from the pulpits by the ministers of religion, with suitable
exhortations. In the camps of Boston, it was read with particular
solemnity. Major-General Putnam assembled his division, upon the heights
of Prospect hill, to hear it. It was followed by a prayer, analogous to
the occasion; the general having given the signal, all the troops cried,
three times, _amen_! and, at the same instant, the artillery of the fort
fired a general salute; the colors, recently sent to General Putnam,
were seen waving with the usual motto "_An appeal to Heaven_;" and this
other, "_Qui transulit sustinet_." The same ceremony was observed in the
other divisions. The joy and enthusiasm were universal.
It may be added, in this connexion, as an evidence of the piety of our
fathers--of the belief of a superintending providence, which
characterized that generation, that congress recommended a public fast
to be observed in all the colonies, on the 20th of July. The soldiers,
they recommended to be "humane and merciful;" and all classes of
citizens, "to humble themselves, to fast, to pray, and to implore the
Divine assistance, in this day of trouble and of peril."
Congress, in a body, attended divine services on that day, in one of
the churches of Philadelphia. Just as they were about to enter the
temple, important intelligence was received from Georgia. It was, that
that province, which had hitherto held itself aloof from the common
cause, had joined the confederation, and had appointed five delegates
for its representation in Congress. While humbling themselves, God was
blessing and exalting them. No news scarcely could have occasioned
more joy; and this was heightened, in consideration of the moment at
which the government and people were apprised of it.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
IV. EVACUATION OF BOSTON.
GENERAL OFFICERS appointed--Washington repairs to Cambridge--State
of the Army--Great want of Gunpowder--Sickness in the
Camp--Dorchester heights fortified--Proposal of the British
General to attack the American Intrenchments--Alters his plan,
and evacuates Boston--Embarkation of the British--Washington
enters the city.
Having elected a commander-in-chief, congress proceeded to the
selection of other experienced officers.--Artimas Ward, Charles Lee,
and Philip Schuyler, were appointed major-generals, and Horatio Gates
adjutant-general. These appointments were followed, a few days after,
by that of eight brigadier-generals: Seth Pomeroy, William Heath, and
John Thomas, of Massachusetts; Richard Montgomery, of New York; David
Wooster and Joseph Spencer, of Connecticut; John Sullivan, of New
Hampshire; and Nathaniel Greene, of Rhode Island.
In July, Washington, accompanied by General Lee, repaired to the camp
near Boston; receiving, on his journey thither, the highest honors
from the most distinguished citizens. On making a review of the army,
soon after his arrival, he found an immense multitude, of whom only
fourteen thousand five hundred were in a condition fit for service.
But even these, in respect to uniform, equipment, and discipline,
exhibited a variety most disheartening and painful to a commander. As
to discipline, it scarcely existed. The subordinate officers were
without emulation; and the privates, having been unaccustomed to the
rules and regulations of a camp, were impatient of all subordination.
[Illustration: House at Cambridge where Washington resided.]
Fortunately, the newly-appointed generals soon arrived, and with great
alacrity betook themselves to the task of reform. General Gates, who
was versed in the details of military organization, exerted a powerful
influence in this salutary work. In a short period, the camp presented
an improved aspect. The soldiers became accustomed to obedience;
regulations were observed; each began to know his duty; and, at
length, instead of a mass of irregular militia, the camp presented the
spectacle of a properly-disciplined army. It was divided into three
corps: the right, under the command of Ward, occupied Roxbury; the
left, conducted by Lee, defended Prospect hill; and the center, which
comprehended a select corps, destined for reserve, was stationed at
Cambridge, where Washington himself had established his
head-quarters. The circumvallation was fortified by so great a number
of redoubts, and supplied with so formidable an artillery, that it had
become impossible for the besieged to assault Cambridge, and spread
themselves in the open country. It was believed, also, that they had
lost a great many men, as well upon the field of battle as in
consequence of wounds and disease.
