The ride of Paul Revere is originally attributed to April 18th; however, the majority of the events surrounding it took place overnight, into the wee hours of the morning, then ultimately into mid-day of April 19, 1775, when the Battle of Lexington took place. I hope y’all enjoy this. I revisit this moment in history each year because it shows how ONE ORDINARY MAN can make a huge difference.
Patriots’ Day…
A friend once asked: “How do you celebrate Patriots’ Day?” Which, perhaps, should spur me to share my own thoughts on this day of consequence.
Many are familiar with the poem Paul Revere’s Ride, however, far fewer know that Paul Revere actually memorialized the events of the April 18 and 19, 1775, in an eight-page letter written several years later.
Each Patriots’ Day I remind myself to read his letter from a copy handed down, and I think about how Paul Revere was really just a common man of otherwise undue significance…. yet, capable to the task at hand.
To me everything about the heart of Revere, which you can identify within his own writing, is what defines an American ‘patriot’.
There is no grand prose, there is no outlook of being a person of historical significance, there is just a simple recollection of his involvement, an ordinary man in extraordinary times.
Unsure if anyone else would enjoy I have tracked down an on-line source for sharing and provide a transcript below (all misspelling is with the original).
Paul Revere personally recounts his famous ride. – In this undated letter, Paul Revere summarizes the activities surrounding his famous ride on 18 April 1775. He recounts how Dr. Joseph Warren urged him to ride to Lexington to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams of British troop movements. He arranged to signal the direction of the troops with lanterns from Old North Church, and then had friends row him across the Charles River borrowing a horse for his ride.
Revere wrote this letter at the request of Jeremy Belknap, corresponding secretary of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Revere signed his name to the letter but then wrote above it, “A Son of Liberty of the year 1775”, and beside it, “do not print my name.” Nonetheless, the MHS included Revere’s name when it printed the letter in 1798.
EXPLORE THE DOCUMENT – Or Read the incredible transcript below:
Dear Sir,
Having a little leisure, I wish to fullfill my promise, of giving you some facts, and Anecdotes, prior to the Battle of Lexington, which I do not remember to have seen in any history of the American Revolution.
In the year 1773 I was imployed by the Select men of the Town of Boston to carry the Account of the Destruction of the Tea to New-York; and afterwards, 1774, to Carry their dispatches to New-York and Philadelphia for Calling a Congress; and afterwards to Congress, several times.* [This asterisk points to a note in the left margin written by Jeremy Belknap: “Let the narrative begin here.” ]
In the Fall of 1774 & Winter of 1775 I was one of upwards of thirty, cheifly mechanics, who formed our selves in to a Committee for the purpose of watching the Movements of the British Soldiers, and gaining every intelegence of the movements of the Tories.
We held our meetings at the Green-Dragon Tavern. We were so carefull that our meetings should be kept Secret; that every time we met, every person swore upon the Bible, that they would not discover any of our transactions, But to Messrs. Hancock, Adams, Doctors Warren, Church, & one or two more.
About November, when things began to grow Serious, a Gentleman who had Conections with the Tory party, but was a Whig at heart, aquainted me, that our meetings were discovered, & mentioned the identical words that were spoken among us the Night before. We did not then distrust Dr. Church, but supposed it must be some one among us.
We removed to another place, which we thought was more secure: but here we found that all our transactions were communicated to Governor Gage. (This came to me through the then Secretary Flucker; He told it to the Gentleman mentioned above).
It was then a common opinion, that there was a Traytor in the provincial Congress, & that Gage was posessed of all their Secrets. (Church was a member of that Congress for Boston.) In the Winter, towards the Spring, we frequently took Turns, two and two, to Watch the Soldiers, By patroling the Streets all night.
The Saturday Night preceding the 19th of April, about 12 oClock at Night, the Boats belonging to the Transports were all launched, & carried under the Sterns of the Men of War. (They had been previously hauld up & repaired). We likewise found that the Grenadiers and light Infantry were all taken off duty.
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From these movements, we expected something serious was [to] be transacted. On Tuesday evening, the 18th, it was observed, that a number of Soldiers were marching towards the bottom of the Common.
About 10 o’Clock, Dr. Warren Sent in great haste for me, and beged that I would imediately Set off for Lexington, where Messrs. Hancock & Adams were, and acquaint them of the Movement, and that it was thought they were the objets. When I got to Dr. Warren’s house, I found he had sent an express by land to Lexington – a Mr. Wm. Daws.
