The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: kilopaparomeo on March 29, 2013, 03:14:11 PM
-
Gents
I has been many moons since I posted here. Long story but loss of jobs, new jobs, family health issues, moving, etc, etc has taken its toll. That said, I've been deeply involved in Project Appleseed and over the last 2 years have gone from scoring Rifleman, to taking the Orange Hat of an Instructor in Training, to getting my Red Hat of a full instructor, to taking the Green Hat of a Shoot Boss and now I'm the West Michigan Coordinator for the program. http://appleseedinfo.org
We've recently launched LibertySeeds...the history component of an Appleseed weekend, condensed for presentation to school and civic organizations. I've done 2 of them in the last couple of weeks and have 3 more in the next month. April 19th is a big day for us...the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. If you can't find a LibertySeed in your area, or if you can't make it to an Appleseed to hear the history, I thought maybe I'd lay out the story for you...stolen shamelessly from our state history coordinator.
Lemme know what you think and if you want me to keep going...
Part 1-Powder Raids
In September of 1774, a company of British troops crossed the Charles River by boat from Boston to Cambridge in the middle of night. By early morning they had arrived at the Massachusetts Provisional Powder house. The powder house was a stone silo type structure used as a powder magazine to house the black powder used by the surrounding communities. They were let in by the local sheriff and subsequently confiscated 250 half barrels of powder belonging to the Massachusetts colony.
The redcoats marched back through Cambridge drawing the attention of the locals who spread the word "the powder raids have begun!" The locals were so outraged at this raid that nearly four thousand assembled. They took the sheriff hostage and made him write notice that he would never help the red coats again. They rampaged through the Tory/loyalist section of town and ran the most prominent of them out of town, never to return. It was only the intervention of local patriot leaders who kept the mob from marching to Boston and confronting the army stationed there.
This raid did two things. It confirmed the fear of the colonists that "the Regulars" (what they called the army) could and would raid and confiscate arms. The second thing it did was motivate colonial leaders such as Paul Revere and Dr. Joseph Warren to set up a network of citizens to keep an eye on the troops in Boston for any indication of them mobilizing for future raids.
The early warning system and subsequent alert notification system developed by Revere and Warren would be tested in the coming months.
To be continued...
-
Part 2-Intolerable Acts
In 1773 as a result of the Boston Tea Party, the Parliament had passed a series of laws to bring the colonies under control. These laws were called "The Coercive Acts" and did exactly what they meant, to coerce the colonies into submission.The colonists didn't hear about the Coercive Act until 1774 and by then started referring to them as the "Intolerable Acts".
The Coercive Acts banned free speech. Troops raided newspapers and smashed or confiscated printing presses.They did away with local control of towns, cities, counties and colonies. It removed local judges. A person could now be held without warrant and sent back to England to be judged for any crime the crown could think up.
Under the Coercive Acts, militias were banned as was military type training. Importation of black powder and muskets was stopped.
In December of 1774, General Thomas Gage, commander of all British forces in north America and military governor of Massachusetts ordered another raid. This time the plan was to send a ship load of troops up to New Hampshire to secure the powder and weapons stored at an outpost called Fort William and Mary. The fort was manned by an officer and a small number of regulars.
Paul Revere's intelligence network, called "The Mechanics" because they were all tradesmen, notified him and he made the long ride to the fort in a snowstorm. He contacted the local militia, which was now outlawed and they gathered 250 men and stormed the fort. Shots were fired, people were wounded but no one was killed. The fort was taken and the militia relieved the fort of powder, muskets and small artillery pieces. The militia melted back into the country side.
The governor of New Hampshire was outraged. He sent a message to Gen. Gage telling him of the armed insurrection. The ship load of soldiers had been delayed because of a snow squall and didn't make it for another day. To add insult to injury the ship was run aground (some say intentionally) by the harbor pilot.
The score was now the Regulars 1, Colonists 1. The next raid wouldn't be tried for another couple months.
to be continued...
-
Part 3- Setting The Stage
The conflict between the crown and colonists didn't happen over night. In fact it was a decade long escalation of push and push back. By 1764, England was on the edge of a fiscal cliff. They had just finished the "7 years war" with France around the globe. In north America it was known as the French and Indian war because that's who they were fighting.
To pay for the wars the crown turned to the American colonies. Britain like most of the major powers generated wealth by exploiting the natural resources of the regions they conquered or settled and then created a market in those locations to sell finished products back to. The American colonies had the most resources and were their biggest market. They enjoyed the highest standard of living of all of Britain's colonies including that of the home island. It is always the way to go after the rich, they can afford it. So the crown imposed new taxes on the colonies. First it was for sugar and then they devalued the money basically creating run away inflation.
The colonists had always considered themselves lucky to be "free Englishmen" protected by one of the first codified statement of human rights from centuries before, the Magna Carta. They were also somewhat autonomous from the direct government involvement. They were a long way from Parliament and as such had developed their own style of local government and justice system over a period of decades. The colonists had pushed back the frontier with their own hands. They had fought the French, Spanish, pirates, Indians and marauders of all kinds. They had cleared the land with their own hands. The had bore and buried their children on it. They developed a system that worked and they highly resented the crown taking what they considered to be theirs.
The new taxes shocked and angered them. They formed groups to protest the new taxes. One group that was particularly vocal was The Sons of Liberty. Men like Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, Dr. Joseph Warren, John Hancock and others became leaders. They were able to successfully argue down new taxes only to have them replaced with others.
The more the crown pushed, the more the colonists resisted and pushed back. This caused the crown to send more troops to enforce the regulations and protect the tax collectors and government officials. Of course this escalated the tension between the two sides and increased the odds of a confrontation. With the passing of the Stamp Act (taxing every commercial piece of paper such as newspapers, contracts, letters etc) the resistance intensified.
Samuel Adams one of the major agitators and was in charge of the Boston Mob. Not an organized crime mob but laborers and tradesmen whom he could get on short notice to start a demonstration or antagonize the soldiers in Boston. This came to a head in March of 1770 when soldiers taunted by the mob and pelted with snowballs opened fired on the crowd, the infamous Boston Massacre. The British sent more troops into the city in a show of force and of course the Boston Massacre became galvanizing event for the resistance.
