Follow up to Paul Revere's Midnight Ride

Humor all the poetry. This is really a cool poem, because it so well summarizes just what was going on when Paul Revere rode his famous ride. But there is another Paul Revere, a Paul Revere of the south. Not many people know him. His name was Jack Jouett, and his ride wasn't nearly as easy as Paul Revere's. First, he had no church tower light to rely on. He eavesdropped on the British soldiers in a tavern in Virginia. They were talking about the new development of their commander's-General Cornwallis. Cornwallis' plan was to attack the Virginian legislative assembly, with such notable characters as Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Nelson, Jr. in attendance. Jack, being a military man of only 27 years old, realized the intentions of the British troops and jumped on his horse at 10:30 pm. He planned to ride to Richmond, Virginia to warn the legislators of the danger they were in. He had to avoid the main roads where the British soldiers might soon be marching, so he rode through the thick Virginia vegetation, being terribly scratched by branches and whipped by undergrowth. His horse was very reliably and got him the 40 miles to Richmond in just six hours. Fortunately for Jack, the British troops had stopped for another rest after the left the bar where Jack had first encountered them. Anyhow, Jack roused Thomas Jefferson and his guests at 4:30 am and the legislators escaped with their lives. Then, instead of just sinking to the ground with exhaustion (which he would have been quite within his rights to do!), Jack jumped on his horse again and rode on to Charlottesville, Virginia, to warn the other legislators. Unfortunately, he reached Charlottesville a little too late. Seven legislators were captured, including Daniel Boone. Yet still, Jack's job was not done. General Edward Stevens, who was a Patriot leader, was captured by the British. Jack dressed as a military official and lured the gaurds away from Stevens so that he could escape. Jack outrode the British officers and avoided capture.

That, to me, is really interesting. How come we don't celebrate that? that's far more sensational than just seeing a light in a church tower and riding to warn people, which is what Paul Revere did. Of course, Revere's act is not to be underrated. He did a great thing that night. But Jack Jouett's job was a lot more strenuous!