Burgoyne," 156.

[99] Lodge's "Washington," i, 133.

[100] Appendix to Frothingham's "Siege," 393.

[101] Washington reported later 139 killed, 36 missing, 278 wounded.

[102] Moore's "Diary of the Revolution," 110.

[103] These two quotations are from Frothingham's "Siege."

CHAPTER XI

WASHINGTON TAKES COMMAND

The immediate effect of the battle of Bunker Hill upon the American
army--or rather armies--was one of dismay. The result was confusion. In
fact, no study of the battle can fail to impress the examiner with the
belief that outside the redoubt the whole conduct of the Americans was
haphazard. Except for Stark's regiment, which itself came on in
detachments, the reinforcements dribbled to the field in companies,
platoons, or squads. They placed themselves where the hasty judgment of
Putnam directed them, or if he was absent to beat up for more troops,
chose their own positions and fought under their own officers. Putnam
gave orders, yet was not always obeyed; and sent urgently for
reinforcements, but, though his demands were received by officers from
other colonies, got no response.[104] In this individual character of
the fighting the day was much like that of the 19th of April.

And after the battle conditions were much the same. Putnam commenced
independently to fortify Prospect Hill. On Winter Hill the New Hampshire
troops made a redoubt, and at Roxbury General Thomas hastily
strengthened his position. Even at Cambridge Ward began to fortify. Word
had been sent out to summon the militia, and as on the 19th of April
these responded with alacrity and in great numbers. It was hourly
expected that the British would sally from Boston, and the provincials
kept themselves in a confused readiness. In the meantime the British
cannon played steadily on the American fortifications, and the thunder
of the artillery spread apprehension in the neighboring country.
Abigail Adams wrote from Braintree: "The battle began upon our
intrenchments upon Bunker's Hill, Saturday morning about three o'clock,
and has not ceased yet, and it is now three o'clock Sabbath afternoon.
It is expected they will come out over the Neck to-night, and a dreadful
battle must ensue."[105] Yet the British did not come out, quiet
gradually fell on the two armies, the militia returned to their homes,
and the conduct of the siege entered on a new phase.

Now more than ever the Americans recognized that conditions were
precarious, and