William Prescott
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William Prescott (February 20, 1726 – 1795) was an American Colonel in the Revolutionary War who commanded the rebel forces in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Prescott became widely known for his famous quote, "Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes," an important instruction since his soldiers were very low on ammunition.
Prescott was born at Groton, Massachusetts to Benjamin Prescott (1696-1738) and Abigail Oliver Prescott (1697-1765). He married Abigail Hale (1733-1821) on April 13, 1758, and they had one son, also named William, in 1762.
Besides Bunker Hill, Prescott had served in the French and Indian War and was active in the battles for New York City in 1776 and the Saratoga Campaign of 1777 commanding the 7th Continental Regiment.
His grandson William H. Prescott was a noted historian and author. His younger brother Oliver Prescott also served during the war as a militia general, and the cousin of Rebecca Minot Prescott; who married American founding father Roger Sherman.
The former town of Prescott, Massachusetts, was named in his honor. The town was disincorporated in 1938 as part of the building of the Quabbin Reservoir, and the land now makes up Prescott Peninsula, which divides the main branches of the reservoir.
Prescott's likeness was made into a statue for a memorial for the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Prescott's house is located in East Pepperell, Massachusetts.
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