Description
In 1774, Boston militia member, William Dawes was instrumental in securing 4 cannons that were to be confiscated by the British and also helped steal two cannons that were in British control. On April 18, 1775, William Dawes and Paul Revere were assigned by Dr. Joseph Warren, leader of the Sons of Liberty, to ride from Boston to Lexington to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams they were in danger of arrest. Warren sent Dawes by land, the longer riskier route, and Revere by sea, crossing the Charles River. Dawes had to cross British sentries, however, Revere is better known because of Longfellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride.” In 1776, William Dawes was commissioned as second major of the Boston Militia, and during the war worked as a quartermaster in central Massachusetts. His great-great-grandson, Charles Dawes was vice president under Calvin Coolidge.
The Revolutionary War was fought from 1775 to 1783. It began as a revolt of the colonies against what they believed was unfair taxation. While the war started as a conflict between Great Britain and the thirteen American colonies, it soon became a global conflict. France actively sided with the colonies, and the French naval fleet was instrumental in defeating the British at Yorktown. Holland supplied the colonies with weapons, while Spain supplied funding and diverted British forces by fighting on a second front and winning back Spanish forts in Florida that they lost during the Seven Years’ War. No independent country sided with Great Britain, but Britain employed German mercenaries, known as Hessians.
This William Dawes history mug is part of our Revolutionary War series which includes many of the notable figures who played major roles during this conflict.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
