Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs, Vol. 1Boutwell, George S. (George Sewall)
History
Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs, Vol. 1
Boutwell, George S. (George Sewall)
Boutwell, George S. (George Sewall), 1818-1905; United States -- Politics and government
His epitaph claims for him the honor of commanding at Concord Bridge,
but the weight of evidence is in favor of Major Buttrick as the active
commander. And Robinson's fame can well spare even so distinguished
an honor as the command at the North Bridge. The name of Major
Buttrick, with that of Captain Davis, was early consecrated by the
Legislature of the Commonwealth.
From ten to twelve o'clock, of the morning of the 19th, there was a
cessation of hostilities. This respite was the natural result of the
policy and purposes of the two parties. The Americans' great idea was
resistance. Whatever may be said to the contrary, the officers in
command did not regard it within their line of duty to make an attack.
The instruction of the Provincial Congress were explicit to the
contrary. It was deemed a great point to show that the British fired
first. But even admitting the purpose of the Americans to make an
attack, the village of Concord was most unfavorable. The British
would have had the advantage of position, and at any moment might have
inflicted irreparable injury in the destruction of the town. To
whatever reason the alleged apathy of the Americans during those two
hours is attributable, it was most fortunate for the cause they
defended.
The purpose of the invaders, it is quite certain, was a retreat to
Boston rather than a renewal of hostilities at Concord. The fierce
and continued attack of the Americans during the afternoon was
induced by a knowledge of what had happened at Lexington, by the
presence of large numbers of men, and possibly by the advice and
counsel of Adams and Hancock.
Of Davis' company there were men among the survivors who deserve well
of posterity. Thomas Thorp was an apprentice in Acton, having been
taken from the alms-house of the town of Boston. He not only served
at Concord but during the war; and his love of country shone as bright
in the evening as in the morning of his days.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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