Part 13

The main body were, in the mean time, employed in destroying every military article within the town.

The American Militia, observing some conflagration of houses in Concord, immediately returned to one of the bridges they had recently passed, when the Light Infantry occupied the side of the river towards that place. On the approach of the Provincials the former fired, which was soon returned.

After a skirmish, the English detachment fell back, with the loss of some killed and wounded, besides one Lieutenant and a few other prisoners.

About this time the whole country was in one state of alarm, which compelled an immediate retreat to Lexington. This was effected under the disagreeable circumstances of a hot day, and an incessant fire from the hourly collecting numbers in the rear of the troops, and from houses, walls, and every hidden place of defence, in their front and flanks.

Lord Percy had most judiciously been detached from Boston very early in the morning of the 19th, with a reinforcement of sixteen Companies, and a body of Marines. This force arrived at Lexington just in time to afford a respite to Colonel Smith's detachment, now much harassed by fatigue, and overpowered by very superior numbers.

Having two field pieces, they kept the rebels in awe, until the British resumed their march towards Boston. Major Pitcairne's horse was twice wounded very severely, and he made some narrow escapes during these tumultuous attacks.

Lord Percy, who had advanced to Lexington, by the way of Cambridge, with a penetration and foresight that reflected high honour upon his military talents, determined upon returning to Boston by a different route. The numerous hordes of Americans who had collected on the expected line of his retrograde march, were by this foiled in their hopes of blood, as his Lordship most judiciously turned off towards Charlestown, where he was not looked for, and gained the heights of Bunker's Hill, whither they durst not follow him. To this happy manœuvre the whole detachment owed its salvation, and Boston also may acknowledge his Lordship as its preserver at that early and important crisis.

Throughout the whole of this toilsome service, our loss was by no means equal to the seeming dangers, being only 65 killed, 2 Lieutenants and 20 men taken prisoners, and Colonel Smith, besides some other Officers, and about 174 wounded. Thus was the fatal torch lighted, and it never was extinguished but with American independence.

The whole Country was now roused to arms, and General Gage, with his little army, became invested, within the works of Boston.

Earl Sandwich, who presided at the Board of Admiralty, sensible of the high state of discipline, to which the corps of Marines had reached, pushed them early into the American War. Their conduct upon every duty, reflected credit upon his Lordship's discernment.

In addition to those under Major Pitcairne, who were attached to Lord Percy's Brigade, a farther reinforcement arrived at Boston in the month of May, commanded by Major Short.

It is a tribute justly due to those Officers who so very gallantly supported their Country's honor, and their own, to detail their names, and battalions, agreeably to the arrangement issued in public orders, at Boston, upon the 20th of May.

Battalion orders,

"The Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having directed a reinforcement of Marines to serve under Major Pitcairne, in General Gage's Army, consisting of the following number: 2 Majors, 10 Captains, 27 Subalterns, 2 Adjutants, 1 Surgeon, 2 Surgeon's Mates, 28 Serjeants, 25 Corporals, 20 Drummers, 600 Privates.

"The Commanding Officer finds it necessary, for the good of the service, to form the whole under his command, into two Battalions.

Officers in 1st Battalion. Officers in 2d Battalion.

GRENADIERS GRENADIERS.

Thos. Avarne, Capt. Geo. Logan, Capt. Wm. Finney, 1st Lieut. Alex. Brisbane, 1st Lieut. Geo. Vevers, 1st Lieut. Francis Gardner, 1st Lieut.

1st COMPANY. 1st COMPANY.

Stawel Chudleigh, Capt. Hon. John Maitland, Capt. Rich. Shea, 1st Lieut. Jesse Adair, 1st Lieut. ---- Hewes, 1st Lieut. Roland Carter, 1st Lieut.

2d COMPANY. 2d COMPANY.

Stephen Ellis, Capt. Chas. Chandless, Capt. James Robertson, 1st Lieut. Fenton Griffiths, 1st Lieut. P. D. Robertson, 2d Lieut. Henry D'Oyley, 2d Lieut.

3d COMPANY. 3d COMPANY.

