the charge, and again they were driven back. The British officers were deeply ashamed that their men had fled before the Americans and secured more troops before they made a third charge. But when they neared the top of the hill, the militiamen retreated because their ammunition was used up. In this action, known as the battle of Bunker Hill, the British lost more than a thousand men, the Americans four hundred and forty-one. It was the first time the colonials had met the British on a battle field. They fought so well that they felt they had no reason to dread another engagement. General Gage continued inactive behind the defenses of Boston. A month before the battle of Bunker Hill the second conti Second con nental congress tinental met in Phila- congress BOSTON HARROR delphia. Although the battle of Lexington had been fought, the more timid patriots were still unwilling to take bold steps against England. The other wing of the patriot party were still loath to go forward without their aid, and the result was further delay while a last appeal was made to the king, although there was little hope that the appeal would be granted. Meanwhile, congress took up the task of defense. All that Massachusetts had done in that way was approved; the army that surrounded Boston was taken under the direction of the continental government, and George Washington, of Virginia, was appointed its commander-in-chief. Thus, the country was being put in a state of war, regardless of the assertion that it desired peace. The next chapter will deal with the story of the war. QUESTIONS I. What was the king's idea of the duty of a colony? What two principles stand out in the American contention? Were the colonies ever entirely self-governing? What would have been the effect on their history had they yielded to the king? II. What new colonial program was adopted by the British government in 1764? Why were the colonists taken by surprise? What change occurred in their feelings? What was the "molasses act" (See p. 101) ? What was the stamp act? Why was its passage delayed? What was the nature of the argument against it? Who led in the argument? How did the colonists take its passage? Who were the sons of liberty"? What was the stamp act congress? What did it do? Why was the stamp act repealed? III. What was the declaratory act? Why was it passed? What duties did Townshend levy? How did the colonies receive the Townshend duties? What was Samuel Adams's position among the colonists? Describe his famous circular letter. How was it received in England and in the colonies? How were the Townshend duties modified? IV. Why were troops sent to Boston? How was their arrival greeted by the people? Describe the so-called "Boston massacre." What effect did it have in the colony? V. What privileges were granted to the East India Company? How was its tea received in America? Describe the "Boston tea party." What impression did it make? Recall the steps in the quarrel between the king and the colonists, 1763 to 1773. VI. How did the king interpret the "Boston tea party"? What was his relation with parliament? Describe the measures taken to punish Boston. How was the Massachusetts charter changed? What was the Quebec act? Why was it disliked? What choice of conduct was now left to the colonists? What course did they adopt temporarily ? Why? VII. How did the other colonies help Boston? What call was sent out from Virginia? How was it received? What famous body now met? How did it get its name? What position did it take about the rights of the colonies? What would have been the result if the king had accepted? What appeals were sent to England? Who were called tories? whigs? VIII. What was Gage expected to do in Massachusetts? What was his success? What was the object of the expedition to Concord? How were the country people aroused? Describe the skirmish at Lexington. What happened when the British reached Concord? Describe their retreat. When did the siege of Boston begin? Describe the battle of Bunker Hill. What effect did it have on the Americans? IX. Describe the work of the second continental congress. Why was another appeal made to the king? Who was appointed to command the continental army? SUGGESTED TOPICS George III, in his Relation to the Colonies; The Services of Patrick Henry; The Services of James Otis; The Reception of the Stamp Act; Paul Revere's Ride; William Pitt and the Attempts to Tax the Colonies; The Battle of Bunker Hill. measures CHAPTER XII THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR WHEN George III was told that the petition of the second continental congress was in London, he refused to receive it. Other harsh When he heard of the battle of Bunker Hill, he proclaimed the colonists rebels, and parliament closed all the American ports. This was additional evidence that the Americans must yield to the will of the king or fight. They had no idea of submitting. Jefferson said: "I will cease to exist before I will yield to a connection on such terms as the British parliament proposes." In May, 1776, the continental congress was again in session in Philadelphia. Very few of the members desired to make any States created further appeal to Great Britain. The one word that was in every mind was independence, but every one dreaded to declare for it. To do so was to take the step from which there was no withdrawal. While congress thus hesitated, North Carolina, a colony noted for its democratic spirit, took the lead and passed resolutions instructing her delegates at Philadelphia to vote for independence. Other colonies took the same step, and on May 15 congress advised the colonies to change themselves into states. The declaration of independ Three weeks later it appointed a committee to prepare resolutions declaring the thirteen states free and independent. The committee reported the noble declaration which we have preserved as one of our most precious documents, and it was passed on July 4. It was written by Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, but the leading ideas ence |