But they came to naught, for nature took a hand in the struggle. Mercifully, since amid the projected battles the town itself might have perished with its inhabitants, there sprang up a gale. "A Hurrycane," wrote Newell, "or terrible sudden storm." The violence of the wind was such that no boat could live in the channel between the Castle and Dorchester, two of Percy's transports were driven ashore, and the attack was postponed. The next day the wind continued, accompanied by heavy rain. The Americans continued to labor on their works, until to every eye they were impregnable by any force that Howe might send against them. Howe called another council, and asked it to concur in his intention to evacuate the town. There was no other decision to make, and on the 6th of March[157] the orders were given.
"Blessed be God," wrote Newell, "our redemption draws nigh."
FOOTNOTES:
[147] "N. E. Hist. and Gen. Register," 1865, 313-314.
[148] See his general order enumerating faults, in Sparks, "Writings of Washington," iii, 236, note.
[149] See Frothingham's "Siege," 294-295.
[150] See the Historical Magazine for 1864, 328-329.
[151] These were a line of fortifications facing Dorchester, made earlier in the siege.
[152] According to Knox's return, given in Frothingham's "Siege," 298, footnote, the Americans threw only 144 shot and 13 shells. The British seem to have needed only an occasional stimulus.
[153] This breeze would bring the smoke of the Roxbury cannonade between the Heights and Boston.