The Sunday before, by desire of Dr. Warren, I had been to Lexington, to Mess. Hancock and Adams, who were at the Rev. Mr. Clark’s. I returned at Night thro Charlestown; there I agreed with a Col. Conant, & some other Gentlemen, in Charleston, that if the British went out by Water, we would shew two Lanthorns in the North Church Steeple; if by Land, one, as a Signal; for we were aprehensive it would be dificult to Cross the Charles River, or git over Boston neck.
I left Dr. Warrens, called upon a friend, and desired him to make the Signals. I then went Home, took my Boots and Surtout, and went to the North part of the Town, where I had kept a Boat; two friends rowed me across Charles River, a little to the eastward where the Somerset Man of War lay.
It was then young flood, the Ship was winding, & the moon was Rising. They landed me on Charlestown side. When I got into Town, I met Col. Conant, several others; they said they had seen our signals. I told them what was Acting, & went to git me a Horse; I got a Horse of Deacon Larkin.
While the Horse was preparing, Richard Devens, Esq. who was one of the Committee of Safty, came to me, & told me, that he came down the Road from Lexington, after Sundown, that evening; that He met ten British Officers, all well mounted, & armed, going up the Road. I set off upon a very good Horse; it was then about 11 o’Clock, very pleasant. After I had passed Charlestown Neck, got nearly opposite where Mark was hung in chains, I saw two men on Horse back, under a Tree.
When I got near them, I discovered they were British officer. One tryed to git a head of Me, & the other to take me. I turned my Horse very quick, & Galloped towards Charlestown neck, and then pushed for the Medford Road. The one who chased me, endeavoring to Cut me off, got into a Clay pond, near where the new Tavern is now built. I got clear of him,
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and went thro Medford, over the Bridge, & up to Menotomy. In Medford, I awaked the Captain of the Minute men; & after that, I alarmed almost every House, till I got to Lexington.
I found Mrs. Messrs. Hancock & Adams at the Rev. Mr. Clark’s; I told them my errand, and inquired for Mr. Daws; they said he had not been there; I related the story of the two officers, & supposed that He must have been stopped, as he ought to have been there before me.
After I had been there about half an Hour, Mr. Daws came; after we refreshid our selves, we and set off for Concord, to secure the Stores, & there. We were overtaken by a young Docter Prescot, whom we found to be a high Son of Liberty. I told them of the ten officers that Mr. Devens mett, and that it was probable we might be stoped before we got to Concord; for I supposed that after Night, they divided them selves, and that two of them had fixed themselves in such passages as were most likely to stop any intelegence going to Concord.
I likewise mentioned, that we had better allarm all the Inhabitents till we got to Concord; the young Doctor much approved of it, and said, he would stop with either of us, for the people between that & Concord knew him, & would give the more credit to what we said.
We had got nearly half way. Mr Daws & the Doctor stoped to allarm the people of a House: I was about one hundred Rod a head, when I saw two men, in nearly the same situation as those officer were, near Charlestown. I called for the Doctor & Daws to come up; were two & we would have them in an Instant I was surrounded by four; – they had placed themselves in a Straight Road, that inclined each way; they had taken down a pair of Barrs on the North side of the Road, & two of them were under a tree in the pasture. The Docter being foremost, he came up; and we tryed to git past them; but they being armed with pistols & swords, they forced us in to the pasture; -the Docter jumped his Horse over a low Stone wall, and got to Concord.
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I observed a Wood at a Small distance, & made for that. When I got there, out Started Six officers, on Horse back, and orderd me to dismount;-one of them, who appeared to have the command, examined me, where I came from, & what my Name Was? I told him. it was Revere, he asked if it was Paul? I told him yes He asked me if I was an express? I answered in the afirmative. He demanded what time I left Boston? I told him; and added, that their troops had catched aground in passing the River, and that There would be five hundred Americans there in a short time, for I had alarmed the Country all the way up.
He imediately rode towards those who stoppd us, when all five of them came down upon a full gallop; one of them, whom I afterwards found to be Major Mitchel, of the 5th Regiment, Clapped his pistol to my head, called me by name, & told me he was going to ask me some questions, & if I did not give him true answers, he would blow my brains out.
He then asked me similar questions to those above. He then orderd me to mount my Horse, after searching me for arms. He then orderd them to advance, & to lead me in front. When we got to the Road, they turned down towards Lexington. When we had got about one Mile, the Major Rode up to the officer that was leading me, & told him to give me to the Sergeant. As soon as he took me, the Major orderd him, if I attempted to run, or any body insulted them, to blow my brains out.
