"You will inform Colonel Prescott that I have arrived with my regiment
and am in position," said Colonel Stark.

Riding towards the redoubt, Robert saluted General Putnam, who,
mounted on a white horse, was going along the lines, telling the men
to keep cool, save their powder, and aim at the cross-belts of the
British.

It was a pleasure once more to meet Doctor Warren, who had been
appointed general, but who had come as a volunteer to take part in the
battle.

Colonel Prescott thanked Lieutenant Walden for the information sent by
Colonel Stark. He did not doubt the men from New Hampshire would be as
true as they were in the battles of Louisburg and Ticonderoga.[71]

[Footnote 71: There is no evidence that Colonel Stark was directed to
report to Colonel Prescott or any one else; neither is there any
evidence to show that Putnam was in command. We only know that
Prescott was directed to occupy Charlestown Heights. Later in the war
Putnam, by virtue of his rank, would have been in command, or possibly
Warren, but Warren was there only as a volunteer, having been
appointed general the day before the battle. It seems probable that no
one exercised supreme command, but Prescott, Putnam, Stark, and Reed
acted individually with their separate commands, as the exigencies of
the moment demanded.]

Dismounting from his horse and giving it in charge of a soldier,
Lieutenant Walden walked along the trench, looked over the embankment
upon the British troops landing at Moulton's Point and forming in two
columns, one of which, he concluded, was intending to march along the
Mystic to gain the rear of the redoubt and cut off the retreat of
those within it. If such were the contemplated movement it would be
mainly against the regiments of Stark and Reed. The other body of
troops seemed to be forming to advance directly upon the redoubt.

While he was thus gazing, a hand clasped his arm; turning, he beheld
Tom Brandon.

"I've been wondering if you wouldn't be round here somewhere," said
Tom.

"And I have been wondering where you would be," Robert replied.

"And so you are a lieutenant?" queried Tom, looking at the epaulet on
his shoulder. "I congratulate you.

"The whole family are on the roof to see the battle," he continued.

"Perhaps you can bring them a little nearer with my telescope," said
Robert, handing him the instrument.

Tom rested it on the embankment and looked towards the house.

"There's a crowd of 'em on