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[411] day, a private was killed and buried. To inspire
Chap. XXXVIII.} 1775. June 17.
confidence, Prescott mounted the parapet and walked leisurely backwards and forwards, examining the works and giving directions to the officers. One of his captains, perceiving his motive, imitated his example. From Boston, Gage with his telescope descried the commander of the party. ‘Will he fight?’ asked the general of Willard, Prescott's brotherin-law, late a mandamus councillor, who was at his side. ‘To the last drop of his blood,’ answered Willard. As the British generals saw that every hour gave fresh strength to the intrenchments of the Americans, by nine o'clock they deemed it necessary to alter the plan previously agreed upon, and to make the attack immediately on the side that could be soonest reached. had they landed troops at the isthmus as they might have done, the detachment on Breed's Hill would have had no chances of escape or relief.

The day was exceedingly hot, one of the hottest of the season. After their fatigues through the night, the American partisans might all have pleaded their unfitness for action; some left the post, and the field officers, Bridge and Brickett, being indisposed, could render their commander but little service. Yet Prescott was dismayed neither by fatigue, nor desertion. ‘Let us never consent to being relieved,’ said he to his own regiment, and to all who remained; ‘these are the works of our hands, to us be the honor of defending them.’ He consented to despatch repeated messengers for reinforcements and provisions; but at the hour of noon no assistance had appeared. His men had toiled all the night long, had broken their fast only with what they had brought

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