Concord Town (part 3 of 10)

" We the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Concord, having taken into our serious consideration the precarious state of the liberties of North America, and more especially the present distressed condition of this insulted province, embarrassed as it is by several acts of the British Parliament, tending to the entire subversion of our natural and charter rights ; among which is the act for blocking up the harbour of Boston : And fully sensible of our indispensable duty to lay hold on every means in our power, to preserve and recover the much injured constitution of our country ; and conscious at the same time of no alternative between the horrors of slavery, and the carnage and desolation of a civil war, but a suspension of all commercial intercourse with the Island of Great Britain: do in the presence of God, solemnly, and in good faith, covenant and engage with each other : -

"1. That from henceforth we will suspend all commercial intercourse with the Island of Great Britain, until the said act for blocking up the said harbour be repealed, and a restoration of our charter rights be obtained.

" 2. That there may be the less temptation to others to continue in the said now dangerous commerce, we do in like manner, solemnly covenant that we will not buy, purchase, or consume, or suffer any person by, for, or under us to buy, purchase, or consume, in any manner whatsoever, any goods, wares, or merchandise, which shall arrive in America from Great Britain from and .after the last day of August next ensuing. And in order, as much as in us lies, to prevent our being interrupted and defeated in this only peaceable measure, entered into for the recovery and preservation ojf our rights, we agree to break off all trade, commerce, and dealings whatsoever with all persons, who, preferring their own private interest to the salvation of their now perishing country, shall still continue to import goods from Great Britain, or shall purchase of those who shall import : arms, ammunition, . and medicines for the sick only excepted.

" 3. That such persons may not have it in their power to impose upon us by any pretence whatever, we further agree to purchase no article of merchandise from them, or any of them, who shall not have signed this, or a similar covenant, or will not produce an oath, certified by a magistrate, to be by them taken to the following purport ; viz. ^ I, of , in the county of , do solemn- ly swear, that the goods I have now on hand and propose for sale, have not, to the best of my knowledge, been imported from Great Britain into any part of America since the last of August, 1774 ; and that I will not, contrary to the spirit of an agreement entered into through this province, import, or purchase of any person so importing, any goods as aforesaid, until the port or harbour of Boston shall be opened, and we are restored to the freedom of our constitution and charter rights.'

" 4. We agree that after this or a similar covenant has been offered to any persons, and they refuse to sign it or produce the oath aforesaid, w^e will consider them as contumacious importers, and withdraw all commercial connexion with them, so far as not to purchase any article whatever of merchandise imported from Great Britain.

" Provided nevertheless ; notwithstanding the obligations which we have laid ourselves under by the above instrument, should there be a congress of the provinces on the continent, or the major part of them, to consult and advise suitable measures to be taken in this difficult and alarming day, which is already begun by the late House of Representatives, and the example is hkely to be followed by the neighbouring governments: - should said body, w^hen convened, adopt measures, after deliberation, which they shall judge more salutary and safe for the whole community ; then what has been signed above we hereby reserve liberty to disannul, and make void this present covenant upon our acceptance thereof. As witness our hands this 24th of June 1774."

This covenant, copied partly from one sent from Boston, was scrupulously regarded. It may well be supposed, that where proceedings like these were had, the attention of the people would be greatly awakened. If there were any " enemies of liberty," they might be easily detected. In a careful review of that period, however, I am astonished that so few arrayed themselves on the side of England in opposition to the wishes of the colonies. The whole town, excepting two or three individuals, was a united family of sons of liberty." The excitement, or rather the opposition to British oppression, gradually increased ; and its progress from the year 1773 was uncommonly rapid. Petitions having been presented in vain for a redress of their grievances, the people began seriously to think of asserting their rights by an appeal to arms, should other means to accomplish their object fail. Such a crisis seemed then to be approaching : for England had already assumed a hostile attitude ; large numbers of soldiers and munitions of war had arrived in Boston ; and the people had every indication that they were to be compelled into submission by military force.

In July the " Act for the better regulation of the government of Massachusetts Bay " was received in Boston; in conformity to which the Mandamus Council and many other officers were appointed. This produced great excitement in the community, and evil consequences were anticipated. The people seemed determined not to submit to an act so unconstitutional and oppressive. During this commotion an individual went secretly to Cambridge, on the 1st of August, contrary to the unanimous wish of his fellow citizens, to inform some of the members of the Council of the state of public feeling, and to put them on their guard against an attack from the people, which he thought likely to take place.

In August frequent meetings were held in Concord to consult on the proper measures to be pursued in those gloomy times. A county convention was also recommended, and it was invited to meet here on the last of the month. This convention, consisting of 150 delegates, from every town in the county, held a session in Concord on the 30th and 31st of August. Messrs. Ephraim Wood, jr., John Flint, and Nathan Meriam were delegates from Concord; Mr. Samuel Farrar, Capt. Abijah Pierce, and Capt. Eleazer Brooks, from Lincoln ; Messrs. Francis Faulkner, John Hayward, and Ephraim Hapgood, from Acton ; Messrs. Stephen Davis, John Reed, John Moore, and John Webber, from Bedford ; and from other towns an able delegation. The Hon. James Prescott of Groton was chairman, and Mr. Ebenezer Bridge, clerk. The objects of the convention were brought forward, and discussed with great energy, talent, and most ardent patriotism ; and a committee of nine were chosen to take them into consideration. They reported as follows:

" It is evident to every attentive mind, that this Province is in a very dangerous and alarming situation. We are obliged to say, however painful it may be to us, that the question now is, whether, by a submission to some late Acts of the Parliament of Great Britain, we are contented to be the most abject slaves, and entail that slavery on posterity after us, or, by a manly, joint, and virtuous opposition, assert and support our freedom. There is a mode of conduct, which, in our very critical circumstances, we would wish to adopt, - a conduct, on the one hand, never tamely submissive to tyranny and oppression, on the other, never degenerating into rage, passion, and confusion. This is a spirit which we revere, as we find it exhibited in former ages, and which will command applause to the latest posterity. The late Acts of Parhament pervade the whole system of jurisprudence, by which means we think the fountains of justice are fatally corrupted. Our defence must therefore be immediate in proportion to the suddenness of the attack, and vigorous in proportion to the danger. We must now exert ourselves, or all those efforts, which for ten years past have brightened the annals of this country, will be totally frustrated. Life and Death, or what is more, Freedom and Slavery, are in a pecuhar sense now before us ; and the choice and success, under God, depend greatly on ourselves. We are therefore bound, as strugghng not only for ourselves, but for future generations, to express our sentiments in the following resolves ; - sentiments, which we think are founded in truth and justice, and therefore sentiments we are determined to abide by.

^'Resolved, 1. That as true and loyal subjects of our gracious Sovereign, George the Third, King of Great Britain, &;c. we by no means intend to withdraw our allegiance from him ; but, while permitted the free exercise of our natural and charter rights, are resolved to expend life and treasure in his service.

" 2. That when our ancestors emigrated from Great Britain, charters and solemn stipulations expressed the conditions, and what particular rights they yielded ; what each party had to do and perform ; and what each of the contracting parties were equally bound by.

"3. That we know of no instance in which this province has transgressed the rules on their part, or any ways forfeited their natural and charter rights to any power on earth.

hold up their absolute supremacy over the colonists ; by another act blocking up the harbour of Boston, and by two late acts, the one entitled, " an Act for the better regulating the government of the province of Massachusetts Bay ; " the other entitled " an Act for the more impartial administration of justice in said province ; " and by enforcing all these iniquitous acts with a large armed force to dragoon and enslave us.

" 5. That the late act of Parliament, entitled an Act for the better regulating the government of the province of Massachusetts Bay," expressly acknowledges the authority of the charter granted by their Majesties, King William and Queen Mary, to said province ; and that the only reasons, suggested in the preamble to said act, which is intended to deprive us of the privileges confirmed to us by said charter, are the inexpediency of continuing those privileges, and a charge of their having been forfeited, to which charge the province has had no opportunity of answering.

" 6. That a debtor may as justly refuse to pay his debts, because it is inexpedient for him, as the Parliament of Great Britain deprive us of our charter privileges, because it is inexpedient to a corrupt administration for us to enjoy them.

" 7. That in all free states there must be an equihbrium in the legislative body, without which constitutional check they cannot be said to be a free people.

" 8. That the late act, which ordains a council to be appointed by his Majesty, his heirs and successors from time to time, by warrant under his or their signet or sign manual, and which ordains that the said counsellors shall hold their offices respectively during the pleasure of his Majesty, effectually alters the constitutional equilibrium, renders the council absolute tools and creatures, and entirely destroys the importance of the representative body.

" 9. That no state can long exist free and happy, where the course of justice is obstructed ; and that when trials by juries, which are the grand bulwarks of life and property, are destroyed or weakened, a people fall immediately under arbitrary power.

"10. That the late act, which gives the governor of this province a power of appointing judges of the superior and inferior courts, commissioners of oyer and terminer, the attorney general, provosts, marshalls, and justices of the peace, and to remove all of them (the judges of the superior court excepted) without consent of the council, entirely subverts a free administration of justice ; as the fatal experience of mankind in all ages has testified, that there is no greater species of corruption, than when judicial and executive officers depend for their existence and support on a power independent of the people.

"11. That by ordaining jurors to be summoned by the sheriff only, which sheriff is to be appointed by the governor without consent of council, that security which results from a trial by our peers is rendered altogether precarious ; and is not only an evident infraction upon our charter, but a subversion of our common rights as Englishmen.

