index of
the security of the American defences, and, therefore, deprecated the
contingency of a general engagement, until ample supplies of powder
could be secured.

The British garrison, which had been reinforced to a nominal strength of
ten thousand men, had become reduced, through inadequate supplies,
especially of fresh meat, to eight thousand effectives, but these men
were well officered and well disciplined.

THE POSITION.

Bunker Hill had an easy slope to the isthmus, but was quite steep on
either side, having, in fact, control of the isthmus, as well as
commanding a full view of Boston and the surrounding country. Morton's
Hill, at Moulton's Point, where the British landed, was but thirty-five
feet above sea level, while Breed's Pasture (as then known) and Bunker
Hill were, respectively, seventy-five and one hundred and ten feet high.
The Charles and Mystic Rivers, which flanked Charlestown, were
navigable, and were under the control of the British ships-of-war.

AMERICAN POLICY.

To so occupy Charlestown, in advance, as to prevent a successful British
landing, required the use of the nearest available position that would
make the light artillery of the Americans effective. To occupy Bunker
Hill, alone, would leave to the British the cover of Breed's Hill, under
which to gain effective fire and a good base for approach, as well as
Charlestown for quarters, without prejudice to themselves.

When, therefore, Breed's Hill was fortified as an advanced position, it
was done with the assurance that reinforcements would soon occupy the
retired summit, and the course adopted was the best to prevent an
effective British lodgment. The previous reluctance of the garrison to
make any effective demonstration against the thin lines of environment
strengthened the belief of the Americans that a well-selected hold upon
Charlestown Heights would securely tighten the grasp upon the city
itself.

BRITISH POLICY.

As a fact, the British contempt for the Americans might have urged them
as rashly against Bunker Hill as it did against the redoubt which they
gained, at last, only through failure of the ammunition of its
defenders; but, in view of the few hours at disposal of the Americans to
prepare against a landing so soon to be attempted, it is certain that
the defences were well placed, both to cover the town and force an
immediate issue before the British could increase their own force.

It is equally certain tha