An American, who was on Dorchester Heights, gives a picture of the scene. A tremendous cannonade was commenced from the forts in Boston, and the shipping in the harbor. “Cannon shot,” writes he, “are continually rolling and rebounding over the hill, and it is astonishing to observe how little our soldiers are terrified by them. The royal troops are perceived to be in motion, as if embarking to pass the harbor and land on Dorchester shore, to attack our works. The hills and elevations in this vicinity are covered with spectators, to witness deeds of horror in the expected conflict. His excellency, General Washington, is present, animating and encouraging the soldiers, and they in return manifest their joy; and express a warm desire for the approach of the enemy; each man knows his own place. Our breastworks are strengthened, and among the means of defence are a great number of barrels, filled with stones and sand, and arranged in front of our works, which are to be put in motion, and made to roll down the hill, to break the legs of the assailants as they advance.” General Thomas was reinforced with two thousand men. Old Putnam stood ready to make a descent upon the north side of the town, with his four thousand picked men, as soon as the heights on the south should be assailed: “All the forenoon,” says the American above cited, “we were in momentary expectation of witnessing an awful scene; nothing less than the carnage of Breed’s Hill battle was expected.” As Washington rode about the heights, he reminded the troops that it was the 5th of March, the anniversary of the Boston massacre, and called on them to revenge the slaughter of their brethren. They answered him with shouts. “Our officers and men,” writes he, “appeared impatient for the appeal. The event I think, must have been fortunate; nothing less than success and victory on our side.” Howe, in the mean time, was perplexed between his pride and the hazards of his position. In his letters to the ministry, he had scouted the idea of “being in danger from the rebels.” He had “hoped they would attack him.” Apparently, they were about to fulfil his hopes, and with formidable advantages of position. He must dislodge them from Dorchester Heights, or evacuate Boston. The latter was an alternative too mortifying to be readily adopted. He resolved on an attack, but it was to be a night one. “A body of light infantry, under the command of Major Mulgrave, and a body of grenadiers, are to embark to-night at seven,” writes the gay British officer already quoted. “I think it likely to be a general affair. Adieu balls, masquerades, &c., for this may be looked upon as the opening of the campaign.”