ression, drove them to this
so-called rebellion.

"Don't fire until they are within seven or eight rods," I heard officer
after officer caution us as we stood there with muskets ready for that
oncoming line of red. "When you can see the whites of their eyes, aim at
their waistbands, and remember that the finest coats cover the
commanders, who it were better to pick off than if you shot half a dozen
men."

Again and again was that command repeated, and even while it was being
dinned into our ears so emphatically, Doctor Warren, seeming to think we
Minute Boys might show the white feather, came up to us as we stood
where we could peer over the breastwork, and said:

"Steady, lads, it is not the number that counts, but the spirit.
Remember that every British bullet does not find its billet; but see to
it that all of yours strike the target. You lads smelled burning powder
off Hog island when the odds against you were greater than they are now,
and came off victorious, as you will this day if you hold true to your
training."

"Never fear, doctor, but that the lads will give a good account of
themselves!" Hiram cried in a cheery tone. "A little bit of red acts on
them much the same as it does on a bull, and the Minute Boys won't be
the first to turn tail, that I promise you."

"There is no need of a promise, my lad. I know it full well; but
between now and when you open fire is a vexing time, during which many a
good man has lost his head, therefore have a care just at this moment."

Now despite all the warnings that had been given, there were some in the
redoubt who could not stand inactive while those lines of red were
coming so steadily upon us, and I know full well how the men who
disobeyed the command must have felt, for it was only by the greatest
exercise of my will that I could prevent myself from pulling the trigger
as I stood there, peering over the intrenchments, my musket leveled full
at a fellow who had seemingly more of gold lace than cloth in his
uniform.

The Britishers were well within gunshot when three or four men at my
right, overcome most like by nervous excitement, discharged their
weapons.

Then it was that Colonel Prescott, leaping from the platform on which he
had been standing, cried out that he would shoot the first man who fired
before word was given, and at the same moment Colonel Robinson ran
around the top of the works knocking up the leveled muskets so that we
might not be tempted t