Concord Militia and the Battles of Lexington and Concord

Overview

The following account of the Concord Militia and its role in the Battles of Lexington and Concord is taken from A History of the Town of Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, written by Lemuel Shattuck and published in 1835.

Please note that we have made minor text corrections and edits to the text but have not changed the meaning in any way. These changes have been made to help readers, particularly younger ones, understand the text. We have also added spacing and section headings to help readers scan the text. We have also added notes to help provide additional context.

Essential Facts

• Location: Concord is about seven miles slightly northwest from Lexington.
• Commanding Officers: Colonel James Barrett, Captain David Brown, Captain Charles Miles, Captain George Minot.
• Entered the Battle: The Concord Militia entered the battle at the North Bridge outside of Concord and then joined the pursuit of British forces along the Battle Road.
• Lexington Alarm: Samuel Prescott reached the home of Samuel Hartwell around 2:00 a.m. on April 19 and warned him the British were marching to Concord.

History

“Some future historian will relate with pleasure, and the latest posterity will read with wonder and admiration, how three hundred intrepid rural sons of freedom drove before them more than five times their number of regular, well appointed troops, and forced them to take shelter behind their own bulwarks.” — from an article entitled “The Rural Heroes; or the Battle of Concord” which appeared in a Boston newspaper in May 1775.

Pleasant Spring Weather on April 19, 1775

At length came the 19th of April, a day destined to live in the annals of Concord — and of the world — as long as freemen exist. The preceding winter had been one of great mildness. The spring vegetation was uncommonly forward. Fruit trees were in blossom, winter grain had grown several inches out of the ground, and other indications equally propitious were observed on that memorable day. 

On the morning of the 19th, the weather was delightful, as if Providence intended thus to mark with peculiar favor the commencement of a series of glorious events, which happily resulted in the establishment of an independent republic. 

The exclamation of Samuel Adams on that morning, “Oh what an ever glorious morning is this!” was doubtless true, whether applied to the weather or the occasion.

• AHC Note — According to many accounts, Samuel Adams was referring to the beginning of the American Revolutionary War and America’s road to independence..

British Forces in Boston

At the time, there were ten large regiments of British troops stationed in Boston, of seven companies each, 

1. 4th Regiment (King’s Own Regiment)
2. 5th Regiment
3. 10th Regiment
4. 23d Regiment (Royal Welch Fusiliers)
5. 38th Regiment
6. 43d Regiment
7. 47th Regiment
8. 57th Regiment
9. 59th Regiment
10. A battalion of Marines (consisting of six companies)

The British Expedition

A detachment of 800 of these troops, consisting of Grenadiers, Light Infantry, and Marines, had been taken off duty on Saturday the 15th, under the pretense of learning a new exercise.

About 10:00 on Tuesday evening, the 18th, these troops embarked from Boston, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith of the 10th Regiment and Major John Pitcairn, commander of the Marines, and landed at Lechmere Point. 

After having received a day’s provisions and 36 rounds of cartridges, they began their march about midnight, in silence and under cover of night, toward Concord. 

The object of this expedition was to destroy the military stores deposited in Concord and to apprehend John Hancock, Samuel Adams, James Barrett, and other distinguished Patriots who had become obnoxious to the British government. 

• AHC Note — The written orders General Thomas Gage gave to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith did not instruct him to arrest any of the Patriot leaders. However, it was reasonable for other leaders, like Joseph Warren, to expect this to be the case.
• John Hancock (1737–1793) — A leader of the Patriot Cause in Massachusetts, President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, and President of the Second Continental Congress. He was also aligned with the Sons of Liberty. Hancock is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest men in the colonies.
• Samuel Adams (1722–1803) — Adams is a Founding Father. He was a member of the Continental Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence. Adams was a leading proponent of colonial independence and a master of propaganda. After the Revolution, Adams served four terms as Governor of Massachusetts.
• James Barrett (1710–1779) — Barrett was a Colonel in the Massachusetts Militia and the commanding officer of the Middlesex County Regiment of Minute Men. According to intelligence gathered by British spies, military supplies were hidden on his farm, just outside of Concord, including four cannons that had been stolen by Patriots.

The British Patrol

To facilitate the accomplishment of their object, officers were dispatched during the day and evening of the 18th to intercept any messengers who might be sent by the friends of liberty and thus to prevent the discovery of the expedition to Concord.

The Midnight Riders — Revere and Dawes

Happily for the provincials, it could not be concealed. The first movement of the British troops in Boston was known, and messengers were immediately dispatched towards their intended destination. 

Paul Revere left Charlestown about 11:00 p.m., passed through Medford, awoke the captain of the minute company there, and alarmed almost every family on his way to Lexington. Nearly at the same time, William Dawes set out for the same destination and passed through Roxbury. 

• AHC Note — Revere stopped at the home of Captain Isaac Hall in Medford.

Having arrived at the Reverend Jonas Clarke’s in Lexington, Revere found Hancock and Adams, who had tarried there on their way from Concord after the adjournment of the Provincial Congress, to whom he related what he knew of the intended expedition. 

• AHC Note — Hancock and Adams remained outside of Boston due to earlier reports that General Thomas Gage intended to arrest them.

Hancock and Adams had also received similar intelligence from the Committee of Safety, which had met earlier that day at West Cambridge.

Dawes arrived soon after Revere, and both proceeded together toward Concord. 

• Paul Revere (1735–1818) — An American Patriot who was an active participant in the movement for independence before the American Revolution. His famous “Midnight Ride” from Boston to Lexington on April 18, 1775, to warn the militia about advancing British troops, was immortalized in a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in the 1860s.
• William Dawes (1745–1799) — “Billy” Dawes was a member of the Sons of Liberty and the first rider sent by Joseph Warren on the night of April 18, 1775, to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord. Dawes went on to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. In some accounts of the Midnight Ride, he is referred to as “Ebenezer Dorr.”
• Jonas Clarke (1730–1805) — Clark, a Harvard graduate, was the third pastor for the Church of Christ in Lexington, Massachusetts. His wife, Lucy Bowes, was a cousin to John Hancock, the Founding Father. Their home in Concord still stands and is known as the Hancock-Clarke House. It was built by Reverend John Hancock, Hancock’s grandfather, in 1738, and Hancock lived there as a child.

