Triimhull 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. 



In a scene of such extent and confusion as the entire battle, 

 half hidden of course by smoke, it was impossible to represent 

 the equal gallantry of those brave troops who formed the line of 

 defense between the redoubt and Mystic 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 Americans 

 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. XXXIX, No. 2.— July-September, 1840. 29 



