'd course.
The diff'rent parties seem'd resolv'd t'abide
In each well-chosen post, they occupy'd;
Altho' their routed friends might help require,
They wou'd not pass the line of naval fire,
Whilst the provincials from their late defeat,
Fil'd off, and strove to make a good retreat:
This to effect, they must determin'd push,
As if thro' death's expanded jaws to rush!
29
Frigates, and floating batteries, lay near,
Across their path, in front, and flank, to rake,
A dreadful desolating sweep to make;
And cut off ev'ry hope of fresh supply,
Tho' twenty thousand well arm'd friends were nigh!
Vide the different accounts of the emigration to, and taking possession of the continent of North America; and of that part of it, Massachusets, Connecticut, and New Hampshire in particular.
This most unfortunate affair happened on the fifth of March 1770, between a party of the troops, and a body of the townsmen, in which Mr. Gray, at whose rope-walk the quarrel first began, and three other men were killed, and several dangerously wounded.
This happened on the 16th of December 1773, and was carried into execution by a vast number of people, disguised like Mohawk Indians; who were left at liberty to do as they thought proper, without the least molestation from the “military force on shore, or the naval power in the harbours;” or any interposition of “legal authority.” They flung overboard, from several vessels, 342 chests of tea, without doing the least damage to the ships, or any other property. Although the other colonies did not follow the example of the Massachusets, yet a disuse of tea, and a general prohibition of it through the continent, was the consequence.
June the 1st 1774 Boston harbour was blocked up by General Gage, according to an act of the British parliament.
In June 1774 they made a solemn league and covenant; and in November 1774 made a general non-importation agreement.
October 18th 1775, 139 dwelling-houses, and 278 storehouses, were burnt at Falmouth, in Casco Bay, by some British ships of war, under the command of Captain Mowat, in the Canceaux.
The manner of doing this may be found among the early accounts of the rise and progress of this unhappy war.
About 900, under the command of Colonel Smith, of the 10th regiment; and Major Pitcairne, of the marines.
It was reported that Isaac Gardner, Esq; of Brookline, was then returning from a journey, and killed in the retreat.
We are told that the Rev'd Mr. Peyson, of Chelsea near Boston, headed a few provincials in the confusion; and attacked, and overpowered a small party with provisions and ammunition.
A report prevailed, that Colonel Gardner, of the New Hampshire militia, with 700 men, made a sudden attack from an ambuscade on Earl Percy's party; by they were soon routed, and dispersed, and his lordship advanced with two field-pieces, to succour Colonel Smith's party; who, by this time, were harrassed on all sides, and began to be alarmed on account of their ammunition being nearly spent.
They were headed by the Generals Putnam, Pribble, Heath, Thomas, Ward, Prescott, and others of inferior rank.
According to the public accounts, the British forces, and seamen, were roughly handled in their attempts on Grape Island, Chelsea, Hog Island, and at the Light House, which the provincials had demolished, &c. &c. &c. and seemed to be the greatest sufferers, in the loss of killed and wounded.
May 26th 1775, the reinforcement with the Generals Howe, Burgoyne, and Clinton, arrived at Boston. In May 1775, Crown Point and Ticonderoga, Major Skeene, &c. were taken by the provincials; the second general congress was held at Philadelphia; the congress addressed the Canadians; and established paper currency.
They marched with a detachment of about 250 men, from Massachusetts, and Connecticut; and took possession of Ticonderoga, and Crown-Point, and being joined by others, advanced to the confines of Canada. When Captain Allen was taken, there were 15 killed, and about 40 made prisoners, and brought to England. For a farther, and more particular account of the proceedings of the various parties, under the command of the Generals Montgomery, Wooster, Schyler, Arnold, &c. &c. &c. till they arrived at Fort Chamblee, and Fort St. John; vide the Gentleman's Magazines of 1775, &c.
They marched with a detachment of about 250 men, from Massachusetts, and Connecticut; and took possession of Ticonderoga, and Crown-Point, and being joined by others, advanced to the confines of Canada. When Captain Allen was taken, there were 15 killed, and about 40 made prisoners, and brought to England. For a farther, and more particular account of the proceedings of the various parties, under the command of the Generals Montgomery, Wooster, Schyler, Arnold, &c. &c. &c. till they arrived at Fort Chamblee, and Fort St. John; vide the Gentleman's Magazines of 1775, &c.
The following is the provincial account of the killed and wounded, in the above battle: killed, Colonels Charles Lewis, John Field; Captains John Murray, Rene Clenchan, Samuel Wilson, James Ward; Lieutenant Hugh Allen; Ensigns Cantiff, Bracken, and 44 privates: wounded Colonel William Fleming, Captains John Dickenson, Thomas Bluford, John Skidman; Lieutenants Goldman, Robinson, Lard, and Vance; and 79 privates: total killed and wounded 140, and Colonel Fleming, and others, since dead of their wounds.
Pointing to the ensign, flying over head: on one side of which was this motto, in English, “An appeal to Heaven:” and on the other side, in Latin, “Qui transtulit, sustinet.”
It is well known, these sentiments, and expectations, are entertained by the inhabitants in general, in the North American colonies; and as they were looking forward to that period, no doubt they now thought a fair opportunity offered to commence their aggrandizement, and lay the foundation of their expected empire.
Vide General Burgoyne's letter, on the battle, to his nephew Lord Stanley: dated Boston, June 25th 1775: which will authenticate the relation of many passages, which occurred, on that memorable day.
This battle was fought on the 17th day of June 1775. By a letter from General Gage, in the London Gazette, of 25th July 1775, we are informed, “That the troops under the command of Major General Howe, Brigadier General Pigot, Major Pitcairne, &c. sent to attack the redoubt, and Charlestown, formed a body of more than 2000, with a proportion of field-artillery. The loss suffered by the British: 1 colonel, 2 majors, 7 captains, 9 lieutenants, 15 serjeants, 1 drummer, 191 rank and file, killed: and 3 majors, 27 captains, 35 lieutenants, 7 ensigns, 7 volunteers, 40 serjeants, 12 drummers, 706 rank and file, wounded.” The reports are various concerning the number of the provincials in the action, from 1500 to about 5000, and upwards, as it was observed that the defendants of the redoubt were relieved by fresh reinforcements; which appears to be confirmed, by a passage in General Burgoyne's letter to Lord Stanley, “and to the left, the enemy pouring in fresh troops by thousands over the land, &c.” To the same purport, General Gage expresses himself in his letter, copied in the Gazette; viz. “that they were perceived to be in great force, and strongly posted on the heights: a redoubt thrown up on the 16th at night, with other works full of men, defended with cannon: large columns were seen pouring in to their assistance, and that the British were engaged with above three times their number.” The provincials say, there were no more than 1500 in the redoubt and lines during the time of action. The accounts of their killed and wounded are various; from about 400 to 700, and from about 1000 to 1400: their own public account of the killed, wounded, and missing, is as follows; 105 killed and missing, 250 wounded: total, killed, missing, and wounded, 355. When they retreated, they left five pieces of cannon behind them, near one hundred dead on the field, and thirty wounded.
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