Samuel Prescott Joins the Midnight Ride

They had not traveled far before they were overtaken by Dr. Samuel Prescott of Concord, who had spent the evening at Lexington, at the house of Mr. Mulliken, to whose daughter he was paying his addresses, and having been alarmed, was hastening his return home.

• AHC Note — Most accounts of the Midnight Ride say that Prescott was visiting Lydia Mulliken. Her brother, Nathaniel, was a Lexington Minuteman. Prescott was still at the house when Nathaniel received the message that the Alarm had been raised, and he had to muster with the other men. Lydia lived with her mother, who was a widow, four brothers, and two sisters.

Revere Taken Prisoner

All rode on together, spreading the alarm at every house. When they arrived near Mr. Hartwell’s tavern in the lower bounds of Lincoln, they were attacked by four British officers who belonged to the scouting party sent out the preceding evening, and Revere and Dawes were taken. 

Prescott was also attacked and had the reins of his bridle cut, but fortunately succeeded in making his escape by jumping his horse over the wall, and, taking a circuitous route through Lincoln, he proceeded with all possible expedition to Concord. 

AHC Notes

• Revere tried to escape and rode into the nearby pasture — where he was surrounded by six more British officers. One of them yelled for Revere to stop, warning, “…or I’ll blow your brains out!” Dawes turned his horse and fled but fell from the horse and was unable to continue his ride. Prescott jumped his horse over a stone wall and rode toward the town of Lincoln.
• According to Minute Man Historical Park, Prescott stopped in Lincoln at the home of Samuel Hartwell, a Sergeant in the Lincoln Militia and one of Lincoln’s Minutemen, and warned him about the approaching British Expedition. 
• According to Hartwell family tradition, Prescott stopped at the Hartwell Tavern, next door to Samuel Hartwell’s house, and alerted the owner, Ephraim Hartwell.
• Ephraim Hartwell went next door, woke Samuel Hartwell, and warned him.
• Mary Hartwell, Sergeant Hartwell’s wife, left their home and carefully made her way through the darkness to the home of Captain William Smith, the commanding officer of the Lincoln Minute Men. She woke Smith, alerting him to the danger. Smith responded by rushing to the center of town to gather the Lincoln Minutemen, who then proceeded to Concord to await the arrival of the British expedition.
• William Smith was the only brother of Abigail Smith Adams, the wife of John Adams, the Founding Father and Second President of the United States.

Lexington Scouts Captured

Elijah Saunderson, Solomon Brown, and Jonathan Loring of Lexington, who had been sent out to watch the movement of the British officers, and several others passing on the road, were taken prisoners a short time before 10 o’clock by another party. 

• AHC Note — Saunderson (also spelled Sanderson), Brown, and Loring were interviewed by the Massachusetts Provincial Congress during its investigation of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. According to Sanderson, in Deposition #1, the British fired first at Lexington.

Revere and the Prisoners are Released

After detaining them until 2:00 and asking many questions about the magazines at Concord, whether any guards were posted there, and whether the bridges were up, they conducted them back to Lexington, where they were released.

• AHC Note — Revere provided his testimony of the Midnight Ride twice. The first time was in 1775 and inspired the classic poem Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The second time was in a letter he wrote to Jeremy Belknap in 1798.

Hancock and Adams Leave Lexington

Hancock and Adams, having remained at the Reverend Clark’s, around whose house a guard had been placed, after consultation, now proceeded towards Woburn.

The Lexington Militia Assembles

Between 12 and 1:00 the same night, information was brought from Joseph Warren that the King’s troops were marching to Lexington, and soon after, the militia were alarmed and ordered to assemble.

An express was sent to Cambridge and returned between 3:00 and 4:00, without obtaining any intelligence of the movements of the enemy, upon which the militia were dismissed for a short time. 

The commanding officer, however, thought best soon to call them together again, “not,” says Reverend Clark, “with the design of opposing so superior a force, much less commencing hostilities; but only with a view to determine what to do, when and where to meet, and to dismiss and disperse.”

• AHC Note — The commanding officer of the Lexington Militia was Captain John Parker.

Jonas Clarke’s Account of the Battle of Lexington

According to Reverend Clark —

…about half an hour after four o’clock, alarm guns were fired, and the drums beat to arms; and the militia were collecting together. — Some, to the number of fifty or sixty, or possibly more, were on the parade, others were coming towards it. 

In the meantime the troops, having thus stolen a march upon us, and to prevent any intelligence of their approach, having seized and held prisoners several persons, whom they met unarmed upon the road, seemed to come determined for murder and bloodshed; and that whether provoked to it or not! 

When within about half a quarter of a mile of the meeting-house, they halted, and command was given to prime and load; which being done, they marched on till they came up to the east end of said meeting-house, in sight of our militia (collecting as aforesaid) who were about twelve or thirteen rods distant. 

• Rod — A “rod” is a unit of distance measuring 16.5 feet.

Immediately on their appearing so suddenly, and so nigh, Captain Parker, who commanded the militia company, ordered the men to disperse and take care of themselves and not to fire. 

Upon this our men dispersed; but many of them not so speedily, as they might have done, not having the most distant idea of such brutal barbarity and more than savage cruelty, from the troops of a British king, as they immediately experienced. 

For no sooner did they come in sight of our company, but one of them, supposed to be an officer of rank, was heard to say to the troops, “Damn them; we will have them!” 

• AHC Note — This officer was Major John Pitcairn.

Upon which the troops shouted aloud, huzza’d, and rushed furiously towards our men. 

About the same time, three officers — supposed to be Lieutenant Colonel Smith, Major Pitcairn, and another officer — advanced on horseback to the front of the body, and coming within five or six rods of the militia, one of them cried out, “Ye villains, ye rebels, disperse; damn you, disperse!” One of the officers said, “Lay down your arms; damn you, why don’t you lay down your arms!” Another officer, about this, time fired a pistol towards the militia as they started to disperse. 

• AHC Note — Lieutenant Colonel Smith was not in Lexington at this point. He was with the main body of troops, which arrived around the same time the first shots were fired. The Lexington men did not leave their weapons behind. They took them with them, so the British officer called for them to lie them down.

The foremost, who was within a few yards of our men, brandishing his sword, and then pointing towards them, with a loud voice, said to the troops, “Fire! by God, fire!” which was instantly followed by a discharge of arms from the said troops, succeeded by a very heavy and close fire upon our party dispersing, so long as any of them were within reach. 

