George W. Bush went back in a time machine and fired the first shot, so that he and his father could set up a political dynasty. (sarcasm)
The RevWar/Colonial History/General Washington ping list
There is a magazine-like book that has long been used to teach high school history teachers, entitled “What Happened On Lexington Green?”
http://www.amazon.com/reader/0201004615
It is a collection of the various first, second, and third-hand accounts of the battle, told at various times close to and far away from the event, and how the tale has changed over time.
It conveys the important lesson about history, that it is both terribly opinionated, and very prone to interpretation and corruption.
Captain John Parker of the Colonial militia had also made these orders clear before the onset of battle: "Stand your ground; don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here."
The militia was well regulated (drilled) and had a genuine affection for Captain Parker. In fact, fully one-quarter of the men at Lexington were blood relatives. Therefore, I think it unlikely that they would disobey a direct order and fired only in response to the British action.
FWIW, one of Capt. Parker's relatives, Pvt. Job Pratt, my 4x-great grandfather, did not make it to Lexington Green in time, but was in on the action at Concord Bridge.
I’m somewhat surprised to discover that their Masters in Boston allow the reenactors to own weapons, let alone carry them in public.
Awesome!
(I still think Sam Adams was ensconced in one of the buildings around Lexington Green and deliberately set off the match to the Revolution with his musket though!)
excellent!