But by this time General Gage had ordered an attack on Breeds Hill. Three thousand picked soldiers landed at the eastern base of the hill, and a little after three o’clock in the afternoon began their advance. The tired Americans, who had been working all night at the intrenchments, expected to be relieved by others; but the reinforcements did not come. Nevertheless, they did not falter for an instant. Steadily up the hill came the level ranks of the Redcoats. “Wait till you can see the whites of their eyes!” was the order. Nearer and nearer came the British. Still not a movement from the redoubt. It was believed that the Colonials had fled. But no! Suddenly, at the word “Fire!” fifteen hundred of the concealed patriots rose and poured such a deadly rain of bullets upon the English that whole companies were wiped out. Pellmell down the slope ran the terrified British; while a shout of triumph rose from the redoubt. But at the bottom their officers beat them back into line, and the attack was begun once more. Charlestown was set afire by Gage’s orders. This infuriated the Americans, and again the English were driven back down the hill in disorder. Then came the third attack. The ammunition of the Colonists was giving out. Only a few more shots remained, and after this the Americans retreated in good order across Charlestown Neck. The British had won a technical victory; but at terrible cost--1,054 killed and wounded out of 2,500 engaged. The American loss was 450, among this number the brave General Warren. This battle, which took place on Breeds Hill, has always been known as the battle of Bunker Hill. It lasted two hours. The cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument was laid on Breeds Hill on the fiftieth anniversary of the battle, June 17, 1825. Daniel Webster’s speech on this occasion is well known as a great piece of oratory. The monument is an obelisk, 221 feet high and 30 feet square at the base. 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: © THE KNAPP CO., INC., N. Y. WASHINGTON CROSSING THE DELAWARE PAINTING BY HENRY MOSLER] _THE REVOLUTION_ _The Battle of Trenton_ THREE In December, 1776, the hopes of the Colonists were at the lowest ebb. The American cause was almost lost. It was one of the most critical situations in the whole Revolution. The British occupied New York and all New Jersey, and so confident were they of success that troops were being sent back to England. One false move would plunge the colonies into immediate defeat. It was George Washington who saved the day in this dark time.