Thos. Lindsay, Capt. Thos. Groves, Capt. Wm. Lycett, 1st Lieut. John Hadden, 1st Lieut. David Collins, 2d Lieut. Titus Conyers, 1st Lieut.

4th COMPANY. 4th COMPANY.

Wm. Forster, Capt. Samuel Davys, Capt. Wm. Graham, 1st Lieut. Walter Nugent, 1st Lieut. Isaac Potter, 2d Lieut. Robt. Carey, 2d. Lieut.

5th COMPANY. 5th COMPANY.

Robt. Ross, Capt. Edw. Henvill, Capt. Chas. Steward, 1st Lieut. Thos. Biggs, 1st Lieut. Jonas Mathews, 1st Lieut. James Lewis, 2d Lieut.

6th COMPANY. 6th COMPANY.

Wm. Sabine, Capt. Geo. Elliott, Capt. B. M'Donald, 2d Lieut. Alex. M'Donald, 1st Lieut. Henry Tantum, 2d Lieut. John France, 1st Lieut.

7th COMPANY. 7th COMPANY.

J. H. Branson, Capt. Arthur Walker, Capt. Wm. Creswell, 1st Lieut. James Anderson, 1st Lieut. Thos. Trollope, 2d Lieut. Robt. Moore, 2d Lieut.

8th COMPANY. 8th COMPANY.

John Perceval, Capt. John M'Fie, Capt. Aaron Eustace, 1st Lieut. Sir John Dalston, Bart. 1st Lieut. Thos. Woodcock, 2d Lieut. Francis Dogherty, 1st Lieut.

LIGHT INFANTRY. LIGHT INFANTRY.

Wm. Souter, Capt. Arch. Campbell, Capt. Wm. Pitcairne, 1st Lieut. John Dyer, 2d Lieut. Philip Howe, 2d Lieut. N. Harris Nicholas, 2d Lieut. 1st Lieut. John Waller, Adjutant. 1st Lieut. John Fielding, Adjut. 1st Lieut. J. Pitcairne, Qr. Master. Thos. Smith, Quarter Master.

Captain David Johnston, Superintendant Adjutant, and Deputy Paymaster to the 2d Battalion.

Hill, Surgeon to the 2d Battalion, Wm. Tervant, Surgeon's Mate, Silver, Surgeon's Mate.

Thus united with the Army in garrison at Boston, these Battalions continued to contribute their proportion to its incidental duties; in discharging which, they received the uniform commendation of their superiors, for their regularity, discipline, and subordination. In the _Battalion_ orders, of the 3d of June, the following regulations for the payment of Companies were notified.

"The Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having directed, by their letter to Major Pitcairne of the 2d of March last, that the Captains of Marines commanding Companies on shore at Boston, should pay their Companies in the same manner as practised by the Land Forces, the Captains or commanding Officers of Companies, will receive from Captain Johnstone, Deputy Paymaster, one month's subsistence for the non-commissioned Officers and private men of their respective Companies, deducting £0 1s. 5½d. per week each, for provisions and the usual stoppages as directed by the Admiralty, viz.

For one Serjeant per week £0 0 2 For one Corporal or Drummer 0 0 1½ For one Private Man 0 0 1 Dollars to be taken at 0 4 8

"Captains are to give the Deputy Paymaster compleat monthly Pay Rolls; accounting for the subsistence distributed to their Companies, and specifying every particular casualty that has happened in each Company during the preceding month, and to commence this day."

A few trivial affairs occurred in the Bay of Boston, which only tended to excite a mutual irritation, and led to no important consequences. Many resolutions and measures were adopted by the Colonists, that aimed at the dissolution of every united tie, and even at independance.

General Gage, also, issued a Proclamation in his Majesty's name, extending the offers of pardon to all who should return to their allegiance, excepting Messrs. Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Little hope of reconciliation being entertained, both sides began to prepare in right earnest, for hostilities.

The rebels wishing to anticipate the Royal troops, in the possession of Charlestown,[1] hitherto unoccupied by either, pushed a large body of men, on the evening of the 16th of June, to erect works upon Bunker's Hill. During the night they raised entrenchments, and a breast work, with a strong redoubt, sufficiently formidable to excite the jealousy of General Gage. A heavy fire opened upon their working parties early on the morning of the 17th of June, who, however, persevered in their labours with much firmness.