We rode till we got near Lexington Meeting-house, when the Militia fired a Voley of Guns, which appeared to alarm them very much. The Major inquired of me how far it was to Cambridge, and if there were any other Road? After some consultation, the Major
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Major Rode up to the Sargent, & asked if his Horse was tired? He told answered him, he was – (He was a Sargent of Grenadiers, and had a small Horse) – then, said He, take that man’s Horse. I dismounted, & the Sargent mounted my Horse, when they all rode towards Lexington Meeting-House.
I went across the Burying-ground, & some pastures, & came to the Revd. Mr. Clark’s House, where I found Messrs. Hancok & Adams. I told them of my treatment, & they concluded to go from that House to wards Woburn. I went with them, & a Mr. Lowell, who was a Clerk to Mr. Hancock.
When we got to the House where they intended to stop, Mr. Lowell & I my self returned to Mr. Clark’s, to find what was going on. When we got there, an elderly man came in; he said he had just come from the Tavern, that a Man had come from Boston, who said there were no British troops coming. Mr. Lowell & myself went towards the Tavern, when we met a Man on a full gallop, who told us the Troops were coming up the Rocks.
We afterwards met another, who said they were close by. Mr. Lowell asked me to go to the Tavern with him, to a git a Trunk of papers belonging to Mr. Hancock. We went up Chamber; & while we were giting the Trunk, we saw the British very near, upon a full March.
We hurried to wards Mr. Clark’s House. In our way, we passed through the Militia. There were about 50. When we had got about 100 Yards from the meeting-House the British Troops appeard on both Sides of the Meeting-House. In their
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In their Front was an Officer on Horse back. They made a Short Halt; when I saw, & heard, a Gun fired, which appeared to be a Pistol. Then I could distinguish two Guns, & then a Continual roar of Musquetry; When we made off with the Trunk.
As I have mentioned Dr. Church, perhaps it might not be disagreeable to mention some Matters of my own knowledge, respecting Him. He appeared to be a high son of Liberty. He frequented all the places where they met, Was incouraged by all the leaders of the Sons of Liberty, & it appeared he was respected by them, though I knew that Dr. Warren had not the greatest affection for him. He was esteemed a very capable writer, especially in verese; and as the Whig party needed every Strenght, they feared, as well as courted Him.
Though it was known, that some of the Liberty Songs, which We composed, were parodized by him, in favor of the British, yet none dare charge him with it. I was a constant & critical observer of him, and I must say, that I never thought Him a man of Principle; and I doubted much in my own mind, wether He was a real Whig. I knew that He kept company with a Capt. Price, a half-pay British officer, & that He frequently dined with him, & Robinson, one of the Commissioners. I know that one of his intimate aquaintances asked him why he was so often with Robinson and Price? His answer was, that He kept Company with them on purpose to find out their plans.
The day after the Battle of Lexington, I came across met him in Cambridge, when He shew me some blood on his stocking, which he said spirted on him from a Man who was killed near him, as he was urging the Militia on. I well remember, that I argued with my self, if a Man will risque his life in a Cause, he must be a Friend to that cause; & I never suspected him after, till He was charged with being a Traytor.
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The same day I met Dr. Warren. He was President of the Committee of Safety. He engaged me as a Messinger, to do the out of doors business for that committee; which gave me an opportunity of being frequently with them.
The Friday evening after, about sun set, I was sitting with some, or near all that Committee, in their room, which was at Mr. Hastings’s House at Cambridge. Dr. Church, all at once, started up – Dr. Warren, said He, I am determined to go into Boston tomorrow – (it set them all a stairing) – Dr. Warren replyed, Are you serious, Dr. Church? they will Hang you if they catch you in Boston. He replyed, I am serious, and am determined to go at all adventures.
After a considerable conversation, Dr. Warren said, If you are determined, let us make some business for you. They agreed that he should go to git medicine for their & our Wounded officers. He went the next morning; & I think he came back on Sunday
evening.
After He had told the Committee how things were, I took him a side, & inquired particularly how they treated him? he said, that as soon as he got to their lines on the Boston Neck, they made him a prisoner, & carried him to General Gage, where He
was examined, & then He was sent to Gould’s Barracks, & was not suffered to go home but once.
After He was taken up, for holding a Correspondence with the Brittish, I came a Cross Deacon Caleb Davis;-we entred into Conversation about Him;-He told me, that the morning Church went into Boston, He (Davis) received a Bilet for General Gage-(he then did not know that Church was in Town)-When he got to the General’s House, he was told, the General could not be spoke with, that He was in private with a Gentleman; that He waited near half an Hour,-When General Gage & Dr. Church came out of a Room, discoursing together, like
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like persons who had been long aquainted. He appeared to be quite surprized at seeing Deacon Davis there; that he (Church) went where he pleased, while in Boston, only a Major Caine, one of Gage’s Aids, went with him.
