Page 35 - ASM Book 9/2020

Bunker Hill, Massachusetts
Americans Lost First Battle Against Redcoats
Two months after the siege of Lexington and Concord, the first major battle took place on June 17, 1775, at Bunker Hill across from Boston.
In early June, British General Thomas Gage ordered General William Howe to occupy Bunker Hill. When the colonists learned about Gage’s plan on the evening of June 16, American Colonel William Prescott led more than 1,000 troops to Bunker Hill to fortify the site. When they arrived they decided to fortify Breed’s Hill instead. The officers thought Breed’s Hill was a better site to defend against a British attack.
During the night, the Americans built a network of defensive earth breastworks, wood fences and stone walls.
At first light British commanders were surprised when they saw what the Americans had accomplished overnight. General Gage ordered General William Howe to attack
with a force of 2,200 men.
Everything was clearly visible to the many spectators crowded on hills, rooftops and steeples . . . including Abigail Adams and her young son, John Quincy, who cried at the flames and the “thunders” of British cannons.
When the British attack up the hill began, the Americans were ordered to hold their fire until the British were within 50 feet.
A British officer described the scene: “Our Light Infantry were served up in companies and were devoured by musket fire.” The British retreated on the first and second attacks. However, by this time the Americans were running low on ammunition. On the third attack the British succeeded. Most of the Americans were able to withdraw.
The British took control of Breed’s Hill at a high cost of 268 killed and 828 wounded. The American casualties included 115 killed and 305 wounded.
29