|
|
|
Home Recent Events President George Washington's Farewell Address Revolution Tales and Anecdotes Some Distinguished Compatriots |
Concord and Lexington
(1775) The previous conflicts between the Colonists and the government of England boiled over on the morning of 19 April 1775, when the first shot of the American Revolution occurred. General Gage orders some 700 grenadiers and light infantry to Lexington to arrest the rebels John Handcock and Samuel Adams. They also are to seize the stores of arms and powder at Concord as well. Colonial spies' track the advancing Army's move and lanterns are
hung from the old North Church, and alarm riders sent out to warn the country.
Headed for the towns of Concord and Lexington are 3 riders Paul Revere,
William Dawes, and Dr. Samuel Prescott. Revere, known to the British soldiers
for some time to be a rebel sympathizer, is apprehended some 2 miles from
Concord, but only after warning Parson Jonas Clark about the impending
fate which awaits Sam Adams and John Handcock. Revere tells his British
captors that Lexington has 500 men mustered and awaiting their arrival.
The British, unsure of this revelation, leave Revere horseless in Lexington,
where he eventually helps in the escape of both Adams and Handcock.
|
