Yankee Doodle Story

March 1775 – Animosity between the citizens of Massachusetts and the British forces occupying Boston had steadily escalated since the troops landed in 1768. The growing tension had manifested itself in several incidents both political and social. Some were permanently etched in America’s history and folklore such as the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre. Still others are relatively unknown, like the Thomas Ditson incident.

A young farmer named Thomas Ditson Jr., age 33, who was eager to become a minute man for the town of Billerica, decided to better arm himself for whatever duties lie ahead. On March 7th, leaving his farm and family, he traveled to Boston hoping to find a firelock for sale.
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