Colonel William Prescott, Battle Quotes

A collection of quotes by Colonel William Prescott, Battle.

Colonel William Prescott was an American military officer born on February 20, 1726, in Groton, Massachusetts. He played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War, most notably in the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Prescott began his military career as a captain in the French and Indian War, where he gained valuable experience and earned a reputation for his leadership skills and bravery. When the American Revolutionary War broke out, he joined the Massachusetts militia and was quickly promoted to colonel.

On June 17, 1775, Colonel Prescott was chosen to command the American troops defending the strategic location of Bunker Hill, overlooking Boston. Despite being heavily outnumbered and lacking sufficient ammunition, Prescott courageously led his men in building defensive fortifications on Breed's Hill, a nearby position that was mistakenly referred to as Bunker Hill.

During the battle, Colonel Prescott famously uttered the words, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes," instructing his troops to hold their fire until the British soldiers were closer. Despite the eventual American defeat, Prescott's leadership and the determination of his men showcased the resilience and fighting spirit of the American colonists.

Colonel William Prescott continued to serve in the Continental Army throughout the Revolutionary War and played a significant role in the defense of New England. After the war, he retired to his farm in Pepperell, Massachusetts, where he lived until his death on October 13, 1795.