GREEN from Rhode Island, and BENEDICT ARNOLD from Connecticut, all leading to the scene of conflict companies of recruits and militia. The

authority to raise a force of four hundred men among the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, he undertook their capture.

A second expedition, composed of GREEN MOUNTAIN Boys, under the command of ETHAN ALLEN, had already been planned for the same purpose. Arnold overtook this expedition, and his commission from Massachusetts not being recognized, he joined as a private. Ticonderoga was sur

The Appointment of Commander

in-Chief.

On the day that Ticonderoga fell, the Second Continental Congress assembled at Philadelphia. Over this body JOHN HANCOCK of Massachusetts was called upon to preside, and such men as Washington, Franklin, Lee, Henry, John and Samuel Adams, Livingston, Benjamin Harrison and others took part in the deliberations. The Cogress was without the authority of a recognized government, and only patriotism compelled obedience to its measures and instructions. It assumed jurisdiction over the armed Patriots assembled around Boston, who were thenceforth to be known as the Continental Army. The most important step yet taken was the selection of a commander-in-chief for this army. John Hancock aspired to the position; but there was one whose fitness, experience and ability were so marked that the unanimous choice fell upon him, and Colonel George Washington, of Virgima, became commander-in-chief of the American army (June 15, 1775). The appointment was accepted in all modesty. "Since Congress desire it," spoke Washington, "I will enter upon the duty and exert every power I possess in their service, and for the glo- | rious cause. But I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare, with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with."

prised and captured (May 10,

1775), and about the same

time another party of Green Mountain boys, under SETH WARNER, fared as well with Crown Point. A party of his Berkshire men arriving, Arnoia captured the post of St. John's, on Lake Champlain, with its garrison, and returned to Boston.

QUESTIONS.

were

What was now about to ensue? What became the watchword? What preparations for war made? What did Gage do? What expedition did he send? What do you know of the battle of Lexington? What was the fate of the Concord expedition? What effect Fad the battle of Lexington upon the country? Who collected about Boston? What do you know of Israel Putnam? From what need did the colonists suffer? What do you know of the capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point? Where did the Second Continental Congress

assemble? Who presided? Who were among its members? What jurisdiction did it assume? What important step was taken? How did Washington receive his appointment as commander-in-chief of the American army?

CHAPTER V.

Independence Declared.

The forces about Boston were under the temporary command of GENERAL ARTEMUS WARD, whose headquarters were at Cambridge. The set purpose of these forces was to compel the British to leave Boston. With this object in view it was determined to fortify a position overlooking the town, and BUNKER HILL was selected for the purpose. At midnight a

force of twelve

hundred men,

under COL

ONEL PRES

COTT, proceed

ed to the point in question, but concluded

to оссиру BREED'S HILL,

a little further

FORTIFYING BREED'S HILL.

on. By morning the fortifications were almost finished. The British in Boston now numbered some eleven thousand, GENERALS HOWE, CLINTON and BURGOYNE having arrived from England to coöperate with Gage. The Americans could not be permitted to retain this threatening position, so preparation was made to carry Breed's Hill by storm before the fortifications could be further strengthened.

Battle of Breed's Hill.

By some chance this battle, fought on Breed's Hill, has come to be called the BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. It was a dearly bought British victory, their loss amounting to one thousand and fifty-four, while that of the Americans was four hundred and forty-nine. Its moral effect upon the Americans was very beneficial, for it demonstrated that provincial and undisciplined troops could give battle to British reg ulars, and sustain the conflict with coolness and courage.

Three thousand veterans,

led by Generals Howe and
PIGGOTT, crossed the river in
boats and advanced steadily up
the hill. The Americans were
commanded by PRESCOTT,
STARK and PUTNAM. Many of
them
were unerring marks-
men. The British were per-

mitted to approach very close, when a well aimed volley
threw them into confusion. A second time they advanced,
but no troops could stand the galling
fire that was poured down upon them.
After some delay the British advanced
to the third attack. The ammunition
of the Americans had now given out.
The support that should have been
given them from headquarters was
withheld, and, after a desperate hand-
to-hand contest, they were compelled
to fall back (June 17, 1775).

Washington arrived from Philadelphia and took command of the army at Cambridge (July 3). The task before him was no small one. Out of the raw material was to

there assembled he

create an army. Many of the men desired to return to their homes, for the first burst of enthusiasm inspired by the battle of Lexington had cooled down. Reinforcements from

GEORGE WASHINGTON

force embarked, the greater part of them sailing for Halifax, N. S. (March, 1776). (March, 1776). Washington entered the city in triumph, and took possession of much valuable stores which the British had found