It is a good day to remember it and whatnot, but it should be remembered that Whittemore was the exception rather than the rule in acting alone, and the big suprise for the english regulars was the collective, coordinated action of the militia. Accounts from the English officers focused on their shock at seeing large units of militia execute complex 18th century military drills, and in the excellent tactical control that the american officers kept over the engagements.

David Hackett Fisher has a pretty good discussion of the lone American myth in "Paul Revere's Ride". Colonial New England didn't exactly have a culture that encouraged individual action.

Publicola,

Thank you for the mention, took me amoment to realize why my traffic shot up.

Bob,

Thanks for the book title, I will look for it, and you made my point exactly sir- the exception, as I am wondering where they are today...

WP