Notice of several Officers who distinguished themselves in the late engagement

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Watertown, August 10, 1775.

Mention has been made in the New-London papers of the gallant and intrepid behaviour of Captain Knowlton, Captain Coit, and Lieutenants Dana and Hide, in the late engagement at Bunker' s Hill. I think it highly reasonable, that the names of all those officers, who by real and solid merit distinguished themselves in that action, should be recorded with honour, and had in everlasting remembrance by their countrymen; this is a tribute which a proper regard to merit, the dictates of justice and self-preservation, seem to require. I shall therefore proceed to mention a few persons (whose names I have obtained) that signalized themselves on this occasion, and whose conduct in the battle aforesaid has not been publickly noticed, hoping some friend to his Country will do justice to all as soon as they are known. In this list of heroes it is needless to expatiate on the character and bravery of Major-General Putnam, whose capacity to form and execute great designs is known through Europe, and whose undaunted courage and martial abilities strike terrour through all the hosts of Midianites, and have raised him to an incredible height in the esteem and friendship of his American brethren; it is sufficient to say, that he seems to be inspired by God Almighty with a military genius, and formed to work wonders in the sight of those uncircumcised Philistines at Boston and Bunker' s Hill, who attempt to ravage this Country, and defy the armies of the living God. Major John Chester, of Weathersfield, now Captain of a company in Gen˙ Spencer' s Regiment, and Lieutenant Samuel Webb, who marched up to the lines with their men, and re-enforced the Troops, by their undaunted behaviour, timely and vigorous assistance, it is universally agreed, are justly entitled to the grateful acknowledgments of their Country. Capt˙ John Kyes, of Ashford, who is First Lieutenant in Capt˙ Knowlton' s Company, and was on the left wing with him during the action, fought with spirit and invincible resolution; for the truth of this fact, I appeal to Capt˙ Knowlton himself, who was on the same wing and an eye witness to his martial spirit, animating and heroick behaviour. Lieutenant Thomas Grosvenor, of Pomfret, also merits a tribute of thanks for his valiant conduct in charging the enemy closely, and maintaining his ground like a hero, till disabled for action and forced to retire by reason of a wound received in one of his hands. Nor can I, without manifest injustice, pass over in silence the spirited and heroick actions of Lieutenant Bingham, of Norwich, and Ensign Bill, of Lebanon, who gave full proof of their courage and martial fire on that important day. These, with many other officers, perhaps, whose names are not yet publickly known, together with the soldiery under their command, beyond all question acquitted themselves with honour, and fought manfully for their Country and the Cities of God.

A FRIEND TO TRUTH.