" 12. That every people have an absolute right of meeting together to consult upon common grievances, and to petition, remonstrate, and use every legal method for their removal.

" 13. That the act which prohibits these constitutional meetings cuts away the scaffolding of English freedom, and reduces us ta a most abject state of vassalage and slavery.

" 14. That it is our opinion these late acts, if quietly submitted to, will annihilate the last vestiges of liberty in this province, and, therefore, we must be justified by God and the world in never submitting to them.

" 15. That it is the opinion of this body, that the present act, respecting the government of the province, is an artful, deep-laid plan of oppression and despotism, that it requires great skill and wisdom to counteract it. This wisdom we have endeavoured to collect from the united sentiments of the county. And although we are grieved that we are obliged to mention any thing, that may be attended with such very important consequences as may now ensue, yet a sense of our duty as men, as freemen, as Christian freemen, united in the firmest bonds, obliges us to resolve, that every civil officer now in commission in this province, and acting in conformity to the late act of Parliament, is not an officer agreeable to our charter, therefore unconstitutional, and ought to be opposed in the manner hereafter recommended.

" 16. That we will obey all such civil officers now in commission, whose commissions were issued before the first day of July, 1774, and support them in the execution of their offices accord- ing to the manner usual before the late attempt to alter the constitution of this province : nay, even although the Governor should attempt to revoke their commissions. But that if any of said officers shall accept a commisssion under the present plan of arbitrary government, or, in any way or manner whatever, assist the Governor or administration in the assault now making on our rights and liberties, we will consider them as having forfeited their commissions, and yield them no obedience.

" 17. That whereas the Hon. Samuel Danforth and Joseph Lee, Esqrs, two of the judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for this county, have accepted commissions under the new act by being sworn members of his Majesty's Council, appointed by said act : we therefore look upon them utterly incapable of holding any office whatever. And whereas a venire on the late act of Parliament has issued from the Court of Sessions, signed by the clerk, we think they come under a preceding resolve of acting in conformity to the new act : we therefore resolve that a submission to courts thus acting and under these disqualifications, is a submission to the act itself, and of consequence, as we are resolved never to submit one iota to the act, we will not submit to courts thus constituted, and thus acting in conformity to said act.

" 18. That as, in consequence of the former resolve, all business at the Inferior Court of Common Pleas and Court of General Sessions of the Peace next to be holden at Concord must cease, to prevent the many inconveniences that may arise therefrom : we resolve that all actions, writs, suits, he. brought to said court, ought to remain in the same condition as at present (unless settled by consent of parties), till we know the result of a provincial and continental congress. And we resolve that no plaintiff, in any case, action, or writ aforesaid, ought to enter said action in said court thus declared to be unconstitutional. And we resolve, if the court shall sit in defiance to the voice of the county, and default actions, and issue executions accordingly, no officer ought to serve such process. And we are also determined to support all constables, jurors, and other officers, who from these constitutional principles shall refuse obedience to courts which we have resolved are founded on the destruction of our charter.

" 19. That it is the opinion of this hody of delegates, that a provincial congress is absolutely necessary in our present unhappy situation.

" These are sentiments which we are obliged to express, as these acts are intended immediately to take place. We must now either oppose them, or tamely give up all we have been struggling for. It is this that has forced us so soon on these very important resolves. However, we do it with humble deference to the provincial and continental congress, by whose resolutions we are determined to abide ; and to whom, and the world, we cheerfully appeal for the uprightness of our conduct. On the whole, these are 'great and profound questions.' We are grieved to find ourselves reduced to the necessity of entering into the discussion of them. But we deprecate a state of slavery. Our fathers left a fair inheritance to us, purchased by a waste of blood and treasure. This we are resolved to transmit equally fair to our children after us. No danger shall affright, no difficulties intimidate us. And if in support of our rights we are called to encounter even death, we are yet undaunted, sensible that he can never die too soon, who lays down his life in support of the laws and liberties of his country."

The causes of the oppostion to the mother country, and the then state of the controversy, are clearly brought to view in these important proceedings. They were not mere paper resolves, to remain a dead letter, but were to be rules of action : and they were executed ! The question on their acceptance, after being maturely deliberated," was taken by yeas and nays ; 146 were in favor, and 4 in opposition. An additional vote, recommending a " provincial meeting " to assemble in Concord, on the first Tuesday of October, was passed ; and another, to transmit these proceedings to the several towns and to the Continental Congress. On the same day, a county convention was held in Worcester, and, nine days after, one in Suffolk, for similar objects. ^

On the last week in August, some of the British troops had taken from Cambridge two brass field-pieces, and from Charlestown several barrels of powder. These hostile proceedings alarmed the

1 Some historians have asserted that the Suffolk convention was the Jlrst one held ; but this is undoubtedly erroneous. Middlesex took the lead in those important proceedings.

people, and some hundreds from this and the neis^hbouring towns, met here, on the 2d. of Sept. and proceeded to Cambridge, a part of whom were under arms. Their object appeared to be to learn the cause of those unfriendly movements of the British soldiers, and to demand the resignation of those officers who had accepted commissions under the new law. No violence was committed, nor was any intended, unless they were violently opposed. Finding no armed force to combat, they laid aside their muskets, and went to the houses of several individuals, who had ' taken part on the side of government, and compelled them to recant, and forswear all concern in any offices under the law for altering the charter." Ephraim Wood was one of the committee chosen to wait upon them. They afterwards returned peaceably to their homes.

September was fmitful in interesting events. Informal voluntary meetings of the people were frequent. The Court of Sessions and Court of Common Pleas for the county were to hold their sessions in Concord, on the 13th of September. On that day, great numbers of the inhabitants of this and the neighbouring towns assembled on the public common. They expressed their willingness that the court should sit, if it proceeded on in the old way ; but if under the new organization, they were determined to prevent it, agreeably to the recommendation of the late convention. A committee from each town then represented was chosen to take such measures as would prevent the opening of the courts, who voted it as their opinion, that the Court of General Sessions of the Peace ought not to be opened or sit at this time," and chose a sub-committee of five to wait on the justices of the court, and inform them of the wishes of the assembly. After some little time the court produced a written declaration, which w^as read before the multitude, by whom it was pronounced satisfactory, and afterwards published, declaring it inexpedient to open the court, " lest it should be construed that we act in consequence of the late unconstitutional act of parliament " ; and publicly promising, that they would " not open nor in any way proceed to the business of said court." This declaration was signed by Thaddeus Mason, Joseph Haven, Josiah Johnson, William Stickney, Henry Gardner, Abraham Fuller, Jonathan Dix, Daniel Bliss, and Samuel Bancroft, - all the justices then present.

In consequence of these occurrences, and the determined disposition of the people, the Court of Common Pleas was adjourned to the 3d Tuesday of Octoher. Puhlic notice of this was drawn up by David Phipps, sheriff of the county, by order of the unpopular judges, and given to the criers, Antill Gallap, and William How, who made proclamation of the same at the court-house door. This was so displeasing that they were taken before the people, and obliged to make public confession that they were " heartily sorry for what they had done " ; and to promise " not to make any return on said proclamation, nor in any way be aiding or assisting in bringing on the unconstitutional plan of government." A similar confession was published by Charles Prescott, Esq. " for signing in favor cf the late governor, Hutchinson. Another was made by Daniel Heald, a deputy sheriff, for posting the notice of the adjournment of the court on the court-house door. These declarations were signed by the respective individuals, read to the multitude, and published in the newspapers of those times. The people voted that such declarations were satisfactory ; and then adjourned to the 3d Tuesday of October, agreeably to the adjournment of the court.

The people did not long remain quiet. Another large meeting took place on the Common the next week. A committee was chosen, of which Robert Chafin of Acton was chairman, and William Burrows ^ clerk, before whom every person suspected of being a tory was compelled to pass the ordeal of a trial. If found guilty, he was compelled to endure such punishment as an excited multitude might inflict, which they called humbling the tories.'* Several suffered in this manner. Dr. Joseph Lee was most scrupulously examined and severely treated. To satisfy their minds, he subscribed the following declaration, which was read and published.

" Whereas I, Joseph Lee of Concord, physician, on the evening of the first ultimo, did rashly and without consideration make a private and precipitate journey from Concord to Cambridge, to inform Judge Lee, that the country was assembling to come down,

(and on no other business,) that he and others concerned might prepare themselves for the event, and with an avowed intention to deceive the people ; by which the parties assembling might have been exposed to the brutal rage of the soldiery, who had timely notice to have waylaid the roads, and fired on them while unarmed and defenceless in the dark : by which imprudent conduct I might have prevented the salutary designs of my countrymen, whose innocent intentions were only to request certain gentlemen, sworn into office on the new system of government, to resign their offices, in order to prevent the operation of that (so much detested) act of the British Parliament for regulating the government of the Massachusetts Bay : by all which I have justly drawn upon me the displeasure of my countrymen :

" When I coolly reflect on my ow^n imprudence, it fills my mind with the deepest anxiety. 1 deprecate the resentment of my injured country, humbly confess my errors, and implore the forgiveness of a generous and free people, solemnly declaring that for the future I will never convey any intelligence to any of the court party, neither directly nor indirectly, by which the designs of the people may be frustrated, in opposing the barbarous policy of an arbitrary, wicked, and corrupt administration.

