such a battle, however clear to a military eye, seems not to have been realized by the delegates at Watertown. The army at Cambridge rested on their arms with an excuse, the fallacy of which is so apparent that it is difficult to believe it was ever considered satisfactory; and the report of the result, forwarded two days afterwards to the delegates at Philadelphia, is so incorrect in its account and deficient in its details, that it can hardly be supposed the greatness of the event was understood, or that its importance through all future ages of the republic was in any degree realized. Had the glory of that field been anticipated, it is not to be believed that of so many ardent patriots as

out further inconvenience. It was supposed indeed, in the jealous feelings of the time, to have been intended to produce an alarm, without actually incurring the odium of doing so.

Dr. Warren was a man of amiable private character, remarkably elegant in his personal appearance, fond of pleasure, and devoted as much to classical studies as professional learning; but learning, literature and pleasure held no competition with patriotism. There was a freedom and firmness in his manners, which rendered him exceedingly popular. He was "grand master of all the ancient masons through North America," at the time of his death; and at the request of the grand lodge, his body was disinterred, and reburied with suitable honours in Boston, on 8th April 1776. Au oration was delivered on that occasion by the present attorney general of Massachusetts, the honourable Perez Morton, which is thought to rank with the finest productions of American eloquence.

Death mocks the efforts of mankind to preserve the perishable remains of mortality. It has not only been doubted whether the bones that were exhumed for that solemn ceremony were the true relicks, but where these even were placed on their second interment.

were assembled in the vicinity, Dr. Warren would alone have had the honour of adding to the danger of being in the councils, that of engaging in the military service of his country; nor that they who had arms in their hands within sound of the cannon, would have been restrained from endeavouring to have turned the tide of battle, and triumphing in the victories of their country.

*

In July, general Washington, who had been appointed by the continental congress commander in chief of the army, arrived at Cambridge, and delivered the following letters to Mr. Gerry.

MR. J. ADAMS TO MR. GERRY.

DEAR SIR,

PHILADELPHIA, JUNE 18, 1775.

I have at last obtained liberty, by a vote of congress, to acquaint my friends with a few of the things that have been done.

* While the American army was encamped at Cambridge, the mansion house and farm of the former lieutenant governour Oliver was occupied by the medical department. The soldiers, who were wounded at Bunker Hill and in subsequent skirmishes with the enemy, were carried there to be treated for their wounds. Many died and were buried in a field fronting the house.

The estate, after the war, came into the possession of Mr. Gerry, who held it at the time of his death. No ploughshare was ever permitted by him to disturb the ashes of the soldiers of the revolution. He considered it consecrated ground. It is to be regretted that some public measures have not been taken to protect it for the purpose to which it was originally appropriated.

The congress have voted, or rather a committee of the whole house have unanimously agreed, that the sum of two million dollars be issued in bills of credit, for the redemption of which in a certain number of years, twelve colonies have unanimously pledged themselves.

The congress has likewise resolved that fifteen thousand men shall be supported at the expense of the continent; ten thousand at Massachusetts, and five thousand at New-York; and that ten companies of riflemen be sent immediately, six from Pennsylvania, two from Maryland, and two from Virginia, consisting of sixty-eight privates in each company, to join our army at Boston. These are said to be all exquisite marksmen, and by means of the excellence of their firelocks, as well as their skill in the use of them, to send sure destruction to great distances.

General Washington is chosen commander in chief, general Ward the first major general, and general Lee the second (the last has not yet accepted), and major Gates adjutant general. Lee and Gates are experienced officers. We have proceeded no further as yet.

I have never, in all my lifetime, suffered more anxiety than in the conduct of this business. The choice of officers, and their pay, have given me great distress. Lee and Gates are officers of such great experience and confessed abilities, that I thought their advice, in a council of officers, might

pre

be of great advantage to us; but the natural judices, and virtuous attachment of our countrymen to their own officers, made me apprehensive of difficulties. But considering the earnest desire of general Washington to have the assistance of these officers, the extreme attachment of many of our best friends in the southern colonies to them, the reputation they would give to our arms in Europe, and especially with the ministerial generals and army in Boston, as well as the real American merit of them both, I could not withhold my vote from either.

The pay, which has been voted to all the officers, which the continental congress intends to choose, is so large, that I fear our people will think it extravagant, and be uneasy. Mr. Adams, Mr. Paine and myself, used our utmost endeavours to reduce it, but in vain.

Those ideas of equality, which are so agreeable to us natives of New-England, are very disagreeable to many gentlemen in the other colonies. They had a great opinion of the high importance of a continental general, and were determined to place him in an elevated point of light. They think the Massachusetts establishment too high for the privates, and too low for the officers, and they would have their own way.

I hope the utmost politeness and respect will be shown to these officers on their arrival. The whole army, I think, should be drawn up upon

the occasion, and all the pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war displayed;—no powder burned, however.

There is something charming to me in the conduct of Washington. A gentleman of one of the first fortunes upon the continent, leaving his delicious retirement, his family and friends, sacrificing his ease, and hazarding all in the cause of his country! His views are noble and disinterested. He declared, when he accepted the mighty trust, that he would lay before us an exact account of his expenses, and not accept a shilling for pay. The express waits. Adieu. J. A.

MR. S. ADAMS TO MR. GERRY.

MY DEAR SIR,

PHILADELPHIA, JUNE 22, 1775.

Our patriotic general Washington will deliver this letter to you. The Massachusetts delegates have jointly given to him a list of the names of certain gentlemen, in whom he may place the greatest confidence. Among these you are one. Major-general Lee and major Mifflin accompany the general. They are a triumvirate which will please the circle of our friends. Mifflin is aid-de-camp to the general. I regret his leaving this city; but have the satisfaction of believing that he will add