Page 369 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

368 THIRD BOOK OF
some marines, and two eld pieces. This corps arrived very opp01tunely at Lexington, at the mo­ ment when the royal troops entered the town om the other side, pursued with ry by the provincial militia.
9. It appears highly probable, that, without this rein rcement, they would have been all cut to pieces, or made prisoners : their strength was ex­ hausted, as well as their ammunition. fter making a considerable halt at Lexington, they renewed their march towards Boston, the number of the provincials increasing every moment, although the rear guard of the English was less molested, on account of the two eld pieces, which repressed the impetuosity of the mericans. But the anks of the column remained exposed to a very destructive re, which assailed them om all the points that were adapted to serve as coverts.
10. The royalists were also annoyed by the beat, which was excessive, and by a violent wind, which blew a thick dust in their eyes. The enemy's scouts, adding to their natural celerity a per ct knowledge of the country, came up unexpectedly through cross­ roads, and galled the English severely, taking aim especially at the o cers, who, perceiving it, kept much on their guard.
11. Finally, a er a march_ of incredible tigue, and a considerable loss of men, the Englis over­ whelmed with lassitude, arrived at sunset in Charles­ town. Independeritly of the combat they had sus­ tained, the ground they had measured that day was above ve and thirty miles. The day llowing they crossed over to Boston.
12. Such was the a air of Lexington, the rst ac·