“Let’s be careful, guys, keep your voices to a whisper; lots of the King’s spies around this house; it’s Dr. Warren’s surgery,” I said.
Liberty whispered, “Who is Dr. Warren, and exactly how can he have a surgery in his house?”
I lowered my voice and said, “Dr. Joseph Warren was the man who organized the midnight ride of Paul Revere. He had many Patriot spies who gathered information for him. And with that information he warned other Patriot leaders about British plans. He helped a lot of people so he kept his surgery at his home. He didn’t turn anyone away no matter how sick, or whether they were British or American.”
“Wait, was he a doctor or was he a spy? Or was he a spy pretending to be a doctor?” asked Liberty. “Is he working with the awful spy who chased us around?”
“Dr. Warren was a respected surgeon and a leader in medicine in 1775,” I said. “But he was also a great Patriot and played a leading role in the early days of the American Revolution. And no, the mean spy works for the King on the British side. Warren is gathering information for the American side.”
“I think I see a light inside his house,” Freedom said.
“Dismount from Liberty and let’s go see if he’s inside.”
“What should I say or do if I see a spy who is helping the British?” Liberty asked. “I could hoot like an owl. Or caw like a raven. Or maybe I should honk like a goose.”
Liberty tried his goose impersonation and the honking sound reverberated down the street.
“Ha! I bet that would get your attention!” Liberty said proudly.
“Yes, it would get the whole city’s attention; how about you just tell me?” I firmly whispered.
Suddenly the front door to the house opened and Liberty quickly disappeared. A man’s head peered around the side of the door.
“Hello?” asked the man. “Who is there? Are those children? Are you hurt?”
Unsure if the King’s spies were nearby and listening, I simply replied, “I regret we have to bother you at such a late hour, Doctor, but this boy needs medical attention.”
“I do?” whispered Cam.
“Shh, follow my lead,” I said softly.
The man looked up and down the street and then back at us. He finally said, “Quickly, come inside before the King’s soldiers spot you.” He opened the door to let us in.
I waved for Freedom and Cam to enter the house. As we passed inside the doorway I smiled and said, “I assume you’re Dr. Warren?”
“Yes, you have come to the right place. Please bring the boy over to this bed. Let him lie down.” Dr. Warren pulled up his sleeves. He looked tired, as though he had been working since five in the morning. His high collar was still buttoned and he wore a linen shirt with ruffles on the cuffs.
In the front room of the home was a bed with a single mattress covered by a linen sheet. Dr. Warren shut the curtains and then moved the lamp from one table to another one closer to the bed where Cam was now lying down. The doctor sat down in a chair next to the lamp.
As he placed his hand on Cam’s forehead he asked, “Tell me your name, young man. And what seems to be the problem?”
Before Cam could answer, the sound of boots marching along the cobblestone street invaded the silence. It sounded like a British patrol was passing in front of the home, again. At least I hoped they were passing. Dr. Warren went to the curtained window to get a better look. Freedom’s face was pale and her eyes wide. Eventually the heavy footfalls faded away and it was silent again.
“Just some fancy-dressed soldiers prancing and twirling down the streets of Boston,” the doctor confirmed with a gentle smile. He was clearly keeping it cool. Dr. Warren placed his hand on Freedom’s shoulder and she looked up into his deep brown eyes, which seemed to twinkle. She immediately seemed calmer. Warren then turned to Cam and asked, “Now then, young man, what seems to be the problem?”
I nodded at Cam and hoped he would play along.
Cam swallowed hard and said, “Um, I have a headache, I guess?”
“Yes, of course,” said Dr. Warren. “A strong ache in the head can certainly be miserable. Let me prepare you some willow bark tea. I’m sure that will help.” He patted Cam on the head gently.
“Cool, thanks,” said Cam. Dr. Warren looked up and scratched his head, messing up his neatly trimmed hair.
“Oh, I am sorry; you say you are cool. Interesting, very interesting,” Dr. Warren said. He went to his notepad and quickly scanned it.
“No, I mean cool, like it’s all good, no worries,” Cam said.