• Eight were left dead upon the ground; ten were wounded.
• The British troops then passed on without molestation to Concord, six miles further. 

Preparations in Concord

In the meantime, Samuel Prescott had arrived there, and the guard, the Committee of Safety, the military officers, and principal citizens had been alarmed. The church bell rang a little before 3:00. 

Major John Buttrick asked Reuben Brown to ride toward Lexington, obtain what information he could, and return. Another messenger was sent to Watertown on the same errand.

• John Buttrick (1731–1791) — Members of Buttrick’s family helped found Concord in 1635. He owned a large 215-acre farm near the North Bridge and was a member of the Concord Militia. In January 1775, Concord raised two companies of Minute Men, and Buttrick was named Captain of one.

Reuben Brown Witnesses the Battle of Lexington

Rueben Brown arrived at Lexington just before the British troops fired on the Lexington Militia and immediately returned to Concord without waiting to ascertain what effect their firing had produced. On his arrival, Major Buttrick inquired if they fired bullets. “I do not know but think it probable,” was the answer.

It was supposed at that time that the British fired nothing but powder merely to intimidate the Lexington Militia, though various reports were circulated of a different character. The provincials were unwilling to be the aggressors and could not then believe the Mother Country was in earnest and intended to murder the inhabitants of her colonies. 

The object was conceived to be to destroy the public stores. The people, however, wished to be prepared for any event.

Concord Sends Express Riders to Raise the Alarm

Colonel Barrett sent Brown to Hopkinton to alarm the people in that direction. Other messengers were sent at the same time to other towns with the intelligence, and the alarm spread like electric fire from a thousand sources and produced a shock that roused all to action.

• AHC Note — Hopkinton is more than 20 miles southwest of Concord, depending on the route.

Removal of the Military Supplies

The Committee of Safety in Concord had been engaged the preceding day, according to the direction of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, in removing some of the military stores to the adjoining towns and immediately gave directions for removing and securing such as yet remained. This occupied the attention of Colonel Barrett and a large number of citizens for a considerable portion of the morning. 

• Four cannons were carried to Stow, six to the outer parts of the town, and some others covered with hay, straw, manure, etc.
• Loads of stores of various kinds were carried to Acton and other towns, and many others were concealed in private buildings and the woods. 

The utmost activity prevailed in preparing for the approaching crisis.

• AHC Note — After Patriot spies in Boston became suspicious of changes in the duties of British troops, Joseph Warren sent Paul Revere to Lexington (April 16) to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Hancock responded by sending a message to the Patriots in Concord, instructing them to move the weapons and military supplies to other towns.

Geography and Roads

The road from Lexington to Concord enters the town from the southeast along the side of a hill, which commences on the right about a mile below the village, rising abruptly from thirty to fifty feet above the road and terminating at the northeasterly part of the public square. The top is plain land, commanding a pleasant view of the village and vicinity. 

Here, in the rear of Reuben Brown’s, stood the pole on which the flag of liberty was first unfurled — the Concord Liberty Pole.

The meeting house stood in its present situation; the courthouse was near the county house, now occupied by the jailer; Captain Timothy Wheeler’s storehouse was near Mr. Stow’s. There was no house between Elisha Tolman’s and Abel B. Heywood’s.

• AHC Note — Here, Shattuck is describing the homes in Concord as they were situated in 1835, only 60 years after the Battle of Concord.

The Concord River and Its Bridges

The main branch of the Concord River flows sluggishly in a serpentine direction on the westerly and northerly side of the village about half a mile from the principal houses. 

This river was then passed by two bridges, one by Deacon Cyrus Hosmer’s, called the “old South Bridge,” and the other near the Reverend Doctor Ripley’s, called the North Bridge, about half a mile from the meeting-house. 

The river, which before ran easterly, turns at this place and runs northerly. 

The road, just beyond Dr. Ripley’s, turned nearly at right angles and, passing over the bridge, went parallel with the river over wet ground below the house then owned by Captain David Brown, and by Humphrey Hunt’s, to Colonel Barrett’s, who lived about two miles from town. 

This road was entered by another, about thirty rods above the bridge nearly at right angles, leading from the high lands at Colonel Jonas Buttrick’s, also about fifty rods direct from the bridge, on which the main body of the provincial militia paraded. 

This bridge was taken up in 1793, and two others, one above and the other below the old site, were erected.

Militia Forces Gather in Concord

Guards were stationed at the north and south bridges, below Dr. Heywood’s, and in the center of the village. Jonathan Farrar was then commander of the guard in case of an alarm, it was agreed to meet at Wright’s Tavern.

A part of the company under Captain David Brown paraded about break of day. Being uncertain whether the enemy was coming, they were dismissed and prepared to be called together by the beat of the alarm drum. 

Soon after, the Minutemen and militia, who had assembled, paraded on the common. After furnishing themselves with ammunition at the courthouse, they marched down below the village in view of the Lexington Road. 

About the same time a part of the minute company from Lincoln, who had been alarmed by Dr. Prescott, came into town, and paraded in like manner.

The number of armed men who had assembled was about 100.

• David Brown (1732–1802) — Brown was a member of Concord’s Committee of Inspection, which enforced the rules of the Continental Association. He was also a member of the Concord Committee of Safety. Brown was the commanding officer of one of Concord’s Minute Man companies.

The British Expedition Nears Concord

The morning had advanced to about 7:00, and the British army was soon seen approaching the town on the Lexington Road. The sun shone with peculiar splendor. The glittering arms of 800 soldiers, “the flower of the British army,” were full in view. It was a novel, imposing, alarming sight. 

What was to be done? 

At first, it was thought best that they should face the enemy, as few as they were, and abide the consequences. Of this opinion, among others, was Reverend William Emerson, the clergyman of the town, who had turned out amongst the first in the morning to animate and encourage his people by his counsel and patriotic example. “Let us stand our ground,” said he, “if we die, let die here!” 

• William Emerson (1769–1811) — Emerson was a native of Malden. After marrying Phebe Bliss, he built a home in Concord near the North Bridge, which is known as the “Old Manse.” Emerson was a Patriot who used his sermons to encourage the members of his congregation to prepare for war. Emerson’s grandson was the poet, philosopher, and transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Eleazer Brooks of Lincoln was then on the hill. “Let us go and meet them,” said one to him. “No,” he answered, “it will not do for us to begin the war.” 