The crown backed off for a time and for several years an uneasy peace reigned with only minor conflicts. However, with the passing of the Tea Tax in 1773, colonial passions were again flamed which resulted in the Boston Tea Party. As everyone knows, Sons of Liberty dressed as Indians went aboard ship and dumped the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of tea into the harbor. While the Indian garb may have been to disguise those involved, it was actually used because Indians were considered the symbol of a free people.
The crown was outraged and sent more troops. They created more restrictions such as the Townsend Acts which implemented financial sanctions and import, export regulations. These were met with more resistance. By 1774, the American colonies were under martial law and Boston was occupied by thousands of troops sent in to enforce the mandates of the Coercive/Intolerable Acts.
Stay tuned...
-
Thanks, KPR. Was wondering where you might have wandered.
I see you haven't wasted any of your spare time, what you had of it with everything else.
Good job with Appleseed. You are helping all of us by getting the young folks on the right track with firearms.
Thanks and pop in often if you can.
Take care.
-
Good to see you chimin' in KPR. Glad your alright.
The "crown" also was throwing in the "Stamp Acts" as well.....
I've been keeping busy as well with a new hobby:
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/OQCks9gZwEShdnOCpqsL9Q2_zpsada58eb6.jpg)
;D
-
Thanks for the Welcome Home, Solus & twyacht. Not much time to post much these days. I do on occasional though.
Here's a bit more...
Part 4-More Trouble
By 1774, the colonists were not only resisting but actively planning for the inevitable. Because the crown banned public meetings and militias the colonists set up "Committees of Correspondence". Paul Revere became the chief messenger and director of communications between the various groups spread throughout the colonies. He often made long dangerous rides carrying dispatches from the leaders in Boston to New York, Philadelphia and the other colonies.
Banning the militias only heightened their activities. What was for years a rag tag group of farmers and shop keepers were now openly arming and training out in the towns and villages. Colonies had also formed provisional governments and holding meetings in open defiance of the law. John Hancock was the president of Massachusetts colonial congress and worked side by side with his chief mentor and aide Sam Adams.
General Gage of course knew all of this. Most of the people in the colonies were not for a revolution. Many did not support the movement and were loyal to the king. As loyalists they felt obligated to keep the Gage's forces apprized of what was going on out in the countryside. Even many of leaders of the resistance were not openly for revolution but belonged to stand up for their rights as free Englishmen thinking that the crown would eventually come to their senses.
In February of 1775, Gen. Gage received information of more stock piling of weapons in Salem, Massachusetts. With good intelligence at hand he sent a ship load of soldiers to Salem. The orders were to arrive early Sunday morning, stand off until daybreak and then make their way to town while everyone was still sleeping or at church. The prize was a local forge where they had information that ship's cannons were being converted to field pieces.
The troops came ashore and quietly made their way to town only to be observed by a local. He ran back to the village and raised the alarm. The villagers turned out led by the local minister. When the regulars (what they were called by the locals) reached town they were greeted by a raised draw bridge and a angry crowd on the other side. The officer in charge demanded the bridge be lowered while the minister engaged him in conversation and negotiation. Upon reaching and agreement the bridge was lowered and the troops were allowed to pass. Reaching the foundry the soldiers found it had been stripped clean while the minister stalled them at the bridge. They returned to Boston empty handed, angry and embarrassed.
Stay tuned..
-
OK, maybe one more. As you guys probably know, Michael Bane has been to an Appleseed and came away a convert. Remember, it most certainly isn't for kids (although I'm happy to see them on my lines). We as Americans have lost our knowledge of how to shoot rifles (I mean REALLY shoot them...not just put them on a bipod/bench and throw lead down range) and we have certainly let the brushfires of liberty die in our hearts.
Part 5-Tensions Rise
In March of 1775, Dr. Joseph Warren, a prominent Boston physician and head of the intelligence gathering operation in Boston gave a rousing oration on the 5 year anniversary of the Boston Massacre. In attendance at the church that day were numerous British officers who hissed and booed so loudly that they were run out into the street. Troops were summoned to quell the near riot.
By now, Revere, Warren and the mechanics were patrolling the streets every night looking for any signs of mobilization. In early April Warren received letters off a packet ship from England that another raid was imminent. Reports started coming in that British officers in plain clothes were seen out surveying the roads west of Boston and watching militia units. They were identified in the taverns and way stations by the fact they were carrying pistols under their cloaks. No one carried pistols but army officers.
The concern became so great that during the second week of April Paul Revere rode the 18 miles west to Concord to warn John Hancock, Sam Adams and Dr. Benjamen Church. Church, another Boston physician, was head of the security committee. He and the others were in Concord conducting meetings of the provisional congress.
Back in Boston, orders for Gen. Gage had arrived on the same ship from which Dr. Warren received his letters. Gages' orders were clear. He was to make all efforts to quash the insurrection and arrest the leaders, particularly Hancock, Adams and Revere. Gage had his own intelligence organization in place. He knew of the meeting in Concord. He also knew that large stores of military goods were in Concord and he exactly who had them and where they were. He knew the strength and size of the militia units along the way. He knew the conditions of the roads. He also knew that his army was being closely watched.
Gen. Thomas Gage had up to this point been roundly criticized in London for not cracking down on the rebels earlier or more harshly. Some of his junior officers referred to him behind his back as "Old Lady Gage" for not rounding up and hanging the leaders. He chose however to use a softer hand knowing that harsh treatment would only further inflame the passions of the colonists.
His actions were also tempered by the fact that he had lived in the colonies since the 1740s and because his wife, Margaret Kimble Gage was the American born daughter of rich family in New Jersey. She was heiress to the family fortune. She and Gage held large estates in New Jersey and large plantations in the West Indies. He also loved his wife and had a lot to lose if a revolution started.