I was told by another person whom I could depend upon, that he saw Church go in to General Gage’s House, at the above time; that He got out of the Chaise and went up the steps more like a Man that was aquainted, than a prisoner.
Sometime after, perhaps a Year or two, I fell in company with a Gentleman who studied with Church -in discoursing about him, I related what I have mentioned above; He said, He did not doubt that He was in the Interest of the Brittish; & that it was He who informed Gen. Gage That he knew for Certain, that a Short time before the Battle of Lexington, (for He then lived with Him, & took Care of his Business & Books) He had no money by him, and was much drove for money; that all at once, He had several Hundred New Brittish Guineas; and that He thought at the time, where they came from.
Thus, Sir, I have endeavoured to give you a Short detail of some matters, of which perhaps no person but my self have have documents, or knowledge. I have mentioned some names which you are aquainted with: I wish you would Ask them, if they can remember the Circumstances I alude to.
I am, Sir, with every Sentment of esteem,
Your Humble Servant,
Paul Revere
Courtesy of the Massachusetts Historical Society
“The Battle of Lexington, 19 April 1775,” Oil on canvas by William Barns Wollen, 1910.
I remember the first time you posted this, Sundance.
I was enthralled by Paul Revere’s telling of his experience.
Still Am.
Thank you so much for sharing again.
❤️
A wonderful time in between north-eastern witch hunts.
If Mr. Revere could see into the future to today, would he have made that ride?
I think so. He and his cohorts wanted freedom from oppression.
They left things for each generation to choose and fight for it for themselves as it is the only way to retain libery.
The answer would be yes.
A Patriot is a patriot and undeterred by their surroundings.
Look at what President Trump is going through.
He helped to secure more than two centuries of freedom. I’d bet my bottom dollar he would do it again! No man can secure freedom for his country indefinitely.
Great post! Thanks, Sundance. Glad you’re one of the patriots of our time.
Isn’t today also the anniversary of Waco and the Oklahoma city bombing? Almost as if our dear leaders are trying to memory hole something else.. I wonder what that could be…
Yes. The anniversary of the day Bill Clinton and Janet Reno burned 28 black children alive….
It was Janet Reno.
Yep. And Ruby Ridge was Bill Barr…
The difference is that Reno was heavily involved in approval of the final assault on Waco, but Barr wasn’t really involved in the Ruby Ridge assault approvals from what I remember.
This is correct. However, Barr successfully protected US Army soldier and Ruby Ridge murderer Lon Horiuchi from prosecution by Idaho for the murder of Vicky Weaver; shot through the head from 200 yards away. Horiuchi claimed he “missed” what he was really shooting at.
An odd claim, considering Horiuchi graduated #1 from sniper school.
My understanding and memory tell me Barr was the lawyer who defended the sniper who shot to death one of unarmed residents in the cabin.
Yes, that victim was Vicky Weaver, who was holding a baby when she was shot. Didn’t they also shoot Weaver’s teenaged son in the back?
Janet Reno?
Napolitano was US Attorney for Arizona under Clinton. Reno was A.G.
Grrrrr…
Crimes against Children…
Makes me angry…
Grrrr. again.
I think the Columbine massacre in Colorado was on April 19 as well.
I have to admit I never heard anything about the races of the people who were killed, although I had seen pictures of the very white David Koresh. I read a forensic account of it in a book, and it was horrific. Some of those victims were pregnant women.
Tim’s last words to the assembled families:
168 – 1
I grew up in Lexington, was in high school for the Bicentennial celebration, played in the high school band for President Ford who gave a very nice speech.
The National Park Service has done a quite nice job on the “Battle Road” between Lexington and Concord, building walking trails and restoring Colonial era homes so that you can imagine being there on April 19, 1775.
I can’t recommend enough to all who love America for that promise of liberty to come and experience that. As a Lexingtonian I like thinking of it as the first day for the first place in the world to commit to that promise. It is part of why it makes me so sad to see so many turn their backs on it and embrace tyranny over liberty.
Many thanks Sundance for this post, G-d bless our country and great people.
I was brought up in Woburn MA and always have great love and respect for Revere, John Adams, and many others who were the Patriots who gave us our beautiful Constitution,; the right to liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.
They did what was expected to be impossible, and made it happen. We owe them. I stand with DJT to take back our country. It’s now or never.
