Punishment for Colonial Rebellion Following agreements made by the Continental Congress, war seemed inevitable (certain). King George, who declared the colonies in a state of rebellion, had authorized British soldiers to reinforce (add to) the redcoats who had already occupied (stayed in) Boston since 1768. British General Thomas Gage was sent to Boston to disarm (take away weapons) the colonists and arrest the leaders of the rebellion, namely John Hancock and Samuel Adams. After learning of the existence of a large colonial arsenal (place to keep weapons) in Concord, about 20 miles northwest of Boston, General Gage sent 700 troops under Colonel Francis Smith to march to Concord for the purposes of seizing (taking) and destroying artillery and ammunition.

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