“A fascinating expression. Now, may I inquire if you’ve been inoculated for smallpox? I’m sure you’ve seen the effects of this horrible disease here in Boston. Early symptoms might include back pain, fever, lesions in your mouth, throat, or nasal passages, and rashes on your skin. Have you experienced any of these?”
Cam shook his head. “Nope, none of that. Just a little headache.”
“That is good news. It would be in your best interest to get inoculated while you’re here. I will not charge you for the procedure. It won’t take long and we will hope for a quick recovery,” said Dr. Warren.
“Uh, what?” Cam asked, confused. “Actually, I was just hoping for some Tylenol.”
“I have never heard of this Ty-le-nol. If this is a new remedy made from tree bark it might help with your headache but it will hardly cure the effects of smallpox,” said the doctor.
Freedom said, “We learned all about the smallpox epidemic in school. It was really sad when Squanto returned to America and discovered that hundreds of Native Americans in his village, including his whole family, had died from the disease.”
“Yes, indeed,” said Dr. Warren. “And it is beginning to ravage the citizens of Boston as well as the King’s soldiers. I dare say it will kill hundreds if not thousands before the end of it. That is why I try to inoculate as many patients as possible.” Dr. Warren smiled and patted Cam’s shoulder. “Not to worry, young man. I will get your tea and my medical instruments and return in a moment.”
As Dr. Warren left the room, Freedom asked, “What’s he going to do to Cam? And is he really one of the leaders of the American spy network? He is so nice.”
I said, “I’m not really sure what’s involved with smallpox inoculation. But I do know that if not for Dr. Warren many Americans and British around Boston would have died of smallpox that year.”
“He is really a caring person,” Freedom said. “I would like to be like that but with animal patients, like a veterinarian. He could have become ill himself with smallpox. I don’t like to see people or animals suffer.”
“He also was amazing at organization. He knew everybody in town from the beggars to the aristocrats. He planned the warning system to alarm the people that soldiers were coming to capture our old friend Samuel Adams,” I said.
Dr. Warren returned with a silver tray. He placed it on the table next to Cam. Without warning, he pushed up the sleeve on Cam’s left arm and reached for a sharp metal instrument from the silver tray.
Cam’s eyes looked like they were going to pop out of his head.
“You’re in good hands,” said Dr. Warren in a warm and compassionate voice. “Now then, this may sting a little. I’m going to make a small incision in your arm and then introduce a mild form of the smallpox disease into the wound. A healthy body like yours has a very good chance of fighting off the disease. When that happens, you’ll be immune from smallpox for the rest of your life.”
Freedom stood at the foot of Cam’s bed and covered her eyes.
“Mr. Revere!” Cam panicked.
I couldn’t let Cam get infected with the smallpox, so I stepped up and said, “Dr. Warren, perhaps we should consult with the boy’s mother before we . . .”
The doctor gave us a reassuring smile. “I have inoculated hundreds of men, women, and children over the past year. I take very good care of my patients, young and old. This will not be as painful as you think. Take a deep breath. Here we go.�
�� Dr. Warren held Cam’s arm steady as he moved the surgical knife just inches above Cam’s skin.
Just then, the front door opened and a young boy screamed, “Dr. Warren! Dr. Warren! I’ve got news! The Regulars are on the move!” We heard the front door shut as the boy charged around the corner and entered our room. When he saw us he stopped in his tracks. He looked nine or ten years old, with a coat that seemed one size too big for him.
Dr. Warren released his grip on Cam’s arm and gently set down the knife.
Curious, I asked the boy, “You say the soldiers are on the move? Where are they headed?”
The boy’s eyes darted back and forth between Cam, Freedom, and me. He hesitated to speak but finally blurted out, “The King’s troops are preparing the longboats and heading for—”
Dr. Warren cut him off in a kind but firm tone and said, “Not here. I am treating a patient.” He glanced in my direction with concern in his eyes. The fact is I had yet to introduce myself. I was a complete stranger and for all he knew I could be working for the King’s soldiers and lock them all up for treason.