Another material deficiency was the want of gunpowder. In the
depositories at Roxbury, Cambridge, and other places, there were found
to be only ninety-six barrels; the magazines of Massachusetts
contained but thirty-six more; and, after adding to this quantity all
that New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut could furnish, the
amount fell short of ten thousand pounds, which allowed only nine
charges to a man. In this scarcity and danger, the army remained more
than fifteen days; during which time, had the English attacked them,
they might easily have forced the lines, and raised the siege. At
length, by the exertions of the committee of New Jersey, a few tons of
powder arrived at the camp, which supplied for the moment the
necessities of the army, and averted the evils that were feared.
The providing of gunpowder had now become an important, and even an
essential consideration. Accordingly, it was recommended, by a
resolution of congress, that all the colonies should put themselves,
in a state of defence, and provide themselves with the greatest
possible number of men, of arms, and of munitions; and, especially,
that they should make diligent search for saltpetre and sulphur. An
exact scrutiny was therefore commenced, in the cellars and in the
stables, in pursuit of materials so essential to modern war. In every
part, manufactories of gunpowder and foundries of cannon, were seen
rising; every place resounded with the preparations of war. The
provincial assemblies and conventions seconded admirably the
operations of congress; and the people obeyed, with incredible
promptitude, the orders of these various authorities. In addition to
these measures, several fast-sailing vessels were despatched to the
coast of Guinea, where they procured immense quantities, having
purchased it of European ships, employed in the trade. The assembly of
Massachusetts even prohibited the use of powder in shooting at game,
or its expenditure in public rejoicing.
In the autumn of 1775, General Gage obtained leave to repair to
England; or, according to some authorities, was rëcalled by the king.
During his administration, he had rendered himself odious to the
Americans, and now they heard of his retirement without regret. He was
succeeded in command by General William Howe, a gentleman much
esteemed for his talents, and, withal, less vindictive in his temper.
Towards the close of the year, Washington was environed with
difficulties. Great responsibilities were resting upon him, with which
his means were far from being commensurate. The organization of the
army, notwithstanding his greatest efforts, was very imperfect. The
ardor of the troops, having little excitement beyond an occasional
skirmish, was evidently abating. In not a few instances, a spirit of
rapacity had been manifested, by portions of the troops, and
depredations were made upon private as well as public property.
Several generals, dissatisfied with the promotions made by congress,
resigned their commissions, and returned home. Sickness, especially
the dysentery, appeared in the camp, and proved a distressing
visitant. The cold weather set in, and occasioned great suffering to
the soldiers, who were destitute of barracks and other conveniences.
While these and other troubles were in a degree disturbing the calmness
of Washington, other considerations did not serve to allay his anxiety.
"He knew that congress anxiously contemplated more decisive steps, and
that the country looked for events of greater magnitude. The public was
ignorant of his actual situation, and conceived his means, for offensive
operations, to be much greater than they were; and they expected from
him the capture or expulsion of the British army, in Boston. He felt
the importance of securing the confidence of his countrymen, by some
brilliant action, and was fully sensible that his own reputation was
liable to suffer, if he confined himself solely to measures of defence."
