1775]

FALL OF MONTGOMERY.

217

ing snow which nearly blinded him, saw a rude blockhouse defended by a battery of three-pounders. "Men of New York," he cried, "you will not fear to follow where your general leads! March on." Rushing at the head of his troops to the assault, he was almost immediately swept down, with both his aids and a number of privates, by a discharge of grape-shot. Disheartened by the loss of their leader, the rest of the division retreated to Wolfe's Cove.

Arnold's narrow path to the lower city was commanded by muskets and cannon. Advancing at the head of his division, he received a ball in the leg, which obliged him to leave the field and give up the command to Captain Morgan. The first barrier was carried, and the city entered. But with only 200 men, most of whose muskets were rendered useless by the snow, it was impossible for Morgan either to carry the defences before him or to make good a retreat. Overpowering forces gathered around, and he was compelled to surrender. In this assault 160 Americans were killed and 426 made prisoners. The British loss was only 20.

303. The death of Montgomery was regarded as a national calamity. Even in Britain eulogies on his character were delivered. Arnold with his remaining force encamped about three miles from the city, and continued the blockade. He was superseded in April, 1776, by Gen. Wooster, who, the following month, gave way to Gen. Thomas. Quebec still maintained a successful resistance; and rumors of Carleton's approach with a powerful army soon reached the American camp. A hasty retreat was made, and the whole of Canada was recovered by the British.

What village near Point Levi? In what direction from the city was the battle-field of Wolfe and Montcalm ?] State Montgomery's plan of attack. Give an account of Montgomery's movements and fall. Give an account of Arnold's movements. To whom did he leave the command? What advantage did Morgan at first gain? What was the final result? What was the loss on both sides? 303. How was the death of Montgomery regarded? What course did Arnold pursue? By whom was he superseded? What obliged the Americans to retreat?

10

CHAPTER V.

SIEGE AND EVACUATION OF BOSTON.

304. THE idea of a complete separation from Britain, originated, as we have seen, in North Carolina, began to gain ground in the colonies; but Congress still determined on a last appeal. A petition for redress was sent to England, but received no attention from either king or Parliament. On the contrary, acts were passed prohibiting trade with the colonies, and authorizing the capture of American vessels, the hiring of German soldiers, and the transportation of 25,000 additional English troops to the new world. On this, Congress gave up all hope of reconciliation, and prepared for a vigorous defence. Military stores were collected. Powder was bought in foreign ports, and its manufacture was commenced at home. Privateers were commissioned, from the bold attacks of which British commerce suffered much till the termination of the war.

305. In the fall of 1775, Gen. Gage was superseded by Sir William Howe, after having sent British men-of-war to ravage different parts of the coast. Falmouth [fal'-muth], now Portland, Maine, was levelled to the ground. Other places were threatened. Newport escaped only by contrib uting a weekly supply for the fleet.

306. The British still had hopes of deterring New York from taking part against the king, and Governor Tryon was authorized to use persuasion, threats, and even bribery, with its citizens for that purpose. Congress, however, baffled his efforts by ordering that all persons dangerous to the liberties of America should be seized; for on this, the governor took refuge on a British ship.-Lord Dunmore was still giving

804. In the hope of reconciliation, what step was taken by Congress? How was the petition received? What acts were passed by Parliament? How did Congress then feel? What defensive steps were taken ? 305. In the fall of 1775, who was made British commander-in-chief? What place was bombarded? How did Newport escape a similar fate? 306. What means did Gov. Tryon take for retaining the people of New York in their allegiance? How did Congress baffle his efforts? Give an account of

219

1775]

ACTIVE OPERATIONS COMMENCED.

trouble in Virginia. Towards the close of 1775, he attacked a body of provincials near Norfolk, but was defeated. A royal vessel having arrived soon after, he gratified his revenge by reducing the place to ashes. Famine, sickness, and storms, finally compelled him to retire with his fleet to the West Indies.

307. Winter passed without hostilities between the two armies at Boston.

The country was impatient to hear of some great victory,and Congress urged Washington to attack the enemy; but, ham

pered by a want ammunition

of

and other necessaries, it was not till March 4th (1776) that he deemed it pru

dent to act on the

offensive.

Gen.

Thomas was sent by night to throw

up intrenchments

on Dorchester

Though

Heights, which commanded the city and harbor. the ground was frozen, the work progressed rapidly. On discovering the movement of the Americans in the morning, Howe resolved to drive them from their position. A storm prevented him from making the attempt till they were too strongly fortified to be dislodged. Unable to hold the city Lord Dunmore's movements. 307. What was the state of things in the American camp before Boston? What did Congress urge Washington to do? When did he commence the attack? What was his first offensive movement? [See Map.-Where are Dorchester Heights? Who commanded the American right wing? The centre? The left wing?] What was Howe's first determination? What changed it? What was he

in the face of the battery on the heights, Howe was obliged to evacuate Boston; and, on the 17th of March, the whole land and naval force of Britain, with about 1,500 loyalists, left the harbor. This event was hailed with joy by the defenders of America, particularly by those patriots who had been shut up in the besieged city. They had hardly been able to obtain the necessaries of life. Provisions had risen to four times their usual value. Wood had become so scarce that the pews of churches, the counters of stores, and the timber of unoccupied buildings, had been used for fuel. The thanks of Congress were voted to the besieging army, and a gold medal was struck in commemoration of the event.

CHAPTER VI.

BRITISH ATTACK ON CHARLESTON.-DECLARATION OF INDE

PENDENCE.

308. THE British directed their first active operations in 1776 against the south. On the 4th of June, Admiral Parker appeared off Charleston with a strong fleet direct from England, conveying 2,500 troops, of which Gen. Clinton took the command. The people of Carolina, having received intelligence of the intended attack, were not unprepared for it. Six thousand men had collected in and about the city. A fort of palmetto-wood and earth, hastily erected on Sullivan's Island, and defended by 26 cannon and 500 brave men under Col. Moultrie, commanded the channel. Another fort on the opposite side of the island was held by Col. ThompGen. Lee had hastened from the north, to conduct the

son.

defence.

On the 28th of June, the British commenced a heavy can

finally compelled to do? When did he evacuate Boston? Describe the condition of those within the city during the siege. How did Congress show their gratitude for this success?

308. Against what place was the first offensive movement of the British in 1776 directed? Who conducted the attack? What preparations had been made by the people of Carolina? Who commanded them? Describe the attack and defence on the 28th of

1776]

DEFENCE OF FORT MOULTRIE.

221

nonade on Fort Sullivan (afterwards called Moultrie in honor of its gallant defender). The wood of which it was built was so soft, that, instead of splitting, it closed over the balls that struck it, without receiving any injury. Not so, however, with the British ships, on which the patriots poured a destructive fire. At one time, the quarter-deck of Parker's flag-ship was cleared of every man except the admiral himself. Gen. Clinton landed 2,500 men on Long Island and attempted to cross to Sullivan's Island, but Thompson's riflemen drove him back.

Many heroic deeds that will live in history, were performed that day. The first republican flag unfurled in the south

June. [See Map, p. 269.-In what direction was Fort Moultrie from Charleston? What islands in Charleston harbor?] What is said of Admiral Parker's flag-ship? What attempt was made by Clinton? Give an account of Jasper's exploit. How did Gen. Rut