“‘Although the victory was with the British, they were so dismayed at the result of the battle that they offered no resistance to the retreat of the Americans, and the latter soon joined their friends.
“‘The British hastily threw up defences on Bunker Hill, and the Americans took a position directly opposite them on Prospect Hill, where they built fortifications that nevermore were approached by the enemy.
“‘This battle was one of the most destructive and bloody recorded in the wars of the Revolution.
“‘News of the fight at Bunker Hill reached Washington as he journeyed on horseback to Cambridge to take command of the army. The slaughter of nearly 1,500 men—450 Americans and 1,054 British was omen to the whole world that the fight was on to a finish for Liberty and Democracy.
“‘When Washington reached Cambridge, Boston was already in a state of siege, so that the new commander had his hands full. From his first headquarters in the house of the president of Harvard College, he moved them to Craigie House, later known as the Cambridge residence of Longfellow.’”
“Oh, look! The sun’s out!” shouted George at this point.
“Sure enough! Come on and play! We can read history another rainy day,” abetted Jack, jumping up from the rug.
“Mother, thank you for the story, but we’re off now for some fun,” declared Martha, helping Anne to her feet.
[CHAPTER V—THE BOSTON TEA PARTY]
“What shall we play?” asked Jack the moment the four were out on the veranda.