x pieces of artillery were in use at different
times, but with little effect. The cannon cartridges were at last
distributed for the rifles, and five of the guns were left on the field
when retreat became inevitable.

Reference to the map will indicate the position thus outlined. It was
evident that the landing could not be prevented. Successive barges
landed the well-equipped troops, and they took their positions, and
their dinner, under the blaze of the hot sun, as if nothing but ordinary
duty was awaiting their leisure.

THE BRITISH ADVANCE.

It was nearly three o'clock in the afternoon when the British army
formed for the advance. General Howe was expected to break and envelop
the American left wing, take the redoubt in the rear, and cut off
retreat to Bunker Hill and the mainland. The light infantry moved
closely along the Mystic. The grenadiers advanced upon the stone fence,
while the British left demonstrated toward the unprotected gap which was
between the fence and the short breastwork next the redoubt. General
Pigot with the extreme left wing moved directly upon the redoubt. The
British artillery had been supplied with twelve-pound shot for
six-pounder guns, and, thus disabled, were ordered to use only grape.
The guns were, therefore, advanced to the edge of an old brick-kiln, as
the spongy ground and heavy grass did not permit ready handling of guns
at the foot of the hill slope, or even just at its left. This secured a
more effective range of fire upon the skeleton defences of the American
centre, and an eligible position for a direct fire upon the exposed
portion of the American front, and both breastwork and redoubt.

The advance of the British army was like a solemn pageant in its steady
headway, and like a parade for inspection in its completeness. This
army, bearing knapsacks and full campaign equipment, moved forward as
if, by the force of its closely knit columns, it must sweep every
barrier away. But, right in the way was a calm, intense love of liberty.
It was represented by men of the same blood and of equal daring.

A strong contrast marked the opposing Englishmen that summer afternoon.
The plain men handled plain firelocks. Oxhorns held their powder, and
their pockets held their bullets. Coatless, under the broiling sun,
unincumbered, unadorned by plume or service medal, pale and wan after
their night of toil and their day of hunger, thirst, and waiting, this
live obstruction calmly faced