Meshulam. I was in the greater Boston area during the BiCentennial celebrations in 1975 (Lexington, Concord) and 1976–an amazing time to be alive. Everyone was feeling patriotic and proud and excited by the historical milestone of a free country. Historical recreations. Tall Ships. Very few tall shps existed around the world, but 16 sailed to New York to participate in the celebrations. Queen Elizabeth came to pay her respects.
If you are still in the area or get back there … check out Eriksons Ice Cream in Maynard a few miles down the road … very special home-made ice cream many years back –I checked they’re still there.
I can verify Erikson’s is indeed still there and still great. Our area is rich in local dairies producing super good ice cream, usually in huge portions.
Thank you sunrei for that Tall Ship reminder. I grew up in Queens and watched the 16 Tall Ships parade into New York harbor, an unforgettable sight.
I was in Lewes Delaware for the bicentennial celebrations and was the Town of Lewes’ photographer for the parade of tall ships to Philadelphia.
I was onboard the USCG cutter Eagle and a Delaware River pilot who loved sailing was onboard. We unfurled sails at the top of Delaware Bay and sailed that ship all the way to Wilmington DE (New Castle DE) until the river narrowed too much to tack.
It was a thrilling day for a one design sailor like me. I still have the great photos- they let me climb all the way to the highest crow’s nest on the mainmast to get photos of all the ships.
Circlin, what an incredible experience!! Would love to see some of the photos you took that day, that is if you are able to share. Maybe a 4th of July treat for Treepers?
I was stationed at Fort Devens JUL85-OCT88…loved that area…lived in Southern NH for 13 more years… now in Minnesota
Was in Ft Devins in ’71-’72, ASA 33G20 with Autotune. My main memories were the condition of the cars then. That was the high point of no fault insurance! Lots and lots of cars with dented up fenders. I will say this much about those turkey herders, they sure can drive in snow!
I was there four years ago. Walked the North Bridge stood on hallowed ground. Listened to the park guides tell the story. My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing:
Bought my Gadsen hat at the park store.
I visited both Concord and Lexington recently. We visited the museum with its amazing video of the two days activities, walked over the North Bridge and around the Green. Also learned more about the other two riders of that night that helped spread the word, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott.
I graduated the year of the bicentennial.
Your people appear to have ruined it.
An excellent biography “Paul Revere and the World He Lived In” was published in 1942, written by Esther Forbes.
Paul Revere’s Ride by, someonesomeone Fisher is an excellent read. I had it in my library for years before I realized I had a book I hadn’t read. It’s fantastic and includes this Correspondence.
Just ordered a cc fm Bezos.
Thanks much 🙏
I scored a first edition on Abebooks !
I love Aebe Books!
Totally agree, Chieftain. It reminds me to get it back (temporarily) from my great-nephew. Worth a re-read.
I had to memorize this in 5th grade. A LONG Time ago.
https://poets.org/poem/paul-reveres-ride?mbd=1
Wow…not on my best day could I memorize that.
Niiiice.
We had to do the Gettysburg Address in 4th.
It was fine, but I think the poem would’ve been great!
So did I! Also in elementary had to memorize the “Village Blacksmith”, and the Gettysburg Address. It made me think that I do not recall my grandchildren having to memorize anything. My grandson can neither read the Constitution or a note I write to him ( unless I remember to print it), as they stopped teaching cursive.
Our “education” system is a complete joke.
RFK, Jr. talks about this in his Prez announcement today.
Probably the 1st time most of the Dems in the audience ever heard about it.
Tucker played a bit of RFK’s 1968 Presidential announcement. Perhaps I am out to lunch, but it is hard not to be inspired by his or JFK’s words about peace and compassion for your fellow man.
RFK Jr is similar, to my ear. I know he is kind of an environmentalist whacko and I can disagree with him on that while still admiring his devotion to what he believes in.
If I had been alive in the 60s and listened to the Kennedy’s I might think I was a Democrat.
I was 10 years old when JFK became POTUS. My sister and I prayed the Rosary with our mother that he would be elected, and he was. Then the CIA took him out. IMO he was the last good Democrat to lead our country.
JFK could never run as a Democrat in today’s Party. He would be forced to run as an Independent or a Republican. “Ask not what your country can do for you…” would never cut it!
RKjr blames
President Trump for Covid stuff.
-He’s pathetic.
He was for lockdowns
– before he wasn’t.
