Subject

Bunker Hill, Battle of, Boston, Mass., 1775 Books

Best books

Samuel Swett

Who was the Commander at Bunker Hill? With Remarks on Frothingham's History of the Battle

"Who was the Commander at Bunker Hill?" by Samuel Swett is a historical account written during the mid-19th century. This work examines the command situation during the pivotal Battle of Bunker Hill, focusing on the rivalry and claims of two prominent figures, General Israel Putnam and Colonel William Prescott, in relation to who led the American forces. The book is set against the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War and addresses the details and implications of military leadership in that historic conflict. In this book, Swett engages in a detailed analysis of the assertions made about the command structure of the American troops during the battle. He critiques a previous historian, Mr. Frothingham, for suggesting that Putnam was merely a volunteer and not the commanding officer. Swett argues vigorously for Putnam’s leadership role during the battle, presenting testimonies and accounts to validate his claims that Putnam was effectively in charge, especially in terms of the troops' logistics and battlefield conduct. Through extensive examination of historical documents and accounts from various military figures involved, Swett aims to clarify the often muddled historical narrative surrounding the battle and establish Putnam's rightful place in its leadership.

Richard Frothingham

The Command in the Battle of Bunker Hill
 With a Reply to "Remarks on Frothingham's History of the Battle, by S. Swett"

"The Command in the Battle of Bunker Hill" by Richard Frothingham is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work specifically delves into the controversial topic of command during the American Revolutionary War's pivotal Battle of Bunker Hill, reviewing varying accounts and claims about the roles of prominent figures such as Generals Putnam and Prescott. The author aims to clarify the conflicting narratives surrounding who commanded the American forces during the battle, thereby contributing to the ongoing discourse of military history. At the start of the book, Frothingham explains his motivation for writing this history, stemming from his previous work on the Siege of Boston. He notes the discrepancies in accounts regarding the command structure during the Bunker Hill battle, with claims made by different individuals about who led the troops. Frothingham emphasizes that much of the testimony regarding command is conflicted and colored by the perspectives of participants reflecting decades later, and he pledges to rely on more immediate historical documents to arrive at his conclusions. The opening sets the stage for a detailed examination of primary sources and various claims surrounding the roles of Putnam and Prescott, crafting an objective narrative rooted in historical evidence.

Rebecca Warren Brown

Stories about General Warren, in relation to the fifth of March massacre, and the battle of Bunker Hill

"Stories about General Warren" by a Lady of Boston is a historical account likely written in the early 19th century. This work focuses on General Joseph Warren and his crucial role during the American Revolution, particularly in relation to the events surrounding the Boston Massacre and the Battle of Bunker Hill. The narrative aims to illustrate Warren's character, his dedication to his country, and the sacrifices he made, while also providing insight into the broader context of the revolutionary struggle for independence. The opening of this account introduces readers to the character of General Warren through the lens of a conversation between a mother, Mrs. Montague, and her children, Mary and William. They express curiosity about Warren, leading Mrs. Montague to recount his early life, his patriotism, and his brave contributions to the revolutionary cause, including his actions during the oppressive English rule and the ensuing confrontations with British authority that provoked the conflict. The story captures the significant emotional stakes involved in the fight for American freedom and sets the stage for exploring Warren's eventual fate on the battlefield, emphasizing his sacrifices for liberty and the deep respect he earned from those around him.

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