Margaret was the top rung of society being married to the most powerful man in north America. She was sometimes called the Queen of America but she was sympathetic to the cause of liberty.
Gen. Gage formulated his plan. On April 18th, under cover of darkness, he would send a column of troops under the command of Col. Francis Smith. Their sealed orders, only opened after they left Boston, would be to go to Concord and confiscate or destroy all military stores hidden there. They were to arrest Hancock and Adams and any other rebel leader the ran across and return to Boston by noon of the next day. Hours before their departure, he would send out 20 officers in advance to spread out along the roads to pick up any messengers coming out of Boston.
In order to keep the plan a secret, he would tell only three people. They were Col. Smith who would lead the brigade of 700 men, his second in command, Gen. Hugh Earl Percy, and his wife Margaret.
On April 18th, Revere and Dr. Warren were kept busy by reports of a mobilization. Boats were being lowered from all the war ships in the harbors. Army officers were telling stable boys to get their horses ready. Troops had been confined to quarters or being called back into garrison. As the day wore on and the soldiers retreated back into their quarters Boston became quiet. Tension hung in the air. Something was up and everybody knew it.
continued...
-
I know where this is heading! I was there last April and walked the fields and stood on that hallowed ground near the Old North Bridge! I'll post pics when you get there Kilo...
-
Same I was about to post them also, but will augment the pics when the time is right.
-
One correction to make in section #2.
During the raid on Fort William and Mary on the evening of December 15 1774, no shots were fired and there were no injuries.
The Major in command of the Fort had 6 troops who he called out to hold the fort's gate, at this point the local "Son's of Liberty" rolled up a privately owned cannon from one of the ships in Portsmouth harbor.
Seeing that his options were now either surrender, or be blown up the Major surrendered the stores in the Fort which were loaded on wagons using the British troops as forced labor, they were then locked in the Fort's Guardroom and the powder, shot, and muskets were hauled away.
Fort William and Mary was renamed Fort Constitution and is located on the grounds of the Coast Guard Station on Great Common Island, New Castle NH.
It's open to the public and admission is free.
The fortifications are composed of earthen berms on 2 sides with a brick wall on the 3rd land side entered through a tunnel housing the guard room, the "gate" is a timber portcullis.
The seaward side was originally another earthen berm but was supposed to be reinforced with a granite facing .
The work was about half finished when the Engineer Officer in charge, Major Robert Anderson,was transferred to a new command .
Fort Sumter, SC.
The granite blocks still lay on the site where they were left when work stopped.
-
Damn I still love history...
I wish our Public/Gov't Education system had the the same zeal. It's up to US to pass on the actual reality of our heritage to our kids and grandkids.
I posted about my high school son's WWII "lesson" that spanned a simple 5 day period. It was insulting.
WE need to keep the truth as a backstop to Progressive re-writing and selective editing about the birth of this nation, and what it carries forward...They are getting away with it far too often.
-
One correction to make in section #2.
During the raid on Fort William and Mary on the evening of December 15 1774, no shots were fired and there were no injuries.
Thanks for the interesting follow on about Fort William and Mary. Good additional color.
As for the shots fired, etc, the fascinating thing about history is often accounts are conflicting depending on what you read. My version comes from "Paul Revere's Ride" by David Hackett Fischer. On p 56, he references in the raid that the British garrison of "an officer and 6 invalids" get off 2 or 3 cannon shot and a volley. The rebels swarm into the fort and there is hand to hand fighting with some injuries but no deaths. He heavily footnotes his account, with this specific one coming from an account of the battle from in a letter from Capt John Cochran to Governor John Wentworth.
It's enough to make even a history geek go nuts.... ;D
-
Part 6-It Begins
By evening, troops were being moved to the south end of Boston near the back bay. It was still unknown which direction the army would move. Would they take the short route by boat across the Charles river or would the march out by the long road?
In those days, Boston was only connected to land by a narrow strip of land called Boston Neck. The road in and out was controlled by a gate. If the army marched south they would have to swing south around the back bay then back up to Cambridge to get to the road west to Concord. If they took the shorter route across the river they would essentially land in a swamp and make their way west to pick up the road from Charlestown to Cambridge. The water route was shorter but would take more logistics to move 700 men across.
Learning of the troop movements Dr. Warren called upon his one intelligence source high up in Gen. Gage's command. He was able to get details of the plans of the column.
Immediately Warren called on Revere and another man named William Dawes. Their plan was put into place. Revere would cross by boat to Charlestown and proceed west to put out the alarm. Dawes would try to get out the south end of Boston and spread the word as well with the idea the one of the two of them might get through. The penalty if caught was likely the hangman's noose.
With the troops still massing at the south end, it was still unknown which way they would go. Another part of Revere's and Warren's communication plan was implemented. As soon as troops started moving observers would spread the word to a pair of men in the north end. Those men, vicars in the North Church would then post lanterns in the steeple. One light if the troops went out Boston neck and two lanterns if they went across the bay in boats.
Paul Revere made his way to the water's edge on the north side of Boston. He was met by two men who began rowing him across the bay. The moon was full and laying in it's mooring out in the bay directly in their path was the British ship of the line, HMS Somerset.
more later...
-
When I'm telling history at an Appleseed or LiberySeed, I usually keep the theme of "what can one person do?" Most people think "not a lot" and "why should I do anything...I won't make a difference".
Really? How about start a revolution? Or found a country?
Lots of "one persons" did what they could do. Revere gave up many hours to organize, ride between towns, deliver messages, make sure the network of information, spies and committees were flowing information freely.
Margaret Kembell Gage betrayed her husband and told Warren of the plan. She was shipped off to England on a hospital ship and to never return to her home country, or to live with her husband again. What can one person do? Change the course of history.
Warren organized, planned, pulled people like Revere, Franklin, John Adams, Samuel Adams and John Hancock (the Mutt and Jeff of the 1770's) together to argue, debate, and DO THINGS! They could have sat in bar and been content to only talk conspiracy (the 18th century equivalent of arguing on the internet) but instead they agitated, motivated and pushed back.
