1775] SUBSEQUENT CAREER OF ETHAN ALLEN. 207 the astonished officer. Raising his sword as if to strike, Allen replied, "In the name of the great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." Resistance was vain, and the British commander was obliged to surrender the post, together with 48 men, 122 cannon, several vessels, abundant stores, and a large supply of powder, which was much needed in the camp at Boston. Two days afterwards Crown Point was taken without resistance. These achievements, performed without the loss of a single man, greatly encouraged the colonists. 289. The subsequent career of the brave but eccentric Allen is worthy of relation. In the autumn of 1775, he attempted the capture of Montreal, but after a desperate struggle was made a prisoner. He was sent to England, and suffered much on the voyage from being confined with 34 others in a room about 20 feet square. This was all forgotten, however, on the return voyage, when an opportunity for ample revenge occurred. A conspiracy was formed for killing the captain and taking possession of the vessel, but Allen, though on his way to a prison-ship and aware of the sufferings in store for him, refused to take part in it. Exchanged at last for a British officer, he was made commander of the Vermont militia. The British tried to buy him over, but in vain. 290. Love of country was the ruling passion in Ethan Allen's breast. His brother favored the British, aiding them with his means, and sending them from time to time such information as he thought would be of service. When Ethan ascertained this, he at once laid the fact before the authorities, advising them to confiscate his brother's property and apply it to the defence of the country.-His eventful life terminated in 1789. 291. The same day that Ethan Allen captured Ticonderoga, the Continental Congress commenced its second session at Philadelphia. Among its members were Thomas Jefferson, rendered along with the fort? Two days after, what post was taken? What was the effect of these achievements on the colonists? What is related of Allen's subsequent history? To what office was he finally raised? What attempt was made by the British? 290. What is said of Ethan Allen's love of country? To prove this, what story is told respecting him and his brother? When did Ethan Allen die? 291. What body whom we have met before listening to the eloquence of Henry, and John Adams, a native of Massachusetts, now in his fortieth year. Distinguished for his industry and business habits, Adams was one of the most useful members of the House. He had constantly opposed the encroachments of Parliament, yet had shown his independence by defending the British soldiers concerned in "the Boston Massacre", on their trial for that offence. Though still hoping for concessions from the mother coun try, Congress vigorously prepared for war. Bills of credit were issued to the amount of $3,000,000. The appointment of a commander-in-chief next engaged attention. John Adams in a powerful speech set forth the high qualities which should be possessed by the person selected for this office, and concluded by nominating one of their own body, in whom they were all combined-George Washington, of Virginia. The House was taken by surprise, for but few had known the speaker's intention. No one was more surprised than Washington himself, who immediately left the room. The next day, he was unanimously elected. 292. The news of the stand taken at Lexington rapidly spread throughout the country, and was everywhere received with enthusiasm. In a remote part of Virginia, a tall young man hastened to bear the news to a company in the woods. He expressed his feelings in a fervid speech, and they lost no time in arming for liberty. This youth was John Marshall, the future chief-justice. Just a month after the battle, the news reached Charlotte, N. C. The people immediately met, declared themselves freed from allegiance to the king, and promised to defend the independence thus asserted with their lives and fortunes. This was the first proposal to throw off the British yoke. Their countrymen at the north were met the same day that Ticonderoga was captured? What new members made their appearance in Congress? What is said of John Adams? For what did Congress still hope? What steps did they take in preparation for war? Whom did they appoint commander-in-chief? Relate the circumstances. 292. How was the news of the battle of Lexington received? What took place in a remote part of Virginia? Who was the person that made the announcement? What took place at Charlotte, N. C.? For what as yet were the northern patriots contending? What were the people of Charlotte the 1775] GOV. DUNMORE COMPELLED TO FLEE. 209 in arms merely for rights to which, as British subjects, they believed themselves entitled. The people of Charlotte were the first to declare in favor of complete independence. 