Heath's Memoirs of the American War E-Book

Rufus Rockwell Wilson

• Herausgeber: Jazzybee Verlag
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 530

Beschreibung

This is one of the most important source books of American history. General Heath's memoirs, which were originally published in 1798, are of direct value to the student of the war of the Revolution, constituting a first-hand account of many of the operations connected therewith, and assisting to an appreciation of the men and conditions of the period. The author served as a major general in the American army throughout the long conflict, his military activity dating from the battle of Concord, where he took part in the harrying of the retreating British.

Leseprobe

Heath's Memoirs of the American War

RUFUS ROCKWELL WILSON

Heath's Memoirs of the American War, Rufus Rockwell Wilson

Jazzybee Verlag Jürgen Beck

86450 Altenmünster, Loschberg 9

Deutschland

ISBN: 9783849663513

www.jazzybee-verlag.de

[email protected]

CONTENTS:

EDITOR'S FOREWORD.1

ADVERTISEMENT.2

INTRODUCTION.3

MEMOIRS. 5

EDITOR'S FOREWORD.

THE book here reprinted is one of the most valuable of the contemporary narratives of the Revolution, though one gains from its pages the impression that its worthy and patriotic author was a soldier better fitted for muster service and barrack duty than for active command in the field. This impression is strengthened by an incident to which General Heath makes only partial and apologetic reference.

Washington, then on his retreat through New Jersey, on January 7, 1777, ordered Heath to move from his camp in Westchester toward New York, "as if with a design upon that city." Heath's forces, marching in three divisions, arrived on January 18 before Fort Independence, whose garrison of nearly 2,000 Hessians were allowed "twenty minutes in which to surrender or to abide the consequences." But the garrison did not surrender, and Heath remained for ten days in the neighborhood without attempting to enforce his demand. Then a sally from the garrison created a panic in one regiment at an advanced post and led a little later to the withdrawal of the entire army. Heath's abortive demonstration caused Washington to write him as follows: "This letter . . . is to hint to you, and I do it with concern, that your conduct is censured (and by men of sense and judgment fraught with too much caution; by which the army has been disappointed and in some degree disgraced. Your summons, as you did not attempt to fulfil your threats, was not only idle but farcical, and will not fail of turning the laugh exceedingly upon us."

Thereafter and until the close of the war General Heath was not again entrusted with any important operation in the field. Following his return to private life in 1783 he found congenial employment in the conduct of his farm in Roxbury. He also served as a member of the State convention that ratified the Federal constitution, as a State senator in 1791 and 1792, and in 1793 as probate judge of his county. In 1806 he was elected lieutenant-governor of his State, but declined the office. At the time of his death, January 24, 1814, he was the last surviving major-general of the Continental Army.

General Heath's "Memoirs" were published in 1798 and have never been reprinted except in a limited edition. There is, therefore, excellent reason why they should now be reissued in a form which places them within the reach of the student of slender purse. Heath fails now and then to make clear the true meaning of events, and this defect the present editor has essayed to remedy in his notes, at the same time elucidating references that might otherwise be obscure to the average reader. No liberties have been taken with the text, but occasional errors in the spelling of proper names have been corrected in the index, where also an attempt has been made to supply all given names omitted by the author. It is to be hoped that in its new garb an interesting and valuable book will enter upon a new lease of

ADVERTISEMENT.

It was not the intention to publish the Memoirs during the lifetime of the writer. They were penned for his own review, and the information and satisfaction of his own family, as well as posterity: If any should think their present publication in any respects relative to himself as too ostentatious, candour, it is presumed, will decide that there is no alternative, unless the Memoirs are mutilated in facts, or denied at present a publication. The pressing importunity of very many is the sole reason of their appearance at this time.

Such of the facts as happened under the observation, or within the immediate knowledge of the writer, have been impartially narrated: Those which he has been obliged to collect from other information, have been as faithfully attempted; but their authenticity cannot be equally vouched for. There are doubtless many errors. It is the lot of man to be fallible.

The author.

INTRODUCTION.

Nature seems to have decreed, that not only the minor branches of families, when they arrive at a proper age of maturity, shall separate from their parents, and become distinct families; but that colonies, when they arrive at a certain degree of population and affluence, shall separate from the mother state, and become independent and sovereign. Howsoever fit and proper this economy of nature may be, experience has taught the world that it has been the mistaken policy of nations, in almost all ages, to oppose such separations, as the period approximates, by an impolitic exercise of power, thereby alienating the affections of the colonists, and rousing in their breasts those innate principles of liberty which nature hath implanted; (but which, had they not been awakened by a severity of conduct, would have much longer reposed on the bosom of a mother, and even have spurned the idea of separation) and have also made use of armed force, in the most unnatural and cruel manner to hold in subjection those by nature in every respect free as themselves. And in the prosecution of a war thus enkindled, alliances are fought for, and formed, by both parties, even with those who before were considered as the enemies of each. This has been exemplified in the conduct of Great Britain towards her American colonies, and by the people of the now United States of America in their struggle for freedom, and the establishment of independence and sovereignty.

It is not the intention of the writer to go into a detail of the first settlement of this country, or the vicissitudes which have attended it, at different periods; nor of the rise of the late revolution: as these have already been attempted by several writers, and probably will hereafter be further elucidated by other pens.

To preserve and perpetuate a daily journal of occurrences, through nearly the whole of the late American war, is the present object. And although the following pages are not decorated with the flowers of Greece or Rome, and for their diction cannot claim the patronage of the learned, they contain a state of facts in detail, which may not be unpleasing to posterity, who will wish, as much as is possible, to learn from every remaining vestige, the conduct and successes of their ancestors in that revolution which laid the foundation of the independence and sovereignty of their country. To them, therefore, are the following memoirs bequeathed, by him who was an eye-witness to many of the facts which are related, and who collected the others from the best information the then moment and circumstances would admit.

That the United States of America, by their virtue, their wisdom and their valour, may support and maintain the noble achievements of their ancestors, and render them still more brilliant, is the earnest wish of their devoted.

Humble Servant,

W. HEATH.

ROXBURY, 1798.

MEMOIRS

Major-General William Heath descended from an ancient family in Roxbury, near Boston, in Massachusetts, and is of the fifth generation of the family who have inherited the same real estate, (taken up in a state of nature) not large, but fertile, and pleasantly situated.

