Sunday, March 25, 2012

How many men and women did it take to start the Revolution?

Up until April 19th when John Parker picked up his kit and mustered his men (many of whom were family) to hunt the British, how many men and women were instrumental in bringing that event to fruition?

It is rhetorical, essentially. We can not give a firm number. There are names we know well from history, from Adams to Henry to Jefferson to Franklin. There are lesser known names who were among the men willing to disguise themselves as indians and head to Boston Harbor. There were others who burned the homes of Governors. Many were business owners. Many were skilled workmen.

But of the roughly one third of Americans (at that time 1/3 of Colonists was merely about 1.3 million across all the Colonies), how many were Sons of Liberty and similar who took action, rather than grumbled at the pub?

The number was small.

TL mentions that 32 people have committed to attending the Liberty Summit.

A few dozens more have attended and will attend PatComs in various locations.

What do we have among our community, perhaps 200 men and women, who are willing to "take action" of some sort, prior to meeting on the Green? And then how many will show on the Green?

Compare simple percentages (round up if it makes you feel better) and you will understand that the Enemies of Liberty exponentially outnumber the people who want liberty, much less those who will act for Liberty.

Are a few hundred modern Patriots like Patrick Henry sufficient or futile in 2012?

7 comments:

  1. Has Mr. Davis reconnoiterd the site for his PATCOM ? I've been watching his blog. Have I missed an announcement ?

    DAN III
    Pennsylvania

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  2. Brock, Et Alia:

    You won't see me at any of those meetings because I ain't got enough money to buy gasoline for my pickup truck there and back.

    Xin loi.

    One of my favorite Hollywood movies is the 1960 production, "EXODUS", starring Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, Sal Mineo, and Lee J. Cobb.

    In the scene where Ari Ben Canaan, played by Paul Newman, and Kitty Fremont, played by Eva Marie Saint, are standing on the bridge of the ship, "EXODUS", and discussing the practicality of Israel's fight against the British to gain their independence a Jewish homeland.

    Kitty is saying that Israel has no chance, to which Ari Ben Canaan responds,

    "How many men were at Concord the day the shot heard 'round the world was fired?"

    Kitty answered, "I don't know."

    Ari Benn Canaan said, "Seventy-seven."

    Thank you.

    John Robert Mallernee
    Armed Forces Retirement Home
    Gulfport, Mississippi 39507

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  3. Dan:
    I believe this is the latest.
    http://www.meetup.com/Liberty-Summit/
    =========
    77. Gives encouragement.

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  4. According to historical data in the appendices of "Paul Revere's Ride", there were "as many as" 75 men at Lexington out of 141 total militia strength of the Lexington Company. The numbers for Concord are given "about 500". By the afternoon of April 19th, the Americans "numbered 2,000 strong" as they drove the British regulars back to Boston in retreat.

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  5. So, would you say the post is correct except for the town?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. And apologies for deleted post, Blogger is up to it's usual quirks this morning...

      Delete
  6. Blogger is up to it's usual quirks this morning...

    :). Gone.

    ReplyDelete