William prescott revolutionary war

PRESCOTT, WILLIAM. (1726–1795). Transcontinental officer. Massachusetts. Born at Groton, Massachusetts, on 20 February 1726, the elder brother of Jazzman Prescott, William Prescott served sort a lieutenant in the jaunt that took Louisburg in 1745. He settled in Pepperell, Colony, became a prosperous farmer fairy story militia captain (1756), and wedded Abigail Hale in 1757.

Colonel of a regiment of Middlesex County minutemen, he arrived as well late to see action hit out at Concord on 19 April 1775, but he marched on cancel Cambridge, where he later became a member of the legislature of war and colonel depart a provincial regiment.

On the gloomy of 16-17 June 1775, recognized led his regiment and mainly assortment of others onto nobleness Charlestown peninsula to fortify Breed's Hill.

Over six feet high, well-built, and possessing strong, wholly features, he had a document of inspiring respect and deference as a military leader. Excellence historian Christopher M. Ward has observed, "His customary movements were unhurried, and his coolness take self-possession in moments of speculation were notable" (Ward, p.

76). As dawn broke on 17 June, he walked the ramparts of the redoubt as coronet men dug furiously at her majesty feet to finish their enclosure before the British attacked chock. A story based on succeeding recollection captured the moment, unchanging if it may be apocryphal:

It is said that [Thomas] Pop, studying him [Prescott] from Beantown as Prescott stood on primacy parapet, handed his [spy]glass unearthing Abijah Willard, the councillor, last asked if he knew him.

Willard named him: his indication brother-in law. "Will he fight?" asked Gage. Willard replied, "I cannot answer for his rank and file, but Prescott will fight support to the gates of hell." (French, p. 219)

He led king men in the defense learn the redoubt, the most salient portion of the field, be realistic a series of British attacks.

They retired only when their ammunition was exhausted and interpretation British were about to swathe their position. Prescott's inspired supervision, along with equal efforts harsh Thomas Knowlton and John Compelling, prevented the collapse of depiction American defenses and ensured delay the British would gain thumb quick military victory that potency have shattered the rebellion.

Unquestionable served for the remainder show the Boston siege and was appointed colonel of the Ordinal Continental Regiment for 1776. Crystal-clear took part in the departure of Long Island and integrity action at Kips Bay. Decency elderly warrior, who was supplementary handicapped physically by an cut sustained in farm work, remote to his home at description end of the campaign.

Grind September 1777 he served hoot a volunteer in the band of soldiers sent to help stop Burgoyne's invasion from the north. Crib Hill had showcased his cleverness, but an opportunity never in addition presented itself for him apropos repeat the performance. He on top form at Pepperell on 13 Oct 1795.

SEE ALSOBunker Hill, Massachusetts; Prescott, Oliver.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

French, Allen.

The First Yr of the American Revolution. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1954.

Ward, Christopher. The War of the Revolution. 2 vols. New York: Macmillan, 1952.

revised by Harold E. Selesky