He was born March 2nd, (old style) 1737, was brought up a farmer, of which profession he is yet passionately fond. He is of middling stature, light complexion, very corpulent, and bald-headed, which led the French officers who served in America, very frequently to compare him to the Marquis of Granby. From his childhood he was remarkably fond of military exercises, which passion grew up with him, and as he arrived at years of maturity, led him to procure, and attentively to study, every military treatise in the English language, which was obtainable. This, with a strong memory, rendered him fully acquainted with the theory of war in all its branches and duties, from the private soldier, to the Commander in Chief.

Through the inactive state of the militia company to which he belonged, in the spring of the year 1765, he went over to Boston, and entered a member of the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company.

This immediately recommended him to the notice of the Colonel of the first regiment of militia in the county of Suffolk, who sent for him, and importuned him to take the command of his own company; to which Mr. Heath was reluctant, apprehensive that his youth, and stepping over those who had a better claim, by former office in the company, to the command of it, might produce an uneasiness. He was, however, commissioned by Gov. Barnard; and his apprehensions of uneasiness proved to be groundless.

In the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company, he was chosen, and served, first as Lieutenant, and afterwards as Captain.

In the first regiment of the militia of Suffolk, he became the military favourite of Gov. Barnard, who publicly declared, that he would not only make him Colonel of the regiment, but, if it were in his power, a General Officer also.

As the dispute between Great Britain and her American Colonies put on a more serious aspect, our Captain did not hesitate, for a moment, to declare his sentiments in favour of the rights and liberties of his fellow-countrymen. This alarmed Gov. Barnard's apprehensions, but did not alter his open conduct towards our Captain; though he privately intimated, that if he should promote him, he might injure the cause of his royal master. It was afterwards intimated to our Captain, that if he was not advanced to the command of the regiment, he might rest assured, that his feelings would never (during Gov. Barnard's administration) be hurt by any other officers being promoted over him; which was verified, Gov. Barnard leaving the province with this regiment unorganized.

Capt. Heath, convinced that the cloud was rapidly gathering, and would assuredly burst over America, in the beginning of the year 1770, commenced his addresses to the public, under the signature of A Military Countryman, and which were occasionally continued until hostilities commenced. In them he urged the importance of military discipline, and skill in the use of arms, as the only means, under Heaven, that could save the country from falling a prey to any daring invader.

Gov. Hutchinson succeeded Gov. Barnard. He organized the first regiment in Suffolk; and, as might be expected, our Captain had a respite from command.

When it was recommended to the people of Massachusetts, to choose officers themselves to command them, our Captain was unanimously chosen to take the command of the first company in the town of Roxbury, (his old and favourite company;) and on the meeting of the Captains and subalterns of the first regiment of militia in Suffolk, he was chosen Colonel.

The people of Massachusetts, having determined to support their rights and liberties at every hazard, (finding that such was the sense of the people of their sister Colonies) after the dissolution of their General Court, elected a Provincial Congress. This Congress appointed a Committee of Safety (of whom our Colonel was one), vested with executive powers; and another committee, called the Committee of Supplies, The latter were to purchase military stores, provisions, &c. and deposit them in such places as the former should direct. Both committees entered on the duties of their respective functions. The Provincial Congress voted a sum of money for the purpose of procuring military stores and provisions; and a quantity of both were collected and stored in the town of Concord.

The militia, and the corps of minute men, as they were called, (the latter composed of the young and active) were furnished with officers of their own choosing. The greatest attention was exhibited by the officers, which was as cheerfully seconded by the citizen soldiers, to acquire a knowledge of military duty.

In the month of February 1775, the Provincial Congress passed the following resolutions:

"In Provincial Congress, Cambridge, February 9th 1775 — Resolved, That the Hon. Jedidiah Prebble Esq. Hon. Artemas Ward, Esq. Col. Seth Pomeroy, Col. John Thomas, and Col. William Heath, be, and they hereby are, appointed General Officers, whose business and duty it shall be, with such and so many of the militia of this province as shall be assembled by order of the Committee of Safety, effectually to oppose and resist such attempt or attempts as shall be made for carrying into execution an act of the British Parliament, entitled, "An Act for the better regulation of the Government of the Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England" — or who shall attempt the carrying into execution, by force, another act of the British Parliament, entitled, "An Act for the more impartial administration of justice, in cases of persons questioned for any act done by them in the execution of the law, or for the suppression of riots and tumults in the Province of Massachusetts Bay" — so long as the said militia shall be retained by the Committee of Safety, and no longer. And the said General Officers shall, while in the said service, command, lead and conduct, in such opposition, in the order in which they are above named; any order of any former Congress varying herefrom, notwithstanding."

" In Provincial Congress, Cambridge, February 15th, 1775 — Resolved, That the Hon. John Whitcomb, Esq. be added to the General Officers. A true extract from the minutes,

(Signed) Benj. Lincoln, Sec'ry"

Gen. Prebble declined the service.

In the month of March following, the Provincial Congress appointed a committee to make a minute inquiry into the state of the operations of the British army. On the 20th of the same month, the committee reported, that the British army then consisted of about 2850 men, distributed as follows: On Boston common, about 1700; on Fort Hill, 400; on Boston neck, 340; in barracks at the Castle, 330; quartered in King street, 80; — that they were erecting works on Boston neck, on both sides of the way, well-constructed and well executed; the works were in forwardness, and then mounted with ten brass and two iron cannon; that the old fortification, at the entrance of the town, was repaired, and rendered much stronger by the addition of timber and earth to the parapet; that ten pieces of iron cannon were mounted on the old platforms; that a block-house, brought from Governor's Island, was erecting on the south side of the neck, between the old fortification and the new works advanced on the neck.

On the 18th of April, our General had been sitting with the Committee of Safety, at Arlington in Cambridge; and on his return home, soon after he left the committee, and about sun-setting, he met eight or nine British officers on horseback, with their swords and pistols, riding up the road towards Lexington. The time of day, and distance from Boston, excited suspicion of some design. They indeed were out reconnoitering, and getting intelligence, but were not molested.

On the 19th, at daybreak, our General was awoke, called from his bed, and informed that a detachment of the British army were out; that they had crossed from Boston to Phipps's farm, in boats, and had gone towards Concord, as was supposed, with intent to destroy the public stores. They probably had notice that the committees had met the preceding day at Wetherby's tavern, at Arlington; for, when they came opposite to the house, they halted. Several of the gentlemen slept there during the night. Among them were Col. Orne, Col. Lee, and Mr. Gerry. One of them awoke and informed the others that a body of the British were before the house. They immediately made their escape, without time to dress themselves, at the back door, receiving some injury from obstacles in the way, in their undressed state. They made their way into the fields. The country was immediately alarmed, and the minute men and militia turned out with great spirit. Near Lexington meetinghouse the British found the militia of that town drawn up by the road. Towards these they advanced, ordered them to disperse, huzzaed, and fired upon them; when several were killed and wounded, and the rest dispersed. This was the first shedding of blood in the American war.

