Colonel Smith and large number of the King’s troops set out on a mission to demolish any and all means the colony had to protect itself. Their mission was to destroy all ammunition, artillery, tents, gunpowder, and guns that were available.

The British and the American leaders both agreed that the mission was a secret. Neither the British nor the Americans have admitted to firing the first shot. This is probably because neither party knew who fired the first shot. These two sources from the front lines clearly show that the British had an intention however did not succeed. Undoubtedly both sides suffered many casualties.

The two accounts, one by Joseph Warren, the President, and the other by Lieutenant-Colonel, F. Smith, what happened that day have similarities yet their differences at the same time. Neither account agrees on the

The second part of this battle took place at the North Bridge. The patriots had already moved their supplies, ammunition, and weapons to different hiding places so the British could not destroy their hope of freedom. While the British were looking for the weapons they only found a few and destroyed them. The courthouse and blacksmith had caught on fire and the British went to put out the fire, however the Americans on the other side of the river saw only smoke and loaded their weapons and moved towards the North Bridge to attack. They lined up and fired aimed shots at the British. They quickly retreated into the city. Colonel Smith was unsure of what to do with his dead and injured men. He had clearly lost more men than the Americans had. The next day he ordered his troops into Boston.

After reviewing all the information I have to take sides with the British. They had no reason to start shooting at the Americans. That night they were on a mission to simply secure the supplies the Americans had collected. General Gage sent specific orders to Colonel Smith stating: "You will march with the utmost expedition and secrecy. You will seize and destroy all the artillery, ammunition, provisions, tents, small arms, and military stores whatever… But you will take care that the soldiers no not plunder inhabitants or hurt private property."2 With orders like these it is clear that the British had no intention of starting a battle, let alone the entire war.

first shot, however, both accounts agree on the intent of the British. In attempting to recreate that day, it would be nearly impossible to create an accurate reenactment of the day with these two accounts. Two reenactments could be created without any problem, however this is not the case. With

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