By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare,
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1837)
So much for George LII’s efforts at gun control. About 5% supported the King; about 5% supported the good guys. 90% simply did not care. Dejj vu all over again today in the good ole USSA. Guy McClung, San Antonio TX
Tories were about 15-20%. Patriots about 45%-50%. The remainder kept their heads down and went with whatever side seemed to have the upperhand. The Tories had a striking inability to organize, except under the protection of British bayonets.