Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 30.

Abigail. O Great-uncle Stephen, a man just stopped at our house! He came from—Concord—on horseback. He'd ridden—all along tile way— and his powder and bullets were all gone—so he came home—and

Hall. Take breath, lass, yet quickly as thou canst.

Abigail. And he says that houses are burning in Menotomy — the British soldiers fired them-and the king's troops are on the run—their tongues just hanging out of their mouths like dogs. (Sounds of fife and drum.)

Porter. More minutemen. (Enter two or three minutemen, running.)

Minuteman. Which way to the fighting?

Porter. They are fighting even now in Menotomy. You had best take the main road to Charlestown. You'll catch them at Winter hill assuredly. Whence come ye?

Minuteman. Salem.

Tufts. Danvers and Lynn have passed already. Ye are late.

Minuteman. All has gone wrong with us. Mistake upon mistake. I fear we'll be too late for any fight at all.

Tufts. If ye go to Winter hill I think you'll cut them off there. I'll march alongside. (Exeunt all but Porter.) (Fife and drum.)

Porter (to his sign). Royal Oak. Royal Oak no more. No Colonel-Royall, no King Royal. Fare ye well, Royal Oak. I'll paint ye over to morrow and call ye—shall it be the Minuteman's Tavern or Liberty Oak? No, it shall be just Porter's Tavern. I can stand it no longer. Look out for yourself, Royal Oak. Farewell. (Exits with musket.)