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The American Revolutionaries had minimal ammunition. Since most of the Revolutionaries were irregulars and the muskets were difficult to aim, conserving ammunition was critical (since misses were high). As a result, General Putnam wanted the Americans to wait until they could see the British easily before shooting so that they would have an easier target.

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What famous command was given by israel putnam to American defenders of breed's hill to ensure that did not waste ammunition?

"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."


Why did General Israel Putnam say 'Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes' at the Battle of Bunker Hill?

The American Revolutionaries had minimal ammunition. Since most of the Revolutionaries were irregulars and the muskets were difficult to aim, conserving ammunition was critical (since misses were high). As a result, General Putnam wanted the Americans to wait until they could see the British easily before shooting so that they would have an easier target. As the British neared the American battle lines, the first line were cut down by musket fire from the Americans.


What did Israel Putnam do?

Israel Putnam was a prominent American military officer during the American Revolutionary War. Known for his leadership at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, he famously urged his troops to "don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" to conserve ammunition. Before the war, Putnam was also a successful farmer and a veteran of the French and Indian War. His contributions to the American cause and his bold leadership made him a significant figure in early American military history.


Who was the british leader in the Battle of Bunker Hill?

The Americans leaders were: at Breed's Hill Col. William Prescott. At Bunker Hill Gen. Israel Putnam. The British leaders were: The general who ordered the assault: Thomas Gage. The general who carried out the assault: sir William Howe. The general who supported Howe after his assault was twice repulsed by reinforcing the British attacking forces by 400 fresh troops: sir Henry Clinton


What happened at the Battle of Bunker Hill?

General Thomas Gage of the British decided to station troops on Bunker Hill. The Americans quickly learned of his plans and jumped into action. On the night of June 16, 1775, more than one thousand patriots moved top the nearby Breed Hill. Gage ordered his British men to drive the patriots off. "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes," ordered American General Israel Putnam, in an attempt to conserve precious ammunition. The latter quote has grown quite famous. In the end of the battle, over 1,00 British soldiers lay dead or wounded, as compare to 397 American men. Despite the steep difference in casualties, the British technically won the battle, as the Americans retreated.

Related Questions

What was the infamous quote by Israel Putnam?

"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes, then fire low".


Is Thomas Putnam related to Israel Putnam?

Israel Putnam, the Revolutionary War general and leader of the Battle of Bunker Hill famous for saying, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" because they were low on ammunition was the grandson of Thomas Putnam born in 1614 and a judge during the Salem witch trials. Thomas had a son Edward who was also a judge during the trials, and Arthur Miller's judge in The Crucible was a composite of the two Putnams.


What famous command was given by israel putnam to American defenders of breed's hill to ensure that did not waste ammunition?

"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."


Why did general israel putman say not to fire until you see whites of there eyes in the Battle of Bunker Hill?

He wished to save ammunition.


Why did General Israel Putnam say 'Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes' at the Battle of Bunker Hill?

The American Revolutionaries had minimal ammunition. Since most of the Revolutionaries were irregulars and the muskets were difficult to aim, conserving ammunition was critical (since misses were high). As a result, General Putnam wanted the Americans to wait until they could see the British easily before shooting so that they would have an easier target. As the British neared the American battle lines, the first line were cut down by musket fire from the Americans.


What did Israel Putnam do?

Israel Putnam was a prominent American military officer during the American Revolutionary War. Known for his leadership at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, he famously urged his troops to "don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" to conserve ammunition. Before the war, Putnam was also a successful farmer and a veteran of the French and Indian War. His contributions to the American cause and his bold leadership made him a significant figure in early American military history.


What was the famous order given t the colonial soldiers during the Battle of Bunker Hill?

Don't fire until you'll see the white of their eyes ! That order was allegedly given by general Israel Putnam.


When did William Prescott say don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes?

He may have never said it, but whoever said it, the words were spoken during the Battle of Bunker Hill, near Boston, Massachusetts. The Patriots did not have much ammunition, and the idea was to conserve ammunition until the British were close enough to make every shot count. Most sources have claimed that the words were spoken by General Israel Putnam, who was an old Indian fighter.


Who was the british leader in the Battle of Bunker Hill?

The Americans leaders were: at Breed's Hill Col. William Prescott. At Bunker Hill Gen. Israel Putnam. The British leaders were: The general who ordered the assault: Thomas Gage. The general who carried out the assault: sir William Howe. The general who supported Howe after his assault was twice repulsed by reinforcing the British attacking forces by 400 fresh troops: sir Henry Clinton


Who Breed's Hill?

Under General Israel Putman and Col. William Prescott, 15,000 colonists, including 1/3 who were African-Americans, defended Breeds Hill. Two weeks later, General George Washington took command. It was Prescott who made the famous quote "don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes."


Who defended Breeds Hill?

Under General Israel Putman and Col. William Prescott, 15,000 colonists, including 1/3 who were African-Americans, defended Breeds Hill. Two weeks later, General George Washington took command. It was Prescott who made the famous quote "don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes."


Who were the major people of the Battle of Bunker Hill?

The Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775, featured key figures including American Colonel William Prescott, who famously commanded the colonial troops and is known for his order, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes." On the British side, Major General William Howe led the forces against the Americans. Other notable figures included Israel Putnam, a prominent colonial leader, and Dr. Joseph Warren, who played a significant role in rallying the troops and was killed in the battle.