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Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

Court Martial

Painting of the Penobscot Expedition.
Penobscot Expedition. (National Maritime Museum, London)

In the summer of 1779, Paul Revere took part in the failed Penobscot Expedition, in which an American militia attempted to take control of a British fort in Maine but failed, largely due to disagreements between leadership. It ended in nearly 500 American casualties. Revere was the commander of artillery for the expedition and was partially blamed for the debacle, being accused of disobedience and cowardice, which led to his dismissal from the militia. Revere requested to be court-martialed in order to defend himself and was eventually cleared of charges.

Revere letter to the Massachusetts House of Representatives requesting court martial.
Revere letter to the Massachusetts House of Representatives requesting court martial. (Massachusetts Archives)

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