Quote Originally Posted by xXxplosive View Post
Revolution in Real Time, 5:00 a.m. April 19, 1775 - THE FIRST SHOTS!
"I, John Parker, of lawful age, and commander of the Militia in Lexington, do testify and declare, that on the 19th instant, in the morning, about one of the clock, being informed that there were a number of Regular officers riding up and down the road, stopping and insulting people as they passed the road, and also was informed that a number of Regular Troops were on their march from Boston, in order to take the Province Stores at Concord, ordered our Militia to meet on the common in said Lexington, to consult what to do, and concluded not to be discovered, nor meddle or make with said Regular Troops (if they should approach) unless they should insult us; and upon their sudden approach, I immediately ordered our Militia to disperse and not to fire. Immediately said Troops made their appearance, and rushed furiously, fired upon and killed eight of our party, without receiving any provocation therefore from us."
Lexington, April 25, 1775
Eight militiamen died on the town common in Lexington. Ten others were wounded. Captain Parker then worked to collect what was left of his company and take them back into the fight later that afternoon.
Yep, that day saw members of the heretofore invincible the British Army, professionals all, fleeing in utmost haste back to Boston. They were being harried in their journey by farmers and clerks shooting at them and only when they met the relief force coming out from Boston was any sort of order instituted.