But the hour drew nigh which was to put professions to the proof, and to determine whether the authors of these mutual pledges were ready to seal them in blood.  The tidings of Lexington and Concord had no sooner spread, than it was universally felt that the time was at last come for action.  A spirit pervaded all ranks, not transient, not boisterous, but deep, solemn, determined,

               “totamque infusa per artus
    Mens agitat molem, et magno se corpore miscet.”

War, on their own soil and at their own doors, was, indeed, a strange work to the yeomanry of New England; but their consciences were convinced of its necessity, their country called them to it, and they did not withhold themselves from the perilous trial.  The ordinary occupations of life were abandoned; the plough was staid in the unfinished furrow; wives gave up their husbands, and mothers gave up their sons, to the battles of a civil war.  Death might come, in honor, on the field; it might come, in disgrace, on the scaffold.  For either and for both they were prepared.  The sentiment of Quincy was full in their hearts.  “Blandishments,” said that distinguished son of genius and patriotism, “will not fascinate us, nor will threats of a halter intimidate; for, under God, we are determined that, wheresoever, whensoever, or howsoever we shall be called to make our exit, we will die free men.”

The 17th of June saw the four New England Colonies standing here, side by side, to triumph or to fall together; and there was with them from that moment to the end of the war, what I hope will remain with them for ever, one cause, one country, one heart.

The battle of Bunker Hill was attended with the most important effects beyond its immediate results as a military engagement.  It created at once a state of open, public war.  There could now be no longer a question of proceeding against individuals, as guilty of treason or rebellion.  That fearful crisis was past.  The appeal lay to the sword, and the only question was, whether the spirit and the resources of the people would hold out, till the object should be accomplished.  Nor were its general consequences confined to our own country.  The previous proceedings of the Colonies, their appeals, resolutions, and addresses, had made their cause known to Europe.  Without boasting, we may say, that in no age or country has the public cause been maintained with more force of argument, more power of illustration, or more of that persuasion which excited feeling and elevated principle can alone bestow, than the Revolutionary state papers exhibit.  These papers will for ever deserve to be studied, not only for the spirit which they breathe, but for the ability with which they were written.

To this able vindication of their cause, the Colonies had now added a practical and severe proof of their own true devotion to it, and given evidence also of the power which they could bring to its support.  All now saw, that, if America fell, she would not fall without a struggle.  Men felt sympathy and regard, as well as surprise, when they beheld these infant states, remote, unknown, unaided, encounter the power of England, and, in the first considerable battle, leave more of their enemies dead on the field, in proportion to the number of combatants, than had been recently known to fall in the wars of Europe.