Minuteman reenactor’s forebear may have started the battle

Boston.com ^ | April 19, 2010 | David Filipov

[Pharmboy]

I don't usually post anniversary threads, but this had a bit of news to it...

[GreyFriar]

George W. Bush went back in a time machine and fired the first shot, so that he and his father could set up a political dynasty. (sarcasm)

[Pharmboy]

Hmmm...Hot Tub Time Machine..Texas style?

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

“To be part of the reenactment and find out that my great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather was there and played a role was certainly exhilarating,’’ Poole said last week, counting with the fingers of his right hand as he ticked off the greats. “It was a tremendous surprise.’’

[Pharmboy]

The RevWar/Colonial History/General Washington ping list

[Pharmboy]

Ha! Nicely done...

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

There is a magazine-like book that has long been used to teach high school history teachers, entitled “What Happened On Lexington Green?”

http://www.amazon.com/reader/0201004615

It is a collection of the various first, second, and third-hand accounts of the battle, told at various times close to and far away from the event, and how the tale has changed over time.

It conveys the important lesson about history, that it is both terribly opinionated, and very prone to interpretation and corruption.

[TheThirdRuffian]

That’s a really well formed hand; it looks functional.

Unusual, as the extra finger usually just hangs there.

[Vigilanteman]

Most of the credible accounts which I've read make it quite clear that the British fired the first shot. It was probably Maj. John Pitcairn or Lt. William Sutherland as such duties were assigned to the junior officers according to the British Military protocol in force.

Captain John Parker of the Colonial militia had also made these orders clear before the onset of battle: "Stand your ground; don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here."

The militia was well regulated (drilled) and had a genuine affection for Captain Parker. In fact, fully one-quarter of the men at Lexington were blood relatives. Therefore, I think it unlikely that they would disobey a direct order and fired only in response to the British action.

FWIW, one of Capt. Parker's relatives, Pvt. Job Pratt, my 4x-great grandfather, did not make it to Lexington Green in time, but was in on the action at Concord Bridge.

[massgopguy]

I’ve heard it was Sam Adams who fired a pistol as he and Hancock were ferried away in a carriage.

[atomic_dog]

I’m somewhat surprised to discover that their Masters in Boston allow the reenactors to own weapons, let alone carry them in public.

[max americana]

I have read about that account too but it was unsubstantiated because there’s just a very few credible and verified accounts regarding Lexington Green. Love Sam Adams. Even the French aristocracy were asking if this (John) Adams was Sam and once they found it wasn’t him, they were openly disappointed.

[stefanbatory]

I wonder if he killed Inigo Montoya’s father...hmmmm

[ebshumidors]

We do know Maj Pitcairn ordered Cpt Parker’s men to lay down arms and disperse ‘ye rebels’. We do know Cpt Parker told his men to disperse but not lay down arms before the shot was fired. We do know that the British regulars fired without orders at Concord bridge.

[aculeus]

Great one!

[ZULU]

Awesome!

(I still think Sam Adams was ensconced in one of the buildings around Lexington Green and deliberately set off the match to the Revolution with his musket though!)

[griffin]

excellent!

[ASA Vet]

I'm not an ancestor of Ebenezer Locke, but his Mother Jemina Russell and I do share ancestors, so I am related to Poole.

[ASA Vet]

you might find this of interest.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

At the risk of sounding insensitive, how many fingers do you have on your right hand?