This company continuing to stand so near to the road, after they had certain notice of the advancing of the British in force, was but a too much braving of danger; for they were sure to meet with insult, or injury, which they could not repel. Bravery, when called to action, should always take the strong ground on the basis of reason.

The British proceeded on to Concord, where they destroyed a part of the stores, while others were saved by the vigilance, activity, or policy, of the inhabitants. In the latter, a Capt. Wheeler practised with such address, as to save a considerable quantity of flour, although exposed to the critical examination of a British officer.

The British had sent a party to the North Bridge, while they were destroying the stores in the town. A body of militia, who had retreated beyond the bridge, and collected in this quarter, now marched up resolutely to the bridge. The British officer, finding their firmness, ordered his men to fire, which they did, and two men of the militia were killed. The fire was briskly returned; some were killed and wounded of the enemy, and an officer taken prisoner. The British party retreated with precipitation to their main body, and the whole soon commenced their retreat towards Boston; the militia galling them on all sides. This detachment, under the command of Col. Smith, must have been worn down, and the whole of them killed, or taken prisoners, had it not been for the reinforcement sent out to them, under the command of Lord Percy, with two fieldpieces, who joined them in the lower part of the town of Lexington.

Our General, in the morning, proceeded to the Committee of Safety. From the committee, he took a crossroad to Watertown, the British being in possession of the Lexington road. At Watertown, finding some militia who had not marched, but applied for orders, he sent them down to Cambridge, with directions to take up the planks, barricade the south end of the bridge, and there to take post; that, in case the British should, on their return, take that road to Boston, their retreat might be impeded. He then pushed to join the militia, taking a cross road towards Lexington, in which he was joined by Dr. Joseph Warren (afterwards a Major-General) who kept with him.

Our General joined the militia just after Lord Percy had joined the British; and having assisted in forming a regiment, which had been broken by the shot from the British field-pieces, (for the discharge of these, together with the flames and smoke of several buildings, to which the British, nearly at the same time, had set fire, opened a new and more terrific scene;) and the British having again taken up their retreat, were closely pursued. On descending from the high grounds in Arlington, on to the plain, the fire was brisk. At this instant, a musket-ball came so near to the head of Dr. Warren, as to strike the pin out of the hair of his earlock. Soon after, the right flank of the British was exposed to the fire of a body of militia, which had come from Roxbury, Brookline, Dorchester, &c. For a few minutes the fire was brisk on both sides; and the British had here recourse to their fieldpieces again; but they were now more familiar than before. Here the militia were so close on the rear of the British, that Dr. Downer, an active and enterprising man, came to single combat with a British soldier, whom he killed with his bayonet.

Not far from this place, several of the militia (among whom was Isaac Gardner, Esq. of Brookline, a valuable citizen) imprudently posted themselves behind some dry casks, at Watson's Corner, and near to the road, unsuspicious of the enemy's flank-guard, which came behind them, and killed every one of them dead on the spot.

The militia continued to hang on the rear of the British, until they reached Bunker's Hill in Charlestown; and it had become so dusk, as to render the flashes of the muskets very visible. At this instant, an officer on horseback came up from the Medford road, and inquired the circumstances of the enemy; adding, that about 700 men were close behind, on their way from Salem to join the militia. Had these arrived a few minutes sooner, the left flank of the British must have been greatly exposed and suffered considerably; perhaps their retreat would have been cut off. As soon as the British gained Bunker's Hill, they immediately formed in a line opposite to the neck; when our General judged it expedient to order the militia, who were now at the common, to halt, and give over the pursuit, as any further attempt upon the enemy, in that position, would have been futile.

Our General immediately assembled the officers around him, at the foot of Prospect Hill, and ordered a guard to be formed, and posted near that place, sentinels to be planted down to the neck, and patrols to be vigilant in moving during the night; and an immediate report to him, in case the enemy made any movements. The militia were then ordered to march to the town of Cambridge; where, after forming and sending off another guard to the points below the town, the whole were ordered to lie on their arms.

About midnight, there was an alarm that the enemy were coming up the river. It proved to be only an armed schooner, probably sent to make discovery. She got a-ground and continued so until the next tide; and if there had been a single field-piece with the militia, she might have been taken. The marsh was too deep to approach sufficiently near to do any execution with small arms; and the first day's hostilities of the ever memorable American war, was, on their part, without a single piece of cannon in the field! Gen. Whitcomb was in this day's battle.

On the morning of the 20th, our General ordered Capt. John Battle, of Dedham, with his company of militia, to pass over the ground which had been the scene of action the preceding day, and to bury such of the slain as he should find unburied. The grounds around Cambridge were immediately reconnoitered, and alarm-posts assigned to the several corps; and in case the British should come out in superior force, and drive the militia from the town, they were ordered to rally and form on the high grounds towards Watertown.

How to feed the assembled and assembling militia, was now the great object. All the eatables in the town of Cambridge, which could be spared, were collected for breakfast, and the college kitchen and utensils procured for cooking. Some carcasses of beef and pork, prepared for the Boston market on the 18th, at Little Cambridge, were sent for, and obtained; and a large quantity of ship-bread at Roxbury, said to belong to the British navy, was taken for the militia. These were the first provisions which were obtained.

At 11 o'clock, A.M. our General appointed Mr. Joseph Ward, a gentleman of abilities, his Aide-decamp and Secretary, (afterwards Muster-Master-General of the army) who entered on the duties of his new office. This was the first appointment of the kind in the American army. Before noon, a letter was received from the Committee of Supplies at Concord, expressing their joy at the event of the preceding day, with assurances that every exertion in their power should be put in exercise, to forward supplies to the militia in arms. In the afternoon, Gen. Ward arrived at Cambridge, who, being senior in the order of appointment, took the command accordingly.

