Page:Scenes in my Native Land.pdf/184

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180
LA FAYETTE.

twice repulsed, ascend the hill a third time, reinforced and resolved on victory. A comparatively small band, led on by intrepid officers, still "jeoparded their lives in the high places of the field." And they were of that band.

Yes. And as their souls rekindle with these memories, they forget the peril, the suffering, their dying comrades, and their own wounds, and their aged voices in one burst of sound, exclaim,—"We are ready, should our country again need our services, ready to shed the last drop of our blood for her." The venerable La Fayette, standing in the midst of those heroic survivors, regretted the honor did not belong to him of having been one of those who in person fought upon that sacred hill-top. Some circumstances connected with the battle of Bunker Hill, and its effect upon the future fortunes of the country, are thus forcibly depicted by the pen of the Rev. Mr. Ellis. "That action was of primary importance from the influence which it exercised upon our fathers, who unknown to themselves had before them a war of protracted length, partaking largely of reverse and discouragement. They learned this day what they might do, in the confidence that God was on their side, and that their cause was good. That work of a summer's night was worth its price to them. They lacked discipline, artillery, bayonets, powder and ball, food, and the greatest want of all, during that fearful conflict, they lacked the delicious draught of pure,