able fight, in which, as Bostonians and friends of liberty, we feel
the deepest interest. Which of you can oblige us by giving us your
recollections of our first great struggle?"

"Mr. Warner was one of Col. Starke's men. He can tell you all about it,"
said Colson.

"Aye, if memory serves me yet," said Warner, "I can tell you much of
that day's struggle. I joined Col. Starke's regiment shortly before the
battle. I always admired Starke, and preferred to serve under him. I
suppose you are acquainted with the general features of the battle, and
therefore I will not detain you long, with reciting them.

"On the sixteenth of June, 1775, it was determined that a fortified post
should be established at or near Bunker's Hill.

"A detachment of the army was ordered to advance early in the evening
of that day, and commence the erection of a strong work on the heights
in the rear of Charlestown, at that time called Breed's Hill, but from
its proximity to Bunker Hill, the battle has taken its name from the
latter eminence, which overlooks it.

"The work was commenced and carried on under the direction of such
engineers as we were able to procure at that time. It was a square
redoubt, the curtains of which were about sixty or seventy feet in
extent, with an entrenchment, or breast-work, extending fifty or sixty
feet from the northern angle, towards Mystic river.

"In the course of the night, the ramparts had been raised to the height
of six or seven feet, with a small ditch at their base, but it was yet
in a rude and very imperfect state. Being in full view from the northern
heights of Boston, it was discovered by the enemy, as soon as daylight
appeared; and a determination was immediately formed by General Gage,
for dislodging our troops from this new and alarming position.
Arrangements were promptly made for effecting this important object. The
movements of the British troops, indicating an attack, were soon
discovered; in consequence of which orders were immediately issued for
the march of a considerable part of our army to reinforce the detachment
at the redoubts on Breed's Hill; but such was the imperfect state of
discipline, the want of knowledge in military science, and the
deficiency of the materials of war, that the movement of the troops was
extremely irregular and devoid of every thing like concert--each
regiment advancing according to the opinions, feelings, or caprice, of
its commander.

"Colonel Stark's regime