• Eleazer Brooks (1727–1806) — Brooks was the town of Lincoln’s highest-ranking officer who served during the American Revolutionary War.

The Militia Falls Back to the Muster Field

They did not then know what had happened at Lexington. Their number was, however, very small in comparison with the enemy, and it was concluded best to retire a short distance and wait for reinforcements. They consequently marched to the northern declivity of the burying-ground hill near the present site of the courthouse. They did not, however, leave their station until the British light infantry had arrived within a few rods’ distance.

• AHC Note — The area the militia moved to is known as the “Muster Field.”

Buttrick Makes Hosmer Adjutant

Major John Buttrick went to one of the companies then under the command of Lieutenant Joseph Hosmer, the other officers not then being at their posts, and requested him to act as adjutant. He remonstrated (refused) by telling him “his company would be left alone if he did.” 

“It must be so, then,” said Major Buttrick, “you must go.” Hosmer accordingly left his company and officiated as adjutant for the remaining part of the morning.

• Joseph Hosmer (1735–1821) — Hosmer was a Lieutenant in the Concord Militia. He was a carpenter and built his home in 1757, which still stands in Concord and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Hosmer is most famous for challenging his commanding officers after they saw smoke rising out of Concord, raising fears that the British were burning the town.

Barrett Arrives in the Muster Field

About the same time, Colonel James Barrett, who was commander of the regiment of militia and who had been almost incessantly engaged that morning in securing the stores, rode up. 

Individuals were frequently arriving, bringing different reports. Some exaggerated the number of British troops; some said that they had, and others that they had not killed some Lexington militiamen. It was difficult to obtain the correct information. 

Under these circumstances, he ordered the men there paraded, being about one hundred and fifty, to march over the north bridge, near the present residence of Colonel Jonas Buttrick, and there wait for reinforcements.

British Forces Enter Concord

In the meantime, the British troops entered the town. The six companies of light infantry were ordered to enter on the hill and disperse the minute men whom they had seen paraded there. The grenadiers came up the main road and halted on the common. 

Unfortunately for the people’s cause, the British officers had already been made somewhat acquainted — through their spies and the tories — with the topography of the town and the situation of many of the military stores. 

On their arrival, they examined as well as they could, by the help of spyglasses from a post of observation on the burying-ground hill, the appearance of the town and the condition of the provincials.

It was found that the provincials were assembling and that no time was to be lost. The first object of the British was to gain possession of the north and south bridges to prevent any militia from entering over them. 

Parsons Sent to Search the Barrett Farm

Accordingly, while Colonel Francis Smith remained in the centre of the town, he detached six companies of light infantry, under the command of Captain Lawrence Parsons of his regiment, to take possession of the North Bridge and proceed from there to places where stores were deposited. Ensign D’Bernicre was ordered to direct his way. It is also intimated that tories were active in guiding the regulars. Captain Beeman of Petersham was one. 

• Francis Smith (1723–1791) — Smith was a British officer who is most famous for leading the British expedition to Concord on April 18–19, 1775, triggering the Battles of Lexington and Concord and starting the American Revolutionary War.
• John Pitcairn (1722–1775) — Pitcairn was a British officer most famous for leading British troops at the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775, triggering the American Revolutionary War. He was killed during the Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775).
• Henry De Berniere (?–1800) — Referred to as “Ensign D’Bernicre.” In March 1775, he was one of the spies sent by General Gage to make a map of the roads between Boston and Concord.

British Forces Search Concord and Guard the Bridges

On their arrival there, three companies under the command of Captain Lawrie of the 43rd Regiment were left to protect the bridge. One of those, commanded by Lieutenant Edward Thornton Gould, paraded at the bridge, the other, of the 4th and 10th Regiments, fell back in the rear towards the hill. 

Captain Parsons, with three companies, proceeded to Colonel Barrett’s to destroy the stores there deposited. At the same time, Captain Mundey Pole of the 10th Regiment was ordered to take possession of the South Bridge and destroy such public property as he could find in that direction.

• AHC Note — In the orders he gave to Lieutenant Colonel Smith, General Gage specifically ordered him to guard the bridges.

Smith and Pitcairn in Concord

The grenadiers and marines, under Smith and Pitcairn, remained in the centre of the town, where all means in their power were used to accomplish the destruction of military stores. By the great exertions of the provincials, the principal part of the public stores had been secreted, and many others were protected by the innocent artifice of individuals. 

• In the center of the town, the grenadiers broke open about 60 barrels of flour, nearly one-half of which was afterward saved; knocked off the trunnions of three iron 24-pound cannons; and burnt 16 new carriage wheels and a few barrels of wooden trenchers and spoons. 
• The Liberty Pole on the hill was cut down and suffered the same fate.
• About 500 pounds of musket balls were thrown into the mill pond and wells.

Timothy Wheeler Saves the Flour

The shrewd and successful address of Captain Timothy Wheeler on this occasion deserves notice. He had the charge of a large quantity of provincial flour, which, together with some casks of his own, was stored in his barn. 

A British officer demanding entrance, he readily took his key and gave him admission. The officer expressed his pleasure at the discovery, but Captain Wheeler, with much affected simplicity, said to him, putting his hand on a barrel, “This is my flour. I am a miller, Sir. Yonder stands my mill. I get my living by it. In the winter, I grind a great deal of grain and get it ready for market in the spring.”

“This,” he said, pointing to one barrel, “is the flour of wheat;  this,” pointing to another, “is the flour of corn; this is the flour of rye; this, “putting his hand on his casks, “is my flour; this is my wheat; this is my rye; this is mine.”

“Well,” said the officer, “we do not injure private property.” and withdrew, leaving this important depository untouched.

Ephraim Jones and Hannah Barns

Captain Ephraim Jones kept the tavern, now owned by Hartwell Bigelow, and had the care of the jail near by. Henry Gardner, Esq., the province treasurer, had boarded with him during the session of the Congress, and had left in his custody a chest containing some money and other important articles. 

Captain Jones was taken by the British and placed under a guard of five men with their bayonets fixed and pointing towards him. After being thus detained a short time, he was released to furnish refreshment at his bar. 

In the meantime, the British entered his house in search of public stores and went to the chamber where Mr. Gardner’s chest was deposited. 

Being about to enter, Hannah Barns, who lived in the family, remonstrated (protested), telling them it was her apartment and contained her property. After considerable parleying (negotiating), they left her and the chamber unmolested.

