BUNKER HILL, Mass., an eminence, 110 feet high, in the Charlestown district of Boston, connected by a ridge with another elevation, 75 feet high, named Breed's Hill. These heights are memorable as being the scene of a battle, 17 June 1775, commonly known as the battle of Bunker Hill. The city of Boston was occupied by the British under General Gage, who had re solved to begin offensive operations against the rebels. This design becoming known in the American camp, it was determined to seize and fortify the heights of Charlestown on the night of 16 June. The execution of this perilous mis sion was confided to Colonels Prescott and Pep perell at the head of a brigade of 1,000 men; and at dawn of day a strong redoubt was already completed on Breed's Hill. About 1,500 Americans advanced successively to the relief of Prescott, and General Warren entered the redoubt as a volunteer, refusing the command which was tendered to him. At about 2:30 o'clock, two columns of the British advanced to a simultaneous assault; they were received with a terrific fire, and were twice repulsed in dis order. When the Americans had exhausted all their ammunition, Prescott gave the order for retreat. They received a destructive volley as they left the redoubt, and Warren fell, shot through the head with a bullet. The retreat
was harassed by a raking fire from the British ships and batteries, but there was no pursuit beyond Charlestown Neck. The British loss was 226 officers and men killed and 828 wounded; that of the Americans 145 killed or missing and 304 wounded. Although defeated, the moral result of this action was great. The Americans had seen su perior numbers of the disciplined soldiers of England retreat before their fire, and had given the proof they they were able to defend their liberties. On Breed's Hill, and near the spot where Warren fell, stands the Bunker Hill Monument, the corner-stone of which was laid by the Marquis de Lafayette, 17 June 1825. This monument was inaugurated 17 June 1843. It consists of a plain granite shaft, 220 feet high, 31 feet square at the base and 15 at the top. The monument affords a magnifi cent panoramic view of the surrounding coun try. Consult Ellis, G. E., (History of the Battle of Bunker's (Breed's) Hill) (1875) ; Adams, C. F., Jr., in American Historical Review (Vol. 1); Frothingham, P., of Boston' (Bos ton 1902).