CHAPTER XVII.

Monotonous State of Affairs before Boston—Washington anxious for Action—Exploit of Putnam—Its Dramatic Consequences—The Farce of the Blockade of Boston—An Alarming Interruption—Distresses of the Besieged—Washington’s Irksome Predicament—His Bold Proposition—Demur of the Council of War—Arrival of Knox with Artillery—Dorchester Heights to be seized and fortified—Preparations for the Attempt 164