The British Regulars gathered at dawn at Cary Hall, making final preparations to march into battle.
The modern reenactors, hundreds strong, swore in their new officers, promoted those who had given themselves to the service of their country, and underwent a final inspection.
They prayed, promising to protect the King George and his crown, in the name of God and country.
They headed toward Lexington Green at the sound of the first shot, arriving minutes later to engage the Lexington Minutemen who had exited Buckman Tavern or responded to pealing church bells.
The spectators ringing the Green, thousands strong, booed their arrival.