LEXINGTON (ante) was settled in 1642, and named after a t. in Nottinghamshire, Eng. It is-celebrated in American history for having been the scene of the first battle in the revolutionary war, fought April 19, 1775, which aroused the colonies to resistance, precipitating the general conflict. On the night of April 18 the patriots discovered the intention of the British to send a detachment of troops to Concord. for the purpose of destroying some military stores which had been collected there, and also to seize the persons of John Hancock and Samuel Adams, who were residing at the house of the rev. John Clark in Lexington. information of this design was spread abroad by Paul Revere, who rode from Charlestown to Lexington, warning the farmers along his route. On the same evening, gen. Gage, who commanded in Boston, had picketed the roads in • the vicinity, and dispatched lieut.col. Smith, with 800 men, on the expedition to Con .
cord. Revere eluded the pickets, and succeeded in his mission, so that when the advance of the British column reached Lexington it was opposed in the early morning by about 70 militia, who had formed on the town common, under command of capt. John Parker. The British were commanded by maj. Pitcairn, who, on observing the preparations made to resist his progress, halted his men to load, and then advanced them at the double-quick; himself riding in front and ordering tile Americans to lay down their arms and retire. As the militia held their ground, maj. Pitcairn fired his pistol at them, and giving the order to his men, the latter discharged their muskets, with the result of killing four and wounding nine of the militia-men. The latter, being out
numbered, retreated, four being killed while flying. A scattering fire front capt. Parker's men wounded three British soldiers and maj. Pitcairn's horse, and, the militia being dispersed, the British force proceeded to Concord to effect the main object of the expe dition, The distance is only about 2 in., and the place which became the second battle ground of that day was reached at about 7+ o'clock. The country was by this time thoroughly aroused, and as many as 180 militia had assembled, who, as the British came in view, fell back and took position on the side of a bill, afterwards crossing the north bridge by order of col. Barrett, who had assumed command. The British, being left in possession of the town, proceeded to the destruction of such arms and provisions as they could find, a detachment being sent to gain control of the bridges. This body was attacked by the militia, and a brisk fight followed, which resulted in slight losses both sides. The British, having effected all the damage possible, commenced to retreat, being followed by the Americans, who kept np a galling fire, and annoyed them seriously during their hurried flight. The importance of these two engagements was quite dispro portionate to their immediate result in killed and wounded. They fired the souls of the patriots and impressed them with the sense of their own capacity to contend with the tried regulars of the British army, and may thus be said to have had an influence and effect beyond their merits as warlike achievements.