To publish to his anxious country the state of his army, would be to
acquaint the enemy with his weakness, and to hazard his destruction. The
firmness and patriotism of General Washington were displayed, in making
the good of his country an object of higher consideration, than the
applause of those who were incapable of forming a correct opinion of the
propriety of his measures. On this, and on many other occasions during
the war, he withstood the voice of the populace, rejected the entreaties
of the sanguine, and refused to adopt the plans of the rash, that he
might ultimately secure the great object of contention. While he
resolutely rejected every measure which, in his calm and deliberate
judgment he did not approve, he daily pondered the practicability of a
successful attack upon Boston. As a preparatory step, he took possession
of Plowed hill, Cobble hill, and Lechmere's point, and erected
fortifications upon them. These posts brought him within half a mile of
the enemy's works on Bunker's hill, and, by his artillery, he drove the
British floating-batteries from their stations in Charles' river. He
erected floating-batteries to watch the movements of his enemy, and to
aid in any offensive operations that circumstances might warrant. In
these circumstances, he took the opinion of his general officers,
respecting an attack upon Boston; but they unanimously gave their
opinion in opposition to the measure, and this opinion was immediately
communicated to congress. Congress appeared, however, to favor the
attempt; and, that an apprehension of danger to the town of Boston might
not have an undue influence upon the operations of the army, resolved,
'That if General Washington and his council of war should be of opinion
that a successful attack might be made on the troops in Boston, he
should make it in any manner he might think it expedient,
notwithstanding the town and the property therein might thereby be
destroyed.'[34]
Towards the close of February, the stock of powder having been
considerably increased, and the regular army, which amounted to
fourteen thousand men, being rëinforced by six thousand of the militia
of Massachusetts, Washington himself was disposed to carry the war
against the British into Boston; but his general officers dissenting,
he reluctantly acquiesced, and turned his attention to the taking
possession of Dorchester heights, by which he would be able to command
the city.
The announcement of this intention, diffused joy throughout the
American army, and each one prepared himself to obey the summons in
case his service was required. The night of the 4th of March, was
selected for the enterprise, in hope that a recollection of the tragic
scenes of the 5th of March, 1770, would rouse the spirit of the
soldiers to a degree commensurate with the daring exploit proposed.
Accordingly, on the evening of the 4th, the necessary arrangements
having been made, the Americans proceeded in profound silence towards
the peninsula of Dorchester. The obscurity of the night was
propitious, and the wind favorable, since it could not bear to the
enemy the little noise which it was impossible to avoid. The frost had
rendered the roads easy. The batteries of Phipps' farm, and those of
Roxbury, incessantly fulminated with a stupendous roar.
Eight hundred men composed the van-guard; it was followed by
carriages, filled with utensils of intrenchment, and twelve hundred
pioneers led by General Thomas. In the rear-guard were three hundred
carts of fascines, of gabions, and bundles of hay, destined to cover
the flank of the troops, in the passage of the isthmus of Dorchester,
which, being very low, was exposed to be raked on both sides by the
artillery of the English vessels.
"All succeeded perfectly; the Americans arrived upon the heights, not
only without being molested, but even without being perceived by the
enemy.
[Illustration: Fortifying Dorchester heights.]
"They set themselves to work with an activity so prodigious, that by
ten o'clock at night, they had already constructed two forts, in
condition to shelter them from small arms and grape-shot; one upon the
height nearest to the city, and the other upon that which looks
towards Castle island. The day appeared, but it prevented not the
provincials from continuing their works, without any movement being
made on the part of the garrison. When the latter discovered these
deeds of the Americans, nothing could exceed their astonishment. Their
only alternative, it was at once apparent, was either to dislodge the
Americans, or abandon the town.
"The first intention of Howe was to attempt the former, and
preparations were made accordingly; but he was compelled to defer the
attack till the following morning. During the night a storm arose, and
when the day dawned, the sea was still excessively agitated. A violent
rain came to increase the obstacles; the English general kept himself
quiet. But the Americans made proper use of this delay; they erected a
third redoubt, and completed the other works. Colonel Mifflin had
prepared a great number of hogsheads full of stones and sand, in order
to roll them upon the enemy when he should march up to the assault, to
break his ranks, and throw him into a confusion that might smooth the
way to his defeat."
On more mature reflection, General Howe was convinced of the impolicy
of attempting to dislodge the Americans. If success should crown such
an enterprise, it would, indeed, be highly auspicious to the British
cause, but a failure would be fatal. The other alternative, therefore,
was the only choice left.
