In New England conceptions of equality were more advanced.

The extent to which the people would brook the despotism of military command was uncertain.

From the first some of the volunteers had elected their officers.

The result was that intriguing demagogues were sometimes chosen.

The Massachusetts troops, wrote a Connecticut captain, not free, perhaps, from local jealousy, were "commanded by a most despicable set of officers." At Bunker Hill officers of this type shirked the fight and their men, left without leaders, joined in the panicky retreat of that day.