The future looks dim for the Continental army. With scare firewood, little needed supplies of food, blankets and muskets, meager shelter, and disorganized soldiers deserting, the prospects of winning the war, let alone recapturing Boston look doubtful.
To compound the problem, their munitions supply is dwindling fast and they have no heavy artillery to defend themselves or create an offensive attack.
Aboard the HMS Somerset General Howe, the commander of the British army, is anxiously awaiting reinforcements.
But Col. Henry Knox is not one to sit idle and wait.