Having taken this resolution, General Howe notified the selectmen of
Boston, that the city being no longer of any use to the king, he was
resolved to abandon it; but, if opposed, he should fire it, and for this
purpose ample materials had been provided. To these conditions it
appears, from what followed, that Washington consented; but the articles
of the truce were never written. The Americans remained quiet spectators
of the retreat of the English. But the city presented a melancholy
spectacle; notwithstanding the orders of General Howe, all was havoc and
confusion. Fifteen hundred loyalists, with their families and their most
valuable effects, hastened, with infinite dejection of mind, to abandon
a residence which had been so dear to them, and where they had so long
enjoyed felicity. The fathers carrying burdens, and the mothers their
children, went weeping towards the ships; the last salutations, the
farewell embraces of those who departed and of those who remained; the
sick, the wounded, the aged, the infants, would have moved with
compassion the witnesses of their distress, if the care of their own
safety had not absorbed the attention of all.
"The carts and beasts of burden were become the occasion of sharp
disputes between the inhabitants, who had retained them, and the
soldiers, who wished to employ them. The disorder was also increased
by the animosity that prevailed between the soldiers of the garrison
and those of the fleet; they reproached each other mutually, as the
authors of their common misfortune. With one accord, however, they
complained of the coldness and ingratitude of their country, which
seemed to have abandoned, or rather forgotten them upon these distant
shores, a prey to so much misery, and to so many dangers. For, since
the month of October, General Howe had not received from England any
order or intelligence whatever, which testified that the government
still existed, and had not lost sight of the army of Boston.
"Meanwhile, a desperate band of soldiers and sailors took advantage of
the confusion to force doors, and pillage the houses and shops. They
destroyed what they could not carry away. The entire city was devoted
to devastation, and it was feared every moment that the flames would
break out to consummate its destruction.
"The 15th of March, General Howe issued a proclamation, forbidding any
inhabitant to go out of his house before eleven o'clock in the
morning, in order not to disturb the embarkation of the troops, which
was to have taken place on that day. But an east wind prevented their
departure. Meanwhile, the Americans had constructed a redoubt upon the
point of Nook's hill, on the peninsula of Dorchester; and having
furnished it with artillery, they entirely commanded the isthmus of
Boston, and all the southern part of the town. It was even to be
feared that they would occupy Noddle's island, and establish
batteries, which, sweeping the surface of the water across the harbor,
would have entirely interdicted the passage to the ships, and reduced
the garrison to the necessity of yielding at discretion. All delay
became dangerous; consequently, the British troops and the loyalists
began to embark the 17th of March, at four in the morning, and by ten,
all were on board.
"The vessels were overladen with men and baggage; provisions were
scanty, confusion was every where. The rear-guard was scarcely out of
the city, when Washington entered it on the other side, with colors
displayed, drums beating, and all the forms of victory and triumph. He
was received by the inhabitants with every demonstration of gratitude
and respect due to a deliverer. Their joy broke forth with the more
vivacity, as their sufferings had been long and cruel. For more than
sixteen months they had endured hunger, thirst, cold, and the outrages
of an insolent soldiery, who deemed them rebels. The most necessary
articles of food were risen to exorbitant prices.
"Horse flesh was not refused by those who could procure it. For want of
fuel, the pews and benches of churches were taken up for this purpose;
the counters and partitions of warehouses were applied to the same uses,
and even houses, not inhabited, were demolished for the sake of the
wood. The English left a great quantity of artillery and munitions. Two
hundred and fifty pieces of cannon, of different caliber, were found in
Boston, in Castle island, and in the intrenchments of Bunker's hill, and
the Neck. The English had attempted, but with little success, in their
haste, to destroy or to spike these last pieces; others had been thrown
into the sea, but they were recovered. There were found besides, four
mortars, a considerable quantity of coal, of wheat, and of other grains,
and one hundred and fifty horses."[35]
Dr. Thatcher in his 'Military Journal,' thus describes a visit which
he made to the Old South church, a few days after the evacuation:
"March 23d.--I went to view the Old South church, a spacious brick
building, near the centre of the town. It had been for more than a
century consecrated to the service of religion, and many eminent divines
have in its pulpit labored in teaching the ways of righteousness and
truth. But, during the late siege, the inside of it was entirely
destroyed by the British, and the sacred building occupied as a riding
school for Burgoyne's regiment of dragoons. The pulpit and pews were
removed, the floor covered with earth, and used for the purpose of
training and exercising their horses. A beautiful pew, ornamented with
carved work and silk furniture, was demolished; and by order of an
officer, the carved work, it is said, was used as a fence for a hog-sty.
