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The Ride Of Israel Bissell
9 June, 2006
Author: Mark Spencer

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Yonder comes the messenger
Forging thicket and thistle;
A young postal carrier
Known as Israel Bissell.

It began in Watertown,
This bold tale of derring-do;
Bearing news of Lexington,
He would get the message through.

America’s call to arms
Was his burden to carry.
Because of it’s importance,
Israel did not tarry.

The lad set out that morning,
Driven like a man possessed,
To alert the colonies
Of America’s unrest.

By noon he’d reached Worchester,
Though his steed did not survive.
A fresh mount and two days more,
In New Haven he arrived.

Every town along the way,
Heard his voice sounding alarms.
Our war of independence
Has begun! To arms! To arms!

He entered New York City
For another two day ride.
Then ‘twas on to New Jersey,
Without rest, or break in stride.

Then in Philadelphia
He arrived at City Hall.
Five days would be his journey
In delivering the call.

To arms, he warned the people,
Every American son,
For the British are coming,
And the war has just begun.

So if you can remember,
When the tale, you first did hear,
Of a legendary ride
And a man named Paul Revere;

Perhaps you might consider
How a hero gains his fame.
Sometimes all it comes down to,
Is the more heroic name.

But tales will still be written,
Full of bluster and bristle.
While unsung heroes ride on,
Just like Israel Bissell.

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Comments on this poem/writing:

Megan (172.146.192.122) -- Friday, June 9 2006, 08:35 am

I knew this!!!

I remember this story!! Longfellow used Revere because he believed his name was more like that of an American hero! It's a shame he wasn't more concerned with the truth. WELL DONE!
Tarna (75.16.240.115) -- Saturday, June 10 2006, 01:26 am

I Like

It is good to see one of the history's unsung hero's finally gets the credit he deserved. Even if only a few know of his fame. Thanks Mark... Great poem
Ann W (205.188.117.65) -- Monday, June 12 2006, 01:47 am

I believe..

Thanks for believing.. we from HINSDALE MASSACHUSETTS are very proud of his part in our town history..
Snuffy (152.163.100.5) -- Monday, June 12 2006, 02:44 am

Interesting

Hope Lyin' Miles doesn't see this.
barb (67.58.197.49) -- Monday, June 12 2006, 03:43 pm

very good

If teachers would of made history fun to read like this maybe I would of learned something lol
very nice writing.
Bipedalguy (4.156.51.165) -- Monday, June 12 2006, 05:22 pm

I learned something.

I think it's the best poem I've seen in some time. I'm about to check out your other writings.
Spencer Bissell (98.219.11.110) -- Friday, November 11 2011, 01:46 am

Thank You

Im proud to have people finally noticing a true hero. My ancestors would be pleased with this.
 
Name:                                           Remember Me

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