It appearing highly necessary to dislodge the Americans from so very important a post, the Commander in Chief, at noon, detached ten Companies of Grenadiers, an equal number of Light Infantry, with the 5th, 38th, 43d, and 52d regiments, under Major Gen. Howe and Brigadier Pigot, with that view, which being embarked, landed and formed on the Peninsula, without opposition, under cover of the ships of war.

The position of the rebels was strong indeed. A small but well contrived redoubt, besides some other works full of soldiers, and defended with cannon, as well as numbers of rifle men placed in the houses of Charlestown, covered their right flank; their centre and left were protected by a breast work, partly gun proof, which reached from the redoubt, to the Medford River.

Major General Howe, upon examining this powerful state of defence, and observing fresh columns pouring in to the enemy's works, solicited a reinforcement, which soon joined him, consisting of some Companies of Grenadiers and Light Infantry, the 47th regiment, and the first battalion of Marines.

Having been formed in two lines, they advanced with slow but steady steps to the conflict. Majors Pitcairne, Tupper, and Short, led my corps upon this distinguished day.

The roar of cannon and howitzers, on the part of the British, occasionally halting to yield them effect, marked their progress towards the rebel works. Not a shot was returned by the enemy, until our troops had nearly reached their entrenchments, when a tremendous and destructive fire was opened, which, it must be confessed, somewhat staggered our men. The awful occasion exhibited General Howe most conspicuously for the valuable resources of coolness and reflection amidst danger. It also afforded an opportunity of signalizing the discipline and intrepidity of the Battalion of Marines, which dealt destruction and carnage around them.

Brigadier General Pigot, who was destined to attack the redoubt and lines, that covered the American right flank, was likewise exposed to a hot fire from the houses in Charlestown. His loss was severe, but his exertions were animated, and displayed the most brilliant courage, as well as talents.

General Clinton, who had crossed from Boston during the action, attached to himself the merit of rallying the troops, whom he led against the rebel works with fixed bayonets, and with that daring impetuosity which so strongly characterizes the British Soldier.

They soon forced them, and drove the Provincials across the neck of Charlestown, who were also much harassed by the cannon of his Majesty's ship Glasgow, in their retreat.

The Glory of the Army, upon this day, was great, but it was dearly earned. Their total loss amounted to 1 Lieutenant Colonel, 2 Majors, 7 Captains, and 9 Subalterns of the land forces and Marines killed; besides 70, of different descriptions in both, wounded. Two hundred and seven Non-commissioned and rank and file also fell, and 828 were wounded.

Amongst the slain was Major Pitcairne, of the Marines, whose death was alike deplored by his Corps and his Country. Major Short also left behind him a reputation sufficiently worthy of deep regret.

The Marine Battalion sustained fully more than its proportional share of casualties, and its gallant conduct upon the 17th of June, demands, from the whole of our Establishment, its commemorative and indelible gratitude, when each of us casts an eye upon that laurel which now encircles his button, and reflects that it was purchased _by their valour_.

The following appeared in the General Orders of the 19th of June, 1775:--

"The Commander in Chief returns his most grateful thanks to Major-General Howe, for the extraordinary exertion of his military abilities on the 17th instant. He returns his thanks also to Major-General Clinton, and Brigadier Pigot, for the share they took in the success of the day, as well as to Lieutenant-Colonels Nesbitt, Abercromby, Gunning, and Clarke; Majors Butler, Williams, Bruce, _Tupper_, Spenlove, Small, and Mitchel, and the rest of the Officers and Soldiers, who, by remarkable efforts of courage and gallantry, overcame every disadvantage, and drove the rebels from the redoubt and strong holds on the heights of Charlestown, and gained a complete victory."

By the return of Major Tupper to Europe, and the fatal events of the 17th of June, the command of the Marines soon after devolved upon Major (now Lieutenant-General) Souter.

Bunker's Hill was fortified, and our troops retained the Peninsula, which rendered their duties very severe. The Americans prevented every supply from the interior, and compelled our Army to subsist upon salt, and indifferent provisions. Cut off from the Continent, their sufferings were great, when sickness became prevalent.

