The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-04-10
Mistellaneoas.
From The Mev York Observer.
First Shot in the Revolution.

Through the kindness of friend, |
have the first weapon that was discharged
in the war of the American Revolution.
The brace Of pistols, preserved in
handsome casket and covered with glass,
have history so brief and direct, so ro-
mantle and remarkable, that they are
identified with the first blood shed in that
war which resulted in the Independence
Of the United States Of America.
As we have now entered upon the month
which witnessed the opening Of that long
drama, and as the State of Massachusetts
has declared the 10Th day of this month
legal holiday, that all her sons and
daughters may participate iu the celebra-
tien Of the centennial of the battle that
inaugurated the war, it is fitting time to
tell the story, and present the pistols.
The vigilance of Gen. Gage, in Boston,
was very great, butnot sufficient to prevent
the intelligence of his movements from
leaking out and being sent over the coun-
try. 1t was known to the committees Of
safety in Lexington, Concord and other
towns, that the British General was pre-
pairing an expedition to destroy the warlike
stores that patriotic prudence had accumu-
lated in these places, and preparations we're
speedily made to give the expedition a
warm reception.
April 10, 1775, at the early hour of two
in the morning, 130 militia men of Lex
ington were assembled on the common,
but when word was brought that no troops
were coming, they separated to their
homes, to return at the sound Of the drum
AT halfpass four, by order of Capt. Par
ker, the signal was given Of the approach
of the enemy, and the brave men Of Sar-
geant Monroe's company, some Of whom
were in few minutes to die, took their
posts near the church. Here they awaited
the moment to begin the struggle that is
still in progress over the world, to deter
mine the right of people to have their
own form of government. Please keep in
mind the names of Parker and Monroe, as
they will appear again.
The British were on the ground Major
Pitcairn commanding, and on horseback.
He shouted an order to the Americans to
lay down their arms and disperse. This
order producing no effect, no drew his
pistol and fred il, at the same time giving
to his soldiers the command to fire. The
events that followed form the familiar his
tory Of the war Of Independence. The
British, having compelled the retirement
of the militia after many had been killed
or wounded, went to Concord. the news
of the mornings work spread over the
surrounding country: the minute men
rushed to the scene of action: and when
the British, at noon, began their return
march to Boston, they were in the midst
of an enemy's country, and every inhabi-
tant an armed soldier. Major Pitcairn's
horse was wounded, and with his equip
ments fell into the hands Of the Americans.
Confusion spread through the ranks.
"They were exhausted with the fatigue,
their tongues hanging out Of their mouths
like dogs after chase" Reinforcements
were sent out from Boston and the rem.
nant was saved
Israel Putnam, the hero of the wolf-den
aud Horseneck hill, who had won honors
in the French war, aud had been made
brigadier-general at special meeting Of
the Connecticut Legislature, having heard
Of the explosion at Lexington, unyoked
the team with which he was pIouzhing.
and rode on horseback sirty,fre miles, in
one day, to Cambridge, Mass, and put
himself Immediately into contact with
the American leaders. To him was as
signed the command Of the militia, and
his dash, daring and skin, as displayed at
Bunker Hill two months afterwards, form
brilliant passages in the early history Of
the war. It was very proper that the pis
tolls which belonged to Major Pitcairn
shonld be committed to his hands.
His grandson was John p. Putnam.