Quickly, I said, “I apologize for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Rush Revere—no relation to Paul Revere! I’m a history teacher traveling with my students, Cam and Freedom. I failed to mention I was given this token by a fellow Patriot.” I pulled out the Sons of Liberty coin that Samuel Adams gave me upon my earlier visit. One side of the coin was engraved with a tree and the words Liberty Tree. The reverse side had a picture of an arm holding a cap with the words Sons of Liberty. It showed I was a true Patriot.
Upon seeing the medallion Dr. Warren exhaled deeply and gave a look of relief.
“All is well,” he sighed and then turned to the boy. “I am sorry for acting so suspicious. I wear two hats these days. As a doctor, I am committed to relieving the pain and suffering of anyone who comes to my door. But I am also a passionate Patriot and must fulfill my duty and do all I can to fight against the tyranny of the British Empire.”
Dr. Warren smiled, handed Cam a cup of tea, then turned to the scrawny boy and said, “Now then, tell me what news you have.”
Eagerly, the boy replied, “General Gage plans to send soldiers to seize Samuel Adams and John Hancock in Lexington and take the ammunition from Concord.”
Freedom nudged me. “Who’s General Gage?”
“He is the leader of the British army in Boston,” I quickly said.
Dr. Warren stared at the boy intently as if considering his options. Suddenly he jumped up and said, “Revere, now is the time to act! We have been planning this for months. We knew the King would eventually send his soldiers to take away our freedoms. Now here’s the proof.” Dr. Warren was pacing around the room, looking at all of us with a fire in his eyes.
Do you recognize this exceptional American? Hint—he is the doctor who treated Cam. This is Dr. Joseph Warren. He helped to plan and organize the Massachusetts alarm system including the midnight ride of Paul Revere on April 18, 1775.
What do you think this tool was used for? It is a surgeon’s saw used in medicine back in 1776! Can you imagine how different this is from what doctors use today?
He pulled out a map that looked very similar to mine.
“Here. Paul Revere has to go to the wharf at the very north tip of Boston, and row across the Charles River to Charlestown. Then he has to ride as fast as he can about twenty miles west of Charlestown to Lexington and Concord.” Dr. Warren pointed to a road on the map. “He must warn Adams and Hancock, before they are taken by the King’s soldiers. They are good men, and don’t deserve what may happen to them.”
“That is so much to remember. What if Paul Revere gets captured?” Cam asked.
“Well, I am glad you asked, Cam.” Dr. Warren pulled out a scratched-up notebook filled with little doodles and drawings. “That’s where our friend William Dawes comes in,” Dr. Warren said. “Dawes is going another way to Lexington in case Paul Revere gets caught or something happens with our first plan. Dawes is going this way over land through Boston Neck.”
“Boston has a neck? Does it have a foot, too?” Cam smirked.
“Boston Neck is the small stretch of land south of Boston that keeps it from being an island. It is the only way across by land,” Dr. Warren said. “Where was it you said you were from again?”
“Cam was just joking, of course, Doctor. He likes to do that,” I said, looking at Cam.
“The time for joking is over, my friends. Now we must act,” Dr. Warren said.
“What can we do to help?” Freedom asked, her eyes as bright as Dr. Warren’s.
He smiled and wrapped an arm gently around her shoulders and faced us. “Do all you can for liberty, and never give up, no matter the sacrifice. Freedom is the basis of all things. Without it we have nothing.” Dr. Warren looked deep into Freedom’s eyes. “No matter what happens, my strong young friend with such a fitting name, whatever happens, don’t ever give up. We have so much to do for the future of our country.”
Dr. Warren turned and walked briskly to his desk by the curtains, his shoulders pulled back and his face serious. He sat down in a chair, pulled out pieces of parchment, and quickly scratched a note with his quill pen. He signed it, sealed it, and handed it to the boy.
“Do you know William Dawes?” asked Dr. Warren.
“Yes, sir,” said the boy.
“Take this letter to him. Once the letter is delivered I want you to race to Paul Revere’s home and tell him to come at once. It is a matter of life and death.”
