978-1-4222-3353-5

A Glorious Cause

25

General Gage and the three other generals discussed how to deal with the situation on Charlestown Peninsula. Clinton wanted to land troops behind the Patriot positions, at the narrow Charlestown Neck. Gage, Howe, and Burgoyne rejected that idea in favor of a frontal assault. They had a low opinion of the Americans’ fighting abilities. By early afternoon on July 17, more than 2,000 redcoats had been landed on the southern shore of Charlestown Peninsula. About 1,500 colonial militiamen awaited their attack. The militiamen occupied the redoubt on Breed’s Hill and a line of breastworks and rail fencing on the left flank. This line extended down the slope of the hill to the Mystic River. Around 3 pm, the redcoats advanced up Breed’s Hill and against the rebels’ left flank. Murderous gunfire cut through the British ranks. The survivors retreated. Another attack was quickly organized. Again, the redcoats were repulsed with heavy casualties .

American soldiers on Breed’s Hill near Boston await a frontal assault by the British Army. The July 1775 battle ended with the British holding the hill, but at a high cost in casualties.