Powder was low, and must not be wasted. Colonel William
Prescott, who was in command, told his men not to fire too soon. "Wait
till you see the whites of their eyes," he said.

Twice the British soldiers, in their scarlet uniforms, climb the slope of
the hill and charge the breastworks. Twice the Americans drive them back,
ploughing great gaps in their ranks.

[Illustration: Bunker Hill Monument.]

A third time they advance. But now the Americans do not answer the charge.
There is good reason--the powder has given out! A great rush--and the
redcoats have climbed over. But it is no easy victory even now, and there
is no lack of bravery on the part of the Americans. With clubbed muskets
they meet the invaders.

The British won the victory, but with great loss. "Many such," said one
critic, "would have cost them their army."

On the other hand, the Americans had fought like heroes, and news of the
battle brought joy to every loyal heart. Washington heard of it when on
his way to take command of the army.

"Did the Americans stand fire?" was his first question.

"Yes," was the answer.

"Then," said he, "the liberties of the country are safe."

SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

1. Impersonating Paul Revere, tell the story of his famous ride. What do
you think of him?

2. Why did the British troops march out to Lexington and Concord?

3. Imagine yourself at Concord on the morning of the battle, and tell what
happened.

4. Why did the Americans fortify Breed's Hill? What were the results of
the Battle of Bunker Hill?

5. What did Washington say when he heard that the Americans had stood
their ground in face of the British assault?

CHAPTER IV

GEORGE WASHINGTON IN THE REVOLUTION

In electing George Washington commander-in-chief of the Continental army,
the Continental Congress probably made the very wisest choice possible. Of
course, this was not so clear then. For even leaders like Samuel Adams and
John Adams and Patrick Henry did not know Washington's ability as we have
come to know it now. But they had learned enough about his wonderful power
over men and his great skill as a leader in time of war to believe that he
was the man to whom they might trust the great work of directing the army
in this momentous crisis.

[Illustration: George Washington.]

We have already learned, in a previous book, something of Washington's
boyhood, so simple and free and full of activity. We recall him, as he
grew