The boy didn’t respond but turned and rushed out of the room and out the door.
Within minutes, the door flew open and Paul Revere strode into the room. He seemed full of nervous energy and he wore a heavy coat and three-cornered hat. He was as strong as I remembered him.
“I knew I could count on you, Paul,” said Dr. Warren. “Do you know Rush Revere?”
“Of course,” said Paul with a wide grin. “I am always glad to see you. Hello, my young friends.”
Freedom smiled. Cam nodded. Dr. Warren repeated the information that the boy spy shared.
“Okay, I understand, Dawes is going around Boston Neck, and I am going over the Charles River,” Paul Revere said, looking at Dr. Warren’s map.
“Yes,” said Dr. Warren. “But be careful. I hear reports that every road is filled with soldiers looking to lock up Patriots.”
Paul nodded and said, “Yes, sir, we took care of that. I met with Newman at the Old North Church earlier. He can see all of Boston from there. If the Redcoats come by land he will hang one lantern. If they come by sea he will hang two lanterns.”
“Who cares if you hang lanterns anyway? What difference does that make?” Cam asked.
“It’s important because the people across the river in Charlestown are looking at the Old North Church to see the signal. Once they see the lanterns they will prepare a horse for Paul Revere and start the warning system. If one system fails, another goes on,” Dr. Warren said.
“Yes, and I will cross the Charles River to the other side, under the cover of darkness. If all goes well I won’t be captured by the King’s warships,” Paul said.
“How are you getting across the river?” asked Freedom.
“I have a small boat, hidden beneath a wharf on the waterfront, in the North End,” said Paul. “If all of you are willing to help I will meet you there shortly. Your eyes and ears will be especially helpful tonight.”
“We are ready to join you and help in any way we can,” I said.
At that moment Paul Revere ran out the door and said, “Meet me at the wharf on the North End. Let’s go separately in case any of the King’s spies are around.”
“That sounds good; we will leave in five minutes and see you there,” I said.
“Will you be going with us, Dr. Warren?” Freedom asked.
“No, one of us must stay in Boston at the home base,” said Dr. Warren, smiling. “There is much to do. I will meet you again soon. I will be wherever
I am needed most for the cause of freedom.”
“Please be safe,” Freedom said.
He smiled and said, “Godspeed. Stay safe, my friends. So long.”
Freedom surprised me by hugging Dr. Warren and he smiled kindly. He put out his hand and said, “Thank you for helping with the cause.” Cam looked down and shook this exceptional American’s hand.
As we exited the home, Liberty whispered, “We’re being watched. A man slipped behind the corner of that building as soon as you opened the door.”
“Good to know,” I said. “Watch out for him.”
We quickly left on Liberty, trying to avoid the King’s spy as we snuck down the road and chased after Paul Revere.
Liberty accelerated and galloped into the blackness. After about ten minutes he whispered, “I think we’re approaching the North End. Keep a lookout for Paul Revere.”
“Where did he say he hid the boat, again?” Cam asked.
“He didn’t,” said Freedom. “He just said it was the North End.”
“No worries,” I said softly. “Remember, we’re riding a GPS that can track historical heroes. Liberty, what do your time-travel senses tell you about the location of Paul Revere?”
Liberty answered, “He’s very close. Coming this way, probably to the wharf in front us.”
“Let’s all dismount,” I said.
“Speaking of GPS, that reminds me I need to answer the call of nature, if you know what I mean,” Liberty said with a wink.
“You realize GPS stands for Global Positioning System,” I clarified.
“Oh, really? I thought it stood for Gotta Pee Soon,” said Liberty. “Be right back.”
Seconds after Liberty trotted away Paul Revere appeared out of the darkness from the opposite direction.
“Come down to the waterfront with me,” said Paul. “There should be two other Patriots waiting for us near the boat who will help me row to Charlestown. You can help us push off. By the way, didn’t you have a horse? I thought I saw it outside Dr. Warren’s house.”
Rush Revere and the American Revolution Page 4