Charles' Opinion of the Battle of Bunker (Breeds) Hill
Charles is a British Soldier in His Majesty's Troops 29th
Regiment.
"This battle was a most amazing spectacle and a clear victory for His Majesty's
armies. When the rebels began to fortify a hill in Charlestown against our forces,
our leader General Gage ordered their removal. Our ships in the harbor were
the first to open fire. Thousands of onlookers crowded housetops, church steeples,
hillsides and shore batteries to witness the extraordinary scene on this clear
June day. Our cannons fired into Charlestown
setting the town ablaze. Then our troops slowly advanced on the hill where the
lowly rebels had entrenched. They were hiding like common thieves.
We fought as disciplined soldiers, led by our experienced generals, William
Howe, Henry Clinton and John
Burgoyne. Our courage was unflagging. We mounted three
frontal assaults on the rebels to drive them into retreat. It was hard fought
with the loss of many of my comrades. At last count over 1000 brave infantry
men and 92 loyal officers were wounded or slain. Again and again we saw this
poor excuse of a militia fight in a most unseemly manner, hiding behind their
walls and singling out our leaders. It has been said they put poison on their
musket balls! We watched them retreat like scared rabbits and the victory was
ours! "