North Bridge, Concord

“I imagine myself, that a man of my company (afterwards killed) did first fire his piece, tho’ Mr. Sutherland has since assured me, that the country people first fired,” remembered Capt. Walter Laurie, 43d Regiment of Foot. “A general popping from them ensued. The company of the 4th Regiment gave afire, as did a few of my own from the flanks, after which the whole went to the right about, in spite of all that could be done to prevent them.” Despite the entreaties of officers and sergeants, the Light Infantry panicked at the sight of their dead and wounded comrades, broke ranks, and fled.