The rebels wishing to anticipate the Royal troops, in the possession of Charlestown,[1] hitherto unoccupied by either, pushed a large body of men, on the evening of the 16th of June, to erect works upon Bunker's Hill. During the night they raised entrenchments, and a breast work, with a strong redoubt, sufficiently formidable to excite the jealousy of General Gage. A heavy fire opened upon their working parties early on the morning of the 17th of June, who, however, persevered in their labours with much firmness.
It appearing highly necessary to dislodge the Americans from so very important a post, the Commander in Chief, at noon, detached ten Companies of Grenadiers, an equal number of Light Infantry, with the 5th, 38th, 43d, and 52d regiments, under Major Gen. Howe and Brigadier Pigot, with that view, which being embarked, landed and formed on the Peninsula, without opposition, under cover of the ships of war.
The position of the rebels was strong indeed. A small but well contrived redoubt, besides some other works full of soldiers, and defended with cannon, as well as numbers of rifle men placed in the houses of Charlestown, covered their right flank; their centre and left were protected by a breast work, partly gun proof, which reached from the redoubt, to the Medford River.
Major General Howe, upon examining this powerful state of defence, and observing fresh columns pouring in to the enemy's works, solicited a reinforcement, which soon joined him, consisting of some Companies of Grenadiers and Light Infantry, the 47th regiment, and the first battalion of Marines.
Having been formed in two lines, they advanced with slow but steady steps to the conflict. Majors Pitcairne, Tupper, and Short, led my corps upon this distinguished day.
The roar of cannon and howitzers, on the part of the British, occasionally halting to yield them effect, marked their progress towards the rebel works. Not a shot was returned by the enemy, until our troops had nearly reached their entrenchments, when a tremendous and destructive fire was opened, which, it must be confessed, somewhat staggered our men. The awful occasion exhibited General Howe most conspicuously for the valuable resources of coolness and reflection amidst danger. It also afforded an opportunity of signalizing the discipline and intrepidity of the Battalion of Marines, which dealt destruction and carnage around them.
Brigadier General Pigot, who was destined to attack the redoubt and lines, that covered the American right flank, was likewise exposed to a hot fire from the houses in Charlestown. His loss was severe, but his exertions were animated, and displayed the most brilliant courage, as well as talents.
General Clinton, who had crossed from Boston during the action, attached to himself the merit of rallying the troops, whom he led against the rebel works with fixed bayonets, and with that daring impetuosity which so strongly characterizes the British Soldier.
They soon forced them, and drove the Provincials across the neck of Charlestown, who were also much harassed by the cannon of his Majesty's ship Glasgow, in their retreat.