Just after dawn, the light infantry vanguard of Lt. Col. Francis Smith’s force of 600 British Regulars marched toward Concord via the village of Lexington and passed Munroe Tavern.
Tavern owner William Munroe served as the first sergeant for Capt. John Parker’s Lexington militia company. Taverns were an important cultural center in 18th century America. Colonists frequented their local tavern to hear the latest news and exchange information.
"Having received intelligence, that a quantity of Ammunition, Provisions, Artillery, Tents and small Arms, have been collected at Concord, for the Avowed Purpose of raising and supporting a Rebellion against His Majesty, you will March with a Corps of Grenadiers and Light Infantry, put under your Command, with the utmost expedition and Secrecy to Concord, where you will seize and distroy all Artillery, Ammunition, Provisions, Tents, Small Arms, and all Military Stores whatever. But you will take care that the Soldiers do not plunder the Inhabitants, or hurt private property."
Maj. Gen. Thomas Gage to Lt. Col. Francis Smith, 10th Regiment of Foot, 18 April 1775
Sources
Thomas Gage Papers, 1754-1783, William Clements Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Courtesy of Robbins Library, Arlington, Massachusetts
Lexington Historical Society
