tion:

"_Resolved_, That it is the opinion of this committee, that
as the contest now between Great Britain and the Colonies
respects the liberties and privileges of the latter, which
the Colonies are determined to maintain, that the admission
of any persons, as soldiers, into the army now raising, but
such as are Freeman, will be inconsistent with the
principals that are supported, and reflect dishonor on this
Colony; and that no Slaves be admitted into this army upon
any consideration whatever."

The exception was well taken, and this act of the Committee, excluding
slaves from the army, placed the rebels upon the basis of patriots,
fighting for freedom. This, however, did not detract from those who had
already distinguished themselves, by their bravery at Bunker Hill a few
weeks previous, where Peter Salem, once a slave, fought side by side in
the ranks with the white soldiers. When the British Major Pitcairn
mounted the redoubt, upon that memorable occasion, shouting, "The day
is ours!" Peter Salem poured the contents of his gun into that officer's
body, killing him instantly, and checking, temporarily, the advance of
the British. Swett, in his "Sketches of Bunker Hill Battle," says:

"Major Pitcairn caused the first effusion of blood at
Lexington. In that battle, his horse was shot under him,
while he was separated from his troops. With presence of
mind he feigned himself slain; his pistols were taken from
his holsters, and he was left for dead, when he seized the
opportunity and escaped. He appeared at Bunker Hill, and,
says the historian, 'Among those who mounted the works was
the gallant Major Pitcairn, who exultingly cried out, 'The
day is ours!' when a black soldier, named Salem, shot him
through and he fell. His agonized son received him in his
arms, and tenderly bore him to the boats.' A contribution
was made in the army for the colored soldier, and he was
presented to Washington as having performed this feat."

Mr. Aaron White, of Thompson, Conn., in a letter to George Livermore,
Esq., of the Massachusetts Historical Society, writes:

"With regard to the black Hero of Bunker Hill, I never knew
him personally, nor did I ever hear from his lips the story
of his achievements; but I have better authority. About the
year 1809, I heard a soldier of the Revolution, who was
p