From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 155
"With some more practice they will be," the commander replied modestly.
"Have they attained to this excellence of drill under your command?" General Putnam asked, noticing that the
officer could not be more than twenty years of age.
"Yes, sir; I have enjoyed some opportunities to study military science."
"Where?"
"First in the West Indies, where I was born. I was a merchant's clerk there, but longed for a military life, and
finally I seized upon the first opportunity to study such books as I could find. After I came to this country my
desire for military service did not abate, and I joined Captain Fleming's company."
"General Washington must know you," responded Putnam as he moved on.
We have introduced this incident here because the young commander was Alexander Hamilton, who became
identified with the history of our country. He came to this country at fifteen; entered King's College, where he
was the best scholar; joined one of the first volunteer companies organized in New York, and became so
efficient that he was made captain of the artillery company he was drilling when General Putnam met him. He
was not twenty years old at that time. Subsequently he became one of Washington's wisest counsellors. "In
him were united," says another, "the patriot, the soldier, the statesman, the jurist, the orator, and philosopher,
and he was great in them all."
British ships of war continued to arrive, bringing Hessians and Scotch Highlanders to swell the king's army.
Still no particular movement to capture the city was made.
On the 21st of July, Washington heard from Sir Henry Clinton's fleet. Clinton left the British army in Boston,
in December, 1775, and unexpectedly appeared in the harbor of New York, as we have stated. However, after
a conference with Governor Tryon, he sailed south, saying that he had no intention of attacking New York.
Clinton soon appeared in Charleston Harbor, part of an expedition against South Carolina, under Sir Peter
Parker, and in a few days joined in attacking the fort, six miles below the city. The fort was commanded by
Sir William Moultrie. It was attacked with both fleet and army, on the twenty-eighth day of June, by one of
the most terrible bombardments ever known at that time. An experienced British officer said, "It was the most
furious fire I ever heard or saw."
A few days before, General Charles Lee advised abandoning the fort.
"A mere slaughter-house!" he exclaimed to Governor Rutledge, who was a true patriot. "A mere
slaughter-house! A British man-of-war will knock it to pieces in half an hour!"
"Nevertheless, holding that fort is necessary to the defence of the city and State," answered Rutledge. "The
fort must be held." He sent for Moultrie.
"General Moultrie, what do you think about giving up the fort?" he inquired, repeating the advice of General
Lee.
Moultrie was indignant, and he replied:
"No man, sir, can have a higher opinion of British ships and seamen than I have. But there are others who love
the smell of gunpowder as well as they do. Give us a plenty of powder and ball, sir, and let them come on as
soon as they please."