Against such brave resistance even the large force of English soldiers could do nothing, and after a few volleys they began a retreat toward Boston. But now the whole country was aroused. The retreating soldiers were fired upon all along the road. Shots came with deadly aim from behind fences, stone walls, and trees. At last reinforcements came to the English. Their retreat became less of a rout, and they finally reached Charlestown, and from there crossed over to Boston the next morning. They lost 273 men; while the Americans lost 103. The Colonists had won the first encounter in the Revolution. The battle of Lexington and Concord stirred all thirteen colonies to action. Everywhere there was unanimous determination to resist British opposition. There could be no going back now. Blood had been shed, and the Revolution had begun. PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR. VOL. 1, No. 43. SERIAL No. 43 COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC. [Illustration: BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL PAINTING BY JOHN TRUMBULL] _THE REVOLUTION_ _Bunker Hill_ TWO After the battle of Lexington and Concord, England saw that the resistance of the Colonists was determined, and sent reinforcements to General Gage in Boston. By the end of May, 1775, he had 10,000 trained soldiers under his command. The American force besieging him amounted to about 16,000 men, undisciplined, but brave. The British were virtually held prisoners in Boston. General Gage therefore decided to sally out on the night of June 18 and capture Bunker Hill near Charlestown. But first he proclaimed martial law and pardon for all those who would lay down their arms and return home, except Samuel Adams and John Hancock. None of the courageous patriots took advantage of his offer. The Americans discovered Gage’s plans, and decided to beat him to it. So on the evening of June 16 Colonel William Prescott with 1,000 men was ordered to march to Bunker Hill and fortify it. But when they got there it was decided that Breeds Hill, much nearer Boston, would give a better command of the town and shipping. Under Prescott and General Israel Putnam the colonial soldiers worked all night building a redoubt about eight rods square. When the British sentinels looked up through the mist the next morning (June 17, 1775) they rubbed their eyes in astonishment at sight of the fortifications. The guns from the vessels in the Charles River immediately opened fire; but the Colonists kept steadily at work. At last the redoubt was finished, and the tools were sent to Bunker Hill.