In the battle on the 19th, the British were said to have 65 killed, 180 wounded, and 28 made prisoners; in all, 273. Of the militia, 50 were killed, and 34 wounded; in all, 84. It might have been expected, that in a retreat of so many miles, the British loss would have been greater; but it is to be remembered, that as they kept the road, the fences (a large proportion of which are stone walls) covered their flanks almost to the height of their shoulders. It will also be observed, that the wounded of the militia did not bear the common proportion with the killed, and is an evidence that the British did not choose to encumber themselves with prisoners, either wounded or not, as the marks left at Watson s Corner and on the height above Arlington meeting-house, evinced; Nor was the dashing in of many windows, the firing of musket-balls into the houses, in some of which there were only women and children, or the soldiers leaving their ranks, and going into the houses to plunder, (in consequence of which a number lost their lives) marks of humanity or discipline. Their whole force on this enterprise, including the reinforcement, was from 1500 to 2000 of their best troops.

Gen. Ward was now the Commander in Chief of the assembled army, and exercised the immediate command on the Cambridge side; while Gen. Thomas had the immediate command on the Roxbury side. A few days after this, the Cambridge camp being very numerous, and the Roxbury camp judged to be too weak, the British having gone over from Charlestown to Boston, Gen. Ward ordered our General, with three or four regiments, to march from Cambridge, and reinforce Gen. Thomas; and he continued in the Roxbury camp until after the arrival of Gen. WASHINGTON, in the month of July.

In the month of May, the Provincial Congress passed resolutions for raising twenty-four regiments, to serve during the remainder of the year. The General Officers were each to have a regiment. As the new regiments began to recruit, the militia went home, and the camps became very weak; that at Roxbury did not exceed 1000 men. Had the British sallied at that time, there would have been but few to oppose them on that side. However, the army soon became strong, it being reinforced by the arrival of Gen. Putnam from Connecticut, Gen. Sullivan from New-Hampshire, and Gen. Greene from Rhode Island, each with a respectable body of troops; and, in the month of June, it was determined to take possession of the heights of Charlestown. Preparations were made for the purpose; and on the 16th, at night, a strong detachment from the American army marched on, and broke ground on Breed's Hill, in front of Bunker's Hill. The latter ought to have been taken possession of at the same time, but it was somehow omitted.

By the morning of the 17th, the troops had a redoubt and line on its left flank in good forwardness, when they were discovered by the British. The Lively man-o-war first began to cannonade the Americans; she was soon seconded by other ships, floating batteries, and some heavy cannon on Copp's Hill on the Boston side, which the Americans bore with a good degree of firmness and continued at their work. The British army in Boston were greatly alarmed at this near approach, and immediately resolved on an attack, before the works could be completed. A detachment was formed for the purpose, consisting of ten companies of Grenadiers, ten of Light Infantry, and the 5th, 38th, 43rd, and 52nd regiments, and a corps of Artillery under the command of Maj. Gen. Howe, and Brig. Gen. Pigott. In the afternoon they landed on Charlestown Point without opposition, where they were afterwards reinforced by the 47th regiment, and first battalion of marines. The regiments in Cambridge camp were ordered down to support the detachment at Charlestown, and to occupy other posts thought to be essential, and contiguous thereto. The British began their attack with a severe fire of artillery, and advanced in a slow and regular pace. The Americans who had marched on to the aid of the detachment, consisting of the New-Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut troops, hastily formed a line of defence, composed of rails and other materials found nearest at hand. This line extended down towards the low ground on the left, and was nobly defended. The Americans reserved their fire until the British came very near, when they gave it to great effect; it staggered, and even broke them, but they rallied, and returning to the charge again and again, drove the Americans from the lines on the left of the redoubt, and had nearly surrounded it, when the Americans rushed out of the redoubt, their ammunition being expended, and made their retreat, even through a part of the British forces. About this time Maj. Gen. Warren, who had been but a few days before commissioned, and was then on the hill as a spectator only, was killed. A number of the Americans were killed in retreating from Breed's Hill, to Bunker Hill, and some in passing off over the neck. Perhaps there never was a better fought battle than this, all things considered; and too much praise can never be bestowed on the conduct of Col. William Prescott, who, notwithstanding anything that may have been said, was the proper commanding officer at the redoubt, and nobly acted his part as such, during the whole action.

Just before the action began, Gen. Putnam came to the redoubt, and told Col, Prescott that the entrenching tools must be sent off, or they would be lost; the Colonel replied, that if he sent any of the men away with the tools, not one of them would return; to this the General answered, they shall every man return. A large party was then sent off with the tools, and not one of them returned; in this instance the Colonel was the best judge of human nature.

In the time of action. Col. Prescott observing that the brave Gen. Warren was near the works, he immediately stepped up to him, and asked him if he had any orders to give him. The General replied that he had none, that he exercised no command there. "The command," said the General, "is yours."

While many officers and soldiers gallantly distinguished themselves in this action, others were blamed, and some were brought to trial by court-martial. This was a sore battle to the British, who did not forget it, during several campaigns, nor until a tide of successes in their favour had removed it from their minds. Their whole force on this day, which was in action, was supposed to be about 2,000, and their whole loss, in killed and wounded, was said to be upwards of 1,000, of whom 226 were killed, and of these, 19 were commissioned officers, including one Lieutenant-Colonel, two Majors, and seven Captains. Another account stated their killed and wounded to be 753 privates, 202 Serjeants and corporals, and 92 commissioned officers; in the whole, 1047. The loss of the Americans, in killed, wounded and prisoners, about 450.

At the time the British made their attack, the houses in Charlestown were set on fire, and burnt most furiously, which increased the horrors of the scene. At the same time a furious cannonade and throwing of shells took place at the lines on Boston neck, against Roxbury, with intent to burn that town; but although several shells fell among the houses, and some carcasses near them, and balls went through some, no other damage was sustained than the loss of one man killed by a shot driving a stone from a wall against him.

On the 15th, Congress appointed George Washington Commander in Chief; and on the 17th Artemas Ward, first Major-General — Charles Lee, second Major-General — Horatio Gates, Adjutant-General, with the rank of Brigadier-General; and on the 19th, Philip Schuyler, third Major-General, and Israel Putnam, fourth Major-General; and on the 22nd, Seth Pomeroy, first Brigadier-General — Richard Montgomery, second do. David Wooster, third do. William Heath, fourth do. Joseph Spencer, fifth do. John Thomas, sixth do. John Sullivan, seventh do. Nathaniel Greene, eighth do. and made provision for raising an army for the defence of the United Colonies. Before these appointments were made known at camp, on the 21st of June, our General received from the Provincial Congress, a commission of Major-General. Generals Ward, Thomas, and Warren, had before received their commissions, the latter just before he was slain.

