Black Minutemen fought at Lexington and Concord as early as April 1775, but in May of that same year, the Committee for the Safety of the Massachusetts Legislature presented a resolution. It read: “Resolved that it is the opinion of the Committee, as the contest now between Great Britain and the Colonies respects the liberties and privileges off the latter, which the Colonies are determined to maintain, that the admission of any persons as soldiers, into the army no raising, but only such as freemen, will be inconsistent with the principles that are to supported, and reflect dishonor on the colony, and that no slaves be admitted into this army, upon any consideration whatever”