Two days before the battle of Bunker Hill Washington had been
appointed by the Continental Congress Commander in Chief.
The news of the battle was brought. Foreseeing the significance
of the result he said, "The liberties of the country are safe."
Four days afterward Thomas Jefferson entered Congress and the
next day news was brought of the Charlestown conflict. "This put
fire into his ideal statesmanship." Patrick Henry hearing of it
said, "I am glad of it; a breach of our affections was needed to
rouse the country to action."
Franklin wrote to his English friends: "England has lost her
colonies forever."