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forth a withering fire. The day was intensely hot. The British had been under arms and on the march since nine o'clock of the evening before, and by the time Lexington was reached on their retreat they were well-nigh exhausted. The Americans continued their harassing tactics until halted by the guns of the British fleet at Boston.

EVENTS OF 1775

209. Gathering of the Hosts.-Thus General Gage had precipitated the Revolution. The Massachusetts assembly met immediately and resolved that Gage "ought to be considered and guarded against as an unnatural and inveterate foe to the country." All New England was instantly alive with militia, all moving toward a common rendezvous outside Boston, and in a few days Gage was confronted with sixteen thousand American soldiers, burning for revenge. General Artemas Ward, of Boston, was placed in temporary command.

210. Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold at Ticonderoga-May 10: Seth Warner at Crown Point-May 10.-Benedict Arnold was early on the scene, and calling the attention of the leaders to the importance of securing the forts at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, was given a commission to raise a company for that purpose. But he had been anticipated by the "Green Mountain Boys" under Ethan Allen, who had organized for the same purpose. He thereupon joined the expedition as a volunteer. They arrived on the lake shore opposite the fort on the evening of May 9. Fearing lest their presence should be made known, Allen immediately. crossed and in the early morning seized the sleepy sentinels and entered the fort. The surprise was complete. Bursting into the commandant's bedchamber, he astonished that halfawakened officer with a demand for the surrender of the fort. "By whose authority?" "By the authority of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress," replied Allen.

On the very day this scene was happening at Ticonderoga, Seth Warner, with another body of troops, captured Crown Point. Over two hundred cannon, an immense supply of ammunition, and a large quantity of military stores of every description, thus fell into the hands of the Americans.

211. Second Continental Congress-May 10.-On the very day these stirring events were being enacted in the north, the day set for the convening of the Congress to hear the reply of the king, had arrived. Congress was confronted at once by the most serious questions. The king's only reply had been the sending of a fleet and of an army to punish Massachusetts for her rebellious conduct. Some of the members felt that nothing but independence would settle affairs, though all agreed that the time was premature for such a declaration. However, Congress stood by the resolution to meet force with force. It at once accepted the patriot army gathered at Boston and proceeded to provide for its proper officering and support. The session of the Second Continental Congress was practically continuous during the Revolution, meeting first at Philadelphia, then at such points as were considered safe from the incursions of the British. Without expressly delegated authority, it was forced by the pressure of rapidly transpiring events to act as if it were a legally constituted body, the different colonies in almost every case honoring its acts as such.

212. Washington Appointed Commander-in-Chief June 17. -One of the gravest questions before Congress was the selection of a suitable commander-in-chief for the army. The qualities necessary were (1) a strong personality, (2) a successful military experience, (3) a keen insight into character, and (4) a burning patriotism capable of inspiring the army with a spirit that would endure any sacrifice. Though there were other candidates, it very early developed that George Washington, commander of the Virginia state militia, and a delegate to the Congress, would be the choice, and his appointment was unanimously agreed upon.

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213. Bunker Hill-June 17.-While the Congress was deliberating over the grave questions consequent to a state of war, events were progressing toward open conflict at Boston. General William Howe had arrived from England with heavy reinforcements and it was at once resolved to take aggressive measures to put down the rebellion. Gage first issued an amnesty proclamation to all who would renew their allegiance to the king, making an exception of John Hancock and Samuel Adams, "the arch conspirators." This producing no effect, the British were about to begin active measures to dislodge the patriots, when the latter themselves precipitated the issue. Upon the information that Gage had directed General Howe to seize and fortify Dorchester Heights, the Committee of Safety determined on the seizure of Bunker Hill in order to divert Howe. Accordingly, on Sunday night, June 16, Colonel William Prescott was directed to seize that point. With twelve hundred picked men Prescott at first took possession of Bunker Hill, but believing that Breed's Hill, an adjoining elevation, would be better for the purpose, he threw up fortifications there instead. ment of the British at what the "temerity" of the rebels. from the fleet, but it was soon discovered that the Americans could only be dislodged by a land siege. General Howe accordingly landed sand troops and stormed the intrenchments. the brave Redcoats meet the murderous fire; twice

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CHARLESTOWN PENINSULA, SHOWING BUNKER HILL

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Twice did

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