The British
would have had the advantage of position, and at any moment might have
inflicted irreparable injury in the destruction of the town. To
whatever reason the alleged apathy of the Americans during those two
hours is attributable, it was most fortunate for the cause they
defended.
The purpose of the invades, it is quite certain, was a retreat to
Boston rather than a renewal of hostilities at Concord. The fierce
and continued attack of the Americans during the afternoon was
induced by a knowledge of what had happened at Lexington, by the
presence of large numbers of men, and possibly by the advice and
counsel of Adams and Hancock.
Of Davis' company there were men among the survivors who deserve well
of posterity. Thomas Thorp was an apprentice in Acton, having been
taken from the alms-house of the town of Boston. He not only served
at Concord but during the war; and his love of country shone as bright
in the evening as in the morning of his days.
In Massachusetts the revolution was carried on by towns. These
organizations were proof against all the attacks of the British
Government. For ten years previous to 1775, they had passed
resolutions and taken the initiatory steps of resistance. The
colonies were more cumbrous, and opinion when expressed was necessarily
representative. Representatives may go beyond, or fall short of, the
opinions of their principals, but the people themselves make no such
mistakes.
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