6 The Smithsonian Institution 





 and who, it might be added, saved to the King the remnant 



of his forces, which, without Percy's timely succor, would have 

 been utterly destroyed. As an indication of family traits, it 

 may be interesting to note the memorable action of the half- 

 brother of Smithson, and his modest description of it. 



General Gage had placed him in command of the camp 

 formed at Boston, whence he writes to his father on July 5, 

 1774: 



"As I cannot say this is a business I very much admire, I 

 hope it will not be my fate to be ordered up the country. Be 

 that as it may, I am resolved cheerfully to do my duty as long 

 as ever I continue in the service. If I do not acquire any de- 

 gree of reputation in it, it will be my misfortune, but shall 

 never be my fault." 



Throughout the ensuing winter he remained in the camp 

 around Boston, whence on April 20 he writes to inform his 

 father of that first bloodshed which was the prelude of the 

 War of the Revolution : 



" I was ordered out yesterday morning to cover the retreat 

 of the Grenadiers and Light Infantry who had been sent upon 

 an expedition up the country. 1 I had with me my brigade 

 and two pieces of cannon. We met them at a town 2 about 

 fifteen miles off, sharply attacked and surrounded by the rebels, 

 and having fired away all their ammunition, I had the happi- 

 ness of saving them from inevitable destruction, and arriving 

 with them at Charlestown, opposite Boston, at eight o'clock 

 last night ; not, however, without the loss of a great many, 

 having been under an incessant fire for fifteen miles. The 

 rebels, however, suffered much more than the King's troops. 

 I have not myself received even the least scratch, and I beg 

 that you will not either of you be uneasy on my account." 3 



1 The memorable expedition to Concord, which gave rise to the battle of Lexington. 



2 Lexington. 

 8 "Annals of the House of Percy," Volume II, page 552. 



