The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-07-04

was no danger-and, If there was danger.
why should they run away from it2
Finally, however they allowed them
selves to be conducted -eut Of town to
place Of safety. Revere's ride thus saved
these good heads for the advice and guild
ance of the Revolution. Meanwhile, in
quick response to the alarm of the mid
night horseman, the bell changed sharply,
the drums sounded upon the night air and
the little village was full of fnr-Off cries
and confusion. 1t was not many minutes
before the little company of minute-m men
was assembled upon the Common, where,
before the close of that eventful day, 10
of their number were TO seal their devo-
ton to their country with their precious
lives.
Meanwhile the British troops were ad-
vaneing. never suspecting that the people
had been warned of their approach. IN
those days. when there were no tele-
phones and even the telegraph was
undreamt of, news must travel from
man to man. and the British were
sure no messenger could have got
ten across the Charles River after
the movement Of their troops be-
gan, because the river was patroued by
boats from the Somerset. Where they
missed calculation was in not being aware
of the fact that Revere had crossed ABOUT
10 minutes before the Somerset's boats
we're set to patrolling the river, and when
the troops started it was not necessary
for a man to cross-the beams from the
lantern in the belfry Of the Old North
Church were messengers enough
Lieutenant Colonel Smith. who led the
advance with about 500 erenadiers. in
fantry and marines, had not proceeded
far when he discovered that the country
was up and alarmed He detached six
companies. under Pitcairn, and gave or
ders for a quick march to destroy the
bridges at Concord.
Although the first blood was shed at
Lexington. the first real fighting occurred
af Concord Concord had been made the
leading military post, and it was the IN
tentfop of General Gage either to capture
or TO destroy these supplies. Colonel Bar
rett. however, of the local militia, had
been cautioned as to the probable attack
OF the British and had already taken
measures TO secrete many Of them
Paul Revere, in attempting to reach
Concord after rousing Lexington from Its
slumbers. was captured by some British
officers. but his companion, Dr. Prescott,
succeeded IN ending arrest and conveyed
the intelligence The militia and minute
men. under Colonel Barrett, we're hur-
riedly called together. and before day
break their numbers had been greatly
augmented by companies of patriots from
Acton and other nearby towns.
The topography of the village Of Con
cord is unusual. 1t is situated upon level
ground and is commanded on either side
by hills The approach from Lexington
Is from the southeast. The road before
reaching the village, runs nearly mile
at a level grade, and along the side Of a
hill which rises abruptly from 30 to 80
feet The top OF this elevation forms a
plain and overlooks the village. Concord
river flows on the westerly side of the
village winding in it's course, 4 placid
stream. The North Bridge. which crosses
this river, was about half q mile from
the meeting hcase, and from the bridge