Boston in 1775 is an island city occupied by British troops after a series of incendiary incidents by patriots who range from citizens to vigilantes. After the Boston Tea Party, British and American soldiers and Massachusetts residents have maneuvered around each other until April 19, when violence erupts at Lexington and Concord. In June, with the city cut off from supplies by a British blockade and Patriot militia poised in siege, skirmishes give way to war in the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Part I: Liberty -- The city on the hill -- Poor unhappy Boston -- The long hot summer -- The alarm -- The unnatural contest -- Part II: Rebellion -- The trick to see it -- The bridge -- No business but that of war -- The redoubt -- The battle -- Part III: The siege -- The fiercest man -- The clap of thunder -- Epilogue: Character alone.