He also tweeted about how the lockdowns were good for the environment–somebody should ask him if he would support climate lockdowns
He continues to believe in the climate change hoax, as recently as 3 months ago, referred to carbon as an existential threat
14 years ago, on gatewaypundit, there was a story about how RFK jr believed that those who did not believe in his climate change hoax should be locked up and treated like war criminals
though he was justly angered that his free speech was censored, his site, Children’s Health Defense often censors (deletes, refuses to post) comments that express views that differ from his.
And I’m pretty sure he believes J6 was an insurrection.
There are many in the medical freedom movement who actually see him as being with the establishment (subverted opposition)
Thank you Amanda. I did not know this about RFK, Jr.
Wise words. I fear too many are too willing to call him a hero without looking close enough.
He has tons of stock in bio fuel tech. Man made climate change is a joke but a huge money maker. All these people are a cabal.
I was alive during President Kennedy’s term, though very young. Two things I remember; my parents getting us all dressed in our Sunday best to watch the funeral on TV, and years later my mother saying that the Kennedys were one of the worse things that happened to this country.
I wonder if he could have seen into the future if President Kennedy would’ve allowed public employees to unionize. ln any case it was Teddy who did the most damage.
The 60s were a travesty for the world.
Thank you, Sundance.
This brings back so many memories.
I was raised in Lexington until I was 6.
My mother was an avid student of history and spent hours teaching my brother and I about Paul Revere.
We had the little tricorn Paul Revere hats and were so proud of them.
I remember going to the Old North Church and learning about one if by land and two if by sea.
From there we would visit all of the historical sites surrounding,
My brother and I loved to recount the poem Paul Reveres Ride for anyone who would listen.
Those were special times.
New England’s a fun place to grow up in, when you get to go and personally see/experience all these historic places as a kid.
Kind of feels like you’re living it.
They could be again.
Apropos. God Bless AMERICA!
If you want to read an excellent book on Revere read “Paul Revere’s Ride” by David Hackett Fischer.
God Bless the Young Americans.
The bold, unafraid sons of liberty.
God Bless America
They were afraid, but they feared subjugation more than poverty, imprisonment, and death.
Courage is not the absence of fear but rather determination when facing it.
Love this: The one who chased me, endeavoring to Cut me off, got into a Clay pond, near where the new Tavern is now built. I got clear of him,
The guy ran his horse into a pond.
If I had been Paul Revere, I would have fallen off my horse, laughing.
Not just any pond, either.
A clay pond. Bet that was a hard one to get loose from! haha.
Sundance, I am so grateful that you post this every year!
Reading it is always like it’s the first time.
The suspense, uncertainty, real danger…. and heroic, selfless determination is mind boggling !!!
Knowing that this is not a movie, a play or folklore….,
~but an actual account by a real person
reinforces my respect for and love of my Country.
It humbles me , and reawakens the gratefulness for all those who came before .
~It reinvigorates resolve to never give up hope,
and the belief that MAGA
~ is not only possible,
but
coming.
Thank you, for all you do, Sundance ❣
~L ❤ ve you more than you know
I celebrate Patriot Day by calling a random number and while the phone is ringing, I say mean things about the FBI agent listening’s mother.
Happy Patriot Day, FBI. You can always count on me to be the 12th guilty vote at your treason trials…
A “surtout” is a man’s overcoat, for those wondering. Just looked it up.
Oui!
Soooo thankful Paul Revere took the time to write this account and bring/keep it alive for all posterity.
I was surprised to learn that Revere it appears was unarmed during his ride? Oppression can override common sense and untested common men can rise up to fight for freedom! To me Sundance is my modern day Paul Revere for without his blog ride I would have no idea about the Fourth Branch or the massive corruption in Washington DC! Godspeed Sundance!
248 years ago, brave Americans put it all on the line to keep the British Army from confiscating their firearms. Today, we still fight to keep tyrants from taking our guns
https://mobile.twitter.com/Rifleman4WVU/status/1648834515643580422
Only now those tyrants are turncoat Americans.
In memory of my WWII veteran father, Rocco, born April 19, 1921
Concord Hymn
BY RALPH WALDO EMERSON
Sung at the Completion of the Battle Monument, July 4, 1837
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set today a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
In honor of Mr Paul Revere, from this day forth, I shall purposely misspell traitors as traytors.
If you want to get really authentic, you could spell it “Traytorf”.
Always amused me how they wrote “s” as “f”.
Sunnydaze, you reminded me of an album I never tired of listening to as a child. It was a comedy album by Stan Freburg. There is a selection in it called “Declaration of Independence” in which there is a discussion about how “all your S’s look like F’s”. The whole album is a hoot. We listened to it so often we knew every line. Have a listen. Enjoy!
Here is the selection “Declaration of Independence”.
