He was stirred and greatly rejoiced at the coming of the fight, which he now believed inevitable, and as always, when he was deeply moved, the hidden springs of sentiment and passion were opened, and he reminded his soldiers that it was the anniversary of the Boston massacre, and appealed to them by the memories of that day to prepare for battle with the enemy.

As with the Huguenots at Ivry,-- "Remember St.Bartholomew was passed from man to man." But the fighting never came.

The British troops were made ready, then a gale arose and they could not cross the bay.

The next day it rained in torrents, and the next day it was too late.

The American intrenchments frowned threateningly above the town, and began to send in certain ominous messengers in the shape of shot and shell.