That's all they ask of us. Get involved.
-
Thanks for the interesting follow on about Fort William and Mary. Good additional color.
As for the shots fired, etc, the fascinating thing about history is often accounts are conflicting depending on what you read. My version comes from "Paul Revere's Ride" by David Hackett Fischer. On p 56, he references in the raid that the British garrison of "an officer and 6 invalids" get off 2 or 3 cannon shot and a volley. The rebels swarm into the fort and there is hand to hand fighting with some injuries but no deaths. He heavily footnotes his account, with this specific one coming from an account of the battle from in a letter from Capt John Cochran to Governor John Wentworth.
It's enough to make even a history geek go nuts.... ;D
My source is local history, and the plaque beside the gate .
It's supported by the lack of gun emplacements on the shore side of the fort.
-
Like I said, the accounts differ enough to make ya nuts!
-
Part 7-The Ride
While Paul Revere was being rowed across the bay to Charlestown, William Dawes had to make his way through the gate blocking entry to the city on Boston neck. He then had to take the long southern road around and then up to Cambridge then west on the road to Lexington. The guards at the gate were ordered not to let anyone in or out but Dawes had developed a relationship with the guards, as he was a tanner and often did business that took him in this direction. He may have slipped them a drink, a coin or just a good word and was allowed to pass.
Paul Revere's boat was quietly rowed and was able to skirt the HMS Somerset by staying in it's moon shadow. Reaching the far shore he was met by his contacts and Deacon Jahn Larkin gave him a horse named Brown Beauty. The horse was a Naragansset, a strong horse bred for running and this particular specimen was chosen because of her speed and endurance. Looking back toward Boston, Revere and his contacts noticed two lanterns in the North Church steeple. The army was coming by the short route over the river, he needed to hurry.
Revere's ride was to take him through Charlestown down the Charlestown neck and south into open country where he would pick up the west road north of Cambridge. Clearing Charlestown he swung south and noticed a pair of riders in the road ahead. He slowed and upon realizing they were British Officers, wheeled his horse around and took off across the fields. The officers immediately gave chase. One was eventually bogged down in mud and Revere was able to outrun the other. The choice of Brown Beauty had been a good one.
The chase had pushed Revere north and fearing other riders he chose to take the north road up to Medford a detour of 5 or 6 miles out of the way. This did however afford him the opportunity to contact local leaders who in turn sent out other rides to spread the word.
Unlike popular myth, Revere did not ride through the countryside shouting "the British are coming". He and everyone else considered themselves British so it didn't much sense to call them what they themselves were. He also didn't shout out, instead he had a well established fan out notification system in place. He would wake the local leader who in turn would send out more riders. By this method by the end of the night some 80 riders had spread the word to a distance of 100 miles away.
After Medford, Revere swung south back down to Menotomy (now modern day Arlington) and notified his contacts there. After a short rest he turned west on the road to Lexington. Revere reached Lexington around midnight.
More....
-
Part 8-Smith's Column
While Revere was riding west to Lexington, Col. Smith's column was assembling at the water's edge on the south end of Boston. The officers who were present did not know the mission and were only told to get their companies in line but things were not going well. By 10 pm the units that were supposed to being ferried across were still being formed and no progress was being made. Large wooden skiffs were present but there was not enough of them to carry the 700 men across. Col. Smith was not in attendance and arguments broke out among the officers as to who should go first.
The troops had been issued the standard combat load of 36 rounds of ammo for their .75 cal smooth bore Brown Bess, flintlock muskets. They also carried the requisite 18" triangular bayonet, cartridge box and haversack for food and personal items.
Col. Smith arrived near midnight and found his troops still on the eastern shore of the Charles River. He quickly got his officers in order and the troops began moving across. The troops were packed shoulder to shoulder in the low skiffs with water all the way up to the gunnels. Gage had been clear that secrecy was to be kept at all costs so the landing was scoped to be at an uninhabited place called Lechmere Point. It was uninhabited because it was a marsh at high tide. As the troopers bailed out of their boats, many had to wade ashore in waist deep, ice cold mucky water.
Once ashore it was learned that food rations had not been issued. A call was put out to the navy to bring rations. The navy responded by clearing out their spoiled and rotten supplies which once issued, the soldiers promptly threw them away.
Long after Paul Revere had reached Lexington and the militia turned out, the troops were finally ashore, but Smith, being a commander that was much better at following orders than being a brilliant military mind, spend an hour assembling his men in order according to their regimental number. Finally, 5 hours late, the orders were given to march west.
to be continued...
-
Part 9-Lexington
Upon reaching Lexington Paul Revere immediately went to the house of Reverend Jonas Clark. He knew that John Hancock and Sam Adams when warned out of Concord a few days before had retreated to Rev. Clark's house. This house was chosen because Hancock's grandfather had built the church and rectory and served as it's minister for many years before Clark took over. Hancock was well known in the town having spent a great deal of time there with his grandfather.
Revere was surprised to be stopped by armed militia men as he approached the house. He was told that earlier in the day 8 men on horses identified as army officers had come through town. John Parker the militia captain had ordered the same number of his men to protect Hancock and Adams.
Revere, Hancock, Adams and Parker met to discuss what to do. Hancock wanted to stay and fight but Adams and Revere talked him out of it. Parker decided he would call out his militia and send scouts east toward Boston to try and locate the column. As they talked, William Dawes, the other rider out of Boston showed up finally showed up. Even though he left earlier than Revere and had a shorter route, he came in later. It is speculated that Dawes rode slowly and only warned a few people that night.
After some rest and food, Adams and Hancock were to leave town as soon as possible while Revere and Dawes would continue their ride to Concord.
On the road out of town, Revere and Dawes ran into Dr. Samuel Prescott from Concord. Prescott had been in Lexington courting his fiance Lydia Mulligan. Prescott informed Revere that he was "a true son of liberty" and upon hearing that, Revere asked if he would help spread the word. Since he was doctor he knew most of people in Concord and surrounding areas, he agreed. What a commitment...it's after midnight, Prescott is tired after a long day and he agrees to ride with some strangers to "save the country". Would you have done that?