This is selected from many similar facts to show the highly excited state of public feeling ; and this excitement continued to increase. The covenant of the town, already given, was scrupulously regarded, and all those who refused obedience to it w^ere in reality " treated as enemies." The meetings hitherto this month took place without much formal invitation. They were the sudden assembly of the day." The people felt that they had evils heaped upon them, and they feared others. They were determined resolutely, but rationally, to have them removed. Though their object appeared as yet to be to obtain a peaceable redress of their grievances, yet evil consequences were anticipated from the frequency of the meetings, unless placed under proper legal restraint. To effect this, a special toivn meeting w^as called, Sept. 26th, when the " whole town resolved itself into a committee of safety to suppress all riots, tumults, and disorders in the town ; and to aid all untainted magistrates, who had not been aiding and assi=^ting in bringing on a new mode of government in this province, in the execution of the laws against all offenders." ^ At the same time it was also voted to raise one or more companies to march at a minute's warning in case of alarm, to ])ay them reasonable wages when called for out of town, and to allow them to choose their own officers ; to buy 420 pounds of powder and 500 pounds of ball in addition to tlie town stock of ammunition, and a chest of good fire-arms, " that those who are unable to purchase them themselves may have the advantage of them if necessity calls for it." At this meeting also Mr. Samuel Whitney, Capt. Jonas Hey wood, Mr. Ephraim Wood, jr., Mr. Joseph Hosmer, Ensign James Chandler, and Mr. James Barrett, were chosen a committee of correspondence to hold intercourse with similar committees in other towns. The selectmen had hitherto acted in that capacity. Delegates were also chosen to the proposed Provincial Congress.

The Provincial Congress met here, Oct. 11th, which was an important event. The delegates from Concord were Capt. James Barrett, Mr. Samuel Whitney, and Mr. Ephraim Wood, jr. ; from Bedford, Mr. Joseph Ballard, and John Reed, Esq. ; from Acton, Messrs. Josiah Hayward, Francis Faulkner, and Ephraim Hapgood ; and from Lincoln, Capt. Eleazer Brooks, Mr. Samuel Farrar, and Capt. Abijah Pierce. The whole number of members was 288 ; and it was in all respects a most important assembly. The Hon. John Hancock of Boston was chosen president, and Mr. Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary. The meeting was first held in the old court-house, but that being too small to convene so large an assembly, it was adjourned to the meeting-house. The Rev. William Emerson, by invitation of the Congress, officiated as chaplain. Two sessions, one at nine, and the other at three o'clock, were held each day. The state of public affairs was taken into consideration, and an address to Gov. Gage agreed upon ; but it was unavailing, and did not accomplish its intended object. ' After remaining in session till the 15th, the Congress adjourned

1 It is said to be characteristic of the people of Concord to act with great deliberation, but when they do act, to act effectually. This may be seer in the proceedings just described. From the beginning of the controversy, they were opposed to taking any unconstitutional measures to recover their lost privileges.

The presence of the Provincial Congress tended to animate the citizens of Concord, and inspire them with increasing confidence jn the cause of liberty and patriotic action. They approved the recommendations of that body. Several cannon were purchased and brought here, Oct. 13th. On the 24th, the town directed the selectmen to mount them, and to purchase 100 pounds of fourpound cannon ball, 200 pounds of grape-shot, and 392 pounds of powder; and raised £120 to pay the expense.

About this time a liberty-pole was erected, on which the people's flag was first hoisted here. The occasion brought together a large concourse of people, and was hailed as an auspicious event.

November 21st, the town authorized the constables to pay the money in their hands, belonging to the province, to Henry Gardner, Esq. of Stow, who had been appointed by Congress " Receiver General " ; and at the same time voted to annul the nonconsumption covenant, which, as already noticed, was entered into on the 27th of June. The articles of association, as agreed upon by the Continental Congress, were adopted in its stead. A committee of inspection, composed of Col. James Barrett, Mr. Joseph Hosmer, Capt. Jonas Heywood, Mr. Abijah Bond, and Capt. iDavid Brown, was chosen " to see to the punctual and particular observance of the said association agreement." A preamble - " we, whose names are underwritten, promise for ourselves and

First Congress. Convened at Salem, Oct. 7, 1774 ; adjourned the same day. Convened at Concord, Tues. Oct. H ; adjourned Sat. ]5th, same month. Convened at Cambridge, Mond. Oct. 17 ; adjourned Sat. 29th do. Convened at do. Wed. Nov. 23 ; dissolved Sat. Dec. J 0th.

Convened at Cambridge, Wed. Feb. 1, 1775; adjourned Thuxsd. 16th do. Convened at Concord, Tues. March 22 ; adjourned Sat. 15th April. Convened at do. Sat. April 22 ; adjourned same day. Convened at Watertown, Mond. April 24 ; dissolved May 29th.

those under us, that we will strictly adhere to the Continental Congress Association, which is hereunto annexed, in all its parts and clauses;" - was adopted Jan. 25, 1775; and a copy furnished to each inhahitant for his signature, by a committee chosen for the purpose, consisting of Ensign James Barrett, Mr. Ephraim Wood, jr., Mr. Samuel Whitney, and Mr. John Green. One of these original papers I find to be signed by seventy -two men and two single women. Stephen Hosmer excepted " tea for his wife only," - all the others were unconditional.

The organization and compensation of the minute companies was brought before the town in December, and referred to a committee, who reported, Jan. 9, 1775, the following regulations:

" 1. We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, will, to the utmost of our power, defend his Majesty, King George the Third, his person, crown, and dignity.

2. We will at the same time, to the utmost of our power and abilities, defend all and every of our charter rights, liberties, and privileges ; and will hold ourselves in readiness at a minute's warning with arms and ammunition thus to do.

" 3. We will at all times and in all places obey our officers chosen by us, and our superior officers, in ordering and disciplining us, when and where said officers shall think proper."

The town agreed to pay each minute man for three hours on two half days in each week, Is. Sd. for each half day, and a " cartouch-box " ; ^ for ten months, unless otherwise ordered by the town. On the Thursday following a meeting was held to enlist the men, when the Rev. William Emerson preached from Psalm Ixiii. 2. About sixty enlisted, including many who were either too young or too old to be required by law to do military duty. The number was subsequently increased to 100, and divided into two companies. Mr. Samuel Whitney was muster-master. On the 27th, a committee, chosen to examine them then exercising, , reported that fifteen in the company were unable to furnish themselves with guns. These were supplied by the town. One of the companies was called the Alarm Company, and directed to take

1 The pay was increased in February as follows : To each captain, 2^. 4c?.; 1st lieutenant, Is. 8d.; 2d lieutenant, Is. 4c?.; sergeant, lOrf. ; corporal, 8c?. ; and private, 4c?.

During the month of February the town used the greatest caution to have the articles of association observed. Several meetings were held ; and such measures, as the state of the times required, adopted. Capt. Timothy Wheeler, Mr. Andrew Con ant, Mr. Samuel Whitney, Capt. John Greene, Mr. Josiah Merriam, Mr. Ephraim Wood, jr., Mr. William Parkman, and Capt. Thomas Davis, were added to the committee of inspection, and directed to return the names of those who declined signing the articles of association. Such were to be treated with neglect and detestation.-* Three only were returned.

On Monday, 13th of March, 1775, there was a review of all the military companies in the town. They went into the meetinghouse, accompanied by a large concourse of spectators, and the Rev. JMr. Emerson preached from 2 Chronicles, xiii. 12; Behold God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets, to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the Lord God of your fathers ; for ye shall not prosper. These religious services were a powerful appeal to the feelings and understanding of his audience, and to Heaven for the justness of their cause. They were repeated before the companies in Acton the week after. The Thursday following was kept as a solemn fast, on account of the gloomy state of public affairs, when the Rev. Mr. Emerson again preached. His text was Micah, vii. 1 - 7.

The Provincial Congress, in February, ordered, that large quantities of provisions and military stores, sufficient to furnish 15,000 men, should be collected and deposited in Concord and Worcester, principally at the former place. ^ In the October preceding, Messrs. Hancock, Orne, Heath, White, Palmer, Watson, Devens, and Pigeon had been chosen by Congress a committee of safety ; and Messrs. Cheever, Lincoln, Lee, Gerry, and Gill, a committee of

1 This vote remained in force till May 14, 1778, when the town annulled it, " so far as respects any persons who reside among- us, and no farther."

2 William Lincoln, Esq., to whose kindness the author is indebted for many favors, says, that 20 barrels of pork were all the public stores deposited at Worcester.

supplies. These committees usually met together. November 2cl, they voted to procure and deposit at Concord 200 barrels of pork, 400 barrels of flour, 50 tierces of rice, and 150 bushels of pease. February 13tli, they requested Col. Robinson to send four brass field-pieces and two mortars to Concord, and voted to procure 15,000 canteens ; February 21st, 100 bell-tents for arms, 1000 field-tents, 10 tons of lead balls, cartridges for 15,000 men, .30 rounds each ; 300 bushels of pease and beans, 20 hogsheads of molasses, 150 quintals of fish, and two chests of carpenter's tools. February 23d, they ordered 20 hogsheads of rum to be sent here ; and the next day 1000 pounds of candles, 100 hogsheads of salt, wooden spoons, two barrels of oil, six casks of Malaga wine, nine casks of Lisbon wine, 20 casks of raisins, 20 bushels of oatmeal, 1500 yards of Russia linen, and 15 chests of medicine.

