Chap. XXVII.} 1775. April 19. |
[290]
The troops had not advanced far, when the firing
of guns and ringing of bells announced that their expedition had been heralded before them; and Smith sent back to demand a reinforcement.
On the morning of the nineteenth of April, between the hours of twelve and one, the message from Warren reached Adams and Hancock, who divined at once the object of the expedition.
Revere, therefore, and Dawes, joined by Samuel Prescott, ‘a high son of liberty’ from Concord, rode forward, calling up the inhabitants as they passed along, till in Lincoln they fell upon a party of British officers.
Revere and Dawes were seized and taken back to Lexington, where they were released; but Prescott leaped over a low stone wall, and galloped on for Concord.
There at about two in the morning, a peal from the belfry of the meeting-house brought hastily together the inhabitants of the place.
They came forth, young and old, with their firelocks, ready to make good the resolute words of their town debates.
Among the most alert was William Emerson the minister, with gun in hand, his powder-horn and pouch for balls slung over his shoulder.
By his sermons and his prayers, he had so hallowed the enthusiasm of his flock, that they held the defence of their liberties a part of their covenant with God; his presence with arms, proved his sincerity and strengthened their sense of duty.
From daybreak to sunrise, the summons ran from house to house through Acton.
Express messengers and the call of minute men spread widely the alarm.
How children trembled as they were scared out of
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