As the trio rode west with Revere out front, they noticed a couple riders along the road ahead in the moonlight. Revere figures that he has been diverted by a British patrol before, but now that they are 3, they can easily take these men. Moving forward, two more riders appeared from the shadows under the trees. Four more riders suddenly appeared behind them. Faced with 8 armed men with pistols and nowhere to run Revere and his companions were forced to surrender. The officers, a combination of lieutenants and sergeants, forced the men off the road into a stone walled coral. A quick glance among the trio was exchanged and all three spurred their horses forward. Prescott and Dawes managed to clear the wall and escape while Revere's reins were seized by the nearest officer. Revere was caught and the future of liberty is in jeopardy.
continued...
-
(http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo283/tsbevins/035_zps5d9d04a6.jpg)
"The Hancock-Clarke House, built in 1737, is 1/4 mile from Buckman Tavern, on Hancock Street. On the evening of April 18, 1775, John Hancock and Samuel Adams, prominent leaders in the colonial cause, were guests of the Reverend Jonas Clarke in the parsonage. Fearing that they might be captured by the British, Dr Joseph Warren of Boston sent William Dawes and Paul Revere to Lexington with news of the advancing British troops. Arriving separately, they stopped to warn Hancock and Adams, then set off for Concord."
-
Part 8-Smith's Column
While Revere was riding west to Lexington, Col. Smith's column was assembling at the water's edge on the south end of Boston. The officers who were present did not know the mission and were only told to get their companies in line but things were not going well. By 10 pm the units that were supposed to being ferried across were still being formed and no progress was being made. Large wooden skiffs were present but there was not enough of them to carry the 700 men across. Col. Smith was not in attendance and arguments broke out among the officers as to who should go first.
The troops had been issued the standard combat load of 36 rounds of ammo for their .75 cal smooth bore Brown Bess, flint lock muskets. They also carried the requisite 18" triangular bayonet, cartridge box and haversack for food and personal items.
Col. Smith arrived near midnight and found his troops still on the eastern shore of the Charles River. He quickly got his officers in order and the troops began moving across. The troops were packed shoulder to shoulder in the low skiffs with water all the way up to the gunnels. Because Gage was so concerned with secrecy, he demanded that the troops be landed at an uninhabited point. Where they landed, a place called Lechmere Point, was uninhabited because it was a marsh at high tide. After spilling out of boats, the troopers slogged through cold mucky water up to their waists.
Once ashore it was learned that food rations had not been issued. A call was put out to the navy to bring rations. The navy responded by clearing out their spoiled and rotten supplies which once issued, the soldiers promptly threw them away.
Long after Paul Revere had reached Lexington and the militia turned out, the troops were finally ashore and assembled. However Smith, known for following orders rather than being a brilliant tactician, spent another hour lining up ther troops in regimental order. 5 hours behind schedule, the orders were given to march west.
to be continued...
-
Part 9-Lexington
Upon reaching Lexington Paul Revere immediately went to the house of Reverend Jonas Clark. He knew that John Hancock and Sam Adams when warned out of Concord a few days before had retreated to Rev. Clark's house. This house was chosen because Hancock's grandfather had built the church and rectory and served as it's minister for many years before Clark took over. Hancock was well known in the town having spent a great deal of time there with his grandfather.
Revere was surprised to be stopped by armed militia men as he approached the house. He was told that earlier in the day 8 men on horses identified as army officers had come through town. John Parker the militia captain had ordered the same number of his men to protect Hancock and Adams.
Revere, Hancock, Adams and Parker met to discuss what to do. Hancock wanted to stay and fight but Adams and Revere talked him out of it. Parker decided he would call out his militia and send scouts east toward Boston to try and locate the column. As they talked, William Dawes, the other rider out of Boston showed up.
After some rest and food, Adams and Hancock were to leave town as soon as possible while Revere and Dawes would continue their ride to Concord.
On the road out of town, Revere and Dawes ran into Dr. Samuel Prescott from Concord. Prescott had been in Lexington visiting his fiance' Lydia Mulligan. Prescott informed Revere that he was "a true son of liberty" and would help spread the word. Since he was doctor he knew most of people in Concord and surrounding areas.
As the trio rode west they noticed a couple riders along the road ahead in the moonlight. Moving forward two more riders appeared from the shadows under the trees. Four more riders suddenly appeared behind them and they realized these men were British officers. Faced with 8 armed men with pistols and nowhere to run Revere and his companions were forced to surrender. The officers, a combination of lieutenants and sergeants forced the men off the road into a stone walled coral. A quick glance among the trio was exchanged and all three spurred their horses forward. Prescott and Dawes managed to clear the wall and escape while Revere's reins were seized by the nearest officer. Revere was caught and ready to pay the price.
continued...
-
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/we3/01ConcordFight2.jpg)
Concord Fight
On the morning of April Nineteenth 1775, while the British held this bridge, the Minute Men and Militia of Concord and neighboring towns gathered on the hill across the river.
There the Concord adjutant Joseph Hosmer, demanded “Will you let them burn the town down?”
There the Lincoln Captain William Smith offered to dislodge the British, the Acton Captain Isaac Davis, said “I haven’t a man that’s afraid to go” and the Concord Colonel James Barrett ordered the attack on the Regulars.
The column was led by Major John Buttrick, marching form his own farm his aid was Lt. Colonel John Robinson of Westford. The Minute Men of Acton, Concord, Lincoln and Bedford followed. After them came the militia. At the British volley Isaac Davis fell, Buttrick cried “Fire fellow soldiers for God’s sake fire” and himself fired first. The British fled and here began the separation of Two kindred nations now happily long united in peace.
By Allen Freech
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/we3/02Concordfight.jpg)
Concord Fight small
The remains of those who fell in the Battle of Lexington were brought here from the Old Cemetery April 20 1835 and buried within the railing in the front of this monument
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/we3/07MinManMonEngfar.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/we3/06MinManMonEmgclose.jpg)
Min Man Mon British
Here on the 19th of April 1775 was made the first forcible resistance to British aggression.
