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A Glorious Cause
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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.
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