The Regulars Are Out!

Today is the anniversary of the ride of Paul Revere. All American schoolchildren learn that Revere rode through the streets of Lexington and Concord shouting "The British are coming!" to warn of the imminent attack of redcoats.

What doesn't always get mentioned in the classroom is the fact Paul Revere was accompanied by William Dawes in Lexington. The two were joined around midnight by Dr. Samuel Prescott and set off for Concord. Spotted by British patrol, Revere was detained while Dawes and Prescott escaped. Dawes was thrown from his horse and walked back to Lexington. Prescott leapt a fence with his horse and went on to warn Concord.

Paul Revere was released by the British, who kept his horse. He returned to Lexington on foot. Prescott is the one who actually got the warning out that saved the ammunition and weapons that would be used the next day at the Battle of Lexington and Concord.

And by the way, they didn't run about yelling "The British are coming!" either. The title of this post is what was really said.

Posted by Jennifer at April 18, 2004 09:55 PM

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