Col. James Barrett, who had been appointed by Congress to have the care of all the military stores, was directed on the 15th of March by John Pigeon, clerk of the committee of safety," to get a sufficient number of faithful men, to act constantly as a guard every night over the magazines of stores " ; and " to * engage a number of teams to be in readiness on the shortest notice, by day or night, sufficient to carry off the stores, on a courier's informing him of attempts being ready to be made on the magazine ; and on a courier's informing him of danger, he was to alarm the neighbouring towns." On the 17th, Mr. Cheever sent from Charlestown John Austin and several other men, to be constantly employed in carrying on the military preparations. He directed Col. Barrett to provide them all necessary provisions, and a house to work in retired from company, " as our operations depend upon secrecy." Guards were stationed at the old south and north bridges, on the Boston road, and in the middle of the town, for the safe keeping of the stores, and to alarm the surrounding country, should occasion require. Every teamster, suspected of carrying any article to the British, was carefully examined. Concord now became, as it had been a hundred years before, a distinguished military post.

British spies were often sent in disguise into the country, to learn its geography, the state of public feeling, the quantity and condition of the provincial stores, &c. Two of these, Capt.

Brown and Ensign D'Eernicre, of the British army, went to Worcester in February ; and on the 20th of March visited Concord. They went up through Weston and Sudbury, and entered the town over the south bridge. In a narrative of this expedition D'Bernicre says, " The town of Concord Hes between two hills that command it entirely. There is a river runs through it with two bridges over it. In summer it is pretty dry. The town is large, and contains a church, gaol, and court-house, but the houses are not close together, but in little groups. We were informed that - they had fourteen pieces of cannon (ten iron and four brass), and two cohorns. They were mounted, but in so bad a manner that they could not elevate them more than they were, that is, they were fixed to one elevation ; their iron cannon they kept in a house in town ; their brass they had concealed in some place behind the town in a wood. They had also a store of flour, fish, salt, and rice ; and a magazine of powder and cartridges. They fired their morning gun, and mounted a guard of ten men at night. We dined at the house of Mr. Bliss [Daniel Bliss, Esq.], a friend of government ; they had sent him word they should not let him go out of town alive that morning ; however, we told him if he would come with us, we would take care of him, as we were three, and all well armed. He consented, and told us he would show us another road, called the Lexington road. We set out, and of consequence left the town on the contrary side of the river to what we entered it." ^ * * ''In the town of Concord a woman directed us to the house of Mr. Bliss ; a little after she came in crying, and told us, they swore if she did not leave the town, they would tar and feather her for directing tories on their road."^ The British officers remarked to Mr. Bliss, that the people would not fight. He urged a different opinion, and pointing to his brother, Thomas Theodore, just then passing in sight, said, " There goes a man who will fight you in blood up to his knees ! " This brother was opposed to him in politics ; and was subsequently a brave, though unfortunate officer in the American army.^

On the 22d of March the Provincial Congress met again in Concord. There was reason to expect, from intelligence received from Boston, that attempts would be made to take away the stores here collected ; and to prevent, as far as possible, the militia arming in self-defence. " It was the great object of Congress at this meeting to support the committee of safety in the measures they had adopted for protection ; and to urge the people to prepare for a firm and united resistance, should the crisis require it. They particularly recommended to the companies of minute-men to improve themselves in military discipline ; and ordered several companies of artillery to be immediately organized. A system of rules and regulations for a constitutional army was adopted, should one be raised. And they earnestly solicited the selectmen of the several towns to provide for the speedy collection of all public taxes ; and to raise money by loans of any individuals able and disposed to furnish it." * * # a Qn the 8th of April it was voted to raise an army with all possible despatch, for the defence of the province against any attack which should be made by the British troops, wdiich had a short time before been much increased." ^ When Congress adjourned, on the 15th of April, it agreed to meet again on the 10th of May ; but gave authority to the committee of safety, and the members in this neighbourhood, to call an earlier meeting, if necessary.

Meantime the committees of correspondence, in conjunction with the citizens, were actively making the military preparations necessary for defence. From a manuscript " account of the provincial stores sent to Colonel Barrett of Concord, partly in his own custody, and partly elsew^iere, all under his care," found among his papers, the following facts are obtained. These stores were principally brought here in March by the citizens of the town.

There were received from Mr. David Cheever of Charlestown, one of the committee of supplies, 20 loads of stores, containing about 20,000 pounds of musket-balls and cartridges, 50 reams of cartridge-paper, 206 tents, 113 iron spades, 51 wood axes, 201 billhooks, 19 sets of harness, 24 boxes of candles, 14 chests of medicine, 27 hogsheads ofw^ooden w^are, 1 hogshead of matches, cords, irons, and balls, 20 bushels of oatmeal, 5 iron worms for cannon, rammers, he. These were stored at Captain Elnathan Jones's, Joshua Bond's, Willoughby Prescott's, Jonas Heywood's, Colonel Barrett's, and the town-house.

From Moses Gill of Boston, 11 loads, containing 150 tents, axes, pickaxes, hatchets, spades, wooden spoons and dishes, and canteens, stored at Captain Thomas Hubbard's, Ephraim Wheeler's, Willoughby Prescott's, and Ephraim Potter's. Also received from R. Pierpont 47 firkins and 2 barrels of butter, stored at Colonel James and Mr. Humphrey Barrett's ; and 55 barrels of beef^ stored at Thomas and Elisha Jones's, and 25 barrels at Daniel Cray's. '

From Colonel Jeremiah Lee of Marblehead, 6 hogsheads, containing 35 half-barrels of powder, 6 of which were stored at Colonel Barrett's, 5 at James Chandler's, 6 at James Barrett's, jun., 6 at Ephraim Wood's, 6 at Joseph Hosmer's, and 6 at Jonas Heywood's. This was received in December, and in the accompanying letter. Colonel Lee writes, " Don't so much as mention the name of powder, lest our enemies should take advantage of it." Eight hogsheads more were soon received from Colonel Lee, 6 of which were sent the last of March to Leicester. He also sent to Concord another load, containing tents, poles, axes, and hatchets, stored at Abishai Brown's ; and also 318 barrels of flour, 68 of which were stored at Ebenezer Hubbard's (which was partly destroyed on the 19th of April), 66 at Captain Timothy Wheeler's, 56 at Samuel Jones's, 23 at Isaac Hubbard's, 16 at Jonas Heywood's, 82 at Samuel Whitney's, and 7 at Jonathan Heywood's.

From Elbridge Gerry of Marblehead, 7 loads of salt fish, containing about 17,000 pounds, stored at Elisha Jones's ; 18 casks of wine, 20 casks of raisins, and a quantity of oil, (which were carried to Stow ;) and 47 hogsheads and 50 barrels of salt, which w^ere stored in 15 different places in town ; 4 loads of tents, tow-cloth, and canteens, stored at Ephraim Potter's ; 1 bundle of sheet-lead, several hogsheads of molasses, and a quantity of linen.

From Salem 46 and from Boston 12 tierces of rice, estimated to contain about 35,000 pounds ; 20 stored at Ebenezer Hubbard's, 6 at Thomas Hosmer's, 3 at Thomas Davis's, 7 at Stephen Blood's, 7 at Edward Richardson's, 5 at Deacon George Minott's, and the remainder in the town-house.

All the stores brought to the town are not mentioned in the above account. Many articles were afterwards brought, and many were prepared here. Firearms, gun-carriages, he. were manufactured at Barrett's mills ; cartouch-boxes, holsters, belts, and other, articles of sadlery, by Mr. Reuben Brown ; saltpetre, by Josiah Melvin ; oatmeal, by Captain Timothy Wheeler ; wooden plates, spoons, and various other articles used in the camp and the field, by other individuals. Large quantities of beef and pork were put up here for the public service. These military operations continued more than a year afterwards. A part of the building owned by Daniel Shattuck, Esq. was erected at this time for a public store-house.

On the 29th of March a report was circulated that the British troops were coming to Concord, which produced considerable alarm. The Provincial Committee of Safety met here on the 1st, 5th, 14th, and 17th of April. At the last date they directed Colonel Barrett to mount two cannon, and raise an artillery company, and to send four cannon to Groton and two to Acton. They met at Mr. Wetherbee's in West Cambridge the next day, and gave orders for the removal of some of the stores from Concord. These were ordered to be deposited in 9 different towns ; 50 barrels of beef, 100 of flour, 20 casks of rice, 15 hogsheads of molasses, 10 hogsheads of rum, and 500 pounds of candles were ordered to Sudbury ; 15,000 canteens, 1500 iron pots, the spades, pickaxes, bill-hooks, axes, hatchets, crows, wheelbarrows, and several other articles, were to be divided, - one third to remain in Concord, one-third to be sent to Sudbury, and one third to Stow ; 1000 iron pots to be sent to Worcester.

Meantime the minute companies were often out for military exercise. The excitement was so great that some carried their guns with them at all times, even while attending public worship on the Sabbath. The committee of correspondence met daily with other distinguished citizens in town. Though very indefinite ideas prevailed, respecting the objects of the enemy, yet all the people were daily discussing in groups the great crisis, which seemed near at hand. What that crisis might be was yet doubtful.

Battle Of Concord

" Some future historian will relate with pleasure, and the latest posterity will read with wonder and admiration, how three hundred intrepid rural sons of freedom drove before them more than five times their number of regular, wellappointed troops, and forced them to take shelter behind their own bulwarks." - Article entitled " Tlie Rural Heroes ; or the Battle of Concord^'' Boston Newpaper for May, 1775.

