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.
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."
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.
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.
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
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.
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes, then fire low".
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.
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."
General Israel Putnam's instruction to "fire until you see the whites of their eyes" during the Battle of Bunker Hill emphasized the need for accurate shooting to conserve ammunition and maximize impact. At the time, American forces were outnumbered and their supplies were limited, making it crucial to ensure each shot counted. This command highlighted the importance of discipline and patience in the face of overwhelming odds, encouraging soldiers to wait for a close-range shot to increase their chances of hitting British troops effectively.
He wished to save ammunition.
General Israel Putnam's famous command, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes," emphasized the importance of conserving ammunition and ensuring that soldiers had a clear target. This tactic was crucial during the Battle of Bunker Hill, where the colonial forces faced a well-trained British army. By waiting until the enemy was in close range, the colonists could maximize the effectiveness of their shots and improve their chances of inflicting damage, despite being outnumbered and less equipped. It also instilled discipline and focus in the troops during a critical moment in battle.
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.
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.
Don't fire until you'll see the white of their eyes ! That order was allegedly given by general Israel Putnam.
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.
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
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."