Wednesday morning, 19 April 1775 would be unexpectedly busy at Concord's Wright Tavern. By 2am., the alarm of approaching British Regulars had sounded mustering local minute and militia who would use the hostelry for headquarters. Near on 7:30am., the invading King's army would do likewise leading to some fascinating tales.

For the quiet, unassuming Amos Wright - caretaker and tenant of owner Daniel Taylor's tavern - the day's events would immortalize his name. Along with second wife Abigail and some of his 14 children, he prepared his humble establishment to serve whoever might appear regardless of their cause.

Sources: "The Day of Concord and Lexington" by Allen French, 1925. Taylor Letter, Special Collections, Concord Free Public Library. Ruth Wheeler Papers (A45 Unit 2 Box 1), SC, CFPL. "Wright's Tavern" by George Toland, 1901.

This story also appears with an unknown rescuer and with a Mrs. Jeremiah Robinson accomplishing the deed. Barricaded in her house out of fear but remembering the silver, she dashes to the church, gathers the items into her apron and places them in the soap-barrel within her chimney foundation.

Amos and his assistants were probably stretched to their limits in hosting the unwelcomed British guests and attending to their food and drink needs. Harried trips to the bar, cellar and pantries occurred. One servant appears to have been the tavern owner's wife Lydia Taylor. In her fright and a state of confusion, she inadvertently placed several musket balls into her pocket to hide them. While serving beverages and making change for an officer (they paid for everything), Lydia mistakenly removed a number of the bullets from the pocket. Upon seeing them, the officer asked, "Madame, what do you do with those balls?" She reportedly exclaimed, "Sir, I would use them in a flintlock if I had one."

Major Pitcairn's Bloody Finger
Meanwhile, Major Pitcairn visited the tavern of jailer Ephraim Jones who had three cannon buried in the prison yard. Being barred entry to the building, Pitcairn ordered force to be used and after entrance, the cannon were found. As with many of the day's events, each side had a different account of what occurred and who used physical violence. Jones claimed he was knocked down, threatened with a pistol and cursed by the Major who states he was struck by Jones. Later at Wright Tavern, Pitcairn (probably not in a pleasant mood) supposedly crowed over the captured cannon.

At some point (most likely before the Bridge fight @9:30am.), Amos Wright's 13 year old daughter was present when drinks were served the British officers. Fifty years later in 1825, Lovina (Wright) Farrar would recount that epic day, the saving of the church silver and the Tavern's most famous story.

As the tale is told, Pitcairn received his drink and not awaiting a spoon with which to stir the sugar from the mug's bottom, used his "bloody finger" while exclaiming "he hoped he should stir the Yankee blood so before night". The story took on special significance based upon the outcome of the day.

Historians differ in their views of the story's accuracy. Shattuck is a supporter while Charles Hudson refutes noting Pitcairn as an honest, sincere gentleman. Rev. Gordon and Samuel Adam Drake link the Jones episode with the Tavern events. Some raise questions as to a woman's memory 50 years after the fact.

Each of these Tavern tales sheds a particular light on attitudes, moods and concerns of the time relative to Crown troops invading Concord. They also reflect human activities and interpersonal relations during an epic event often lost in the telling of history. Lastly, the Tavern tales tell us much about our people and set the tone for a revolution after the 19th of April.

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