The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-05-01

lheh were organized ana ready Tor action
and on all the roads leading to Concord
they we're hurrying to the scene of action
determined to attack the invaders on their
return.
About noon the British began their
march for Boston. Their left kept the
high ground thar borders the Lexington
road; their right was protected by a brook;
and the main body marched in the road.
II was soon evident that the country had
been thoroughly alarmed. The hills aud
roads so swarmed with the minute-men,
that it seemed as If "men had dropped
from the clouds. The Proyincials had
left the hill near the North Bridge and
marched across the pastures to Bedford
road, where they were joined by minute
men and militia from Billerica, Reading,
and other towns in the vicinity, who had
come up to fire upon the British during
their retreat. Shortly after they came to
Merriam's Hill, the Americans discovered
the enemys left flank, who after leaving
Concord, kept that height of land. The
ProYincials and British were then equally
distant from Merriam's corner. Within
twenty rods Of that place the Americans
halted. The regulars marched down the
hill in profound silence, with very slow
but steady step; and when they had reach
ed the main road, they suddenly turned
about, and fred yolley of musketry. The
fire was promptly returned, and two of the
Kings troops fell dead in the road.
The contest now commenced in good
earnest, and as the British continued their
retreat, severe volleys were poured in upon
them from every direction. Near Hardy's
Hill, they were attacked by the Sudbury
militia, and severe struggle took place
below the Brooks tavern, on the old road,
north Of the school house. The woods on
both sides Of the foad were filed with
minute-men, and the retreating troops
were now completely between two fires.
For three or four miles along this road the
British suffered terribly from the brisk
and constant firing, Arriving within
short distance of the Lexington meeting
house, the British troops again suffered
severely. Their ammunition began to give
out, and their eight companies were so
fatlgued as to be nearly unfit for duty.
Confusion spread throughout the ranks,
and for long time the officers were una
bic to restore discipline. Witnessing the
confusion increasing, in spite of their ef.
forts, they desperately placed themselves
in front, and threatened the men with
instant death If they advanced. Thus
order was partially restored; but the troops
must inevitably have surrendered to the
Provincials were it not for the timely arri-
val of reinforeements sent to their relief
"They were so much exhausted with
fatigue the British historian, Stedman,
writes, ''that they were obliged to lie down
for rest on the ground, their tongues
hanging out Of their mouths, like those Of
dogs after chase" For a short time
there was now cessation of battle; but
Che troops committed the most reckless
destruction. Several houses, two shops
and barn, were burned to the ground in
Lexington; buildings along the road were
plundered and defaced, and individuals
we're wantonly abused After the British
had recommended their retreat, the min
ute-men and militia renewed their attack,
and during the remainder Of the route the
skirmishiug was sharp and bloody, until
they reached Charlestown, which they en-
tered almost on a run, anxious to get under
the protection of the guns Of the ships-of.
war-the minute-men following close upon
their heels as far as Charlestown Common,
when General Health, their commander,
ordered them to stop their pursuit.