My father worked as a picture framer.
One of his ‘jobs’ was most memorable to me.
It was a handwritten letter from a revolutionary war soldier, writing home to his parents “from the front”.
It did NOT talk about the horrible conditions we have all heard about, but then a soldier wouldn’t burden his parents with that.
It did tell about how at night they “raided” a british fort, sneaking up and stealing provisions and horses.
On the back, was a grocery list, complete with prices.
The prices were something like 1 dzn eggs, $0.05.
He framed it between two pieces of glass, so you could read both sides.
Fascinating to read, with similar archaic terminology etc.
Absolutely.
It is always fascinating to read centuries old original stuff.
It’s one of the BIG problems I have w/ so many schools no longer teaching cursive.
Those kids will not be able to read the originals of this stuff.
And THAT i Believe is ON PURPOSE – to DISCONNECT from OUR HISTORY
qrw
I went to Paul Revere Junior High School (now Middle School) in Los Angeles. We were the Patriots, and all the school’s student organizations had Patriot-themed names. That’s were I was the day JFK was murdered.
You are just a year or two behind me. I was in High School then..in Houston..
The Shot that was heard around the world. Thank You Sundance.
Strange but I have just finished up an iFit treadmill series, “Boston Walking Tours” . Been kind of neat to see all these places where it all started and some of the history. Remember thinking when the trainer talked about Lexington that it was this month.
Sad, though too. In the late 1800s a lot of downtown Boston was burned due to a huge fire. There are still a few of the historical buildings left, but ones in downtown made of wood are mostly gone.
You all do realize that even the Revolutionary War is barely touched on in school any more. .
And was barely touched on when I was in high school over 4 decades ago. The commie termites have been chewing away at the joists for a long time now.
If people who were there that day like Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams could see what has happened to this country over the last half century or so, they might wonder if it was all worth it.
Boston’s Old North Church, of the “one if by land, two if by sea” fame, is celebrating its 300 year anniversary this year.
Too many American people today, believe these battles were simply “Patriots” versus an “Occupation” Force of “Red Coats”.
Lexington and Concord were battles against the Authorities of their time.
The Red Coats were trying to enforce the Law.
A small minority, what like 3% of the population?, took umbrage at such and fought back.
If we only had 3% today.
It was serious business then. It is now. You can feel the sense of urgency and the moment in the letter. Some men, know the greater purpose.
Thank you Sundance! You are my favorite investigative journalist. I sent this to many friends!
When he was captured and interrogated by the British, I was surprised to read Revere volunteered critical info that he had not been asked.
“He demanded what time I left Boston? I told him; and added, that their troops had catched aground in passing the River, and that There would be five hundred Americans there in a short time, for I had alarmed the Country all the way up.”
Am not sure what the phrase means “troops had catched aground in passing the River.” Was he misleading the British or was he betraying the minutemen by passing on info to the British?
Also was surprised how casually he was released.
Read the book “Washington the Man” . Very good read and very detailed. Seems Washington was a big journal writer.
My impression from the book and Washington’s journal is that the English were very smug about what was happening. Do believe they that that in a couple of months they would have all the Rebels shot and/or jailed with things back the way they were.
It means the boat ran over a shoal in the river and caught on that shoal so it pulls t cross unless they ported it past the shoal.
Thank you!
I wonder what the term “young flood” means (page 2).
Looked it up but can’t find a definition.
Just spitballing here.
Could be synonymous with a tide of some sort.
Come to think of it, is the Charles River a tidal river?
Yes it is.
Yeah, Charles empties into the Atlantic at Boston , so it could have to do with tides.
Just wish In knew exactly what he’s talking about here.
Probably one of those words that hasn’t been used in several generations.
If anyone’s got really old Great Grandparents/Grandparents up there, they’d be the one’s to ask, maybe.
Generally speaking a river that empties into an ocean is tidal.
A young flood at the time, as I recall, meant soon after the tide turned to flood, ie water was rising with the flood tide.
This would be a fun trip to take with kids:
Follow this letter, and go from one place to the next, reading the relevant paragraphs at each place.
Could probably do it in a day.
Why didn’t my parents think of that? LOL.
Wow. Great post. Fantastic accounting of events. I hadn’t seen this before. I walked Lexington Green just in October. And Breed’s (Bunker) Hill. And the decks of Old Ironsides.
Sons of Liberty. Keep on keepin’ on.
On a sightseeing trip to Boston a few years ago I had the good fortune to visit Paul Revere’s house. Actually being in a historic building where a great patriot once lived is a moving experience. I felt the same way at Mt. Vernon in Virginia but that was many, many years ago.