The North church, a very valuable building, was entirely demolished, and
consumed for fuel. Thus are our houses, devoted to religious worship,
profaned and destroyed by the subjects of his royal majesty. His
excellency, the commander-in-chief, has been received by the inhabitants
with every mark of respect and gratitude; and a public dinner has been
provided for him. He requested the Rev. Dr. Elliot, at the renewal of
his customary Thursday lecture, to preach a thanksgiving sermon, adapted
to the joyful occasion. Accordingly, on the 28th, this pious divine
preached an appropriate discourse from Isaiah xxxiii. 20, in presence of
his excellency and a respectable audience."
The recovery of Boston was an important event, and as such was hailed
with joyful triumph throughout the colonies. A golden medal,
commemorative of the occasion, was struck by order of congress, and a
vote of thanks was passed to Washington and the army "for their wise
and spirited conduct in the siege and acquisition of Boston."
[Illustration: DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
General Putnam reading the Declaration to the Connecticut Troops.]
FOOTNOTES:
[34] Hinton.
[35] Botta's History of the American War.
V. INDEPENDENCE DECLARED.
INDEPENDENCE begun to be contemplated--Causes which increased a
desire for such an event--Question of a Declaration of
Independence enters the Colonial Assemblies--Introduced to
Congress by Richard Henry Lee--Debated--State of Parties in
respect to it--Measures adopted to secure a favorable
vote--Question taken--Declaration adopted--Signed--The great
Act of the Revolution--Influence of it immediately
perceived--Character and merits of the Signers of that
Instrument--The 4th of July, a time-honored and glorious
day!--How it should be celebrated.
For some time previous to the winter of 1775-6, the ultimate
separation of the colonies from Great Britain must have occurred to
the leading men of America as a possible event. But the people at
large had, at that time, not only not contemplated such an event, but
would have been startled by the proposal. The proceedings of the
British parliament, however, at length became so unjust, and even
monstrous, as to array most of the Americans against the
parent-country, and to excite a wish in the bosoms of thousands that
the colonies were free from her dominion.
The news of the battle of Bunker's hill not only roused to indignation
the king and his ministers, but convinced them that "a flock of
Yankees" were not so despisable objects as they had supposed; and that
if the arms of the Americans were not so brightly burnished as those
of his majesty's disciplined troops, nevertheless, in the firm hands
and under the practised eye of "country boors," they could make sad
havoc among them.
A large augmentation of the forces in America, contrary to all previous
opinion, was now deemed essential. Accordingly, an act was introduced
into parliament, authorizing the employment of sixteen thousand German
troops, which, with the British regiments in, and about to be sent to
America, would constitute a force of nearly fifty thousand men. The
minority in parliament reprobated the employment of mercenary troops, in
strong and unmeasured terms. But little did the friends of America in
parliament feel, in view of such a step, compared with the Americans
themselves. "Arm foreigners against us!" they exclaimed; "let us treat
the English themselves as foreigners. Better for us to be eternally
separated from them, than to be exposed to such cruelty." But the
indignation of the Americans was, if possible, still more increased by
another act of parliament, passed at the same session, viz: "prohibiting
all _trade_ and _commerce_ with the colonies; and authorizing the
_capture_ and _condemnation_, not only of all American vessels with
their cargoes, but all other vessels _found trading_, in any port or
place in the colonies, as if the same were the vessels and effects of
_open enemies_; and the vessels and property thus taken were vested in
the captors, and the crews were to be treated, not as prisoners, but as
_slaves_." By another clause, British subjects were authorized to compel
men taken on board of American vessels, whether crews or _other
persons_, to fight against _their own countrymen_!
By such measures, cruel and impolitic, did the British authorities
_compel_ the Americans, not only to take up arms against the
mother-country, but to desire a lasting separation from her.