“When the enemy were landed, to the number of 2500, as we are since informed, being the light infantry and the grenadiers of the army with a compleat train of artillery, howitzers and field pieces, drawn by 200 sailors, and commanded by the most gallant and experienced officers of the last war; . . . The fire from the ships and artillery of the enemy was horrid and amazing; the first onset of the soldiers was bold and fierce, but they were received with equal courage; at length the 38th regiment gave way, and the rest recoiled. . . . The number of the King's troops killed and wounded are three times our loss. . . . [T]he ground was covered with officers. The cannon was dreadful. The King's troops began firing at a great distance, being scarce of ammunition deferred our fire.” –Letter written by a colonial officer, 1775
This eyewitness account of the Battle of Bunker Hill shows that .
a. the Americans were terrified and almost ran
b. both sides lost the same number of men
c. the fighting was fierce
d. the British troops were cowardly