At length came the 19th of April, a day destined to live in the annals of Concord and of the world, as long as freemen exist. The preceding winter had been one of great mildness.^ The spring vegetation was uncommonly forward. Fruit trees were in blossom, winter grain had grown several inches out of the ground, and other indications equally propitious were observed on that memorable day. And ori^ the morning of the 19th the weather was as delightful, as if Providence intended thus to mark with peculiar favor the commencement of a series of glorious events, which happily resulted in the establishment of an independent republic. The exclamation of Adams on that morning, " O what an ever glorious morning is this 1 " was doubtless true, whether applied to the weather or the occasion.

At this time there were stationed in Boston ten large regiments of British troops, of seven companies each, the 4th or King's own regiment, 5th, 10th, 23d, or Royal Welch Fusileers, 38th, 43d, 47th, 57th, and 59th, and a battalion of marines of six companies. A detachment of 800 of these troops, consisting of grenadiers, light infantry, and marines, had been taken off duty on Saturday the 15th, under pretence of learning a new exercise ; and about

1 In a journal kept by the Rev. Thomas Smith at Falmouth, Maine, where the weather is colder than here, are the following entries ; " January 23, 1775, very moderate weather; 27th, a summer day; 28th, wonderful weather. February 7th, there has been no snow and but little rain since the'29th of December ; wonderful weather, we saw two robins ; Uth, warm day ; 18th, cold ; 20th snow, incomparable sledding ; 21st, a summer day ; 23d, a great snow-storm. March 7th, the frost seems out of the ground in the streets ; 15th, we have wonderful moderate weather ; 28th, it has been a wonder of a winter ; so moderate and unfreezing."

10 o'clock on Tuesday evening, the 18th, embarked from Boston, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Smith, of the 10th regiment, and Major John Pitcairn, commander of the marines ; and landed at Lechmere Point. After having received a day's provisions and thirty-six rounds of cartridges ; they began their march about 12 o'clock, in silence and under cover of night, towards Concord. Tiie object of this expedition was to destroy the military stores deposited here, and to apprehend Messrs. Hancock, Adams, Barrett, and other distinguished patriots, who had become obnoxious to the British government. To facilitate the accomplishment of their object, officers were despatched during the day and evening of the 18th, to intercept any messengers who might be sent by the friends of liberty, and thus to prevent the discovery of their approach. Happily for the provincials it could not be concealed. The first movement of the British troops in Boston was known ; and no sooner known, than messengers were immediately despatched towards their intended destination. Paul Revere left Charlestown about 11 o'clock, passed through Medford, awoke the captain of the minute company there, and alarmed almost every family on his way to Lexington. Nearly at the same time WiUiam Dawes set out for the same destination and passed through Roxbury. Having arrived at the Rev. Mr. Clark's in Lexington, Revere found Hancock and Adams, who had tarried there on their way from Concord, after the adjournment of the Provincial Congress, to whom he related what he knew of the intended expedition. They also received similar intelligence from the committee of safety then in session at West Cambridge. After he had stayed there a short time, Dawes arrived, and both proceeded together towards Concord. They had not travelled far before they were overtaken by Dr. Samuel Prescott of Concord, who had spent the evening at Lexington, at the house of Mr. Mulliken, to whose daughter he was paying his addresses ; and having been alarmed, was hastening his return home. All rode on together, spreading the alarm at every house. When they arrived near Mr. Hartwell's tavern in the lower bounds of Lincoln, they were attacked by four British officers, who belonged to the scouting party sent out the preceding evening, aud Revere and Dawes were taken. Prescott was also attacked, and had the reins of his bridle cut ; but fortunately succeeded in making his escape by jumping his horse over the wall ; and, taking a circuitous route through Lincoln, he proceeded with all possible expedition to Concord. Elijah Saunderson, Solomon Brown, and Jonathan Loring of Lexington, who had been sent out to watch the movement of the British officers, and several others passing on the road, were taken prisoners a short time before 10 o'clock by another party. After detaining them till 2 o'clock, and asking many questions about the magazines at Concord, whether any guards were posted there, and whether the bridges were up, they conducted them back to Lexington, where they were released. Hancock and Adams, having remained at the Rev. Mr. Clark's, around whose house a guard had been placed, after consultation now proceeded towards Woburn.

Between 12 and 1 o'clock the same night, information was brought from the Hon. Joseph Warren, that the king's troops were marching to Lexington, and soon after the militia were alarmed and ordered to assemble. An express was sent to Cambridge, and returned between three and four o'clock, without obtaining any intelligence of the movements of the enemy, upon which the militia were dismissed for a short time. The commanding officer, however, thought best soon to call them together again, " not," says the Rev. Mr. Clark, " with the design of opposing so superior a force, much less commencing hostilities ; but only with a view to determine what to do, when and where to meet, and to dismiss and disperse."

" Accordingly, about half an hour after four o'clock, alarm guns were fired, and the drums beat to arms ; and the militia were collecting together. - Some, to the number of fifty or sixty, or possibly more, were on the parade, others were coming towards it. - In the mean time the troops, having thus stolen a march upon us, and to prevent any intelligence of their approach, having seized and held prisoners several persons, whom they met unarmed upon the road, seemed to come determined for murder and bloodshed ; and that whether provoked to it or not ! When within about half a quarter of a mile of the meeting-house, they halted, and command was given to prime and load ; which being done, they marched on till they came up to the east end of said meeting-house, in sight of our militia (collecting as aforesaid) who were about twelve or thirteen rods distant. Immediately on their appearing so suddenly, and so nigh, Captain Parker, who com- inanded the militia company, ordered the men to disperse and take care of themselves and not to fire. Upon this our men dispersed ; but many of them not so speedily, as they might have done, not having the most distant idea of such brutal barbarity and more than savage cruelty, from the troops of a British king, as they immediately experienced. For no sooner did they come in sight of our company, but one of them, supposed to be an officer of rank, was heard to say to the troops, ' Damn them ; we will have them ! ' Upon which the troops shouted aloud, huzza'd, and rushed furiously towards our men. About the same time, three officers (supposed to be Colonel Smith, Major Pitcairn, and another officer) advanced on horseback to the front of the body, and coming within five or six rods of the militia, one of them cried out, ' Ye villains, ye rebels, disperse ; damn you, disperse ! ' or words to this effect. One of them said, ' Lay down your arms ; damn you, why don't you lay down your arms ! ' The second of these officers, about this, time fired a pistol towards the militia as they were dispersing. The foremost, who was within a few yards of our men, brandishing his sword, and then pointing towards them, with a loud voice, said to the troops, ' Fire ! by God, fire 1 ' which was instantly followed by a discharge of arms from the said troops, succeeded by a very heavy and close fire upon our party dispersing, so long as any of them were within reach. Eight were . left dead upon the ground ; ten were wounded." ^

The British troops then passed on without molestation to Concord, six miles further. In the mean time Prescott had arrived there ; and the guard, the committee of safety, the military officers, and principal citizens, had been alarmed. The church bell rung a little before three o'clock. Major John Buttrick requested Mr. Reuben Brown to proceed towards Lexington, obtain what information he could, and return. Another messenger was sent to Watertown on the same errand. Mr. Brown arrived at Lexington just before the British troops fired on the devoted Lexington militia, and immediately returned to Concord, without waiting to ascertain what effect their firing had produced. On his arrival Major Buttrick inquired if they fired bullets. 1 do not know, but think i " Plain and faithful Narrative of Facts," by the Rev. Jonas Clark, minister of Lexington, published as an appendix to his Sermon, preaclied at the anniversary of these events in 177G. - See Appendix.

it probable/' was the answer. It was supposed at that time, that they fired nothing but powder, merely to intimidate the people, though various reports were circulated of a different character. The provincials were unwilling to be the aggressors, and could not then believe the mother country was in earnest, and intended to murder the inhabitants of her colonies. The object was conceived to be, to destroy the public stores. The people, however, wished to be prepared for any event. Mr. Brown proceeded by the direction of Colonel Barrett to Hopkinton to alarm the people in that direction. Other messengers were sent at the same time to other towns with the intelligence ; and the alarm spread like electric fire from a thousand sources, and produced a shock that roused all to action.

The committee of safety in Concord had been engaged the preceding day, according to the direction of the provincial committee, in removing some of the military stores to the adjoining towns, and immediately gave directions for removing and securing such as yet remained. This occupied the attention of Colonel Barrett and a large number of citizens a considerable portion of the morning. Four cannon were carried to Stow, six to the outer parts of the town, and some others covered with hay, straw, manure, &:c. Loads of stores of various kinds were carried to Acton, and other -towns, and many others were concealed in private buildings and in the woods. The utmost activity prevailed in preparing for the approaching crisis.

