There is a tradition in regard to the bravery of a negro servant in the battle, which is also confirmed by the State records. The story goes that ‘‘Salem Poor,” a slave, owned by Mr. John Poor, shot Lieutenant-colonel Abercrombie. As that officer sprang on the redoubt, while our men were in retreat, and exclaimed, “ The day is ours,” Salem turned and took aim and fired. He saw the officer fall. The record in the Archives! is as follows :—

“* RECOMMENDATION OF SALEM POOR, A NEGRO, FOR BRAVERY.

“To THE HonL. GENL. COURT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY. The subscribers begg leave to Report to your Honble House, which we do in justice to the Caracter of so Brave a Man that came under our observation. We declare that a Negro Man called Salem Poor, of Col. Frye’s Regiment, Capt. Ames’ company, in the late battle at Charlestown behaved like an experienced officer as well as an excellent soldier ; to set forth Perticulars of his conduct would be tedious. Wee would only begg leave to say, in the Person of this sd. Negro centres a Brave & Gallant soldier. ‘The Reward due to so great and Distinguished a Caracter wee submit to the Congress.

“CAMBRIDGE, Dec. 6, 1775.         Jona BREWER, Col.
                                                                   Thomas WINON, Lt.-col.
                                                                   Wm. Prescott, Colo.
                                                                   EphM Cary, Lieut.
                                                                   Joseph Baker, Lieut.
                                                                   Joshua Reed, Lieut,”