Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes: A Contemporary Account of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Supplement to the New-York Journal, or General Advertiser. New York: John Holt, June 29, 1775, Numb. 1695. Broadside (438 x 270 mm). Split horizontally along fold, with tape at each edge holding halves together, approx. 45 mm closed tear in third column running up vertically from central horizontal fold, some spotting. CONTEMPORARY ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. Fought on June 17, 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill was an important moment in the earliest phase of the Revolutionary War during the Siege of Boston. Although Bunker Hill was technically a defeat for the Colonial Army as they ultimately retreated, the British suffered more casualties. Because of this, the battle is remembered for proving the mettle of the colonial forces, demonstrating that they had a real chance fighting against the more professionally trained British Army. Famously, the colonial forces were told, 'Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes,' although no source has authenticated this claim and it is attributed to several figures. The present article notes, 'Capt. Nolton gave orders to the men not to fire until the enemy were got within 15 rods, and then not till the word was given.' For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing
Description
Buyer's Premium
32%
Estimate $1,500-$2,500
Current Price (1 bid)
$1,200
1 bidder is watching this item
Jun 14, 2026 12:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
$1,600
(1 bid)$650
$2,400
$650
$1,600
$900
(2 bids)$1,600
$6,500
$650
$18,000
$2,400
$2,400
(1 bid)










![Containing the First Map to Name the Hudson River. [INGA, ATHANASIUS, pseud.] West-Indische Spie...: Containing the First Map to Name the Hudson River. [INGA, ATHANASIUS, pseud.] West-Indische Spieghel, Waer inne men sien kan, alle de Eylanden, Provintien, Lantschappen, het machtige Ryck van Mexico,](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/1043/418091/234324437_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1781787686&width=181)










![[African-Americana] A Pro-Slavery Reaction to the American Anti-Slavery Society's Postal Campaign of: [African-Americana] A Pro-Slavery Reaction to the American Anti-Slavery Society's Postal Campaign of 1835 "In pursuance of public notice, a very large meeting of the citizens of Shell Point took place](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/420376/233883430_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1780677787&width=181)
![[Piracy] Rare Royal Proclamation Broadside, Issued by King Charles II During the Golden Age of: [Piracy] Rare Royal Proclamation Broadside, Issued by King Charles II During the Golden Age of Piracy, Establishing Strict Regulations for Maritime Trade and Navigation to curb the Piratical Practices](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/420376/233883677_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1780677787&width=181)
![[War of 1812] Likely the Earliest Broadside of this Catastrophic Event, Containing a Description of: [War of 1812] Likely the Earliest Broadside of this Catastrophic Event, Containing a Description of the Burning of Washington D.C. on August 24, 1814 "The enemy took possession of the city, burned the](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/420376/233883718_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1780677787&width=181)
![[American Revolution] The British Reaction to the Battles of Lexington and Concord?: [American Revolution] The British Reaction to the Battles of Lexington and Concord? The Pennsylvania Evening Post Philadelphia: Benjamin Towne, Saturday, July 29, 1775. Printed newspaper. Bifolium. pp](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/197/420376/233883487_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1780677787&width=181)
![The New-York Spectator issue announcing Hamilton's death: [HAMILTON-BURR DUEL] New-York Spectator. New York: J. Mills, July 12-14, 1804. 4pp. Large folio broadsheet printed in four columns with a black border. 20 x 12 inches (51 x 30.5 cm). The names "](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/292/420198/233786136_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1780605114&width=181)