MBMO #1 Video: Storytelling

A large part of Revere’s Riders mission relates to “storytelling” at our events to remind participants of the sacrifices and heroism of their forebears before and during the Revolutionary War. Colonists did not take it lightly to oppose the British Empire in their attempt at self-rule but their conviction and belief in “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” spurred them to action.

Events on April 19, 1775 brought matters to a head and forced the colonists into armed conflict with King George III. On this day, the Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought between approximately 700 British “regulars” commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith and colonial forces under the command of Captain John Parker in Lexington (around 80 men) and under the command of Captain James Barrett in Concord (around 250 men).

In Concord, Captain Isaac Davis had brought his men from nearby Acton after hearing news of the British march due to the efforts of Paul Revere, Doctor Samuel Prescott and William Dawes. Barrett had withdrawn the colonial troops from Concord in the face of the far superior British forces. While observing the British from Punkatasset Hill, smoke was observed rising from the town and the officers were asked by their men if they would just stand by and watch their town burn to the ground.

Captain Davis responded,

“I’m not afraid to go, and I haven’t a man that’s afraid to go.”

9 year-old Savannah Alcorn presents an interpretation of the reaction of one of Isaac Davis’ daughters when Captain Davis left his home in Acton early on the morning of April 19th to respond to the call of the “Regulars are out!” to head for Concord.