At the same time the new standard recently sent from Connecticut was unfurled, to the acclaim of a mighty "_Amen!_" and the thunder of cannon from the fort.

The commotion aroused the British in their dearly-bought stronghold over at Charlestown.

In the language of the Essex Gazette, proclaiming this event: "The Philistines on Bunker Hill heard the shouts of the _Israelites_, and being very fearful, paraded themselves in battle array." Putnam's bold stand at Prospect Hill, so promptly taken and so stoutly maintained, kept the enemy within the territory they had purchased with the blood of their best soldiers, and they never advanced any farther into the country they coveted.

The lines of investment around Boston were drawn closer and made more nearly impregnable, yet weeks and months went by without any material change in the relative positions of British and Provincials, save that Putnam still kept on digging, and creeping nearer and nearer to the foe.

By fortifying Cobble Hill, an elevation that more completely commanded the Charles than his main fortress at Prospect Hill, Putnam was enabled to open fire upon the British men-of-war and floating batteries, and soon silenced and drove them away.