The British Help Put Out a Fire

The courthouse was set on fire but was extinguished by Mrs. Martha Moulton, a near resident, assisted by a servant of Dr. Minott. They remonstrated, saying to the British, “The top of the house is filled with powder, and if you do not put the fire out, you will all be killed.” On this, the British lent their aid. However, they seized and abused several unarmed inhabitants who remained in the village.

• Timothy Minot (1726–1804) — Spelled “Minott” in this account, Dr. Timothy Minot, Jr. was a doctor who witnessed the Battle of Concord. His testimony is documented in Deposition #16.

The House of Ephraim Wood

The party at the South Bridge entered several adjacent houses, where, at their request, milk, potatoes, meat, and other refreshments, as a breakfast, were provided. They entered the house of Ephraim Wood, Esq. and endeavoured to take him prisoner. He was the town clerk and a distinguished Patriot. Being actively engaged in directing the important events of the day and assisting in removing the stores, he was not at home and escaped detection. 

Military Supplies Saved at the Amos Woods House

At Amos Wood’s, they paid a guinea apiece to each of the female attendants to compensate them for their trouble. They searched the house, and an officer observing one room fastened, significantly inquired of Mrs. Wood, “whether there were not some females locked up there?”

By her evasive answer, he was led to believe it was so, and immediately said, “I forbid anyone entering this room!” — and a room filled with military stores was thus fortunately preserved. 

This party remained here until they heard the firing at the North Bridge, when they recrossed the river, took up the planks of the bridge to render it impassable, and hastened to join the main body in the middle of the town.

The British at Barrett’s Farm

After Colonel Barrett had ordered the militia to march over the bridge, he rode home to give some directions respecting the stores at his house. He set out on his return to the militia companies just before the party of British troops arrived. They said to Mrs. Barrett, “Our orders are to search your house and your brother’s from top to bottom.” 

Leave (permission) was granted. The soldiers here, as at other places in town, requested and were provided with refreshments. One of the sergeants asked for spirit (liquor), but it was refused, and the commanding officer forbade it as it might render him unfit for duty, saying, “We shall have bloody work today — we have killed men at Lexington.” 

The officers offered to pay Mrs. Barrett, but she refused, saying, “We are commanded to feed our enemies.” They then threw some money into her lap. Hesitating some time, she accepted it with the remark — “This is the price of blood.” They assured her of good treatment but said they must execute their orders. 

Mrs. Barrett had concealed some musket balls, cartridges, and flints in casks in the garret and had put over them a quantity of feathers, which prevented discovery. They, however, took 50 dollars in money from one of the rooms. 

On seeing Stephen, a son of Colonel Barrett, the officer demanded his name. Being answered “Barrett,” they called him a rebel, took hold of him, and said, “You must go to Boston with us and be sent to England for your trial.” 

Upon Mrs. Barret saying, “He is my son and not the master of the house,” they released him. They collected some gun carriages in order to burn them, but before they executed their intention, the firing at the bridge was heard, and they immediately retreated.

The Militia Companies Organize

While the British were thus engaged, our citizens and part of our military men, having secured what articles of public property they could, were assembling under arms. Beside the minute-men and militia of Concord, the military companies from the adjoining towns began to assemble, and the number had increased to about 250 or 300. 

There were at this time in this vicinity, under rather imperfect organization, a regiment of militia and a regiment of minute-men. The officers of the militia were:

• James Barrett, colonel
• Ezekiel How of Sudbury, lieutenant-colonel
• Nathan Barrett and George Minott of Concord, lieutenant-colonels
• Joseph Robbins of Acton, lieutenant-colonel
• John Moore of Bedford, lieutenant-colonel
• Samuel Farrar of Lincoln, lieutenant-colonel
• Moses Stone and Aaron Haynes of Sudbury, captains 

The officers of the minute-men were:

• Abijah Pierce of Lincoln, colonel
• Thomas Nixon of Framingham, lieutenant-colonel
• John Buttrick of Concord, major
• Jacob Miller of Holliston, 2d major
• Thomas Hurd of East Sudbury, adjutant
• David Brown and Charles Miles of Concord, captains
• Isaac Davis of Acton, captain
• William Smith of Lincoln, captain
• Jonathan Wilson of Bedford, captain
• John Nixon of Sudbury, captain

There were also two small companies of horse — one in Concord and one in Sudbury — but they were out among the foot companies at this time. 

Joseph Hosmer, David Wheeler, Francis Wheeler, and James Russell of Concord; John Hayward, Simon Hunt, and John Heald of Acton; Samuel Hoar of Lincoln; Moses Abbott of Bedford; and Jonathan Rice, David Moore, Asahel Wheeler, and Jabez Puffer of Sudbury were lieutenants. 

• Author’s Note — All these, however, were not present at the engagement at the North Bridge. It has been customary in giving notice of deceased revolutionary soldiers who met the British at any time on that day or marched to meet them to say they were present at the North Bridge. This, in many instances, is doubtless incorrect. Scarcely any, except those from Concord and the towns immediately adjoining, were or could he present, though troops came with celerity (quickly) and bravery from a greater distance and were in the engagement on the retreat.

The officers of the minute companies had no commissions. Their authority was derived solely from the suffrages (votes) of their companies. Nor were any of the companies formed in regular order. 

John Robinson of Westford, a Lieutenant-Colonel in a regiment of minute-men under Colonel William Prescott, and other men of distinction had already assembled. The hostile acts, the formidable array of the enemy, and the burning of the articles they had collected in the village led them to anticipate a general destruction.

• John Robinson (1735-1805) — Robinson was appointed as a Lieutenant Colonel in the in the Northern Middlesex regiment of minutemen commanded by Colonel William Prescott of Pepperell. Robinson, Reverend Joseph Thaxter, Captain Joshua Parker, and Private Oliver Hildreth were the first men from Westford to respond to the Lexington Alarm.
• William Prescott (1726–1795) — Prescott was an officer in the Massachusetts Militia and Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He is most famous for his leadership of American forces at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

The First Muster

Joseph Hosmer, acting as adjutant, formed the soldiers as they arrived singly or in squads on the field westerly of Colonel Jonas Buttrick’s present residence, the minute companies on the right and the militia on the left, facing the town.

• AHC Note — This organization of the troops is known as the “First Muster.” It marked the first time in history that American forces were organized in military fashion to engage an enemy.

