See first quotation.
1774. [At the provincial congress which met at Cambridge, Mass., Oct. 21:] It was concluded to raise and inlist a number of minute-men, now for the first time so called, from their being to turn out with their arms at a minute’s warning.—W. Gordon, ‘Hist. of the Am. Revol.,’ i. 412–3 (Lond., 1788). (Italics in the original.)
1774. Minute or Picquet men in the Town of Brookfield.—‘N.E. Hist. and Geneal. Reg.,’ xxix. 107. (N.E.D.)
1775. On Thursday, twelve regulars tarred and feathered a minute man.—Mass. Gazette, March 13.
1860. The formation of companies of “Minute Men” has actually begun.—Richmond Enquirer, Nov. 2, p. 1/6.
1860. “Minute men” were designed to keep down Black Republicans.—Id., Nov. 6, p. 1/4.
1860. The election of Lincoln has created a profound sensation all through the South. “Minute men” are forming in several of the slave States.—Id., Nov. 13, p. 1/5.
