The Andy Griffeth show is a family favorite. We all gather on the couch and laugh at Barney and Opie's antics. But as much as I love the Andy Griffeth show, it isn't always accurate.
A few weeks ago we were watching the episode Andy Discovers America. In this episode, Andy tells the boys some stories about American history to get them excited about history class. Here's the clip.
This is great. I love how the boys-not to mention Barney-get so excited about history, but many of Andy's details are contrary to fact. So, for today's post I thought I'd share some little known facts about Paul Revere's Ride.
Paul didn't use his own horse.
Revere had to row across the Charles River before mounting a horse for his ride. When he reached the other shore, he borrowed a horse from a fellow patriot, Mr. Larkin.
The horse's name wasn't Nellie.
Copely's portrait of Paul Revere Public Domain |
Revere wasn't the only rider.
There were actually three riders on April 18th. Dr. Joseph Warren had instructed both Paul Revere and William Dawes to ride, in case one of them was intercepted by the British. The two riders were later joined by a third rider, Samuel Prescott. After hearing the alarm of Revere and company, many other patriots also mounted and spread the news.
Revere Never Shouted "The British Are Coming!"
It is often thought that Revere's ride was to warn the people in the countryside that the British were coming so that they could assemble a militia to fight. That was not the main objective of Revere's ride that night. Neither did he shout out to all the countryside that the British were coming. His real mission hinged on secrecy.
Samuel Adams and John Hancock were staying in Concord with one of Hancock's relatives. It was thought that the main objective of the British march was to arrest these two men. Revere was sent to warn them so that they could escape. After that, he went on to warn others, but his main goal was Hancock and Adams.
A militia was assembled, but they didn't anticipate a real fight. They thought that if they showed resistance, the Redcoats would turn around and march back where they came from. Needless to say, they were wrong.
1940's Depiction of Revere's Ride Public Domain |
After warning Hancock and Adams, Revere set off for Concord where he met a roadblock. He was captured by a British Patrol who questioned him at gunpoint and threatened to "blow his brains out." In Revere's own words he said:
"...six officers, seized my bridle, put their pistols to my breast, ordered me to dismount, which I did. One of them, who appeared to have the command there, and much of a gentleman, asked me where I came from; I told him. He asked what time I left . I told him, he seemed surprised, said ''Sir, may I crave your name?'' I answered ''My name is Revere. ''What'' said he, ''Paul Revere''? I answered ''Yes.'' The others abused much; but he told me not to be afraid, no one should hurt me. I told him they would miss their aim. He said they should not, they were only waiting for some deserters they expected down the road. I told him I knew better, I knew what they were after; that I had alarmed the country all the way up, that their boats were caught aground, and I should have 500 men there soon. One of them said they had 1500 coming; he seemed surprised and rode off into the road, and informed them who took me, they came down immediately on a full gallop. One of them (whom I since learned was Major Mitchel of the 5th Reg.) clapped his pistol to my head, and said he was going to ask me some questions, and if I did not tell the truth, he would blow my brains out."
How many of these facts did you know? Leave a comment telling me your score and get your name in a drawing to win an ebook copy of A Shot at Freedom, my novella about Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.
Samuel Adams is awakened by Revere's cry of alarm. A large force of British soldiers are marching on Lexington to seize him and his compatriot John Hancock. Adams and Hancock encourage the militia to make a stand against the Regulars, but should they stay and join the fight, or escape to safety?
I read a book about Paul Revere when I was at school. I had a fair idea of most of the facts here. Fabulous post thank you.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Hi Mary,
DeleteThanks for stopping by! Glad you enjoyed the post. I've got you entered in the giveaway. :)
I enjoyed Andy's historical tale. He's a great storyteller. I knew some of what you shared but not all of it. I watched the Sons of Liberty show last year. It was a good retelling of our country's start, but you never know how much was truth and how much wasn't.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy retellings as well. They're very entertaining, and as long as you are aware that it may not all be exactly accurate, their a great way to learn about history and create a love of learning. :)
DeleteI did not know any of the real facts about Paul Revere! I have a ceramic collectible church that was somehow involved in Paul Revere's ride-the Old North Church. Interesting post. sm wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteAwesome! You learned something today then. :)
DeleteThat sounds like a collection I would like. So neat it includes the Old North Church.
I knew some of the facts.
ReplyDeleteHey Kimp,
DeleteThanks for entering the giveaway! Give yourself a high-five for knowing your stuff!