Page 368 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

READING LESSONS.
in rcements om the neighbouring places; but the light in ntry assailed them wit ry, routed them, and occupied the bridge, whilst the others entered Concord, and proceeded to the execution of their orders.
5. They spiked two pieces of twenty- ur pound cannon, destroyed their carriages, and a number of wheels r the use of the artillery; threw into the river and into wells ve hundred pounds of bullets ; and wasted a quantity of our, deposited there by the provincials. These were the arms and provisions which gave the rst occasion to a long and cruel
war!
6. But the expedition was not yet terminated: the minute-men arrived, and the rces of the provincials were increased by continual accessions om every quar er. The light in ntry, who scoured the coun­ try above Concord, were obliged to retreat, and, on entering the town, a hot skirmish ensued. A great number were killed on both sides.
7. The light in ntry having joined the main body of the detachment, the English retreated precipitately towards Lexington. Already the whole count bad risen in arms, and the militia from all parts ew to the succour of their friends. Be re the British de­ tachment had arrived at Lexington, its rear guards and anks su ered great annoyance from the provin­ cials, who, posted behind the trees, walls, and e­ quent hedges, kept up a brisk re, which the enemy could not return. The soldiers of the king und themselves in a most perilous situation.
8. General Gage, apprehensive of the event, had despatched, in haste, under the command of Lord Percy, a 1·einforcement of sixteen companies, with
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