Portrait of Paul Revere, a member of the spy network. (Wikipedia)
The Boston coppersmith Paul Revere, while famous for his midnight ride, was also part of a ring of spies called the “Mechanics.” According to the CIA, the Mechanics were the first intelligence network to spring up among American patriots in the restive British colonies. Revere wrote about how the group conducted surveillance on British soldiers as they patrolled the streets at night. Through their intelligence-gathering prowess, the Mechanics were able to uncover a plot to confiscate local munitions. The discovery allowed them to alert area militias, which led to the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.
Portrait of Paul Revere, a member of the spy network. (Wikipedia) 
