XVL BOOK the compact between the crown and that colony was dissolved. The colonies of New York and 1775. North Carolina now declared their fixed resolution to unite with the other provinces in every effort to retain their just rights and liberties. The conciliatory proposition of lord North being taken into consideration, it was unanimously rejected; and for this rejection the congress assigned their reasons at large and in a very masterly manner. "If," say they in their public declaration, "we accede to this proposal, we declare without reservation we will purchase the favor of parliament, not knowing at what price they will please to estimate it. We think the attempt unnecessary to raise upon us by force or threats our proportional contributions for the common defence; when all know, and themselves acknowledge, we have fully contributed whenever called upon to do so in the character of freemen. We are of opinion, it is not just that the colonies should be required to oblige themselves to other contributions, while Great Britain possesses a monopoly of their trade: this of itself lays them under heavy contributions. To demand therefore additional aids in the form of a tax, is to demand the double of their equal proportion. If we are to contribute equally with the other parts of the empire, let us equally with them enjoy free commerce with all the world." XVI. 1775. At the latter end of May, the generals Howe, Book Burgoyne, and Clinton, arrived at Boston, with large reinforcements of troops; so that the entire force stationed in that place or its vicinity was now become very considerable, not less than 10,000 men. A proclamation was also issued by general Gage, offering a pardon in the king's name to all who should forthwith lay down their arms; excepting only from the benefit of this amnesty Samuel Adams and John Hancock, who were destined to condign punishment. All those who did not accept of the proffered mercy were declared rebels and traitors, and martial law established till the colony was restored to the king's peace. No other notice was taken by the congress of this proclamation, than to choose Mr. HANCOCK president of that assembly. At the same time GEORGE WASHINGTON, esq. was unanimously chosen general and commander in chief of the continental army. This gentleman had distinguished himself early in life by his gallant exertions in the late war, particularly on the memorable day of the defeat of general Braddock; when, at the head of the provincial militia, he covered the retreat of the regular forces, and prevented the total ruin of the royal army. Since the termination of the war, he had resided upon his estate at Mount Vernon, on the banks of the Potowmac, a beautiful and romantic spot XVL 1775. BOOK situated in the interior parts of Virginia, solely occupied in the arts of agricultural improvement and cultivation. His character for understanding, probity, and patriotism, stood in the highest degree of estimation. His personal accomplishments corresponded with those of his mind; and his countenance and figure were singularly noble and engaging. No choice ever met with more general and zealous approbation, nor ever reflected in the event more honor on the judgment and sagacity of those by whom it was made. The new general signified his acceptance of this high and arduous appointment in a very handsome speech, in which he modestly declared his incompetency to the command, which he styled "a field too boundless for his abilities, and far, very far, beyond his experience: but in obedience to the call of his country, he would, without hesitation, enter upon this momentous duty, and exert every power he possessed in support of so glorious a cause; at the same time informing the assembly, that he would receive no pecuniary emoluments in compensation of his services." Horatio Gates, esq. was appointed by the congress adjutant-general, and Artemas Ward and Charles Lee, esqrs. first and second major-generals. The last of these officers was a man of extraordinary and eccentric genius, who had served with great reputation in Portugal and elsewhere XVI. during the last war. Passionately attached to the BOOK principles of democratic liberty, rather from a proud disdain of superiority than from the pure 1775. and genuine ardor of benevolence-on the prospect of a war with the colonies, he had resigned his commission in the British army, and immediately offered his services to congress, by whom they were gladly accepted; and on his military talents, skill, and experience, they justly placed very great dependence. The English generals, weary of their confined situation, and feeling no doubt the disgrace of being with so great a force blockaded by an enemy they had affected to despise, had formed a plan to possess themselves of the heights of Dorchester, southward of the town: but, on the morning of the 16th of June, 1775, they were greatly surprised at the appearance of a redoubt breast-work and entrenchment thrown up in the night on an eminence called Bunker's Hill, to the north of Boston, on a peninsula divided by a narrow channel from that on which the town of Boston itself is situated. A resolution was immediately taken to attack this post, from which they were liable to be so much annoyed; and a detachment of 3000 chosen troops was immediately ordered on the service, under the command of general Howe. The troops ascended the hill with great resolution, but with slow and XVL 1775. BOOK deliberate step. The Americans, under the direction of the old veteran Putnam, reserving themselves till the British forces were within ten or twelve rods, then poured in an unexpected and furious fire, which suddenly arrested their progress, and threw them into great disorder. Being rallied by the exertions of their officers, they again advanced, till a second discharge again threw them into a similar confusion. The generals Howe and Clinton, now placing themselves at the head of the troops, and for a time almost unsupported, led them on to a third attack; and the redoubt being now assailed on both sides, and enfiladed by the cannon from the ships and batteries, the provincials were compelled to abandon their works, retreating across the isthmus to Cambridge with inconsiderable loss. But on the part of the British, not less than 1100 were killed or wounded, and amongst them 89 officers, who were particularly aimed at by the Ainerican riflemen. This was one of the warmest and most bloody conflicts ever known for the time it lasted, and the number of men engaged: and it was remarked, that at the battle of Minden, where the British infantry sustained the fire of the whole French army, the officers suffered much less, and of privates the loss was scarcely greater. In the heat of the action, Charlestown, a sort of suburb to Boston, situated |