Bunker Hill

an eminence, 110 feet high, in the Charles town district of Boston, Ma ., connected by a ridge with another elevation, 75 feet high, named Breed’s Hill. These heights are memorable as being the seat of a battle, June 17, 1775, and known under the name of Bunker Hill. The city of Boston was occupied by the British under General Gage, who had resolved to begin offensive operations against the rebels. This design becoming: known in the American camp, it was determined to seize and fortify, the heights of Charles town on the night of June “16. The execution of this perilous mi ion was confided te Colonels Pre scott and Pepper ell at the head of a brigade of 1,000 men; and at dawn of day a strong redoubt was already completed on Breed’s Hill. About 1,500 Americans advanced succe ively to the relief of Pre scott, and General Warren entered the redoubt as a volunteer, refusing the command which was tendered to him. At about 2.30 o’cléck, two columns of the British advanced to a simultaneous a ault; they were received with a terrific fire, and twice repulsed in disorder. When the Americans had exhausted ali their ammunition, Pre scott gave the order for retreat. They received a destructive volley as they left the redoubt, and Warren fell, shot through the head with a bullet. The retreat was hara ed by a raking fire from the British ships and batteries. but thére was no pursuit beyond Charles town Neck. The British los: was 226 officers and men killed, and 828 wounded; that of the Americans 145 «killed or mi ing, and 304 wounded. Although a defeat, the moral result of this action was great. The Americans had seen superior numbers of the disciplined soldiers of Eng. land retreat before their fire, and given the proof that they were able to defend their liberties. On Breed’: Hill, and near the spot where Warrer fell, stands now the Bunker Hill Mon. ument, the corner stone of which was laid by the Marquis de Lafayette June 17, 1825. This monument was inaugurated June 17, 1843. It con: ° sists of a plain granite shaft, 220 feet high, 31 feet square at the base, anc 15 at the top. The monument affords a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding country.