The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-04-17
advance of the fight at Concord, and

where the first patriotic blood was shed
The patriots at Lexington were LEO by
Captain Isaac Davis, who was killed
falling at the Same fire with private Alb
ner Hosmer The first order for return
ing the fire Of the British was given by
Major Buttrick, of Concord. This ac
tion, in which the Colonists had broker
the bond of loyalty by the order of Major
Buttrick and the prompt obedience Of
his men, resulting in the death of the
first patriots who fell for the cause,
thrilled throughout the Colonies like an
| electric shock.
A patriot army of 10000 men was
speedily organized. Much had already
been done toward it in anticipation Of
the dread day when 2,500,O00 colonists
were to open war with the greatest
power on earth.
OF this army 1000 men were from Rhode
Island, 1900 from New Hampshire, 1900
from Connecticut, and 1850 from Mas
sachusetts. General Nathaniel Ward,
of Boston, was the commander Of this
force. General Ward was the richest
merchant of Boston.
His wife was poor girl who had come
to Boston to learn the tailor's trade.
She stepped into his store one day, and
he who was to be the first Commanding
General OF the patriots, fell in love "on
sight," He followed her out of the store,
saw her stop on the sidewalk and speak
with man. Ward asked him who she
was and found that she was his wife's
sister. He soon married her and she
made him the best OF wives.
The siege of Boston began at once after
the action of the 10th, and Gen. Gage had
1000 men under him.
This first army, raw, undisciplined,
and consequently, for some time, ineff-
cient for encountering regulars, con-
tanned many men who were destined to
become famous. Among these were Gen.
Putnam, Col. VIM. Prescott, Col. Stark,
Gen. Heath, Col. Thomas, Gen. Greene,
Capt. Knowlton, Major Brooks and Hen
ry Knox. There were some veterans OF
the "old French war" in this army. All
the men were accustomed to the use of
firearms, having been brought up to their
use in hunting.
On the 10th OF May Ticonderoga and
Crown Point were captured by Colonel
Ethan Allen. On the same day the sec
ond meeting Of the Continental Congress
took place in Philadelphia, where ener-
getic action in war measures were taken.
The Provincial army around Boston was
adopted as the Continental army, which
so changed the current of the worlds
history and gave hope Of liberty to man.
kind.
1t was at once REINFORCED by volun-
teers from Maryland, Pennsylvania and
Virginia. George Washington, a mem
Der of the Virginia delegation in the
Congress, and Colonel, was chosen
Commander-in-C Chief on the 18th of June.
Three days previously General Gage had
issued his proclamation Of pardon to all
who would lay down their arms except
John Hancock and Samuel Adams.
Washington left for his command on the
21st of June. In the interval between
his appointment and taking command,
important events had occurred.
Generals Burgoyne, Clinton and Howe
had Joined General Gage, whose army
now numbered ten thousand of the ablest
soldiers of the world. After the action
at Breeds Hill and the battle Of Bunker's
Hill, Washington assumed command
July I'd, 1776. The siege of Boston con-
tinued through the fall and winter, and
on the 17th of March, 1776, the British
evacuated Boston.