five o'clock in the morning
Bells were rung and cannon fired , and the citizens were informed of the expedition . Joseph Warren -- all honor to him -- had dispatched Paul Revere and William Dawes to ride with all speed to Concord and Lexington and rouse the whole country to resistance . A company of one hundred and thirty Minute Men assembled on Lexington Common and awaited the approach of the enemy , but after staying some hours they dispersed . At five o'clock in the morning the English appeared , led by the notorious Pitcairn . The Minute Men had gone back to their homes , tired of waiting ; but seventy , led by Capt. Parker , were roused and reached the common before the enemy . Pitcairn rode up to them and exclaimed : `` Disperse , you villains ! Throw down your arms , ye rebels , and disperse ! ''