“Tell him to send us some powder, or we are lost,” was Prescott’s last and secret word with them.
When the two had raced furiously away, some artillery cartridges were pointed out by Gilbert Scarlett.
“Broken open, they would supply quite a few charges for the small arms,” he suggested. “I saw the like done at a small engagement in which I took part in Egypt.”
This was eagerly seized upon; but the quantity secured was pitifully small.
“Don’t waste a grain of it,” cautioned Colonel Prescott. “Send every bullet to its mark.”
But that their officers feared for the result of the day was hidden from the men. Both Prescott and Dr. Warren walked constantly up and down the parapet, talking cheerily with the defenders, and advising them how to meet any fresh onset.
“You have beaten them twice,” cried General Warren, for that was the rank he now held. “Do it once more; and it will be the last.”
While this was going on at the top of the hill, Howe was still raging at its foot.
“I’ll conquer the rascals, or die trying,” he declared repeatedly.
A reinforcement of four hundred marines had reached him from the fleet. Also he had a distinguished volunteer in the person of his close friend, the very able General Clinton. The latter had twice seen Howe discomfited; so he threw himself into a boat at Copp’s Hill and crossed to offer his services.