Very early on the morning of April 19, 1775, Paul Revere, by his famous
ride, had warned the men of Lexington of the coming of the redcoats.
About half-past four the patriots’ drum beat to arms and the minute-men
came hurrying from all directions, to receive the instructions of their
stalwart Captain, John Parker. His orders were: _Stand your ground,
don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it
begin here._ Then came Major Pitcairn’s insolent order, _Disperse,
ye rebels, disperse!_ Actually, the first trigger was pulled by a
hot-headed young American. His gun, however, failed to go off. A
British soldier then discharged his piece--and the War began.