The road from Lexington to Concord enters the town from the southeast along the side of a hill, which commences on the right about a mile below the village, rising abruptly from thirty to fifty feet above the road, and terminating at the northeasterly part of the public square. The top is plain land, commanding a pleasant view of the village and vicinity. Here, in the rear of Reuben Brown's, stood the pole on which the flag of liberty was first unfurled. The meeting-house stood in its present situation ; the courthouse was near the county-house, now occupied by the jailer ; Captain Timothy Wheeler's store-house was near Mr. Stow's. There was no house between Elisha Tolman's and Abel B. Heywood's. The main branch of Concord river flows sluggishly in a serpentine direction on the westerly and northerly side of the village about half a mile from the principal houses. This river was then passed by two bridges, one by Deacon Cyrus Hosmer's, called the " old South Bridge," the other near the Rev. Dr. Ripley's, called the North Bridge, about half a mile from the meeting-house. The river, which before ran easterly, turns at this place and runs northerly. The road, just beyond Dr. Ripley's, turned nearly at right angles, and passing over the bridge went parallel with the river over wet ground below the house then owned by Captain David Brown, and by Humphrey Hunt's, to Colonel Barrett's, who lived about two miles from town. This road was entered by another, about thirty rods above the bridge nearly at right angles, leading from the high lands at Colonel Jonas Buttrick's, also about fifty rods direct from the bridge, on which the main body of the provincial militia paraded. This bridge was taken up in 1793, and two others, one abov^e and the other below the old site, were erected. - Guards were stationed at the north and south bridges, below Dr. Heywood's, and in the centre of the village. Jonathan Farrar was then commander of the guard. In case of an alarm, it was agreed to meet at Wright's tavern, now Deacon Jarvis's. A part of the company under Captain Brown paraded about break of day ; and.being uncertain whether the enemy was coming, they were dismissed, to be called together by the beat of drum. Soon afterward the minute-men and militia, who had assembled, paraded on the common ; and after furnishing themselves with ammunition at the court-house, marched down below the village in view of the Lexington road. About the same time a part of the minute company from Lincoln, who had been alarmed by Dr. Prescott, came into town, and paraded in like manner. The number of armed men, who had now assembled, was about one hundred. The morning had advanced to about seven o'clock ; and the British army were soon seen approaching the town on the Lexington road. The sun shone with peculiar splendor. The glittering arms of eight hundred soldiers, " the flower of the British army," were full in view. It was a novel, imposing, alarming sis^ht. What was to be done ? At first it was thought best that they should face the enemy, as few as they were, and abide the consequences. Of this opinion, among others, was the Rev. William Emerson, the clergyman ot the town, who had turned out amongst the first in the morning to animate and encourage his people by his counsel and patriotic example. Let us stand our ground," said he ; if we die, let us die here ! Eleazer Brooks of Lincoln was then on the hill. " Let us go and meet them," said one to him. No," he answered, " it will not do for us to begin the war." They did not then know what had happened at Lexington. Their number was, however, very small in comparison with the enemy, and it was concluded best to retire a short distance, and wait for reinforcements. They consequently marched to the northern declivity of the burying-ground hill, near the present site of the court-house. They did not, however, leave their station till the British light infantry had arrived within a few rods' distance.

Major Buttrick went to one of the companies then under command of Lieutenant Joseph Hosmer, the other officers not then being at their posts, and requested him to act as adjutant. He remonstrated by telling him " his company would be left alone if he did." " It must be so then," said Buttrick; " you must go." He accordingly left his company, and officiated as adjutant the remaining part of the morning. About the same time Colonel James Barrett, who was commander of the regiment of militia, and who had been almost incessantly engaged that morning in securing the stores, rode up. Individuals were frequently arriving, bringing different reports. Some exaggerated the number of British troops ; some said that they had, and others that they had not killed some Lexington militia men. It was difficult to obtain correct information. Under these circumstances he ordered the men there paraded, being about one hundred and fifty, to march over the north bridge, near the present residence of Colonel Jonas Buttrick, and there wait for reinforcements. This shows," says Murray, " that they did not intend to begin hostilities at this time, otherwise they would have disputed the ground with the light infantry."

In the mean time the British troops entered the town. The . six companies of light infantry were ordered to enter on the hill, and disperse the minute men whom they had seen paraded there. The grenadiers came up the main road, and halted on the common. Unfortunately for the people's cause, the British officers had already been made somewhat acquainted, through their spies, and the tories, with the topography of the town, and the situation of many of the military stores. On their arrival they examined as well as they could, by the help of spyglasses from a post of observation on the burying-ground hill, the appearance of the town, condition of the provincials, he. It was found that the provincials were assembling, and that no time was to be lost. The first object of the British was to gain possession of the north and south bridges to prevent any militia from entering over them. Accordingly, while Colonel Smith remained in the centre of the town, he detached six companies of light infantry, under command ofCapt. Lawrence Parsons of his own regiment, to take possession of the north bridge, and proceed thence to places where stores were deposited. Ensign D'Bernicre, already mentioned, was ordered to direct his way. It is also intimated that tories were active in guiding the regulars. Captain Beeman of Petersham was one. On their arrival there, three companies under command of Captain Lawrie of the 43d regiment were left to protect the bridge ; one of those, commanded by Lieutenant Edward Thornton Gould, paraded at the bridge, the other, of the 4th and 10th regiments, fell back in the rear towards the hill. Captain Parsons with three companies proceeded to Colonel Barrett's to destroy the stores there deposited. At the same time Captain Mundey Pole of the 10th regiment was ordered to take possession of the south bridge, and destroy such public property as he could find in that direction. The grenadiers and marines, under Smith and Pitcairn, remained in the centre of the town, where all means in their power were used to accomplish the destruction of military stores.

By the great exertions of the provincials the principal part of the public stores had been secreted, and many others were protected by the innocent artifice of individuals. In the centre of the town the grenadiers broke open about sixty barrels of flour, nearly one half of which was afterwards saved ; knocked off the trunnions of three iron twenty-four pound cannon, and burnt sixteen new carriage-wheels, and a few barrels of wooden trenchers and spoons. The liberty-pole on the hill was cut down, and suffered the same fate. About five hundred pounds of balls were thrown into the mill-pond and into wells. " The shrewd and successful address of Captain Timothy Wheeler on this occasion deserves notice. He had the charge of a large quantity of provincial flour, which, together with some casks of his own, was stored in his barn. A British officer demanding entrance, he readily took his key and gave him admission. The officer expressed his pleasure at the discovery ; but Captain Wheeler with much affected simplicity, said to him, putting his hand on a barrel ; ^ This is my flour. I am a miller, Sir. Yonder stands my mill.* I get my living by it. In the winter I grind a great deal of grain, and get it ready for market in the spring. This,' pointing to one barrel, ' is the flour of wheat ; this,' pointing to another, ' is the flour of corn ; this is the flour of rye ; this,' putting his hand on his own casks, ^ is my flour ; this is my wheat ; this is my rye ; this is mine.' ' Well,' said the officer, ^ we do not injure private property ' ; and withdrew leaving this important depository untouched." ^

Captain Ephraim Jones kept the tavern now owned by Hartwell Bigelow, and had the care of the jail near by. Henry Gardner, Esq., the province treasurer, had boarded with him during the session of the Congress, and had left in his custody a chest containing some money and other important articles. Captain Jones was taken by the British, and placed under a guard of five men with their bayonets fixed and pointing towards him. After being thus detained a short time he was released to furnish refreshment at his bar. In the mean time they entered his house in search of public stores, and went to the chamber where Mr. Gardner's chest was deposited. Being about to enter, Hannah Barns, who lived in the family, remonstrated, telling them it was her apartment, and contained her property. After considerable parleying, they left her and the chamber unmolested.

The court-house was set on fire, but was extinguished by Mrs. Martha Moulton, a near resident, assisted by a servant of Dr. Minott. They remonstrated, saying to the British, " The top of the house is filled with powder, and if you do not put the fire out, you will all be killed." On this they lent their aid. They seized and abused several unarmed inhabitants who remained in the village.

The party at the south bridge entered several adjacent houses, where at their request milk, potatoes, meat, and other refreshments, as a breakfast, were provided. They entered the house of Ephraim Wood, Esq. and endeavoured to take him prisoner. He was town clerk and a distinguished patriot. Being actively engaged in directing the important events of the day, and assisting in removing the stores, he was not at home and escaped detec- tion. At Mr. Amos Wood's they paid a guinea apiece to each of the female attendants to compensate them for tlicir trouble. They searched the house ; and an oflicer observing one room fastened, significantly inquired of Mrs. Wood, " whether there were not some females locked up there ? By her evasive answer he was led to believe it was so, and immediately said, I forbid any one entering this room ! " - and a room filled with military stores was thus fortunately preserved. This party remained here till they heard the firing at the north bridge, when they recrossed the river, took up the planks of the bridge to render it impassable, and hastened to join the main body in the middle of the town.

After Colonel Barrett had ordered the militia to march over the bridge, he rode home to give some directions respecting the stores at his house. He set out on his return to the militia companies just before the party of British troops arrived. They said to Mrs. Barrett, " Our orders are to search your house and your brother's from top to bottom." Leave was granted. The soldiers here, as at other places in town, requested and were provided with refreshments. One of the sergeants asked for spirit, but it was refused ; and the commanding officer forbid it, as it might render him unfit for duty, saying, " We shall have bloody work to day, - we have killed men at Lexington." The officers offered to pay Mrs. Barrett, but she refused, saying, " We are commanded to feed our enemies." They then threw some money into her lap. Hesitating some time, she accepted it with the remark, - This is the price of blood." They assured her of good treatment, but said they must execute their orders. Mrs. Barrett had concealed some musket-balls, cartridges, flints, he, in casks in the garret, and had put over them a quantity of feathers, which prevented discovery. They however took fifty dollars in money from one of the rooms. On seeing Stephen, a son of Colonel Barrett, the officer demanded his name. Being answered " Barrett," they called him a rebel, and taking hold of him said, " You must go to Boston with us, and be sent to England for your trial." Upon Mrs. Barret saying, " He is my son, and not the master of the house," they released him. They collected some gun-carriages in order to burn them ; but before they executed their intention the firing at the bridge was heard, and they immediately retreated.

our military men, having secured what articles of public property they could, were assembling under arms. Beside the minute-men and militia of Concord, the military companies from the adjoining towns began to assemble ; and the number had increased to about two hundred and fifty or three hundred.