On the opposite bank stood the American Militia.
Here stood the Invading Army and on this spot the first of the enemy fell in the war of the Revolution which gave Independence to the United States.
In gratitude to GOD and in the love of Freedom this monument was erected ad 1836.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/we3/04MinManMonColside.jpg)
Min Man mon Col side
By the rude bridge that arched the flood.
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled.
Here once the embattled farmers stood.
And fired the shot heard round the world.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/we3/03IsaacDavisstone.jpg)
Isaac Davis stone
On the morning of April 19, 1775 approximately 400 Colonials stood on the hill overlooking the North Bridge, as smoke rose from Concord Center.
The order to march was given, in the exchange of fire that followed, Captian Issac Davis, who had exclaimed “I haven’t A man who is afraid to go” was killed together with Abner Hosmer, a Private, also from Acton.
This memorial was erected by the Captain Isaac Davis chapter if the Daughters of The American Revolution, April 1975.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/we3/08MinManMonEngriverside.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/we3/05MinManMonCol.jpg)
North Bridge Colonial side
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/we3/09NorthBridgeColsideclose.jpg)
North Bridge Colonial side looking from the meeting point
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/we3/10NorthBridgeColside.jpg)
North Bridge from the English side
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/we3/11NorthBridgeEngside.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/we3/12NorthBridge.jpg)
-
Great pix...I'll add some of my own at the end of all this. Hope you guys are enjoying it.
Part 10- The Alarm
Sixteen year old William Diamond lay asleep in his house with his family. He was warm and comfortable under the quilts and blankets huddled together with his brothers and sisters. There was no central heat just a fireplace that had burned down leaving the house cold in the mid April night.
Suddenly he was shaken awake by his mother. "Billy get up, there is trouble in the village, take your drum." He was still groggy when he and his father started the walk through town. He was also cold in the chilly New England air. He noticed that the same full moon that guided Paul Revere across the river earlier in the night was now high in the sky. He could hear the meeting house bell ringing in the distance.
As he and his father walked he noticed other people in the houses moving about in the flickering candle light. He noticed other men and boys moving silently along, the bright dots of candle lanterns swaying as they walked.
One of those boys he saw was Jonathon Harrington. Jonathon was walking with his father and cousin Caleb Harrington. As they reached the town square, known as Lexington Green, his family met at his uncle and namesake's house at the north end of the green.
Prince Esterbrook was already awake in his shack behind the main house when there was a knock on his door. "You don't have to go" his master said. Prince knew the value of freedom by not having any. As a slave he thought maybe these white men might appreciate what they had if it was in danger of being taken away. He had already decided. He would go. "I am ready," he said as he stood.
Captain John Parker was 40ish. He was a veteran of the French Indian War. He had been in Roger's Rangers an elite company for it's time and the forerunner of today's Army Rangers. Parker had been elected captain of the Lexington Militia by his friends and neighbors because of his steady hand, resolute demeanor and experience. He watched the men file by singly or in small groups onto the green. When he saw Billy Diamond and the young Jonathon Harrington he walked over to them. He put a hand on each of their shoulders and said, "I need you boys to stay close to me. Billy, beat assembly to call the men in. When they are formed, Jonathon play something on your fife while we wait for the others."
Diamond the company drummer and Harrington the company fifer did as they were told. Both were only five years old when the trouble started. From the time they could remember all they heard from their elders was about how their liberty was being taken away. They had grown up under the shadow of government oppression and they were both eager to stand up against it no mater what the cost.
As the men and boys formed that day they had no idea what to expect in the coming hours. Standing in armed defiance to the crown was treason. There was no health insurance or life insurance to help their families if wounded or killed. There was no social security or welfare. The death or disablement of the bread winner in the family meant destitution for the whole family. The was no emergency medical service to respond if wounded. There were no anesthetics to dull the pain. There were no antibiotics to prevent infection.
The choice was not simple and it's consequence this day was likely the hot lead of a musket ball, the cold steel of the bayonet or the hangman's noose.
Yet, despite the dangers the women of the town sent their sons and husbands, brothers, fathers and grandfathers. They were as young as 15 years and old as 70. The fathers stood with their sons, nine pairs on the green that morning. Nearly everyone on the green were related either by blood or marriage.
They stood together as one in defense of liberty.
to be continued.
-
Part 11- The Advance
Paul Revere stood in the darkness with 8 officers of the kings army surrounding him. A cocked pistol was pressed to his head and the officer demanded his name.
"I am Paul Revere" he replied. Surprised, the men all looked at each other as if to ask "Paul Revere? THE Paul Revere?"
"Do not lie to us sir, who are you and what are you doing about this eve?" Asked the leader.
"I AM Paul Revere and I beg your pardon." He said disgustedly. "I am taking a message to Concord about the column of troops going there to deprive our countrymen of their rights and arms."
The Lieutenant was startled by this. While he knew a a column was out, he had no knowledge of the mission of Smith's column. His orders were simply to patrol the roads and stop any messengers that might be out. As he pressed Revere for more information Revere readily obliged.
Back in Lexington, Captain Parker had briefed his men on the green. He had sent scouts east to find the column. As the night wore on the men standing in the cool spring air became tired and restless. The initial surge of adrenaline had worn off and many fought to keep their eyes open. No word had yet come back from the scouts about the location of troops.
Out on the road Revere was being pressed for more information. He thought that his only chance was to tell the truth but maybe enhance it a little. He began to tell his captors that they had been watching the troops assemble in Boston and knew from the outset the mission. He explained that by now all the supplies they were after in Concord had been removed and hidden. He told them that he had 500 men in Lexington waiting for Smith, the mission would be a disaster.