Hosmer Challenges the Officers to Take Action

Hosmer, then observing an unusual smoke rising from the center of the town, went to the officers and citizens in consultation on the high ground nearby and inquired earnestly, “Will you let them burn the town down?” 

With those exciting scenes before them, they deliberately and with noble patriotism and firmness “resolved to march into the middle of the town to defend their homes, or die in the attempt;” and at the same time, they resolved not to fire unless first fired upon.

In History of the Fight at Concord, Reverend Ezra Ripley said the men “…acted upon principle and in the fear of God.”

Buttrick and Robinson Lead the March

Colonel James Barrett immediately gave orders to march by wheeling from the right. Major John Buttrick requested Lieutenant-Colonel John Robinson to accompany him and led them in double file to the scene of action. 

• When they came to the road leading from Captain David Brown’s to the bridge, a part of the Acton minute company under Captain Isaac Davis passed by in front, marched towards the bridge a short distance, and halted.
• Being in files of two abreast, the Concord minute company, under Captain Brown, being before at the head, marched up the north side, till they came equally in front.
• The precise position, however, of each company cannot now be fully ascertained. 

This road was subject to inundations (low areas where puddles form), and a wall was built with large stones on the upper side, in which posts were placed, connected together at their tops with poles to aid foot-passengers in passing over in times of high water.

British Forces Move to the East Side of the Bridge

The British, observing the motions of the militia, immediately formed on the east side of the river and soon began to take up the planks of the bridge. Against this, Major Buttrick remonstrated (protested) in an elevated tone and ordered a quicker step of his soldiers. The British desisted (stopped). 

The Fight at the North Bridge

At that moment, two or three British guns were fired in quick succession into the river, which the provincials considered as alarm guns and not aimed at them. 

The Americans were within ten or 15 rods of the bridge, when a single gun was fired by a British soldier, the ball from which passing under Colonel John Robinson’s arm slightly wounded the side of Luther Blanchard, a fifer in the Acton company, and Jonas Brown, one of the Concord minute men. 

This gun was instantly followed by a volley (fired by the British at the Americans) by which Captain Isaac Davis and Abner Hosmer, both belonging to Acton, were killed, a ball passing through the body of the former and another through the head of the latter.

Buttrick Orders the Shot Heard ‘Round the World

On seeing this, Major John Buttrick instantly leaped from the ground and, partly turning to his men, exclaimed, “Fire, fellow soldiers, for God’s sake, fire!” discharging his gun at the British at almost the same instant. 

• His order was instantly obeyed, and a general discharge from the whole line of the provincial ranks took place. 
• Firing on both sides continued for a few minutes. 

The First British Soldiers Killed in the War

Three British soldiers were killed. Lieutenants Sunderland, Kelley, and Gould, a Sergeant, and four privates were wounded. The British immediately retreated about halfway to the meetinghouse and were met by two companies of grenadiers, who had been drawn there by the noise of battle.

Two of the soldiers killed at the bridge were left on the ground, where they were afterwards buried by Zachariah Brown and Thomas Davis. Jr. The spot deserves to be marked by an ever-enduring monument, as the place where the first British blood was spilled — where the life of the first British soldier was taken, in a contest that resulted in a revolution the most mighty in its consequences in the annals of mankind.

• AHC Note — In the aftermath, rumors spread that one of the British soldiers had been brutally murdered and mutilated. In Deposition #21, Brown and Davis disputed these rumors.

Americans Prepare to Pursue the British

Most of the provincials pursued them (the British) across the bridge, though a few returned to John Buttrick’s with their dead. About one hundred and fifty went immediately across the Great Field to intercept the enemy on their retreat at Merriam’s Corner. From this time through the day, little or no military order was preserved. Every man chose his own time and mode of attack.

British Forces Return from the Barrett Farm

It was between 10 and 11 o’clock when the firing at the bridge took place, and a short time after, Captain Lawrence Parsons and his party returned unmolested from Colonel James Barrett’s. 

Parsons force might have been attacked and taken, had the Americans that went across the Great Fields remained at the bridge, and had strict military order been preserved; but it was probably feared, that, if this had been done, the grenadiers would have burnt the village, or committed some other act of retaliation, which it would have been impossible for the number of Americans then assembled to prevent. 

War, too, at this time, was not declared. Some may suppose the provincials here made a mistake and neglected the advantages they possessed. However, no one who views all the circumstances correctly will hesitate to consider this as one of the most fortunate events or be dissatisfied with what the provincials did on that memorable day.

Militia Forces Continue to Arrive

By this time, the provincials had considerably increased and were constantly arriving from the neighbouring towns. 

The British had but partially accomplished the objects of their expedition. The quantity of public stores destroyed was very small in comparison with what remained untouched.

They observed, however, with no little anxiety and astonishment, the celerity with which the provincials were assembling and the determined resolution with which they were opposed.

The British Tend to Their Wounded

The superior numbers of the British had given them an advantage over the militia companies that had assembled. However, the British began to feel that they were in danger and resolved, from necessity, on an immediate retreat (to Boston).

• They collected together their scattered parties and made some hasty provision for the wounded. Several were taken into Dr. Minot’s, where their wounds were dressed. 
• One of the officers left his gold watch, which was discovered by an old black servant after he had gone out. With honest simplicity, she called out, “Hollo, sir, you have left your watch,” and restored it without fee or reward.
• At Wright’s Tavern, Pitcairn called for a glass of brandy, and stirred it up with his bloody finger, remarking that he “hoped he should stir the damned yankee blood so before night.”
• One of the wounded died and was buried where Mr. Keyes’ house stands. 

The British Leave Concord

A chaise (horse-drawn carriage) was taken from Reuben Brown and another from John Beaton. They were furnished with bedding, pillaged as were many other articles from the neighbouring houses, in which they placed some of their wounded, and began a hasty retreat a little before 12:00 p.m. Several wounded British troops were left behind. 

About the same time, they fired at Mr. Abel Prescott, whom they saw returning from an excursion to alarm the neighbouring towns. He was slightly wounded in his side and hid in Mrs. Heywood’s house and escaped.

• Abel Prescott (?–1775) — The brother of Samuel Prescott. After his brother raised the Alarm, he left Concord and rode to Sudbury and Framingham, where he raised the Alarm. The British troops fired on him as he returned to Concord and wounded him. Prescott survived but died four months later from the effects of the wound and dysentery. He was about 26 years old.