-"-^ There were at this time in this vicinity, under rather imperfect organization, a regiment of militia, and a regiment of minute-men. The officers of the militia' were James Barrett, colonel ; Ezekiel How of Sudbury, lieutenant-colonel ; Nathan Barrett and George Minott of Concord, Joseph Bobbins of Acton, John Moore of Bedford, Samuel Farrar of Lincoln, and Moses Stone and Aaron Haynes of Sudbury, captains. The officers of the minute-men were Abijah Pierce of Lincoln, colonel ; Thomas Nixon of Framingham, lieutenant-colonel ; John Buttrick of Concord, major ; Jacob Miller of Holliston, 2d major ; Thomas Hurd of East Sudbury, adjutant ; David Brown, and Charles Miles of Concord, Isaac Davis of Acton, William Smith of Lincoln, Jonathan Wilson of Bedford, John Nixon of Sudbury, captains. There were also two small companies of horse, one in Concord, and one in Sudbury ; but they were out among the foot companies at this time. Joseph Hosmer, David Wheeler, Francis Wheeler, and James Russell of Concord ; John Hay ward, Simon Hunt, and John Heald of Acton ; Samuel Hoar of Lincoln ; Moses Abbott of Bedford ; and Jonathan Rice, David Moore, Asahel Wheeler, and Jabez Puffer of Sudbury, were lieutenants. All these, however, were not present at the engagement at the North Bridge.^

1 It has been customary in giving notice of deceased revolationary soldiers, who met the British at any time on tiiat day, or marched to meet them, to say they were present at the North Bridge. This in many instances is doubtless incorrect. Scarcely any, except those from Concord and the towns immediately adjoining, were or could he present, though troops came with celerity and bravery from a greater distance, and were in the engagement on the retreat. Two companies from Sudbury, under How, Nixon, and Haynes, came to Concord ; and having received orders from a person stationed at the entrance of the town for the purpose of a guide, to proceed to the north instead of the south bridge, arrived near Colonel Barrett's just before the British soldiers retreated. They halted in sight, and Colonel How observed, " If any blood has been shed, not one of the rascals shall escape ; " and disguising himself rode on to ascertain the truth. Before proceeding far, the firing began at the bridge, and the Sudbury companies pursued the retreating British.

The officers of the minute companies had no commissions. Their authority was derived solely from the suffrages of their companies. Nor were any of the companies formed in regular order. John Robinson of Westford, a Lieutenant-Colonel in a regiment of minute-men under Colonel William Prescott, and other men of distinction had already assembled. The hostile acts and formidable array of the enemy, and the burning of the articles they had collected in the village, led them to anticipate a general destruction.

Joseph Hosmer, acting as adjutant, formed the soldiers as they arrived singly or in squads, on the field westerly of Colonel Jonas Buttrick's present residence ; the minute companies on the right and the militia on the left, facing the town. He then, observing an unusual smoke arising from the centre of the town, went to the officers and citizens in consultation on the high ground near by, and inquired earnestly, Will you let them burn the town down ? " They tlien, with those exciting scenes before them deliberately with noble patriotism and firmness " resolved to march into the middle of the town to defend their homes, or die in the attempt ; " and at the same time they resolved not to fire unless first fired upon. " They acted upon principle and in the fear of God." ^

Colonel Barrett immediately gave orders to march by wheeling from the right. Major Buttrick requested Lieutenant-Colonel Robinson to accompany him, and led them in double file to the scene of action. When they came to the road leading from Captain Brown's to the bridge, a part of the Acton minute company under Captain Davis passed by in front, marched towards the bridge a short distance, and halted. Being in files of two abreast, the Concord minute company, under Captain Brown, being before at the head, marched up the north side, till they came equally in front. The precise position, however, of each company cannot now be fully ascertained. This road was subject to inundations, and a wall was built with large stones on the upper side, in which posts were placed, connected together at their tops with poles to aid foot-passengers in passing over in times of high water.

bridge. Against this Major Buttrick remonstrated in an elevated tone, and ordered a quicker step of his soldiers. The British desisted. At that moment two or three guns were fired in quick succession into the river, which the provincials considered as alarmguns and Bot aimed at them. They had arrived within ten or fifteen rods of the bridge, when a single gun was fired by a British soldier, the ball from which passing under Colonel Robinson's arm slightly wounded the side of Luther Blanchard, a fifer ill the Acton company, and Jonas Brown, one of the Concord minute men. This gun was instantly followed by a volley by which Captain - Isaac Davis and Abner Hosmer, both belonging to Acton, were killed, a ball passing through the body of the former, and another through the head of the latter. On seeing this. Major Buttrick instantly leaped from the ground, and partly turning to his men, exclaimed, " Fire, fellow-soldiers, for God's sake, fire /' ; discharging his own gun almost in the same instant. His order was instantly obeyed ; and a general discharge from the whole line of the provincial ranks took place. Firing on both sides continued a few minutes. Three British soldiers were killed ; and Lieutenants Sunderland, Kelley, and Gould, a sergeant, and four privates were wounded. The British immediately retreated about half way to the meetinghouse, and were met by two companies of grenadiers, who had been drawn thither by ^' the noise of battle."

Two of the soldiers killed at the bridge were left on the ground, where they were afterwards buried by Zachariah Brown and Thomas Davis, Jun., and the spot deserves to be marked by an ever-enduring monument, as the place where the first British blood was spilt, - where the hfe of the first British soldier was taken, in a contest which resulted in a revolution the most mighty in its consequences in the annals of mankind.

Most of the provincials pursued them across the bridge, though a few returned to Buttrick's with their dead.^ About one hundred and fifty went immediately across the Great Field to intercept the enemy on their retreat at Merriam's corner. From this time

1 Luther Blanchard went to Mrs. Barrett's, who, after examining his wound, mournfully remarked, " A little more and you'd been killed.'' *' Yes," said Blanchard, " and a little more and 't wouldn't have touched me ; " - and immediately joined the pursuers.

It was between 10 and 11 o'clock when the firing at the bridge took place ; and a short time after Captain Parsons and his party returned unmolested from Colonel Barrett's. They might have been attacked and taken, had the party that went across the Great Fields remained, and had strict military order been preserved ; but it was probably feared, that, if this had been done, the grenadiers would have burnt the village, or committed some other act of retaliation, which it would have been impossible for the number of Americans then assembled to prevent. War, too, at this time was not declared. Though some may suppose the provincials here made a mistake, and neglected the advantages they possessed, yet no one who views all the circumstances correctly, will hesitate to consider this, as one of the most fortunate events, or be dissatisfied with what the provincials did on that memorable day.

By this time the provincials had considerably increased, and were constantly arriving from the neighbouring towns. The British had but partially accomplished the objects of their expedition ; the quantity of public stores destroyed being very small in comparison with what remained untouched. They observed, however, with no little anxiety and astonishment, the celerity with which the provincials w^ere assembling, and the determined resolution with which they were opposed. Hitherto their superior numbers had given them an advantage over such companies as had assembled ; but they now began to feel that they were in danger, and resolved, from necessity, on an immediate retreat. They collected together their scattered parties, and made some hasty provision for the wounded.

Several were taken into Dr. Minott's (now the Middlesex Hotel), where their wounds were dressed. One of the officers left his gold watch, which was discovered after he had gone out, by an old black servant. She, with honest simplicity, called out " Hollo, sir, you have left your watch," and restored it without fee or reward. At Wright's tavern, Pitcairn called for a glass of brandy, and stirred it up with his bloody finger, remarking, " He hoped he should stir the damned yankee blood so before night." ^ One of the wounded died and was buried where Mr. Keyes' house stands. A chaise was taken from Reuben Brown,^ and another from John Beaton, which were furnished with bedding, pillaged as were many other articles from the neighbouring houses, in which they placed some of their wounded ; and began a hasty retreat a little before 12 o'clock. Several were left behind. About the same time they fired at Mr. Abel Prescott,^ whom they saw returning from an excursion to alarm the neighbouring towns ; but, though shghtly wounded in his side, he secreted, himself in Mrs. Heywood's house and escaped.

The designs of the enemy were now fully developed ; and the indignation of the provincials was highly excited. Many of them were determined to be revenged for the wanton cruelties which had been committed. They had followed the retreating party between the bridge and the village, and fired single-handed from the high ground, or from behind such shelter as came in their way ; and thus began a mode of warfare which cost many a one his life.

The king's troops retreated in the same order as they entered town, the infantry on the hill and the grenadiers in the road, but with flanking parties more numerous and farther from the main body. On arriving- at Merriam's Corner they were attacked by the provincials who had proceeded across the Great Fields, in conjunction with a company from Reading, under command of the late Governor Brooks. Several of the British were killed, and several wounded ; among the latter was Ensign Lester. None of the provincials were injured. From this time the road was literally lined with provincials, whose accurate aim generally produced the desired effect. Guns were fired from every house, barn, wall, or covert.