Gen. Pomeroy declining an acceptance of the commission from Congress, that Honourable Body, on the 19th of July, resolved that Gen. Thomas be appointed first Brigadier-General in the army of the United Colonies, in the room of Gen. Pomeroy, who never acted under the commission sent to him, and that Gen. Thomas's commission bear the same date that Gen. Pomeroy's did; indeed this was the rank to which Gen. Thomas was entitled by former standing. Congress now also appointed Joseph Trumbull to be Commissary-General of stores and provisions, for the army, but left the appointment of a Quartermaster-General, and some other officers, to Gen. Washington, who appointed the able and very active Col. Thomas Mifflin, Quarter-Master-General, who did himself much honour, and his country service, in this important department.

Immediately after the battle of Bunker Hill, the Americans began to erect works on Prospect Hill, a very commanding height above Charlestown common, and at several other places. Several works were also constructed at Roxbury, and the British confined to Boston and Charlestown, within the neck.

The works now going on, both on the Cambridge and Roxbury side, were considerable, and there was a great want of engineers. Col. Gridley was chief engineer and was aided by his son. But the strength of body, activity and genius of the Americans capable of constructing with surprising dispatch any works in which they were guided, called for many instructors in this department. Lieut. Col. Rufus Putnam, of Col. David Brewer's regiment, was very serviceable in this line, on the Roxbury side; as was also Capt. Josiah Waters of Boston, and Capt. Baldwin of Brookfield, (afterwards Colonel of Artificers) and others on the Cambridge side, and Capt. Henry Knox, who had been an officer in the Boston Grenadier Company, (and who was afterwards at the head of the American artillery, to the close of the war) occasionally lent his aid. His military genius and acquaintance with our General, led him to be importunate with Capt. Knox to join the army; nor did he need persuasion to join in the cause of his country. His removal out of Boston, and the then state of his domestic concerns, required some previous arrangement; as soon as this was effected, he joined the army.

24th. — About noon, a heavy cannonade and throwing of shells from the lines on Boston neck into Roxbury — but no damage done. Two American soldiers attempting to set fire to Brown's barn, on Boston neck, were killed by the British. The same evening two heavy cannon were brought to the work on the hill above Roxbury workhouse.

25th. — At night, an attempt was made to burn the buildings on Boston neck; a firing took place between the parties, but the object was not effected.

26th. — A party of British, about daybreak, advanced and fired on the American sentinels near the George tavern. The picket turned out — the British retreated.

July 1st, — A platform in the work above Roxbury workhouse being laid, a 24 pounder was mounted and discharged twice at the British lines; the second shot grazed the parapet and struck on the parade and occasioned some confusion: There was more or less firing of cannon on both sides, daily: All the works were pushed with the utmost diligence.

2nd.— About two o'clock, P.M. Gen. Washington, attended by several officers, arrived at the camp in Cambridge. On the morning of this day, the British cannonaded briskly from their lines on Boston neck against Roxbury, and threw some shells; a carcass set fire to the house of Mr. Williams, the tinman, which was burnt down; by the activity of the troops, the flames were prevented from spreading further, although they had to work in the face of a constant and heavy fire from the enemy.

5th. — Gen. Washington, accompanied by Major Gen. Lee, visited the Roxbury camp, works, &c.

8th. — A little after two o'clock in the morning, a number of volunteers, under the command of Majors Tupper and Crane, attacked the British advance guard at Brown's house, on Boston neck, and routed them, took a halberd, a musket, and two bayonets, and burnt the two houses; the store and barn escaped the flames; a scattering fire at the outpost continued for some time; a floating battery was brought up into the bay, and moored so as to cover the right flank of the British works on the neck.

11th. — In the morning, a party of Americans drove back the British advance guard and burnt Brown's store. The same night a detachment went on to Long Island, and brought off" the stock, &c. The next day in the forenoon. Col. Greaton with 136 men, went on to Long Island, and burnt the barns; the flames communicated to the house, and all were consumed. An armed schooner, and several barges put off" after the Americans, and some of the ships of war near the island cannonaded them. The detachment made their way for the shore, and narrowly escaped being taken. One man on the shore who came to the assistance of the detachment, was killed: It was supposed that several of the British were killed and wounded. The same day six transports, appearing to be full of men, arrived in Boston harbour.

13th. — A heavy cannonade from the British, at the American workmen — but no damage done. Gen. Washington visited the camp. The men were employed on the works going on upon the strong rocky hill, (Col. Williams's) to the south-west of those above Roxbury workhouse. This was one of the strongest works which were erected.

14th.— The British fired several cannon, and a Connecticut soldier was killed in the street, near the George tavern. The shot entered his body, drove it some distance, and lodged in him in a remarkable manner.

18th. — Five transport ships arrived in Boston harbour. Fresh provisions were very scarce and dear, in Boston — mutton and veal, is. per pound; fresh beef and pork a pistareen, salt pork sixpence.

20th. — A day of public fasting — no fatigue — all still and quiet.

21 St. — Major Vose returned from Nantasket. The detachment under his command, brought off 1,000 bushels of barley, all the hay, &c. — went to Lighthouse Island; took away the lamps, oil, some gunpowder, the boats, &c. and burnt the wooden parts of the lighthouse. An armed schooner and several boats, with men, engaged the detachment; of the Americans, two were wounded.

22nd. — A general order came out for forming the army into divisions and brigades.

25th. — Maj. Gen. Ward removed from Cambridge and took the immediate command of the troops at Roxbury.

29th. — The British formed a bomb battery, at Bunker's Hill, and advanced their advance guard.

30th. — In the morning, there was a skirmish at Charlestown neck, between the riflemen and some British troops. Two of the latter were taken prisoners, and several were killed. Of the riflemen, one was killed. The same day, the British advanced over the neck, and threw up a slight work to cover their guard.

31st. — A little before one o'clock, A.M. a British floating-battery came up the river, within 300 yards of Sewall's Point, and fired a number of shot at the American works, on both sides of the river. At the same time, the British, on Boston neck, sallied towards Roxbury; drove in the American sentinels, set fire to the George tavern, and returned to their works. The same morning. Major Tupper, with 300 Americans, went to Light-House Island, attacked a British guard of 33 marines, killed a subaltern officer and several soldiers, took 23 prisoners, several refugees, and burnt all the buildings on the island, with the loss of one American soldier. There was a firing, during the day, from the British, at Charlestown, at intervals. Two Americans were killed; an officer, and several British soldiers, were supposed to have been killed. The Americans took several muskets.

August 2nd. — There was a considerable firing between the advanced parties, and the Americans burnt a barn, near Charlestown neck, in which the British had some hay. A British officer was wounded and carried within their lines.