Back in Lexington Captain Parker surveyed his men. With no real idea of what was happening he decided to have the men stand down. "Men," he said. "Stand down but stay in town and within the sound of the drum." Many of the men including the Harringtons retreated to Uncle Jonathon Harrington's house on the edge of the green. Others who had come into town from the surrounding countryside were grateful that the proprietors of the Buckman Tavern on the south edge of the green opened its doors to provide food and a chance to warm up. As those men gathered to enter the tavern they unloaded their muskets by firing a volley into the air. The cool damp air worked it's way into the black powder if given a chance. The only way to ensure proper operation was fire the muskets and then reload when the time came to go back out.
Back on the road, Paul Revere was raising the anxiety of his captors with each telling of the massing of the militia. Suddenly as if on cue, a volley if musket fire came from the direction of Lexington. The startled officers suddenly had to make a decision. Do they execute the prisoner, take him with them or ride quickly back to warn Smith of the ambush? An extra horse would be useful if they chose to warn the column and surely they would be forgiven for not bringing the famous Paul Revere if it meant saving their fellow troops.
The decision was made. Revere was left on foot as the officers took his horse and raced east hoping to meet Smith before he got to Lexington.
more later...
-
Part 11- The Advance
Paul Revere stood in the darkness with 8 officers of the kings army surrounding him. A cocked pistol was pressed to his head and the officer demanded his name.
"I am Paul Revere" he replied. Surprised, the men all looked at each other as if to ask "Paul Revere? THE Paul Revere?"
"Do not lie to us sir, who are you and what are you doing about this eve?" Asked the leader.
"I AM Paul Revere and I beg your pardon." He said disgustedly. "I am taking a message to Concord about the column of troops going there to deprive our countrymen of their rights and arms."
The Lieutenant was startled by this. While he knew a a column was out, he had no knowledge of the mission of Smith's column. His orders were simply to patrol the roads and stop any messengers that might be out. As he pressed Revere for more information Revere readily obliged.
Back in Lexington, Captain Parker had briefed his men on the green. He had sent scouts east to find the column. As the night wore on the men standing in the cool spring air became tired and restless. The initial surge of adrenaline had worn off and many fought to keep their eyes open. No word had yet come back from the scouts about the location of troops.
Out on the road Revere was being pressed for more information. He thought that his only chance was to tell the truth but maybe enhance it a little. He began to tell his captors that they had been watching the troops assemble in Boston and knew from the outset the mission. He explained that by now all the supplies they were after in Concord had been removed and hidden. He told them that he had 500 men in Lexington waiting for Smith, the mission would be a disaster.
Back in Lexington Captain Parker surveyed his men. With no real idea of what was happening he decided to have the men stand down. "Men," he said. "Stand down but stay in town and within the sound of the drum." Many of the men including the Harringtons retreated to Uncle Jonathon Harrington's house on the edge of the green. Others who had come into town from the surrounding countryside were grateful that the proprietors of the Buckman Tavern on the south edge of the green opened its doors to provide food and a chance to warm up. As those men gathered to enter the tavern they unloaded their muskets by firing a volley into the air. The cool damp air worked it's way into the black powder if given a chance. The only way to ensure proper operation was fire the muskets and then reload when the time came to go back out.
Back on the road, Paul Revere was raising the anxiety of his captors with each telling of the massing of the militia. Suddenly as if on cue, a volley if musket fire came from the direction of Lexington. The startled officers suddenly had to make a decision. Do they execute the prisoner, take him with them or ride quickly back to warn Smith of the ambush? An extra horse would be useful if they chose to warn the column and surely they would be forgiven for not bringing the famous Paul Revere if it meant saving their fellow troops.
The decision was made. Revere was left on foot as the officers took his horse and raced east hoping to meet Smith before he got to Lexington.
more later...
-
Part 12-The Challenge
Col. Smith's troops had reached Menotomy (modern day Arlington) just a few miles from Lexington when 8 of his officers rode up. Smith called a halt while he listened to them explain that they had caught Paul Revere and that there was 500 militia in town. No, they hadn't seen them themselves because they had taken a wide berth around Lexington to avoid detection but they had heard the musket fire and the bell ringing the alarm.
Smith's troops themselves had heard bells in each town they passed through. They had heard shots off in the distance alerting the country side as they marched. He knew that there presence was known but was sure the colonists didn't know the purpose.
Turning to Major Pitcairn, his second in command, Smith ordered his royal marines to the head of the column. Pitcairn's marines, essentially light infantry, were to proceed as fast as they could in advance of the main body to Concord and carry out the mission.
As the marines advanced on Lexington, Capt. Parker was suddenly made aware of one of his scouts returning to town. The scout reported that he had been trapped behind the column in Cambridge and only managed to get around them when they stopped in Menotomy. He reported that they were only a mile or so out and moving fast. Parker immediately ordered young Diamond to beat assembly. The men filed out of their houses and the Buckman Tavern and formed up again at the west end of the green.
About this time Paul Revere walked into town from his ordeal on the road. Talking to Capt. Parker he was shocked to learn that Hancock and Adams were still in town. Revere immediately ran to Rev. Clark's house and confronted the reluctant Hancock who wanted to stay and fight. Revere explained that if he was killed or captured it would be devastating blow to the cause. He must leave, NOW!
Hancock finally agreed to go. Urged on by Sam Adams they packed up and headed north out of town. Revere stayed behind and learned from Hancock's male secretary that all the papers from the provincial congress were in a trunk and still in his room at the Buckman Tavern. If those papers fell into the hands of the army, the cause and many people associated with it would suffer terribly. Revere determined to save the trunk.
Lexington Green is a triangular shaped space about 100 yards long and 50 yards wide at it's north west end. The narrow point is toward the east where the meeting hall stood. The road from Boston split at the meeting hall. The right fork going past Buckman Tavern across the street from the hall and continuing at a north west angle skirting the green. The left fork swung straight west to Concord.
Parker's men in the meantime were formed at the wide end of the green. They were nervous and uneasy, not knowing what to expect. A few grumbled about how it wasn't worth it and talked about leaving. Parker said, "the first man to leave will be shot dead." These were his own friends and family standing with him. Most of them knew he meant it. The fear of Parker humiliating them and perhaps shooting them in front of their families was worse than the fear of the redcoats. They remained steadfast.
