Revolutionary War
Revere’s famous Midnight Ride on April 19, 1775 lead to the Battles of Lexington and Concord which marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
Paul Revere’s military career extended from 1776 to 1779. During the first years of the Revolutionary War, Paul provided his service as a messenger for the Massachusetts Committee of Correspondence. As a committed Patriot he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and in late 1778 he became commander of Castle Island in Boston Harbor. He was put in charge of three artillery companies.
Paul Revere did not have a very impressive military career which ended in the failed Penobscot expedition in August 1779. The end of his service was marked by accusations on misconduct, disobedience and cowardice; he was relieved of his command at Castle Island and placed under house arrest. In February 1782, he was acquitted of the charges in a court martial.
Revere’s contribution as an artisan and silversmith during the Revolutionary War was more remarkable than his military career. At the beginning of the war the Massachusetts Provincial Congress allowed Paul to set up a gun powder mill at Canton, the second one in the country. The committee of Continental Congress appointed Revere to design the plates to engrave the first issue of the Continental currency which was the first paper currency issued in the colony. He was also commissioned to make the first official seal for the colonies and the state seal for Massachusetts.
Next Chapter - After the Revolution >>
|
