Trumbull Gallery of Paintings in Yale College. 221 
were not relieved in the morning, but remained all day under the . 
fire of the enemy, laboring to complete their work, which they 
ultimately defended, under the immediate orders of the gallant 
veteran, Prescott, with the most unyielding bravery ; and quitted 
their post only when their ammunition was entirely expended. 
In the course of the day, other troops were ordered down from 
Cambridge to support this first detachment, some of whom were 
deterred from attempting to cross Charleston neck, by the fire of 
the hostile floating batteries; while others fearlessly dashed on, 
and took up positions on the left of the redoubt, thus forming a 
line which extended from the redoubt on the right, to Mystic riv- 
er on the left ; securing their front, at least in appearance, by throw-. 
ing together fences, new-mown hay, and whatever else was mova- 
ble, and could afford some show of shelter. 
Joseph Warren, an eminent physician of Boston, had for some 
time been distinguished as an ardent and eloquent supporter of 
the rights of his country. At this time he was a very influential 
member of the provincial congress, assembled at Watertown, near 
Cambridge, and a few days preceding the battle had been elected 
a major-general, but as yet had assumed no command. He was 
going out to dine, when the increasing din of the action impelled 
him to gallop to the scene, where he arrived almost at the mo- 
ment of defeat. This is the moment chosen for the painting, 
which, of course, is limited to that part of the scene which was 
near the redoubt, and where the death of Gen. Warren, and the 
obstinate resistance of men almost unarmed to well-armed and 
disciplined troops, is meant to be shown. 
Insa a scene of such extent and em cl the entire battle, 
defense between the redoubt and = ts river, where Major 
Knowlton and many others distinguished themselves by the cool- 
est bravery and the soundest judgment. 
This painting represents the moment when (the Sinietaes 
having expended their ammunition) the British troops became 
completely successful and masters of the field. At this last mo- 
ment of the action, Gen. Warren was killed by a musket ball 
through the head. ‘The principal group represents him expiring ; 
a soldier on his knees supports him, and with one hand wards off 
the bayonet of a British grenadier, who, in the heat and fury nat- 
Vol, xxx1x, No. 2.—July-September, 1840. 29 
