In the afternoon, the British launched a second assault on Breed’s Hill to dislodge Colonel Prescott and his troops in the redoubt. Howe’s troops, reinforced by some 400 fresh soldiers and marines, finally drove the Americans from Breed’s Hill. Colonel Prescott later recalled the desperate fight.
"“I was now left with perhaps one hundred and fifty men in the fort. The enemy advanced and fired very hotly on the fort, and meeting with a warm reception, there was a very smart firing on both sides. After a considerable time, finding our ammunition was almost spent, I commanded a cessation till the enemy advanced within thirty yards, when we gave them such a hot fire that they obliged to retire nearly one hundred and fifty yards before they could rally and come up again to the attack. Our ammunition being nearly exhausted, could keep up only a scattering fire. The enemy, being numerous, surrounded our little fort, began to mount our lines and enter the fort with bayonets. We was obliged to retreat through them, while they kept up as hot a fire as it was possible for them to make. We, having very few bayonets, could make no resistence.”"
Col. William Prescott to John Adams, 25 August 1775Commager and Morris, pp. 125-126.