Longmeadow Minute Men to Arms!

We’ve all been hearing about the Revolutionary War commemorations happening across the Commonwealth, including the pivotal battles at Lexington and Concord on April 19th, 1775.  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote his famous poem about the events, called “Concord Hymn.”  It was first read and sung (to the tune “Old Hundredth”) at the dedication of the monument in Concord, MA on July 4, 1837.

Because of the distance, it may come as a surprise to our readers that the momentous news of the battle reached Longmeadow’s ears by April 20th.   At just under 100 miles by today’s roads, how did the news get here so fast?  If the average horse could travel between 20-30 miles a day, this feat is still unexplained!  Perhaps they had a relay system, with each rider only riding as far as the next town.

 By the next morning, April 20th, word of the conflict arrived in Longmeadow. The Reverend Stephen Williams recorded in his diary; “This morning- as soon as it was light, the drum beat and three guns were fired as an alarm. The story is that some of the troops had marched from Boston to seize some military stores at Lexington, or Concord, and that some men had been killed, but the accounts are vague – and as yet uncertain - - we must wait. The Lord mercifully prepare us for the tidings we may have. … The minute men are gone to town and men are collecting from various parts, and we have reason to fear that much mischief is done - we are in distress…”

April 21 - this morning about 4 o’clock another message is come advising that there has been a smart engagement at Concord between the regulars and our people, and many killed, but we have but an uncertain account. ‘Tis said houses are burnt, and women and children killed - sad work, indeed - more men are collected and going forth. I prayed with a company. 

Other evidence relating to this event can be found in the store ledger of Samuel “Merchant” Colton. Many of the Longmeadow men purchased items from Colton’s store before leaving town to head to Concord.

 On page 25 from April 20, 1775, he sells to Captain Simon Colton “to 4 flints at 3 pence, and 1 pound of lead at 8 pence.” To David Burt: “2 pounds buck shot;” to Ebenezer Rumril “1 pound lead, 3 flints;” Medad Stebbins purchased 6 flints; Silvanus Hale bought 1 pound, 2 ounces of lead and 6 flints.  

Some of the men left on April 20th, and others the following day.  The group that marched on the 21st under Lt. David Burt and Lt. Jonathan Hale heard the news that the fight was over when they reached Brookfield, about 40 miles from Longmeadow, so they returned home.  For some of the men, those 3 days consist of their entire service in the revolution.