Ride Of Paul Revere example essay topic

Paul Revere Paul Revere was an American patriot who, in 1775, carried news to Lexington of the approach of the British. He warned the patriot leaders, Samuel Adams and Johh Hancock of their danger and called the citizens of the countryside to arms. This was the inspirations of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "Paul Revere's Ride". (Martin 266-267) In 1175, King George instructed General Thomas Gage, the British commander in chief in Massachusetts, to enforce order among the rebellious colonist. Gage then orders Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith to move to Concord with a detachment of 700 men. Once there they were to destroy supplies and arrest Adams and Hancock for Treason.

On the evening of April 18, 1775 Smith assembled his force on the British Common. His orders were secret, but the patriots had learned of them. Revere and William Dawes were sent to warn Adams and Hancock in Lexington and the patriots in Concord. An arrangement was made for a signal to be flashed from the Old North Church in Boston. Two lanterns meant that the British would be coming by water, and one, by land.

Revere directed this signal to be sent to friend in Boston. ("Paul Revere's Ride: Explanation: ) Revere borrowed a horse and left Boston around 10 p.m. He arrived in Lexington at midnight. Around 1 a.m.

Revere Dawes, and Dr. Samuel Prescott left for Concord. On their way they were surprised by the British Calvary patrol. Prescoot and Dawes escaped, but Revere was captured. Only Prescoot got to Concord.

Revere was released, without his horse, and returned to 1 Lexington. There he joined Adams and Hancock, and they fled to safety in Burlington. Revere returned to Lexington to rescue valuable papers in Hancock's trunk. On April 19, when the British arrived in Lexington they found th minutemen waiting. "Paul Revere's Ride" was published 88 years after the actual event. Longfellow suggests that we are dealing with the stuff of a legend.

Although, the poem is close to the actual event, there are a few differences. The poem suggests that Revere will be awaiting the signal outside of Boston. However, it was Revere who brought word to Newman that the British were coming by water. Revere left Boston and began his ride after speaking to Newman.

Newman's signal light was actually intended for Dawes. Longfellow combined the roles of Revere and Dawes to emphasize Revere's heroic statute. No matter how the story is told, the ride of Paul Revere is important in American history and literature. Longfellow, suggests that Revere's message will continue to inspire Americans to defend the cause of liberty.

("Paul Revere's Ride: Explonation") Paul Revere Paul Revere was an American patriot who, in 1775, carried news to Lexington of the approach of the British. Around 1 a.m. On April 19, when the British arrived in Lexington they found the minutemen waiting. ("Paul Revere's Ride: Explonation").