On the night of the 17th of April, 1755, a lantern was hung out from an upper window of the North Church of Boston. Never did the beams of a tallow dip go forth on more momentous errand. As the feeble rays shot out into the night, few realized therein a symbol of the cause of Liberty that was so soon to be consecrated with patriot blood, and that was destined to create a refuge for the oppressed of every land. Hostile British troops were silently threading the dark marshes, and this was the signal to the minute men to prepare for their coming. The British had placed guards on all the roads leading out of Boston to prevent all intelligence of the midnight sally from getting abroad; but the enemy had proceeded only a few miles when alarm guns, booming through the night air, and the clanging of village bells, showed that the news of their approach was traveling before them, and that the country was rising. An express was sent back to Boston for a reinforcement, and Major Pitcairn was detached to press forward with all speed. About seventy of the yeomanry of the country had been drawn up in military array near the church on the village green at Lexington. Pitcairn halted his men within a short distance of the church, and ordered them to prime and load. They then advanced at double quick. The Major, riding forward, shouted, “Disperse, ye rebels! lay down your arms and disperse!” The patriots refused to obey; nor were they put to flight until eight of their little band were killed and ten wounded. The victors formed on the common, fired a volley, and gave three cheers for their inglorious triumph. Colonel Smith now arrived with the remainder of the force, and the march was resumed to the little village of Concord. There the alarm had preceded them, arousing the inhabitants in the dead hour of night. The church bell called together the inhabitants. The minute men seized their arms and paraded near the church. Efforts were being made to conceal the military stores. A horseman brought word that the British troops had fired upon the people at Lexington, and were then advancing in victorious array upon Concord. The excitement and indignation of the brave patriots were fully roused. Some of the militia marched down the road to meet the English force, and reported it to be three times their own. They now retired to an eminence about a mile from the centre of the town. About seven o’clock the British troops hove in sight, with flags displayed and arms glittering in the morning sun. A strong detachment took post on the green, while parties were sent out to destroy the military stores. The yeomanry from the surrounding country were pouring in with such arms as they could obtain, until the little war-gathering on the height numbered nearly five hundred. At ten o’clock a body of three hundred dislodged the British from the north bridge, with a loss of two men killed. By this time, the stores having been destroyed, the enemy prepared to retreat.