The Americans Begin Their Pursuit

The designs of the enemy were now fully developed, and the indignation (annoyance over unfair treatment) of the provincials was highly excited. Many of them were determined to have their revenge for the wanton (deliberate and unprovoked) cruelties that had been committed. 

The Americans followed the retreating British between the bridge and the village, and fired single-handed from the high ground, or from behind such shelter as came in their way; and thus began a mode of warfare which cost many a one his life.

The king’s troops retreated in the same order as they entered town, the infantry on the hill and the grenadiers in the road, but with flanking parties more numerous and farther from the main body. 

Merriam’s Corner and the Battle Road

On arriving at Merriam’s Corner, they were attacked by the provincials who had proceeded across the Great Fields, in conjunction with a company from Reading, under command of the Captain John Brooks. Several of the British were killed, and several wounded; among the latter was Ensign Lester. None of the provincials were injured. 

• AHC Note — “Ensign Lester” refers to Jeremy Lister, a British soldier. He published his first-hand account of the battle, titled, Concord fight: Being so much of the narrative of Ensign Jeremy Lister of the 10th Regiment of Foot as pertains to his services on 19 April 1775.

From this time, the road was literally lined with provincials, whose accurate aim generally produced the desired effect. Guns were fired from every house, barn, wall, or covert. After they had waylaid the enemy and fired upon them from one position, they fell back from the road, ran forward, and came up again to perform a similar manoeuvre. 

• The Sudbury company attacked the British near Hardy’s Hill on the south, and below the Brooks Tavern, on the old road north of the school-house, a severe battle was fought. 
• Some of the British were killed in the woods and others in or near Mr. Hartwell’s barn, close by. It was here that Captain Jonathan Wilson of Bedford, Nathaniel Wyman of Billerica, and Daniel Thompson of Woburn were killed.
• Eight of the British, who fell here and were left on the ground, were buried in the Lincoln burying-ground the next day, one of whom, from his dress, was supposed to have been an officer.
• Several were killed near Viles’s Tavern and a little below Fisk’s Hill.
• Lieutenant Colonel Smith was wounded in his leg. 

Fisk’s Hill

At the house at the bottom of Fisk’s Hill, a rencontre (encounter) between James Hayward of Acton and a British soldier took place. Hayward, on going round the house for a draught of water, perceived his antagonist (enemy) coming through the house on the same errand. 

The Briton drew up his gun, remarking, it is said, “You are a dead man!” 

“And so are you!” answered Hayward. 

Both fired, and both fell; the former dead and the latter mortally wounded. He died the next day. 

All the way, the enemy was compelled to pass through ranks of men they had injured and who were armed and eager to avenge the blood of their slaughtered fellow citizens.

• AHC Note — Fisk’s Hill is also known as Fiske Hill.

Percy Arrives with British Reinforcements

An express was sent from Lexington in the morning to General Gage to inform him of what had happened there; and about 9 o’clock a brigade of about 1,100 men marched out under the command of the Right Honorable Hugh Earl Percy, a brigadier-general; consisting of the Marines, the Welch Fusiliers, the 4th, 47th, and 38th regiments, and two field-pieces.

• This reinforcement arrived at Lexington about 2 o’clock, placed the field pieces on the high ground below Monroe’s Tavern, and checked for about half an hour the eager pursuit of the provincials.
• During this time, they burnt the house, barn, and other outbuildings of Deacon Joseph Loring, the house, barn, and shop of Mrs. Lydia Mulliken, and the house and shop of Mr. Joshua Bond. 

Retreat to Charlestown

By the aid of this reinforcement, the British were able to effect their retreat to Charlestown, though not without sustaining continual losses on the way. They arrived about 7 o’clock, having, during a day unusually hot for the season, marched upwards of 36 miles and endured almost incredible suffering.

• AHC Note — General Percy commanded the British troops from Lexington back to Boston due to the injuries suffered by Smith and Pitcairn.

All the provisions they had had were obtained by purchase or plunder from the people, their provision-wagons having been taken by the Americans. Some of them were so much exhausted with fatigue that they were obliged to lie down on the ground, their tongues hanging out of their mouths “like dogs after the chase.”

• AHC Note — The British supply wagons were captured by a group of men in Menotomy.

Our militia and minutemen pursued them to Charlestown Neck, many of whom remained there during the night, while others returned home.

American Casualties

Of the provincials, 49 were killed, 36 wounded, and five missing. Captain Charles Miles, Captain Nathan Barrett, Jonas Brown, and Abel Prescott, Jr., of Concord, were wounded. Captain Isaac Davis, Abner Hosmer, and James Hayward, of Acton, were killed, and Luther Blanchard was wounded. Captain Jonathan Wilson of Bedford was killed, and Job Lane was wounded.

British Casualties

Of the British, 73 were killed, 172 wounded, and 26 missing, among whom were 18 officers, 10 sergeants, two drummers, and 240 rank and file. 

Among the wounded were Lieutenant Colonels Francis Smith and Benjamin Bernard. Lieutenant Edward Hall was wounded at the North Bridge and taken prisoner on the retreat. He died the next day, and his remains were delivered to General Gage. 

Lieutenant Edward Thornton Gould was also wounded at the bridge and taken prisoner on the retreat. He was confined and treated with kindness at Medford till May 28th, when he was exchanged for Josiah Breed of Lynn. Gould had a salary of £1,900 per annum and is said to have offered £2,000 for his ransom. 

Lieutenant Isaac Potter, of the marines, was taken prisoner and confined some time at Reuben Brown’s. Colonel Barrett was directed, April 22d, to give him liberty to walk around the house, but to keep a constant guard of three men, day and night, to prevent his being insulted or making his escape. 

Eight of the wounded received medical attendance from Dr. Cuming, at the house then standing near Captain Stacy’s. 

One of them, John Bateman, died and was buried on the hill, and none of them were known to return to the British. 

Samuel Lee was taken prisoner early in the morning, between Lexington and Concord, and afterwards lived in Concord till his death. He always stated that he was the first prisoner taken on that day.

• AHC Note — Lee may be the prisoner captured by Sylvanus Wood, a member of the Woburn Militia. Historians indicate Lee was deaf or hard of hearing, allowing Wood to sneak up on him.

Fourteen prisoners were confined in the jail in Concord during the year, and a number of others were permitted to go out to work. 

