USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Paul Revere arranged to have a signal lit in the Old North Church – one lantern if the British were coming by land and two lanterns if they were coming by sea – and began to make preparations for his ride to alert the local militias and citizens about the impending attack. “One if by land, and two if by sea.”

Detailed explanation-2: -The Fictional Paul Revere Rides Into Legend Paul Revere is by his horse, waiting for a signal from the church tower whether the British will advance by land or sea. Once he sees the signal (two lamps indicate that the British are coming by sea), he springs to his saddle and embarks on his famous ride.

Detailed explanation-3: -For, borne on the night-wind of the Past, Through all our history, to the last, In the hour of darkness and peril and need, The people will waken and listen to hear The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed, And the midnight message of Paul Revere.

Detailed explanation-4: -So the two men agree on a secret code: Paul’s friend will signal him by hanging one lantern in the church belfry (the tall tower in a church where the bells are hung) if the British are marching out on land, two lanterns if they are leaving in boats.