The Provincials having constructed works upon a hill opposite Bunker's, completed the blockade of the Peninsula, which they gradually extended close to the fortifications on Boston Neck.

Some predatory enterprizes were attempted by them, by no means deficient in spirit or success. In one of these they burnt the light-house at the entrance of the harbour, communicating with it by some whale boats from which they carried off, or killed, the whole of a small detachment of Marines, who protected the carpenters in erecting a new one. Thus matters continued for some time, and the situation of a brave Army, cooped up and unable to act, was rendered both distressing and degrading.

In the orders of the 27th of September, the Royal thanks were tendered to the forces, for their intrepid conduct upon the 17th of June, in the following terms:--

"The King has been pleased to order the Commander in Chief, to express his Majesty's thanks, both to the Officers and Soldiers, for the resolution and gallantry with which they attacked and defeated the rebels on the 17th of June last, who had every advantage of numbers and situation; and more especially expressed to the Generals Howe and Clinton, and to Brigadier General Pigot, the sense his Majesty entertains of the spirit, resolution, and conduct by which they distinguished themselves, to their honor, upon that day."

The _Battalion Orders_ of that day, also contained the annexed communications:--

"The King has been pleased to make the following promotions in his Marine Forces, serving in North America:--

Captain William Souter, Major _vice_ Short, killed. Capt. Lieut. Francis Lindsay, Capt. -- Campbell, ditto. ---- ---- Robert Ross, Captain -- Ellis, ditto. ---- ---- David Johnson, Capt. -- Souter, promoted. 1st Lieut. Jesse Adair, Capt. Lieut. -- Lindsay, ditto. -- ---- Sir John Dalston, Ditto -- Walker, returned home. -- ---- Sir John Hadden, Ditto -- Ross, promoted. -- ---- Wm. Pitcairne, Ditto -- Johnstone, ditto. 2d Lieut. James Lewis, 1st Lieut. -- Shea, killed. -- ---- Robert Moore, Ditto -- Finnie, ditto. -- ---- Thos. Woodcock, Ditto -- Gardener, ditto. -- ---- Isaac Polder, Ditto -- Adair, promoted. -- ---- Robert Carey, Ditto -- Dalston, ditto. -- ---- Ronald M'Donald, Ditto -- Hadden, ditto. -- ---- Philip Howe, Ditto -- ---- -- ---- Henry Tantum, Ditto -- Pitcairne, ditto. -- ---- David Collins, Ditto -- Spencer, dead. Volunteer Samuel Davys Bowman -- Lewis, promoted."

In consequence of these new arrangements a change took place, in the 2d Battalion, which became commanded by the undermentioned Officers:--

1st COMPANY. Captain M'Fie, 1st Lieut. Griffiths.

2d COMPANY. Captain Henvill, 1st Lieut. Lewis, 2d Lieut. Hale.

3d COMPANY. Captain Elliott, 1st Lieut. France, 2d Lieut. Walker.

4th COMPANY. Captain Dalston, 1st Lieut. Moore.

5th COMPANY. Captain Stretch, 1st Lieut. Nugent, 2d Lieut. D'Oyley.

6th COMPANY. Captain Davys, 1st Lieut. Carey, 2d Lieut. Bowman.

7th COMPANY. Captain Adair, 1st Lieut. Carter, 2d Lieut. Ellis.

8th COMPANY. Captain Groves, 1st Lieut. Dogherty, 2d Lieut. F. Lewis.

GRENADIERS. Captain Logan, 1st Lieut. Brisbane, 2d Lieut. Ragg.

LIGHT INFANTRY. Captain Pitcairne, 2d. Lieut. Dyer, 2d. Lieut. Nicholas.

It was farther intimated upon the same day, "That in consequence of the application of Major Pitcairne to have the same allowance for paying the Companies of the 1st and 2d Battalions of Marines, serving on shore in North America, as the Army have, and that the Captains should be answerable for the debts, &c.

"The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, ever ready to give every reasonable mark of their indulgence, were pleased to consent that each Captain, commanding a Company, should be allowed after the rate of 1s. per day; being equal to the pay of two men per Company, during their continuance on shore, as is practised in the Army; and the Deputy Paymaster is authorized to issue the same.

