At length
Washington was induced to commence offensive operations. Ploughed Hill,
Cobble Hill, and Lechemeres Point were successively occupied during
the month of December, and the approaches of the American troops were
carried within half-a-mile of the British works on Bunker's Hill.
Congress recommended an immediate assault upon Boston; but Washington
asked for more time, to complete his approaches and make his
preparations. This was allowed him, and in the month of January a
council of war was held in the camp--some of the members of congress
being present--when it was resolved, that the British troops should be
attacked before any reinforcements should arrive. At the same time it
was resolved that thirteen regiments of militia should be required from
Massachusets and the neighbouring colonies, that the attempt might be
made with good prospect of success. These regiments were supplied early
in February, but Washington was compelled to forego an immediate attack
from the state of the weather. It was then exceedingly mild, and he
wanted ice to enable him to pass the river. But this was not long
wanting. About the middle of February the cold became intense, and the
ice was sufficiently strong to bear the troops. Still the attack was
delayed. Another council of war was held, and it was unanimously'
resolved, that the attempt was too hazardous. Soon after, however,
Washington received intelligence that a part of the British troops in
the town was expected at New York, and from various appearances among
them he conceived that there was an intention of evacuating Boston.
He now resolved to commence the attack. On the 2nd of March he began a
heavy bombardment and cannonade on the town and on the British lines,
which was continued for two days. On the night of the 4th of March
Washington took a more decisive step. The heights of Dorchester
commanded the shipping in the harbour and nearly the whole town, and yet
Lord Howe had taken no more care to occupy this hill than General
Gage had taken to occupy Bunker's Hill. In the midst of the roar of
artillery, therefore, Washington dispatched General Thomas, with
2000 troops and 300 labourers, to take possession of the heights of
Dorchester; and at the break of day the British beheld the hill occupied
and strongly fortified. They had scarcely recovered from their surprise
when Thomas began to cannonade the town and the ships of war, his
labourers still working with ardour, in order t