To conserve ammunition during the Battle of Bunker Hill (the American Revolution).
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The Americans (rebels) had been poorly supplied with ammunition. They needed to save as much ammunition as they could. What they did use needed to be as accurate as possible. The closer the British were when they fired, the higher the kill rate.
This quote is reputedly from Colonel William Prescott during the Revolutionary War when their gun powder was scarce. They were encouraged to conserve powder by not firing until theiy saw the white of their eyes.
This was originally part of an order by Sir Andrew Agnew, a Scottsman, in the battle of Flanders 1743. His tactic in the battle vs. calvalry, to not shoot until close range and with crossfire lines, was clever.
He didn't want anyone to miss shooting the target. (Men)
This famous line was quoted during the Battle of Bunker Hill, during which the troops' ammo were running low. Colonel Prescott advised them "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes. Then aim low" because he knew the bullets were likely to miss if shot from a distance. Not wanting to waste a single bullet, lest they lose the battle to carelessness, the colonel offered this advice.
Application today translates to "Don't go for your goal unless you're sure you can attain it." The philosophy itself is about caution and preservation of efforts.
No one is sure who may have given the order to wait to fire. The men that may have said it were General Israel Putnam, William Prescott, Joseph Warren, or John Stark.
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."
Colonel Prescott said this at the Bunker Hill during the American Revolution. His army had a limited amount of ammunition.
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Colonial William Prescot
Battle of Bunker Hill 1775
Colonel Prescott is important because he was a hero of The Battle of Bunker Hill. He is also known for saying don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes.
Colonel William Prescott
Captain Prescott (William Prescott) was an American colonel in the Revolutionary war who led the Minute Men to Bunker Hill and Breeds Hill in the Battle of Bunker Hill. He is also known as the man who commanded his soldiers, "Do not shoot 'till you see the whites of their eyes".
"Dont shoot until you see the whites of their eyes"
comander at the battle of bunker hill,"don't fire till you see the whites off their eyes" buried in pepperell ma
Colonial Colonel William Prescott . I suppose if you wanted to pin it on one man it could be him. He is also became widely attributed for the famous quote "Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes"
Col. William Prescott at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
colonel prescott
William Prescott was a colonel in the Continental Army during the Battle of Bunker Hill. He is known for his famous order, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes." Prescott fought bravely during the battle and successfully defended the American position on Breed's Hill until they eventually ran out of ammunition and were forced to retreat. Prescott survived the battle and continued to serve in the Continental Army throughout the Revolutionary War.
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" during the Battle of Bunker Hill.
dont fire until you see the whites of their eyes
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."