"The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been pleased to approve Major Pitcairne's appointing Mr. Smith Quarter-Master to the 2d Battalion of Marines."

General Washington having been appointed to command the Armies of America, he, in company with Major General Lee, reached the camp before Boston, in order to animate them in the general pursuit of continental independence.

Their military spirit had arrived at such a height, that the younger branches of Quaker families at Philadelphia, waiving their principles, associated themselves in arms.

Boston continued to be blockaded during the year, with but little variety.

The rebels did not confine their hostile views to this object alone. A number of partizan adventurers sprung up, whose rapid motions and unknown existence under Colonels Easton, and Ethan Allen, were the means of achieving some conquests of much importance to their infant cause. Their intermediate object was to seize upon the passes on the great lakes, which command the intercourse between Canada and the British Colonies, until their Government, (for so I now call it,) was enabled to advance a force sufficiently adequate to conquer that Province. This they effected by surprizing the garrisons of Ticonderoga and Crown Point.

The American Congress, with the notes of conciliation and peace ever sounding within the walls of their House, had taken early pains to interest the Canadians in the destinies of their neighbours, by inflammatory addresses, and by artful and apposite inferences drawn from the immortal writings of Montesquieu, their Countryman, suited to their prejudices and their political feelings. Having thus placed the train to a deep design, those wily Continentals trusted to time in accomplishing its intended effects.

America soon availed herself of that enthusiasm which pervaded her Citizens, to turn it to a purpose. Already had she disseminated her doctrines over Canada, which she was determined to follow up with her arms. Generals Montgomery and Schuyler headed the troops which were destined to invade that Colony, who found many of the natives either wavering or friendly to the infatuating name of Liberty. After a series of successes in the capture of Forts Chamblee and St. John's, the defeat of General Carleton, at Longueil, and the surrender of Montreal, all in the Upper Province, the only hope that remained of preserving Canada for the British Crown, centered in the town of Quebec.

Within the defenceless walls of Montreal, was that brave and valuable Officer, General Carleton, now Lord Dorchester. Feeling the weight of his duties, and also conscious of his own importance, at so perilous a crisis, he resolved upon escaping from its impending surrender, which would have deprived his Country of his services. The impulse was patriotically great, and the event was happy. Committing himself, in the night, to a boat, with muffled paddles, he escaped the vigilance of the rebel guards, and reached the seat of his Government. Here he arrived in the hour of danger.

A co-operating expedition, under Mr. Arnold, against the Lower Province of Canada, unequalled in military annals, for the originality of plan, and boldness of execution, had threatened the Capital, in the absence of its Governor. Without a distinct object of reference, it would be useless attempting to delineate the progressive advances of these daring invaders, from New England.

It is enough to say, that a body of Soldiers, ultimately formidable, with their arms and other necessaries, traversed a path, in many places hitherto untrodden by human steps, of upwards 170 miles, interspersed with thickets, precipices, and swamps, and often obliged to carry, on their shoulders, the numerous batteaux attached to their little Army. Such were their sufferings, that many returned, but those, whom constancy supported in following their Chief up to the walls of Quebec, merit the highest encomiums which can be rendered to man for undaunted perseverance and steady fidelity.

We may often derive the most impressive examples from our enemy, and they ought never to be rejected. A British Soldier only needs the recital of any deed, in order to rival it.

Self interest obtained what patriotism and natural duty could not stimulate in the souls of the inhabitants within the town of Quebec. For some time, discord, and even disaffection were prevalent, both of which fiendly passions were absorbed in the venal virtue of defending their property, now threatened by the approach of General Arnold and his magic troops. All united in the cause of their King, and some Sailors and Marines, were landed from the ships in the river, to second their energies. Feeling himself unequal to a siege or a storm, Arnold fell back, and awaited the cast of better fortune.

It was soon after this that General Carleton arrived, who quickly adopted those measures which were worthy of himself and the imperious emergency.

One company of the 7th regiment, might be termed the only regular force under his command, his chief strength being in M'Lean's newly raised corps of Scotch Emigrants, and the associated bodies of English and French Volunteers.