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| Discovered Letters Bring the Legend
of Paul Revere's Ride to Life by Asonta M.
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1775 April 1
Dearest Sister Sofia,
What a long day. As I was going down the stairs on Sunday,
because Sunday is the time for me to rest, Paul Revere came to my house
and asked me to make him spurs and clothing because he did not have
time to make it himself. Paul Revere and his two friends were
hiding in our basement because his spurs and clothing were not
finished. They had to be careful because my master was coming and
he does not like Paul Revere. Actually, my master hates Mr.
Revere. I am an apprentice silversmith. My master, the
silversmith that I work for, is a loyalist. This is why he does
not respect Mr. Revere. I was scared that my master was
coming up the stairs. If he saw Paul and his two friends I would
get in trouble or get hung.
Paul Revere and his friends left the house before my master came
home. This night, I was back at work around the house. I
had to get food from the market. When I got there people were
talking about seeing Paul and his friends going to someone’s
house. It was hard for me to keep a secret from my master and the
colonists, but I did not want to die.
I hope that you are doing well.
Love,
your dearest brother John
1775 April 16
Dearest Sofia,
Today was a scary day for me because my master does not know that I am
a Patriot. I have been spying on the British soldiers and my
master, because he is a Loyalist to the King. Sofia, I got your
letter about Mother. I am so sad that she is sick.
Once my apprenticeship is over, I will leave this drama here in
Boston and go live with mother and all of my friends.
My master found out that I have been spying on him and on the British
so he was going to tell on me. But before he did I ran away and went to
my friend’s house for two or three days. The British have been looking
everywhere for me. The British came to my friend Samuel’s house,
but before they got there I ran out the back door and went to my other
friend’s house. But when I got there the British were already
there! So instead I had to hide somewhere else. I went to
my friend Paul Revere’s house. He was there so he let me in and
we talked about everything that was going on (the British and their
plans to take our weapons.)
Remember when I was mad because of the British tax on tea? How can King
George make us pay more money? We Patriots are going to fight back for
our rights! King George is made us pay money for all printed
documents, too! I am going to pass on the things that I learned when I
was spying on the Loyalists.
I was trying to learn all of the Loyalists’ plans to help Paul, because
he is going to ride to Lexington to warn his friends that the Regulars
are coming to arrest them! We are not sure if they will be
coming by land or sea, but Paul has a special signal that I can’t tell
you about.
Don’t worry about me, I will be fine. Please keep this secret,
because I don’t want to get caught. The British will probably
hang me!
Be well,
John
1775 April 19
Dearest Sister Sofia,
Hello Sofia. How are you doing? As you know I am still running
away from the British. I have done a good thing by helping Paul
Revere spy on the British and get information about their plans.
Paul was making sure that no one was following him. He had
to go Lexington to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the Redcoats
were coming. (They were going to arrest Samuel and John for being the
two top leaders of the Patriots. ) But before Paul left to
Lexington, he asked
me to help him. He asked me to go to the North Church and hang
lanterns to let people know which way the British soldiers were coming,
two lantern if they were coming by sea, and one it by land.
So last night I was waiting in the church for Paul to come and tell me
what to do. While I was waiting I was scared because we didn’t
know which way the Lobsterbacks were coming. I was afraid they
could see me and would shoot. Inside the church, I sat
around drinking cider. I was so nervous so
I had to save my cornbread for later. I was kicking some
rocks around and thinking about how life was. Honestly, I
was afraid of death. What if the British had heard of our plan
and were waiting to catch me?
Paul finally came and let me know that the Lobsterbacks were coming by
sea, so I hung two lantern in the belfry. Hopefully everyone
would know this signal. I was glad that my duty was done. I
went home and fell fast asleep. Now, I wait to hear the news from
Paul Revere, and to know what to do next.
I miss you dear sister, and know I fare thee well.
Love,
your brother John
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Historical References:
- Day, Nancy. Your Travel Guide to colonial American.
Rune stone Press: Minneapolis. 2001.4/26/06
- Hakim, Joy. From colonies to country: 2003. 4/25/06
- Williams, Burg foundation.
http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/almanck/life/food/foodhdr.cfm 4/7/06
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