d to freedom and honor
or slavery and disgrace.

Acton had uniformly supported the policy of the colony, and early
pledged itself to the town of Boston in favor of non-importation and
non-consumption of foreign products. It declared in strong language
its hostility to all those who did not subscribe to the merchants'
agreement; even to denying them personal notice and social
conversation. In November, 1774, a company of minute men was raised
and placed under the command of Isaac Davis. It contained the hope of
the town,--young men from sixteen to thirty years of age. They were
frequently drilled at the public cost, and they acquired a good deal
of discipline. On the morning of the 19th of April the town of Acton
was alarmed by some unknown person who hurried rapidly on to more
interior points. Early in the day Captain Davis with his company,
enrolling about forty men, reached the northerly side of Concord River
and took his proper position on the left of the line under command of
Colonel Barrett. About a hundred British troops were near the bridge,
but they soon removed to the opposite side of the river. Another small
body had gone to Colonel Barrett's in search of stores secreted there.
Before any blood was shed the officers of the provincial troops held a
council at which it appears to have been understood that Captain Davis
should take the right of the line. Whether the change was made in
consequence of the superior equipment, or better discipline, or reputed
valor of the Acton men, there is no reason to doubt it was made, and
made with the consent, if not at the request, of the officers and
principal men upon the ground. But for whatever reason made, it was
none the less creditable to the command which at once assumed the post
of honor and the position of danger.

The column was led by Major Buttrick, Colonel Robinson and Captain
Davis. Colonel Robinson was lieutenant-colonel of Prescott's regiment,
and on this occasion he volunteered for no purpose but the
encouragement of the men. At the first general fire from the British,
Captain Davis and Abner Hosmer, a private in Davis' company, were
killed. Almost instantly the fire was returned, and one British
soldier was killed and several were wounded. The engagement was at an
end.

The two parties seem to have been equally confused by the fight. The
Provincials manifested no fear, but the contest so long anticipated
had actually taken place,--blood ha