293. The governors of the colonies had received orders to secure all arms and military stores collected by the people. According to these instructions, Lord Dunmore, on the 20th of April, seized on the powder in the magazine at Williamsburg, Va. The people, with Patrick Henry at their head, demanded restitution, and the governor had to pay for the powder in full. The amount (about $1,500) was transmitted to Congress. After fortifying his residence, the mortified Dunmore issued a proclamation against Henry and his associates. This incensed the people, and some intercepted letters written by the governor, in which he grossly misrepresented the colonists, added to their indignation. Justly alarmed for his safety, Dunmore took refuge on board of a British vessel. About the same time, the governors of North and South Carolina were obliged to pursue a similar course, CHAPTER III. BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 294. THE British army in Boston was increased in May, 1775, to 10,000 men, by reinforcements from England and Ireland, commanded by Generals Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne. On the 12th of June, Gage issued a proclamation offering pardon to all who would abandon the cause of the colonies, except Samuel Adams and John Hancock, who were declared outlaws. 295. The American army, though larger than that of the enemy, was poorly equipped and disciplined. Their officers, first to advocate? 293. What orders had the governors of the colonies received? What did Lord Dunmore do, on the 20th of April, 1775? What action was taken by the people? What was the result? What governors had to pursue a similar course? 294. How was the British army increased in May, 1775? What was the substance of the proclamation issued by Gage in June? 295. How did the American army compare however, were men who had seen service. Ar'-te-mas Ward, of Massachusetts, held the chief command. On the 16th of June, it was ascertained that Gen. Gage intended to seize and fortify Bunker Hill. At nine o'clock at night, Colonel Prescott was dispatched from Cambridge with a thousand men to anticipate the movement. Mistaking Breed's Hill for Bunker's in the darkness, they commenced intrenching themselves on the former eminence, which was nearer to Boston and more exposed to the fire of the British ships. The name of Bunker Hill, however, is universally given to the engagement that followed. The men worked with the utmost diligence, and so noiselessly that they were not discovered till dawn, either by the ships, or the British sentinels on Copp's Hill, Boston, whose "All's well!" they distinctly heard at intervals through the night. The surprise of the British may be imagined, when, at daybreak on the 17th, they beheld a strong intrenchment, six feet high, commanding their camp. A strong battery planted there would force them to evacuate the city. Gage called a council of war, and it was agreed that the Americans must be driven from their position. Three thousand veterans were detached for this duty, under Generals Howe and Pig'-ot. The Americans ceased working as they saw their enemies land at Morton's Point, and hoisted the flag of New England. They were but 1,500 in number, deficient in ammunition, exhausted by labor, and suffering from hunger and thirst; yet they were sustained by an undaunted spirit. Generals Putnam and Warren had now joined their ranks. The latter, though only 35 years of age, was distinguished no less as a physician than as president of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts. He had no military experience, and was urged not to expose himself in battle; but the sound of the cannon wooed him to the field. On his arrival, Col. Prescott offered him the command, as his superior officer; but War with the British? What is said of their officers? What was ascertained on the 16th.of June? What defensive measures were taken by the Americans? Give an account of the occupation of Breed's Hill. How did the Americans spend the night? What did the British behold in the morning? What course was agreed upon in a council of war? How many men were detached for the attack? Under what generals? Where did they 211 1775] THE FIRST AMERICAN KILLED. ren replied that he had come to learn, and, borrowing a musket, served bravely as a private. At three o'clock, the British ships and batteries poured in a terrible fire on the redoubt. The first American that fell was horribly mutilated, and his comrades, unaccustomed to such sights, crowded around. Fearful of the effect, Colonel Prescott ordered that he should be instantly buried. "He is the first man that has been killed," said he, "and he is the last that will be buried to-day. To your posts, my gallant fellows, and let every man do his duty." And every man did his duty. 296. The British troops moved slowly in perfect order land? [See Map.-What isthmus connects the peninsula on which Charlestown stands with the main-land? How high is Breed's Hill, on which the battle took place? In what part of Boston is Copp's Hill?] What did the American troops do, when they saw the British land? What was the condition of the Americans? By whom were they joined? What is said of Dr. Warren? At three o'clock, what was commenced by the British? What took place when the first American was killed? 296. Give an account |