The night of the 17th of June was one of more sadness to the British than to the Americans, notwithstanding that the latter had been driven from their position, and the colors of the former were waving over Bunker's hill. To the British belonged the field--to the Americans, _in effect_, the victory. What the former had gained, was of no use to them, as their forces were not sufficiently numerous to hold possession of so extended a line. Their loss in numbers was grievous; but this was small in comparison to the mortification experienced in view of their repeated repulses. Nor was that mortification lessened when it became known that the retreat of the Americans was caused by a want of ammunition. Had the _materiel_ of battle not failed, who can say that the Americans would not have maintained their position?[33] Such an issue, however, might have drawn after it consequences which, in the sequel, would have been disastrous to the patriotic cause. A vain confidence might have been engendered, leading to the neglect of needful, and even essential preparation, to cope with a foe more formidable at that era, than any other on the globe. It was well doubtless, and Providence in kindness so ordered, it, that ammunition should fail. God gave to the Americans just that success which was calculated to animate and encourage them: and permitted them to suffer just in that way, and to that extent, as to teach them humility, and to trust in Him. Theirs was a just and glorious cause. It was the cause of liberty and of God. It was right that they should succeed; but it was equally befitting that they should feel and acknowledge that their success was from the God of their fathers. [Illustration] FOOTNOTES: [32] Sparks' Life of Warren. [33] Sparks' Life of Warren. III. WASHINGTON, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. EFFECTS of the Battle of Bunker hill--Meeting of Congress--Appointment of a Commander-in-Chief proposed--Difficulties in regard to a Selection--Claims of Individuals--Interview between John and Samuel Adams--Speech of the former--Washington Nominated--Unanimously Confirmed--Manifesto of Congress--Public Fast. If, previous to the battle of Bunker's hill, doubts existed in the minds of any, whether the contest between Great Britain and America would be settled without a struggle, the sanguinary scene on that hill must have dispelled them. Both parties had received a wound not likely soon to be healed. If the British had won the field, they had gained but little, if any, honor--and in the repulse, which the Americans had met with, while they had lost no honor, they had acquired self-confidence, and added to their already high-wrought valor and determination. [Illustration: Messengers spreading news of the Battle of Bunker's hill.]