4th. — A ship of war came up above the ferry at Charlestown, and there took a station.

6th. — In the afternoon, a party of the British, in two barges, covered by a floating battery, burnt the house on the other side of Penny Ferry.

11th. — One of the ships which had been stationed above the ferry, went down.

15th. — There was a smart cannonade on the Roxbury side. There was more or less firing every day; but little damage done.

17th. — A shot, from the British lines on Boston neck, struck among the main guard, at Roxbury, and damaged two muskets in a very remarkable manner; but did no other harm. The same day six or seven tons of powder arrived from the southward.

18th. — Several shells were thrown into Roxbury; but did no damage.

26th. — The Americans broke ground on Plowed Hill, in front of Bunker's Hill, without molestation.

27th. — There was a brisk cannonade from the British on Bunker's Hill, the ship, and floating batteries, at the Americans on Plowed Hill. Adjutant Mumford, of Col. Varnum's Rhode-Island regiment, and a soldier, belonging to Col. Hitchcock's regiment, were killed, and a rifleman lost a leg.

28th. — In the night the camp was alarmed, and some of the troops turned out, but nothing ensued. The fire continued against Plowed Hill; one American was killed and several wounded.

29th, 30th, and 31st. — The British continued their cannonade and bombardment of Plowed Hill. One shell fell within the works; but no damage was done.

September 1st. — The preceding night there was an excessive hot cannonade and bombardment from the British works, on Boston neck, against the works at Roxbury. Two Americans were killed, and several wounded.

2nd. — The British threw up a slight work on Boston neck, advanced of their lines, to cover their guard. Cannonading and throwing of shells, on this day, both against Roxbury and Plowed Hill. Two shells fell into the works on the latter, but did no harm.

5th. — A sergeant, belonging to the 64th British regiment, and a seaman, were taken prisoners at Noddle's Island. The heavy rains, about this time, did some damage to the American works. Preparations were made for sending a detachment to Canada.

6th. — The Americans advanced some works towards Boston neck, without molestation.

9th. — Two riflemen deserted to the British. A number of British soldiers, at different times, had come over to the Americans.

10th. — A strong work, at Lamb's Dam, in Roxbury, was completed, and mounted with four 18 pounders. The same day, a shot from the British destroyed three muskets at Roxbury.

11th. — A boat, with six or seven British soldiers, was driven on shore at Dorchester. They were taken prisoners and sent in.

13th. — A detachment, under the command of Col. Arnold, marched for Canada. They were to take a north-eastern route, up Kennebec River, and down the river Chaudiere.

Generals Schuyler and Montgomery were making their way into Canada, with a considerable force, by way of the lakes. They had advanced as far as Fort St. John's; but, finding that this fort would make considerable resistance, they fell back. Schuyler returned to Albany, to hold a treaty with the Indians; and Montgomery waited for the arrival of his artillery, that he might reduce the forts.

Sometime before this. Col. Ethan Allen, of the New-Hampshire Grants, (since Vermont) with a number of volunteers, took possession of Ticonderoga. The artillery secured by Allen were an acquisition to the Americans; and Col. Knox went up the next winter and selected and brought forward a number of pieces to the camp before Boston. The garrison of this place, which was commanded by a captain, apprehending no danger, were negligent, and remiss in duty. Allen was acquainted at the place; and now, as is said, requested a part of the garrison to aid him, in transporting some goods. Nearly half of the garrison were granted him. These were plentifully served with liquor; and, in the night, Allen entered the fort, and demanded a delivery of it. The commandant asking by what authority he required him to surrender, Allen replied — "I demand it in the name of the great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." He also took possession of Crown Point; and, before Montgomery was ready to proceed against the Forts Chambly and St. John's, Allen determined to surprise Montreal. For this purpose, he marched across, with a body of militia; but he was met, before he got to the town, by what force the British could collect there, who attacked and defeated Allen, taking him and a number of his party prisoners. He was put in irons and sent in a man-of-war to England. His narrative was long since published.

18th. — Several seamen deserted from the British — they brought off three boats. The same day, a cannon shot, from the lines on Boston neck, went through the guardhouse at Roxbury. A splinter wounded the captain of the guard.

21st. — The cannonade, which continued more or less every day, was more brisk at some workmen, between Plowed Hill and Prospect Hill. Two Americans were wounded.

23rd. — A brisk cannonade and bombardment on the works at Roxbury — 108 cannon and mortars were discharged, but no damage done.

29th. — 500,000 dollars, in Continental bills, were brought to Headquarters, from Philadelphia. Several deserters from the British, about this time.

October 3rd and 4th. — General Officers in council, on the supposed treachery of Dr. Church, who was taken into close custody, and afterward kept in confinement.

6th. — A brisk cannonade at Roxbury. An American lost an arm. An 18 pound shot went through the gate-way, at the British lines, as their guard was marching out.

8th. — The British did some mischief at Bristol, in Rhode Island. The report of the cannon were heard at camp.

17th. — Two American floating-batteries were rowed down the river; several shot were discharged towards the British. A 9 pounder burst, and 5 or 6 men were wounded; one of whom died soon after.

22nd. — Intelligence was received, that some British ships had entered the harbour of Casco Bay and burnt a part of the town of Falmouth.

November 4th. — Intelligence was received, that the British fort at Chambly, on the lake, had surrendered to the Americans. The artillery and military stores in this fort were truly an acquisition. The privateers fitted out by the Americans about this time began to send in a few prizes.

9th. — At the top of high water, the tide being very full, some British light infantry, in boats, came over from Boston, and landed on Leechmore's Point. The sentinels on the point came off; the alarm was given; and several hundred Americans forded over the causeway, in the face of the British, the water at least two feet deep. The British, seeing the spirit of the Americans, although they were very advantageously posted, made a precipitate retreat to their boats. Three or four Americans were wounded, one mortally. The British ship and floating-batteries kept up a brisk fire; but to little purpose.

11th. — The King of England's Proclamation for suppressing rebellion (as he called it) made its appearance. It was taken on board a vessel from Ireland, which was captured by an American cruiser. It was reported that the British had received a reinforcement.

14th. — Intelligence was received of the capitulation of the British garrison of Fort St. John's on the lake. Montgomery was now proceeding rapidly into Canada. His troops took possession of Montreal on the 13th.

16th. — Several deserters came in, and two soldiers were taken prisoners.

22nd. — A strong detachment from the army, under the command of Maj. Gen. Putnam, broke ground on Cobble Hill without annoyance. The fatigue men worked until near break of day, when the whole came off.

