The Americans were keenly aware of all
his movements. There were two common
methods of leaving the town, one by the
Neck, the other over Charlestown ferry. But
these routes lay through towns, either Rox-



178 The Siege of Boston

bury or Charlestown, and to march so openly
meant to give the alarm. The Americans
were ready for Gage to take a third route :
across the Charles by means of boats, and
then by unfrequented roads until striking the
highway at Cambridge Common. This way
the Whigs suspected he might choose, and this
they found he did.
Gage's preparations were almost open. The
boats of the men-of-war were hauled up and
repaired at the foot of the Common. On the
14th, in the night, they were launched, and
moored at the sterns of the men-of-war. On
the 15 th was given out in general orders that
'"The Grenadiers and Light Infantry in
order to learn Grenadrs. Exercise and new
evolutions are to be off all duties till further
orders.' — This," remarks Lieutenant Barker
of the King's Own, " I suppose is by way of a
blind. I dare say they have something for
them to do."

This "something" was either one or both
of two objectives : the stores at Concord,
and the persons of Adams and Hancock,



Military Preparations 179

then known to be staying at the house of the
Reverend Jonas Clark in Lexington. That
this latter objective was seriously considered,
at least by the Americans, we shall see from
Revere's narrative. There never has been
proof that Gage endeavored to seize either
them or Warren. But in any case the
stores were in danger, and strict watch was
kept.
