History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

360 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. [1775.
and 1778, keeper of the jail. At the time of this narration,
Capt. Cook was at least 75 years of age. He enlisted when
eighteen years old. In 1782 he married Paulina Baker and
settled in Westhampton.
The News Received.
Information of the battle reached Northampton
by special messenger, at about 11
o'clock, a. m., the messenger continuing up the valley in
order to notify other towns. He met the same patriotic
reception everywhere. It was for this that the people had
been making preparations, and his intelligence warned
them that the crisis had arrived.
The Company Gather Beforc the couricr had fairly resumed his
at the Church. ouward Way, the meeting-house bell gave
forth its warning, and the whole town
was speedily alarmed. Cook, with many others, was at
work in the meadows, himself engaged in harrowing in
oats. At the sound of the bell every man left his work
and hastened homewards ; the minute-men seized their
equipments, and in a short time the company paraded be-
fore the meeting-house. Rev. Mr. Hooker offered prayer,
and Col. Seth Pomeroy addressed them, giving them words
of patriotic encouragement, and sensible advice about the
manner of marching, and about other military duties.
Each man took provisions for three or four days, and all
were soon ready to begin the march. The whole town was
in a state of great excitement, and the women shed many
tears.
March of the North- In the middle of the afternoon the comampton
Company, pauy started, arrived at Belchertown in
the evening, and spent the night at Graves'
tavern. Cook and a number of others slept in the barn.
On the 22" the company marched to Brookfield. At Ware
one soldier's courage failed, and he returned home. Of
course this act, attributed to cowardice, was vigorously
commented upon by his companions. On the 23'*, they
were at Shrewsbury, and on the 24*^, arrived at Concord.