23rd. — At night, our General, with a detachment of similar strength to that of the preceding night, were ordered to Cobble Hill, to complete the works. A sally from the British was expected, and Col. Bridge with his regiment was ordered to the foot of the hill, and to patrol towards the bay and neck constantly during the night. The picket at Prospect Hill was also ordered to be in readiness to succour the troops at the works, if they were attacked; and Col. Bond's regiment also lay on their arms; but the British did not move. Two of the British sentinels came off in the night to the detachment; the whole came off at daybreak; and other troops were ordered on the works, in the day time, now in good forwardness and defensible.

25th. — An additional ship came up and took station at the ferry. Upon a few shot being fired, by the American advance sentinels, the British drums on Bunker's Hill beat to arms, which were followed by the Americans. At this time the British were erecting several bomb-batteries at Boston to annoy the Americans. Col. Enos, who was of Col. Arnold's detachment, from the army destined to cross the woods by a north-eastern route into Canada, having proceeded a very considerable distance, Arnold's sick returning back, and his own men growing sickly, returned with his part of the detachment. This lessened the expectation of success to the American army in Canada.

30th. — Intelligence was received from Cape Ann, that a vessel from England laden with warlike stores, had been taken and brought into that place. There was on board one 13 inch brass mortar, 2,000 stand of arms, 100,000 flints, 32 tons of leaden ball, &c. &c. A fortunate capture for the Americans!

December 2nd. — The brass 13 inch mortar, and sundry military stores, taken in the ordnance prize, were brought to camp.

5th. — Intelligence was received, that Col. Arnold had made his way safely into Canada.

12th. — A causeway was begun over the marsh to Leechmore's Point. Two 18 pounders were brought from Roxbury and mounted at Cobble Hill.

13th. — An express arrived from Marblehead, with advice that three British men-of-war were standing for that harbour. Col. Glover's regiment, with Capt. Forster's company of artillery, and a company of riflemen, were ordered to march to Marblehead with all expedition.

14th, 15th, and 16th. — Approaches were carried briskly on to Leechmore's Point, and nearly to the top of the hill.

17th. — The morning was foggy. A detachment of 300 men, under the direction of Gen. Putnam, broke ground on the top of the hill on Leechmore's Point, at a distance of not more than half a mile from the ship. Between twelve and one o'clock, the fog cleared away, and the ship began to cannonade the Americans, with round and grape shot, and some shells were thrown from West Boston. One soldier was wounded, and the party driven from the works. Several cannon were fired from Cobble Hill, at the ship; one shot was supposed to have struck her.

18th. —Our General was ordered, with 300 men, to prosecute the work begun on Leechmore's Point. It was expected that this would have been a bloody day, and Dr. Downer, one of the surgeons, was ordered down with the detachment, with his instruments, &c. to assist the wounded. Fortunately for the detachment, Capt. Smith of the artillery, had, in the morning, discharged an 18 pounder from Cobble Hill at the ship, which induced her to weigh anchor, and run below the ferry-way.

When our General arrived nearly at the summit of the hill, he halted the detachment, and went forward himself, and took a view of the state of the works, which in some places were but just begun; in others were carried halfway up. He then ordered the front company to move up the hill, ground their arms, and move into a part of the works assigned to them — and so on through the whole, to prevent confusion in entering the works, and thereby increasing an object to the British gunners. As soon as the men were placed in the works, two sentinels were posted to watch the British batteries, with orders, on discovering the discharge of cannon, to call out, a shot! The men in the works were ordered to be steady; on the signal of a shot, to settle down and remain so, until the shot had struck; or if a shell, until it had burst, then to rise and prosecute the work — no man to step out of his place. In a very short time, a shot was cried by the sentinels. It proved to be a shell, which fell and burst within a few feet of a part of the workmen, throwing the dirt among them, and a piece of the shell hitting a soldier's hat. On the second discharge, the men fell as before; when, on rising, two or three heavy cannon-shot struck in the face of the work, the British having discharged the cannon in such time after the mortar, as that the shot might take effect just as the men arose after the bursting of the shell: but in this they did not succeed; the men being ordered to keep down until both had struck. Finding this deception to fail, a shell was broke in the air, directly over the party, at 60 or 70 feet high. This also had as little effect upon the Americans. The fire continued until the afternoon, when it ceased: and it was afterwards learnt that the commanding officer of the British artillery, who stood and observed the effect of their fire upon the Americans, went to their General, and informed him, that from his own observation, their fire had no other effect than to inure the Americans to danger, and advised its discontinuance. In the afternoon, Gen. Washington and several other General Officers came on to the Point. Towards night, the detachment were ordered to move out of the works by companies, as they went in; take up their arms, move under the hill, and form the detachment; from whence it was marched to Cambridge, attended by their surgeon, who had been in waiting all the day, but had no occasion to draw his instruments from their case, or a bandage or dressing from his box.

19th. — The prosecution of the works on Leechmore's Point was continued. The British cannonaded and bombarded the new detachment; but to no effect. The same took place on the 20th. On this day, a 13 inch shell was thrown almost up to No. 2. It was probably thrown, either at the works before mentioned, or at the colleges. It did not burst. Nearly five pounds of powder was taken out of the shell.

22nd. — The British threw one shell, and fired two shot, from Bunker's Hill in Charlestown, at the works on Leechmore's Point. The cannonade, &c. continued, on the 23rd and 24th; but to no effect.

28th. — A strong detachment from Winter Hill marched in the night to surprise the British outposts in Charlestown. They passed on the south side of Cobble Hill and were to cross the cove on the ice. When they came to the channel, it was found to be open. A soldier slipping down on the ice, his piece accidentally went off, which caused an alarm, and the detachment returned.

31st. — Intelligence was received, that there had been an action at Norfolk in Virginia, between Dunmore's army and the Virginians, to the advantage of the latter. Fifty of the regular troops were said to have been killed and wounded; among the former was Capt. Fordyce of the 14th British regiment, an active and good officer. The Virginians had not a man killed. Dunmore's force was supposed to be about 500.

January 1st, 1776, presented a great change in the American army. The officers and men of the new regiments were joining their respective corps; those of the old regiments were going home by hundreds and by thousands. The best arms, such as were fit for service, were detained from the soldiers who were going home; they were to be paid for; but it created much uneasiness. Such a change, in the very teeth of an enemy, is a most delicate maneuver; but the British did not attempt to take any advantage of it.

