Revisiting Lexington

self ^ | February 18, 2003 | self

[Mulder]

I'm in the process of reading a great book about Lexington and Concord, and I decided to post some of the more interesting points here, such as:

1) Most of the men during the Revolutionary War WERE armed with their own weapons
2) The milita really was all able-bodied men who wanted to be there, not a "National Guard", as some have suggested.
3) The patriots of Lexington demonstrated extraordinary courage to not only stand against a British army 10 times their size, but also to pursue them after the fact.
4) The 18th century equivalent of 70 "deer rifles" DID make a difference.

My brief review doesn't really do the book justice, but I learned a lot of new things and thought I'd post a short summary here.

[Mulder]

bang

[linton59]

Thanks!!! Valuable post!!

[John H K]

One problem, though is that people then sort of believe we won the war with a lot of militia hiding behind rocks and plinking at dumb British in Red Coast marching in lines in the open...which is 100% wrong.

We have sort of an overly-romantic attachment to Militia in this country. In both the Revolution and the War of 1812, they routinely ran away instantly under fire in a manner that would outdo a WWII Frenchman.

We won the war largely through creating a disciplined, linear-fighting-in-the-open Continental Army, that essentially duplicated the British.

[teeman8r]

a cheetah with its tail on fire could not out run a frenchman under even the threat of fire... IHTF...

teeman8r

[Mulder]

One problem, though is that people then sort of believe we won the war with a lot of militia hiding behind rocks and plinking at dumb British in Red Coast marching in lines in the open...which is 100% wrong.

Neither myself nor the author makes that claim. The militia did have a big impact on the war, however. Just look at Lexington or Bunker Hill (I know, Bunker Hill led the Congress to become overconfident in the militia, which made putting together an army more difficult). Anyway, where do think the volunteers for the regular army came from? Many were militia.

We have sort of an overly-romantic attachment to Militia in this country. In both the Revolution and the War of 1812, they routinely ran away instantly under fire in a manner that would outdo a WWII Frenchman.

You obviously have such a grudge against the Milita, that you are unable or unwilling to recognize their contribution. Taking a stand against the most powerful army on earth, while being outnumbered 10:1 is not something associated with a "WWII Frenchman".

[Jack Black]

I'm struck by how much we owe these men. There were many Patriots who tired of the yoke of British oppression. There were many who secreted their powder and arms either in their homes or collectively. But these few drew the line in the sand against tyrany with no assurance except the opportunity for a quick death and in so doing were the spark that set the fire that burnt down the old order and brought a free country to the earth for the first time in centuries. We are the direct beneficiaries of their bravery and moral clarity and willingness to act.

I pray we have men of such stature ready to stand against long odds for what is right and just today, should we need them. Perhaps Free Republic is the new "Lexington Green" where such men and women will assemble when needed.

Thanks for posting this.

[Mulder]

But these few drew the line in the sand against tyrany with no assurance except the opportunity for a quick death and in so doing were the spark that set the fire that burnt down the old order and brought a free country to the earth for the first time in centuries.

You said it much better than I could have. Thanks!

[Travis McGee]

There are many parallels to today, and many differences. The patriots of that time would envy our Remingtons and Armalites, that's true. But Sam Adams and his gang would be neutralized today before they could cause the crown any trouble.

[garandgal]

Most people qualify for "expert" status on one or two subjects. I have been watching you post for years as an "expert" (in your own mind) on subjects ranging from aeronautical engineering to hockey.

Today, you truly crossed the line by insulting the many brave men and boys who sacrificed life, limb, and property in the difficult process that was the birth of our Nation. You insinuate that the many hundreds of Militiamen who paid the ultimate price for your freedom to admire yourself in the mirror...were shot in the back!

That said, it is always good to know that you are here in case I need a good strong dose of condescension and pomposity.

[SteveH]

1) Most of the men during the Revolutionary War WERE armed with their own weapons
2) The milita really was all able-bodied men who wanted to be there, not a "National Guard", as some have suggested.
3) The patriots of Lexington demonstrated extraordinary courage to not only stand against a British army 10 times their size, but also to pursue them after the fact.
4) The 18th century equivalent of 70 "deer rifles" DID make a difference.

Excellent points; excellent post. Thank you.

[Molly Pitcher]

Read Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fischer. Absolutely stunning in its description of the heroism of the colonists, it makes the case for the 2nd Amendment!

[Mulder]

Read Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fischer.

Thanks. I'll add that one to my "to read" list.

[Mulder]

But Sam Adams and his gang would be neutralized today before they could cause the crown any trouble.

No doubt, thanks to the so-called "anti-terror" laws, but with the technology age, the problem the tyrants face is instead of one Sam Adams, there are hundreds, and thousands more waiting in the wings.

How this plays out is anyone's guess, but my money is on your 20-million deer rifle army. We certainly live in interesting times, that's for sure.

[Redbob]

"After the Stamp Act was passed in 1765, Clarke objected to it, not out of concerns for the economic well-being of Lexington, but on constitutional grounds."

Not likely !
When the Stamp Act was passed, the Constitution was still 22 years in the future.

Or do the Brits have a Constitution that they've been hiding from us all these years?

[PatrioticAmerican]

Goes to show that underestimating the will of brave men can overcome most obstacles.


“victory volley”. Sounds like our current law enforcement.

[skeeter]

Read Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fischer.

I'll second that - it's a great book. I liked it so much I took it on our trip to Lexington & forced my kids to sit on the green while I read to them Fischer's account of the 'battle'.

Being very young they might not have been that impressed by I sure was.

[Molly Pitcher]

What a great idea! I've stood on the Green,without the book, facing the houses and thinking of the wives and mothers saying goodbye to their men, and cried.

WITH the book...

Don't you think the book would make a great movie? The screenplay would practically write itself!

[harpseal]

A fact of life for the Continental army was that local militia units did not as a general rule stand up to an 18th century style infantry charge. However, the battle of Cowpens ( I am going on memory here not checking facts) showed that by using the militia for a couple of shots the British could be defeated. Further the following battles were definitely decided in favor of the American nation by militias Bunker Hill (while the British gained the field it was at such terrible cost that forever afterwards any officer that saw it hesitated to attack dug in Americans), Bennington ( A NH army under John Stark won the day), Saratoga (where as the British under Burgoyne advanced into the open American riflemen devasted their lines), and Cowpens. There were others. Did the United States of America need a regular army to win? It appears so. Could the Continental army have won without the militias? That is hard to concieve as decisive defeat at Saratoga would have guaranteed a British victory. A victory by the British at Bennington would have lead to a victory at Saratoga.

when commanders employed the militias as regular line troops trying to stand up to the British infantry in set piece battles they tended to lose an unnecissarily large portions of thier militias. When used properly as was done at the above mentioned battles the militias were indespensible.

[skeeter]

Don't you think the book would make a great movie? The screenplay would practically write itself!

I've always wondered why no one has attempted such a movie - at least recently. The years in Boston leading up to 4/19/75 was so full of drama & strong, interesting characters. I was disappointed The Patriot wasn't set in New England.