on
it did was terrible; some of the bravest and oldest officers declared
that, for the time it lasted, it was the hottest service they had ever
seen. General Howe stood for some moments almost alone, the officers and
soldiers about him being nearly all slain or disabled; his intrepidity
and presence of mind were remarkable on this trying occasion.

"General Pigot, on the left, was in the meantime engaged with the
Provincials who had thrown themselves into Charleston, as well as with
the redoubt, and met with the same reception as the right. Though he
conducted his attack with great skill and courage, the incessant
destruction made among the troops threw them at first into some
disorder; but General Clinton coming up with a reinforcement, they
quickly rallied and attacked the works with such fury that the
Provincials were not able to resist them, and retreated beyond the neck
of land that leads into Charleston.

"This was the bloodiest engagement during the whole war. The loss of the
British troops amounted in killed and wounded to upwards of 1,000. Among
the first were 19, and among the last 70 officers. Colonel Abercrombie,
Major Pitcairn, of the Marines, and Majors Williams and Spenlowe, men of
distinguished bravery, fell in this action, which, though it terminated
to the advantage of the King's forces, cost altogether a dreadful price.

"The loss on the Provincial side, according to their account, did not
exceed 500. This might be true, as they fought behind intrenchments,
part of which were cannon proof, and where it was not possible for the
musketry to annoy them. This accounts no less for the numbers they
destroyed, to which the expertness of their marksmen chiefly
contributed. To render the dexterity of these completely effectual,
muskets ready loaded were handed to them as fast as they could be
discharged, that they might lose no time in reloading them, and they
took aim chiefly at the officers....

"The great slaughter occasioned on the left of the British troops, from
the houses in Charleston, obliged them to set fire to that place. The
Provincials defended it for some time with much obstinacy, but it was
quickly reduced to ashes; and when deprived of that cover, they were
immediately compelled to retire.

"But notwithstanding the honour of the day remained to the British
troops, the Americans boasted that the real advantages were on their
side. They had, said they, so much weakened their enemies in this