Chaos erupted on the battlefield as General George Washington described the harrowing scenes of war during a recent address. "Once fighting started, god, there's smoke all over the battlefield," he recounted, painting a vivid picture of the confusion and despair faced by soldiers. Washington, appointed by Congress to lead the Continental Army, took command in Cambridge on July 3 and quickly assessed the precarious situation against British forces.

With the British firmly in control of Boston, Washington revealed that the lines between the two armies were alarmingly close—sometimes just half a mile apart. "We could see all that they were doing," he noted, emphasizing the urgent need to fortify their defenses. Washington reported that around 14,000 men were diligently working to complete a 12-mile arc of fortifications stretching from the Mystic River through Cambridge to Roxbury, aimed at protecting the greater Boston area from British advances.

Despite their efforts, Washington acknowledged the British advantage of "interior lines," making it challenging for either side to launch an effective attack. "Neither force can attack the other because the fortifications on both sides are so strong," he stated, hinting at the stalemate that had developed. He expressed determination to explore various strategies to dislodge the British from their entrenched positions.

Washington also invited attendees to view a map showcasing the progress of the fortifications, highlighting the importance of these developments for future generations. He concluded with a nod to history, suggesting that the three battles fought thus far would be regarded as a significant triumvirate in the ongoing struggle for independence.