Fifteen were ordered to Worcester on April 26th. Sergeant Cooper, one of the party who went to Colonel Barrett’s, married a woman who lived with Dr. Cuming.

• Authors’ Note — This is an imperfect sketch of the occurrences of the 19th of April 1775, the greatest of that age. “Concord,” says the late President Dwight, “will be long remembered as having been, partially, the scene of the first military action in the revolutionary war, and the object of an expedition, the first in that chain of events, which terminated in the separation of the British colonies from their mother country. A traveller on this spot, particularly an American traveller, will insensibly call to his mind an event of this magnitude and cannot fail to be deeply affected by a comparison of so small a beginning with so mighty an issue. In other circumstances, the expedition to Concord, and the interest which ensued, would have been merely little tales of wonder and of woe, chiefly recited by the parents of the neighbourhood to their circles at the fireside; commanding a momentary attention of childhood; and calling forth the tear of sorrow from the eyes of those who were intimately connected with the sufferers. Now, the same events preface the history of a nation and the beginning of an empire and are themes of disquisition and astonishment to the civilized world. From the plains of Concord will henceforth be dated a change in human affairs, an alteration in the balance of human power, and a new direction to the course of human improvement. Man, from the events which have occurred here, will, in some respects, assume a new character, and experience, in some respects, a new destiny.”

Significance

The events that took place on April 18–19, 1775, include some of the most historic — and legendary — moments in American History. Many of the details about these events are found in the letters and depositions written at the time and have been used by many historians as the basis for articles and books about the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

However, interesting details that can be found in the histories of the towns that responded to the Midnight Riders and the Lexington Alarm, including Concord, are often overlooked. Militia and Minuteman companies from approximately 27 towns fought the British from Lexington to Concord and then from Concord back to Boston. Many of those men remained there and participated in the Siege of Boston and the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Although these local histories are sometimes embellished and border on folklore, they still provide valuable insight into the pride towns felt over standing up against the British forces who fired on the King’s subjects at Lexington and Concord.
This entry about the role of the Concord Militia is part of “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” a collection of entries, images, and objects covering the events of April 18–19, 1775.

Appendix

The following text is from The Battle of April 19, 1775, by Frank Warren Coburn. Published in 1912, it includes muster rolls for the Militia and Minuteman companies that fought in the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Coburn says, “In the vicinity of Concord were two regiments, one of militia under Colonel James Barrett of Concord, with Ezekiel How of Sudbury as Lieutenant Colonel, and one of minute-men under Colonel Abijah Pierce of Lincoln, with Thomas Nixon of Framingham as Lieutenant Colonel, and John Buttrick of Concord as Major. These two regiments did not appear as such at the North Bridge, the entire force there at the opening being under the command of Barrett, who directed the advance to be led by Major Buttrick. Quite a number of the Companies of each were in line but not in regimental formation.

There were four Concord Companies present, commanded respectively by Captains Brown, Miles, Minot, and Barrett. No claims for service were filed with the Commonwealth on their behalf. Therefore, I can present no official Rolls. I found in Tolman’s “Concord Minute Men” a roster of Brown’s Company. For those constituting Miles’s Company, I am indebted to the rare original manuscript belonging to the late Dr. Charles E. Clark of Lynn, and which was sold at auction by C.F. Libbie & Co., in Boston, Jan. 15, 1901, for $275.00.

Captain David Brown’s Company

Officers

• David Brown, Captain
• David Wheeler, Lieutenant
• Silas Man, Sergeant
• Abishai Brown, Sergeant
• Emerson Cogswell, Sergeant
• Amos Wood, Sergeant
• Amos Barrett, Sergeant
• Stephen Barrett, Sergeant
• Reuben Hunt, Sergeant
• Stephen Jones, Sergeant

Musicians

• John Buttrick Jr., Fifer

Enlisted Men

• Phineas Alin
• Humphrey Barrett, Jr.
• Elias Barron
• Jonas Bateman
• John Brown, Jr.
• Jonas Brown
• Purchase Brown
• Abiel Buttrick
• Daniel Buttrick
• Oliver Buttrick
• Tilly Buttrick
• Willard Buttrick
• William Buttrick
• Daniel Cray
• Amos Davis
• Abraham Davis
• Joseph Davis, Jr.
• Joseph Dudley
• Charles Flint
• Edward Flint
• Edward Flint, Jr.
• Nathan Flint
• Ezekiel Hagar
• Isaac Hoar
• David Hubbare
• John Laughton
• David Melvin, Jr.
• William Mercer
• John Minot, Jr.
• Thomas Prescott
• Bradbury Robinson
• Ebenezer Stowe
• Nathan Stowe
• Thomas Thurston
• Jotham Wheeler
• Peter Wheeler
• Zachary Wheeler
• Ammi White
• John White
• Jonas Whitney
• Aaron Wright

Captain Charles Miles’s Company

Officers

• Charles Miles, Captain
• Jonathan Farrar, Lieutenant
• Francis Wheeler, Lieutenant
• David Hartwell, Sergeant
• Amos Hosmer, Sergeant
• Silas Walker, Sergeant
• Edward Richardson, Sergeant
• Simeon Hayward, Corporal
• Nathan Peirce, Corporal
• James Cogswell, Corporal

Musicians

• Daniel Brown, Drummer
• Samuel Darby, Fifer

Enlisted Men

• Joseph Cleasby
• Simeon Buridge
• Israel Barratt
• Daniel Hore
• Ephraim Brooks
• William Buridge
• Joseph Stratton
• Stephan Brooks
• Simon Wheeler
• Ebenezer Johnson
• Stephan Starns
• William Brown
• Jeremiah Clark
• Jacob Ames
• Benjamin Hosmer
• Joel Hosmer
• Samuel Wheeler
• Warham Wheeler
• Oliver Wheeler
• Jesse Hosmer
• Amos Darby
• John Corneall
• Levi Hosmer
• Solomon Rice
• Thaddeas Bancraft
• Amos Melven
• Samuel Melven
• Nathan Dudley
• Oliver Parlin
• John Flagg
• Samuel Emery
• John Cole
• Daniel Cole
• Barnabas Davis
• Major Raley
• Edward Wilkens
• Daniel Farrar
• Oliver Harris
• Samuel Jewet
• Daniel Wheat

Captain George Minot’s Company

The names and number of men is unknown.

Captain Nathan Barrett’s Company

The names and number of men is unknown.