The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and His Team

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere has become a legendary event in American history. He died on May 10th, 1818,  and we honor him in remembrance today. 

In a letter written in 1798 to Dr. Jeremy Belknap, founder of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Paul Revere described his actual adventures during the April 18-19, 1775 ride. His mission was to warn Patriots outside Boston, particularly two influential leaders opposing the government: Samuel Adams and John Hancock. 

Here’s what Revere recounted:

1. Suspicious Activities in Boston: On Tuesday evening, April 18, 1775, Revere observed British soldiers marching toward the bottom of the Common in Boston.
   Dr. Joseph Warren (another Patriot leader) urgently summoned Revere and asked him to ride to Lexington, where Adams and Hancock were located. 
   Revere had previously visited Lexington and agreed with others on a signaling system to warn of British movements.
2. Signaling System:
   Revere had arranged with Colonel William Conant and other gentlemen that if the British went out by water, they would show two lanterns in the North Church steeple.
   If the British went by land, they would show one lantern as a signal.
   The concern was that crossing the Charles River or getting over Boston Neck would be challenging.
3. The Ride:
   Revere left Dr. Warren’s house, where he had been summoned, and rowed across the Charles River.
   He met Colonel Conant and others who confirmed they had seen the signals.
   Revere then obtained a horse and rode toward Lexington.
4. British Officers Encounter:
   Richard Devens, a member of the Committee of Safety, informed Revere that he had encountered ten British officers well-mounted and armed on the road from Lexington after sundown.

Revere’s account of that night reveals that the Midnight Ride was more of a team effort. The signals, coordination with others, and the urgent warning to Adams and Hancock all played crucial roles in this historic event. 

Paul Revere’s words provide valuable insights into the events of that fateful night.
Images sourced from Google images