I’ve always been flabbergasted by the raw courage shown by the Patriots on Lexington Green. Imagine it.
You and your friends turned out the night before, making the long march to Lexington. (They still do the overnight march from surrounding towns!) After a few cups of cider at Buckman’s Tavern, and men disappearing back to their farms as the night wears on, you’re left with only a small company of Minutemen.
Then you hear the drums.
Marching toward Lexington from the east comes the British column. Some 700 of His Majesty’s soldiers, the finest fighting force in the world, are coming down the road — toward you — to the sound of fife and drums. And they won’t be amused to see you standing there with a gun in your hand.
Could you stand your ground, gun in hand, with a Marine infantry battalion heading your way? Do you think today’s Millenials could stand fast? I have my doubts.
The reputation of British infantry was somewhat tarnished in colonial eyes after the French & Indian war.