The secret orders that ignited the American Revolution
In April 1775, a British expedition set out under the cover of night to seize colonial military supplies. What was intended as a surgical strike to disarm rebels instead triggered a day of running battles that would change history forever.
The conflict began with a mission of stealth. Under orders from General Thomas Gage, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith led approximately 70 and 700 British Regulars from Boston toward Concord. The objective was to capture and destroy colonial military stores, including weapons and powder. However, the British element of surprise had already evaporated. Through effective intelligence gathering—and potentially the help of Margaret Gage, the General's wife—Patriot leaders were aware of the threat weeks in advance. By the time the troops marched, many supplies had already been moved.
The night of April 18 was defined by a sophisticated 'alarm and muster' system. Using riders like Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott, as well as bells, drums, and even lanterns in the Old North Church, the colonists spread word of the approaching army. While Revere and Dawes were intercepted or thrown from their horses, Samuel Prescott successfully reached Concord. This rapid communication allowed the Patriots to assemble a force of roughly 4,000 militiamen from thirty surrounding towns, ensuring that the British would not face an undefended countryside.
The violence unfolded in stages. At sunrise on April 19, the first shots were fired at Lexington, leaving eight militiamen dead. As the British continued to Concord, they faced intense engagement at the Old North Bridge, where 400 militiamen fought 100 Regulars. The return march to Boston was even more perilous; the British forces, reinforced by Brigadier General Earl Percy, were subjected to heavy fire from various points along the route. By the time the 1,700-man combined force reached the safety of Charlestown, they had incurred heavy losses, marking the beginning of the siege of Boston.
Source: Battles of Lexington and Concord