1 Lieutenant Joseph Hayward, who had been in the French war, took these two chaises in Cambridge, and brought them to Concord, having killed a man in each. A little before, observing a gun pointed out of the window of a house by a British soldier, he seized it, and in attempting to enter the house found it fastened. He burst open the door, attacked and killed by himself two of the enemy in the room, and took a third prisoner. One of their guns is still owned by his son, from whom I received this anecdote.

2 He was brother of Samuel Prescott, who brought the intelligence from Lexington in the morning. Samuel was taken prisoner on board a privateer afterwards, and carried to Halifax, where he died in jail. Abel died of the dysentery in Concord, September 3, 1775, aged 25.

After they had waylaid the enemy and fired upon them from one position, they fell back from the road, ran forward, and came up again to perform a similar manoeuvre. The Sudbury company attacked them near Hardy's hill on the south ; and below the Brooks tavern, on the old road north of the school-house, a severe battle was fought. Some were killed in the woods, and others in or near Mr. Hartwell's barn, close by. It was here that Captain Jonathan Wilson of Bedford, Nathaniel Wyman of Billerica, and Daniel Thompson of Woburn were killed. Eight of the British, who fell here and were left on the ground, were buried in the Lincoln burying-ground the next day, one of whom, from his dress, was supposed to have been an officer. Several were killed near where Viles's tavern now is ; and at Fisk's hill, a little below. Lieutenant Colonel Smith was wounded in his leg, in a severe engagement. At the house at the bottom of this hill a rencontre between James Hayward of Acton and a British soldier took place. Hayward, on going round the house for a draught of water, perceived his antagonist coming through the house on the same errand. The Briton drew up his gun, remarking, it is said, " You are a dead man " ; " And so are you," answered Hayward. Both fired and both fell ; the former dead, and the latter mortally wounded. He died the next day. All the way the enemy were compelled to pass through ranks of men they had injured, and who were armed and eager to avenge the blood of their slaughtered fellow citizens.

An express was sent from Lexington in the morning to General Gage to inform him of what had happened there ; and about 9 o'clock a brigade of about 1100 men marched out under the command of the Right Honorable Hugh Earl Percy ,^ a brigadier-general ; consisting of the marines, the Welch Fusiliers, the 4th, 47th, and 38th regiments, and two field-pieces. This reinforcement arrived at Lexington about 2 o'clock, placed the field-pieces cn the high ground below Monroe's tavern, and checked for about half an hour the eager pursuit of the provincials. During this time they burnt the hous?, barn, and other out-buildings of Deacon

1 " Providence, May 10, 1777. On Monday General Percy, the hero of Lexington (weary of the American war, though covered with laurels)^ sailed from Newport for England in a ship mounting 14 guns only. The command has devolved on General Prescott." - Boston Gazette.

Joseph Loring, the house, barn, and shop of Mrs. Lydia Mulliken, and the house and shop of Mr. Joshua Bond. By the aid of this reinforcement they were able to effect their retreat to Charlestown, though not without sustaining continual losses on the way. They arrived about 7 o'clock, having, during a day unusually hot for the season, marched upwards of 36 miles, and endured almost incredible suffering. All the provisions they had had were obtained by purchase or plunder from the people ; their provision-wagons having been taken by the Americans. Some of them were so much exhausted with fatigue, that they were obliged to lie down on the ground, their tongues hanging out of tlieir mouths like dogs after the chase." ^ Our militia and minutemen pursued them to Charlestown Neck, many of whom remained there during the night ; others returned home. The damage to private property by fire, robbery, and destruction, was estimated at £274 I6s. Id. in Concord ; £1761 Is. bd. in Lexington ; and £1202 85. Id. in Cambridge.^

Of the provincials 49p5vere killed, 36 wounded, and 5 missing. Captain Charles Miles, Captain Nathan Barrett, Jonas Brown, and Abel Prescott, jr., of Concord, were wounded. Captain Isaac Davis, Abner Hosmer, and James Hay ward, of Acton, were killed, and Luther Blanchard, wounded. Captain Jonathan Wilson, of Bedford, was killed, and Job Lane w^ounded.

Of the British, 73 were killed, 172 wounded, and 26 missing ; among whom were 18 officers, 10 sergeants, 2 drummers, and 240 rank and file. Among the wounded were Lieutenant Colonels Francis Smith and Benjamin Bernard. Lieutenant Edward Hall was wounded at the north bridge, and taken prisoner on the re- ' treat. He died the next day, and his remains were delivered up to General Gage. Lieutenant Edward Thornton Gould was also wounded at the bridge, and taken prisoner on the retreat. He was confined and treated with kindness at Medford till May 28th, when he was exchanged for Josiah Breed, of Lynn. He had a

2 Files of the Provincial Congress. Another paper in the Secretary's office, dated J 782, gives the amount of loss to Lexington £2576 25. Ic?., currency ; - real estate £615 JO5., and personal £1960 J25. \d. And the Selectmen say in this paper, " As it is almost eight years since the 19th of April, 1775, some considerable part of the loss and damage sustained by the town cannot be ascertained at this time."

fortune of £1900 per annum, and is said to have offered £2000 for his ransom. Lieutenant Isaac Potter, of the marines, was taken prisoner, and confined some time at Reuben Brown's. Colonel Barrett was directed, April 2'2d, to give him liberty to walk round the house, but to keep a constant guard of three men, day and night, to prevent his being insulted or making his escape. Eight of the wounded received medical attendance from Dr. Cuming, at the house then standing near Captain Stacy's. One of them, John Bateman, died and was buried on the hill ; and none of them were known to return to the British. Samuel Lee was taken prisoner early in the morning, between Lexington and Concord, and afterwards lived in Concord till his death. He always stated that he was the first prisoner taken on that day. Fourteen prisoners were confined in the jail in Concord during the year, and a number of others were permitted to go out to work. Fifteen were ordered to Worcester, April 26th. Sergeant Cooper, one of the party who went to Colonel Barrett's, married a woman who lived with Dr. Cuming.

Such is an imperfect sketch of the occurrences of the 19th of April, 1775, the greatest of that age." " Concord," says the late President Dwight, " will be long remembered as having been, partially, the scene of the first military action in the revolutionary war, and the object of an expedition, the first in that chain of events, which terminated in the separation of the British colonies from their mother country. A traveller on this spot, particularly an American traveller, will insensibly call to his mind an event of this magnitude, and cannot fail of being deeply affected by a comparison of so small a beginning with so mighty an issue. In other circumstances, the expedition to Concord, and the interest which ensued, would have been merely little tales of wonder and of woe, chiefly recited by the parents of the neighbourhood to their circles at the fireside ; commanding a momentary attention of childhood ; and calling forth the tear of sorrow from the eyes of those who were intimately connected with the sufferers. Now the same events preface the history of a nation and the beginning of an empire, and are themes of disquisition and astonishment to the civihzed world. From the plains of Concord will henceforth be dated a change in human affairs, an alteration in the balance of human power, and a new direction to the course of human im- provement. Man, from the events which have occurred here, will, in some respects, assume a new character, and experience, in some respects, a new destiny."

Chapter Viii

State of Feeling on the 20th of April. - Tories. - College removed to Concord. Committees of Correspondence. - Proceedings in Relation to the Monopoly Acts. - Revolutionary Soldiers. - Table of Different Campaigns. - Public pecuniary Sacrifices. - Taxes. - Constitution adopted.

The events just described spread terror over the minds of some, indignation over others, and gloom over all ; and predisposed them to new alarms. The death of several fellow citizens, in defence of their rights against British soldiers, was indeed a novel sight of fearful interest. The next day, April 20th, a messenger brought a report into town by way of Lincoln, that the regulars were again on their march to Concord. For a while this was believed, and the most active preparations were made for their reception, by removing the women and children from the village, and concealing them in the remote parts of the town, and in the woods, the men parading under arms, determined to defend themselves or perish. After a few hours the report was contradicted, and the inhabitants returned to their homes.

Meantime the patriot-soldiers were continually marching to Concord from remote towns. On the 21st, 700 of them went into the meeting-house, where prayers were offered up by the Rev. Mr. Emerson, and an address made by the Rev. Mr. Webster of Salem. In the afternoon Mr. Emerson and several others went to Cambridge. Great commotion prevailed. The next day the town was again alarmed. The minute companies paraded and marched to Cambridge ; but, finding no enemy, they returned. The Provincial Congress met here on the 22d, and orders were given to raise an army forthwith.

These occurrences brought out the friends and opposers of liberty. Two or three individuals in town were yet inclined to toryism. It was not strange it should be so. It was a tremen- dous step to take up arms against the mother country ; and, to say the least, the issue of the contest was doubtful. Men honestly differed in opinion as to the propriety of the measures of England, and others as to the proper course to be taken to obtain redress. Some had sworn allegiance to the king, and were afraid they should break their oath. While entertaining such opinions they did not enter warmly into the popular cause. They were, however, sure to receive the unwelcome notice of the people. One individual, who had been a selectman, was heard to say, For myself I think I shall be neutral in these times ; " and his name was immediately taken from the jury-box. The government was dictated by the force of public opinion. The town assumed, in some respects, the authority of an individual community, - an independent republic. Its committee of correspondence met daily, and acted in a legislative, executive, and judicial capacity. All suspicious persons were brought before it for trial, and, if found guilty, were condemned. The people supported them in their decisions. The following is a copy of one of these sentences, and most remarkably shows the peculiar spirit of those times.