As the dawn broke the sounds of many men on the road to the east became apparent. Revere and Hancock's secretary had reached Buckman Tavern and were wrestling with the heavy trunk. Jonathon Harrington's cousin Caleb, John Simmons and another man were on the second floor of the meeting house watching as the royal marines came into view on the road to the east.
Major Pitcairn had put one of his firebrand lieutenants at the head of his column. Lt. Jesse Adair rode ahead and noticed men at the far end of the green in the early morning light. His mission was to go to Concord but he was itching for a fight and wanted to teach these insolent farmers a lesson. As his men reached the fork in the road he made a fateful decision to confront the men on the green. He lead his two hundred men onto the right fork and then onto the green. He immediately formed them into battle lines.
Paul Revere had seen the approach of the marines. He and Hancock's secretary barely got out the back door of the tavern when the marines spilled past them intent on forming on the green. Staying behind the tavern, he made his way behind the buildings skirting the road to the treeline as the troops formed their ranks.
Seeing the ranks of soldiers spilling onto the green, the 70-80 man militia heavily outnumbered, took an involuntary step backward. Capt. Parker shouted to his men, "Stand your ground men. Do not fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here!"
to be continued...
-
Part 13-The Fight
Capt. Parker's men watched the redcoats form into battle formation some 70 yards away, their bayonets glinting in the early morning light.
Major Pitcairn riding up from the column and swinging his pistol rode half the distance to the militia. He shouted at them "lay down your weapons, ye villains, ye rebels, lay down your arms and disperse!"
Capt. Parker had made his point. Vastly outnumbered he turned to his men and told them to disperse. At the same time a shot rang out. Paul Revere would later testify that it sounded like a pistol shot as he retreated with the trunk of papers. Others reported it came from the side of the green from behind a wall. A loud sharp sound in an open space surrounded by buildings often bounces around making it hard to pinpoint. No one knows who fired that first shot but it is clear who fired the first shots. Without orders, the front line of the regulars opened up in an ragged volley. The second line advanced and poured a full volley into the militia as they scrambled away.
Most of the men wounded were shot in the back. Jonas Parker, Capt. Parker's uncle took off his hat, threw it on the ground with his flint and ball. He defiantly stood his ground yelling "I shall not run". He was immediately knocked down by a musket ball. Prince Esterbrook was also knocked down latter to be helped off the field.
The troops with their blood up ignored orders and charged the militia with the bayonet. Jonas Parker was bayoneted to death as he lay on the ground trying to reload his musket. They continued after all those who ran.
Jonathon Harrington the fifer's uncle and namesake was shot in the back as he retreated. He rose back to his feet and collapsed again. Crawling on his hands and knees he made his way to the edge off the green. Falling into the arms of his horrified wife on their doorstep, he died as his children watched from the doorway.
At the other end of the green, Caleb Harrington, the fifer's cousin and John Simmons were caught in the meeting hall as the redcoats swarmed on to the green. When the troops charged they attempted to make a run for it. They were seen by soldiers who fired upon them. Caleb was shot down and killed as he ran. Simmons was forced back into the meeting hall where he barricaded the door. The soldiers who fired upon him pounded on the door trying to gain entry. Simmons knew that if they entered they were likely to find the town's black powder supply stored on the second floor. He ran up the stairs as the troops broke down the front door and started searching for him. Picking up his musket, he thrust the muzzle into one of the barrels of powder. "They will pay a heavy price for the powder today" he said to himself as he cocked the hammer and said a prayer.
The soldiers on the green still out of control were hunting down anyone they could find. Col. Smith back in the main column rode to the sound of the fighting and was shocked to see his troops rampaging through the town ignoring their officers. He quickly grabbed a drummer and had him beat to assembly. The men, more out of conditioning than duty began to respond.
Back in the meeting house the soldiers reached the bottom of the stairs. John Simmons closed his eyes and began to squeeze the trigger. As they began to climb the stairs they heard the beat of the drum. Conditioned to react to the drum and without further thought, the soldiers wheeled around and exited the meeting house angry that the rebel they had chased into it would slip through their fingers.
It took some time for the troops to reassemble. Their blood lust was up and they were reluctant to stop. Col. Smith finally got them into order and calling upon his officers told them the mission.
Many of the officers realized that they had just fired without orders. They knew that their men had gone out of control and they would be held responsible for the deaths. There would be courts-martial and trials. The countryside would be up in arms over this atrocity. They had another 8 miles further west to travel and another 18 miles back to Boston though hostile territory. To continue would be folly.
Col. Smith looked past the officers to the men. He and they were still charged up for the fight. He listened to the arguments of his officers and clearly stated that the mission would continue. Turning back to the men, he ordered three HUZZAHS and a volley of musket fire to celebrate the victory. Forming back into column they began the march west to Concord.
Continued....
-
Part 14- The Aftermath
Capt. Parker stood looking at the dead and wounded. He looked past the green to the houses and the heard the lament of the women and families who lost loved ones. He saw the women scurrying about taking anything of value and burying it in their gardens. They knew that the column had continued west and would come back through Lexington. They knew there would be reprisals against the town for standing up to the king's troops. They knew there would be pillaging and plundering.
Parker also knew that if he didn't hide the bodies of those who were slain, the army would dig them up, and hang them out of spite as a warning. His men would take the dead to the edge of the burial grown and dig a ditch. They would bury the dead including his uncle Jonas in the ditch and then cover the grave with leaves, branches and brush to hide it. He knew that the fight wasn't over and he began to prepare to avenge the attack on his town.
Young Jonathon Harrington couldn't stop crying. He had lost his uncle and his cousin. He had seen his friends and neighbors shot down. Of the 9 sets of fathers and sons on the green, 5 were separated by death.
The day had just begun. No one knew what would transpire that day or how it would end. They did know that by standing up for their liberty the spark of revolution had been lit.