8th. — It having been thought expedient to deprive the British of the houses in Charlestown, below Bunker's Hill, a detachment was ordered for the purpose. One hundred men from the First Brigade, and a like number from Frye's Brigade, with Captains Williams, Gould and Wyman; Lieutenants Foster, Shaw, Patterson and Trafton, and Ensign Cheney, the whole under the command of Major Knowlton, aided by Brigade-Majors Henly and Carey. The detachment marched between 8 and 9 o'clock in the evening, and the object was effected without the loss of a man. Several British soldiers were taken prisoners. The garrison of Bunker Hill works commenced a brisk fire down the hill towards the houses; but no damage was sustained. There had been a number of deserters from the British, since those heretofore mentioned.

17th. — Intelligence was received, that on the 31st of December, at three o'clock, A. M. Gen. Montgomery made an attempt to carry Quebec by assault. Col. Arnold had entered the lower city, and Gen. Montgomery was ascending the barriers at the other end when he was killed by a musket-ball, as was his Aide-de-camp. A number of those who had entered the lower city were killed or taken prisoners, and the enterprise defeated. No account of the American loss was at this time reported.

Great address and gallantry were exhibited on this expedition. The Americans ascending Kennebec river, crossing the height of land, and descending into Canada, was an arduous undertaking. Montgomery was fired with a noble ardor. He had been successful hitherto, and the reduction of the city of Quebec would have been the finishing stroke. With this he hoped to close the year. To reduce the city by siege, would require a long time, (if not relieved) nor had he a train of artillery for the purpose. With this day would expire the time of service of many of his troops. He therefore resolved to attempt to carry the place by assault. Two real attacks were to be made on the lower city, at the opposite ends; one guided by himself, the other by Arnold; and there were to be two false attacks made on the upper city, to divide and distract the enemy. Everything was well arranged. Arnold forced his way in, was wounded, and carried away — his party fighting on. Montgomery passed along a very narrow defile, next to the bank, to a barrier obstinately defended; and here he fell — here was an end to his attack. The other party fought on; but these being now the only enemy to oppose, the British turned their whole force to that quarter. They could not well retreat: the whole were killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. There was here barely a prospect of success, unless fortune should prove more favourable to merit than she is wont to do. Nothing more could be done on the score of gallantry. How far the attempt was a prudent one, is another question. It is a military maxim, that "fortune may fail us, but a prudent conduct never will." At the same time, some of the most brilliant victories have been obtained by a daring stroke.

18th. — Col. Knox, of the artillery, came to camp. He brought from Ticonderoga a fine train of artillery, which had been taken from the British, both cannon and mortars, and which were ordered to be stopped at Framingham.

22nd. — Several Indians came to camp from the westward. Intelligence was received from Canada, that the blockade of Quebec was continued, notwithstanding the rebuff on the morning of the 31st of December.

February 1st. — A number of British soldiers from Bunker's Hill, went to pulling down the tide-mill at Charlestown. A cannon was discharged at them from Cobble Hill, which dispersed them for a short time, but they returned again.

5th. — Three cows were feeding near the British out-post at Charlestown neck. A party of the British came out, got above them, drove them to the neck, and killed them. This brought on a brisk firing at the out-posts, and some cannon were discharged from Bunker's Hill. It was supposed that the British had one man killed, and one wounded.

8th. — At night, a party of Americans, from Winter Hill, went down and burnt the old tide-mill in Charlestown.

14th. — In the morning, a party of British troops from the Castle, and another from Boston, crossed over to Dorchester neck, with intent to surprise the American guard, which they came well-nigh effecting, the guard but just escaping them. There was but one musket fired, on the side of the Americans. An old inhabitant and his son were taken prisoners. The British burnt the houses on the point, and then returned.

15th. — Intelligence was received from Canada that some of the British garrison of Quebec, having made a sally in order to get fuel, they were driven back with the loss of twelve killed and fifteen wounded. The heights round Boston, except those at Dorchester, having been taken possession of, it was now determined that these also should be occupied; and great previous preparation was made for the purpose. It was imagined that so near an approach to the British would induce them to make a sally, to dislodge the Americans. It was therefore deliberated in Council, that, in case the British should come forth, a strong detachment of Americans from the Cambridge camp, in boats, should proceed down the river, and land at the bottom of the common in Boston. To this our General made a most pointed opposition, alleging, that it would most assuredly produce only defeat and disgrace to the American army; that the British General must be supposed to be a master of his profession; that as such, he would first provide for the defence of the town, in every part, which was the great deposit of all his stores; that when this was done, if his troops would afford a redundancy, sufficient for a sally, he might attempt it; but it was to be remembered that, at any rate, the town would be defended; that it was impossible for troops, armed and disciplined as the Americans then were, to be pushed down in boats, at least one mile and a half, open to the fire of all the British batteries on the west side of the town, and to their whole park of artillery, which might be drawn to the bottom of the common long before the Americans could reach it, and be flanked also by the works on the neck; that under such a tremendous fire, the troops could not effect a landing; and that he would never give his vote for it. It was, however, carried, that the attempt should be made.

18th. — It being Lord's day, after public service, a proclamation from the General Assembly of Massachusetts, for the reformation of manners, was read to the first division by the Rev. Mr. Leonard.

21 St. — A picket of 60 men was ordered to Leechmore's Point; and Col. Sargent's regiment at Inman's farm was ordered to be in readiness to support them, in case they should be attacked by the British, as some grounds for suspecting it had been discovered.

23rd. — Ensign Lyman, of Huntington's regiment, with a small party, took a Corporal and two men, who were sentinels at Brown's chimneys, on Boston neck, without firing a gun. These prisoners reported that the heavy cannon were removed from Bunker's Hill and put on board ship.

25th. — Some heavy cannon were mounted on the works at Leechmore's Point. The same day the British were busily employed in erecting a work a little to the north of the powder magazine in Boston.

29th. — The British threw some shells to Leechmore's Point.

March 1st. — Several mortars were sent over to Roxbury, and great preparations made to annoy the enemy. Bundles of screwed hay were brought from Chelsea to be used in the works.

2nd. — At night a cannonade and bombardment began at the American works on Cobble Hill and Leechmore's Point on the Cambridge side, and at Lamb's Dam on the Roxbury side, against the British works; and a number of shells were thrown into Boston. The British returned the fire, and threw out a number of shells, one of which, of 13 inches, reached Prospect Hill. One of the American mortars of 13 inches, and two of 10 inches, were burst. They were not properly bedded, as the ground was hard frozen.