Olivia Colafella

Ms. Yanelli
U.S. History
12/15/16
Paul Reveres Ride
The ride of Paul Revere is known as one of the most important events that occurred
during the time of the Revolutionary War. This marks the start of the war because it was Revere
warning the American soldiers that the British were coming to fight. If this had not happened, the
war may have had different results. Two sources that explain this incident are Paul Reveres
Letter to Jeremy Belknap and Paul Reveres Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. While
both include crucial knowledge about the experience, the letter is a more reliable source because
of the extensive details it includes.
The letter written by Paul Revere is a first-hand account of the events that took place the
night of his ride. He describes in detail everything that happened in a way that only an eye
witness could explain. Since the letter is written by Paul Revere himself, it would lead one to
believe that it is a more dependable source. In the letter he discusses everyone he encounters that
night and all of the conversations he had. If one would want to learn about his ride and what
developed throughout the night, reading a letter written by Revere himself would be the best
option.

The poem and the letter have many differences. The letter states it was observed, that
a number of Soldiers were marching towards the bottom of the Common. Revere says that the
British came by land and were seen marching toward town. However, the poem states British
man-of-war; A phantom ship, with each mast and spar across the moon like a prison bar, And a
huge black hulk, that was magnified By its own reflection in the tide Longfellow claims that
the British traveled by sea. He also says that if the British were coming by land, one lantern
would be hung in the North Church Tower. If they were to come by sea, two lanterns would be
lit. The poem later says that when Revere looked to the tower, two lanterns were glowing which
meant they were in fact coming on ships.
The time on both pieces of writing is also different. While Revere claims he began his
ride around 11 oclock, Longfellow argues that the ride began around midnight. He states It was
twelve by the village clock when he crossed the bridge into Medford town. The poem also says
that Revere was the only one to ride that night. He never mentions any other people joining
Revere during the duration of the night. The letter says there were around 30 people. He talks
about the different individuals and who they have gone to warn about the Britishs arrival. One
example of this is when Revere says Mr. Daws & the Doctor stopped to alarm the people of a
house. He continues to talk about others that rode alongside him during that eventful night.
Since the letter includes specific details, first-hand knowledge, and believable facts, one
could think that it is a more reliable source. Considering that the information in the letter and the
poem do not match up, it would be wise to assume that the letter, which is a first-hand account of
everything that happened, would be better and more believable. While both include essential
intelligence about the ride of Paul Revere, a letter written by Revere himself will always be a
better option when learning about what occurred that night.