Listen, my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere
https://poets.org/poem/paul-reveres-ride
When I was in elementary school, each student in my class was assigned stanzas to memorize by heart. I still remember the beginning stanza.
Sundance, thank you for posting Paul Revere’s account of that momentous night.
A question I often ponder these days is how — HOW? — patriots in what’s left of the United States of America will warn other patriots when the crap hits the fan.
“They” are watching all social media and weaponizing it now, and may take it down totally when the time comes. Or use messages sent between patriots to get an exact location of where to pick-up terrorists who want only to protect the U.S.
If an EMP or planned power outage takes down communication and vehicles, few of us own horses to be able to ride like Paul Revere did, or travel the miles he traveled.
It would be good to come up with a sign to use now, so we can use it later if need be.
But we can’t even do that, since almost everything we do and say is being monitored by “them.”
If you’re summoned to serve on a grand jury or a federal criminal case… use your creativity.
God will quicken & inform the necessary hearts at the necessary time.
Wow!
O.T….apologies RIP Dr. Charles Stanley
So grateful for this post and to read this letter. There was a poem about this that a part of me can still remember learning in grade school: “there’s hardly a man still now alive who remembers that famous day and year, ” and, the British are coming, the British are coming” are the parts I remember.
Pains me to read this is not taught in schools anymore. But I’m not surprised.
“I am Paul Revere”,… No, I am Paul Revere”,… no,… we’re “All Paul Revere”! (apologies to Spartacus.)
Bars (aka taverns) were the first to be closed by the statist Democrats during the covid lockdown.
They know more about our founding than they’re given credit for.
What a time to be alive it was.
What a time to be alive it is.
May we show the same courage now as then.
And our victories be as sweet, Amen.
No Sons of Liberty in Massachusetts now…. What happened to our cradle of liberty? Asking a friend….
“What happened to our cradle of liberty?”
It served it purpose ….. at the time.
As for circa 2023, it is now represented by President Trump’s MAGA / America First movement and is spread across America.
The MAGA / America First movement has the numerical, economic, moral, intellect and armed majorities in America and the best leader President Trump.
In 2022, it recaptured 1/3 of the dc control center, the House, and is on the march to retake the Senate and presidency in 2024 by supporting President Trump’s endorsed candidates and throwing the computers out of the voting process at the local level.
Join MAGA’s efforts.
“Let’s go Brandon and the democrats and the GOPe especially the DeXX gang!”
Don’t forget Oklahoma City and Waco too. This day had a lot to consider on many fronts.
He matter of factly relates that he almost had his brains blown out .. twice… then simply continues on with his story. What amazing courage, grit and selflessness. I don’t believe we have anything like this today.
We have Donald Trump.
We are IN the Danger Zone.
Interesting little side note on Revere: he was a Master Silversmith… and one hell of a talented one, at that. My wife dragged me to Boston’s Museum Of Fine Arts a few years back to check out the Revere exhibit, and I was blown away. I guess I sorta knew his background, but had no idea how much of a talented craftsman he was.
https://rauantiques.com/blogs/canvases-carats-and-curiosities/the-brilliance-of-paul-revere-silver
When I was a young girl Revere ware cookware was something to treasure. I still have my set.
I once had business in Boston.
My meeting took place in an old building on Beacon Street.
During a break in the meeting, I looked out a window and noticed an old cemetery next to our meeting place.
I inquired about the cemetery and was told that it had many notables from the Revolution buried there, including Paul Revere.
As soon as the meeting was over, I rushed down to visit Paul Revere.
There were also a number of graves of people killed during the Boston Massacre.
If you like American history, Boston is a great place to visit.
3 comments. In my rather extensive book collection (2-3,000 most all nonfiction and rarely anything written after about 1980), I have a 2 volume history of the US published in 1823. Before the deaths of Adams and Jefferson.
Second, if you really want chills, there were actually several Revolutionary War veterans photographed. Around 1863 or so. https://www-phillyvoice-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.phillyvoice.com/photos-a-rare-view-of-revolutionary-war-veterans/amp/?amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16819695394029&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phillyvoice.com%2Fphotos-a-rare-view-of-revolutionary-war-veterans%2F
3 check out the Browere life masks. Around 1825 or so. Literally the polaroid of the day. Jefferson, both Adams, james and dollar Madison, Marquis de Lafayette, and others. It’s in Cooperstown, NY.
One of the things that stands out about Paul Revere is that he apparently had a very cushy life, yet he still put that life at risk to secure his liberty and that of his fellow countrymen.