Why were Samuel Adams and John Hancock hiding from the British in Lexington?

The British Army set out from Boston to capture rebel leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock in Lexington as well as to destroy the Americans store of weapons and ammunition in Concord. ... Sam Adams and John Hancock were able to escape and the local militia was able to hide much of their ammunition and weapons.

The articles created a national government composed of a congress, which had the power to declare war, sign treaties, make alliances and more.