National Museum of the United States Army

The residents of Concord had heard of firing in Lexington but were still trying to learn the nature of what had happened.

Militia and Minute companies were mustering but—like the men of Lexington—were intent on not being the first to open hostilities. From this spot, Col. James Barrett saw his companies returning, followed by the British, and made the decision to pull back across the North Bridge.

With no idea of what had happened in Lexington, and still heavily outnumbered, Col. Barrett resolved to leave Concord to the British and hold the high ground west of town.

". . . we were then formed, the minute (men) on the right, & Capt. Barrett's (militia company) on the left, & marched in order to the end of Meriam's hill then so called & saw the British troops a coming down Brooks Hill. The sun was arising & shined on their arms & they made a noble appearance in their red coats & glistening arms . . .""

Pvt. Thaddeus Blood, Capt. Nathan Barrett’s Concord Militia Company

Sources

https://www.nps.gov/mima/learn/historyculture/april-19-1775.htm
Gift of Carolyn C. Baldwin (1999); Concord Museum

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