REYNOLDS HISTORICAL
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
II I 1 1 I 1 1 I I I I
'833 00826 1007
H A R I! A T I \ E
HORRID MASSACRE IN BOSTON.
mil 'ETRATED IN Till:
EVENING OF THE FIFTH DAY OF MARCH, 1770,
SOLDIERS OF THE 2flih ltE(iIMENT,
WITH THE 14th REGIMENT WERE THEN QUARTERED THERE:
WITH SOME
OBSERVATIONS ON THE STATE OF THINGS PRIOR
TO THAT CATASTROPHE.
■>
PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TOWN OF BOSTON,
AND SOLD DY EDES & GILL, IN QUEEN STREET, AND T. St J. FLEET,
IN COIINHILL, 1770.
NEW YOHK : ItE-rCBLI^Iir.l) WITH NOTES AND ILLUSTRATION!
BY JOHN DOQGETT, ill.
IS 19.
17791.1.
ORIGINAL NARRATIVE
BOSTON MASSACRE
t
ii
BOSTON MASSACRE, MARCH S. 1770.
/■■
Boston.
"Xshort narrative of the horrid massacre in Boston. perpe-
trated in the evening of the fifth day of March, 1770, by
soldiers of the 29th regiment, which with the 14th regiment
were then quartered there; with some observations on tltc state
of things prior to thai catastrophe. Printed by order of the
town of Boston, and sold by Kdcs & Gill, in Queen street, and
T. & J. Fleet, in Cornhill, 1770. New York, J. Doggett, jr..
1849.
1., ,3,-S, i-i- tl3r-122 p. front., told plai
(Continued un next rurtl
22|"
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i30el,
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Eutcred, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849,
Dv JOHN DOGGETT, Jr.,
In the Clerk'a Office of the District Court of the United States, for the
' Southern District of New York.
b . W . UKSEUICI'i
Stereo, mil Tiicl , 1G Spiucc St.
N 0 T E .
The following pages contain the original official account of the
Boston Massacre of the 5th of March, 1770. It was drawn up
by a committee appointed by the town, consisting of the Honorable
James Bowdoin, Dr. Joseph Warren, and Samuel Pembertok, Esq.
The report was submitted to a town meeting held at Fancuil Hall, by
adjournment, on the 10th of March, and was ordered to be printed.
It was intended principally for circulation in England, and a vessel
was chartered by the town to take out copies to London. To the
copies circulated in America, were added a Circular Letter, addressed
by the Committee to the Duke of Richmond, and other distinguished
personages in England.
The frontispiece representing the massacre, is a fac-simile of an
original engraving in the library of the New York Historical Society,
engraved and published in Boston immediately after the event, by
Pall Reverb. It is supposed to give a somewhat exaggerated
idea, however, of the scene it purports to represent. The sign of
'• Batcher's Hall," affixed to the custom-house, is, of course, a fancy
title.
The plan of the town of Boston, copied from one published in the
"Gentleman's and London Magazine," for 1774, may be useful to
those unacqfeiuited with the changes in the streets, their names, &c.,
since that period.
The present edition, with the exception of the subjoined "Addi-
tional Observations," which are obtained from a copy of this work iu
the library of Harvard College, is an exact reprint from an original
in the library of the New York Historical Society, containing the full
appendix, certificates, and circular of the Committee. To which is
prefixed an account of the events of the few days preceding the mas-
sacre, drawn up by the late Hon. Alden Bradford ; and the Report
4 NOTE.
made by John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Josepii Warren, and
others, presented ;it the meeting of the citizens on the 1 2th of March.
The whole presenting, it is believed, the most complete and authentic
account which has been published ot' the massacre.
Such additional explanatory notes as have been deemed m
for the convenience of the reader, arc distinguished from the original
notes by the initial — D.
EVENTS
OF THE
FEW DAYS PRECEDING THE MASSACRE.
[From Bradford's History of Massachusetts.]
The conduct of the citizens of Boston, notwithstanding 6ome state-
ments of a different import, it is believed, may be well vindicated
from the charge of having rashly occasioned the awful catastrophe
of the 5th of March, 1770. It is true, that the minds of the people
were greatly irritated, and that some individuals were abusive in their
language towards the military. But whenever examination was care-
fully made, it appeared that the soldiers were the first to assault, to
threaten, and to apply contemptuous epithets to the inhabitants.
Every circumstance connected with this wanton and sanguinary
event is important to be noticed. The people were provoked be-
yond endurance ; and they can be justly accused only of resisting a
fierce and vindictive soldiery, at the hazard of life. On the 22d of
February, a few boys appeared in one of the streets, bearing some
coarse paper paintings, with the figures of the importers of British
goods. They were met by one R , who was known to be an in-
former to the custom-house officers, against the citizens suspected oi
attempts to evade the laws. He endeavored to prevail with a coun-
tryman, then passing, to destroy the pageantry. But the man de-
clined ; and he attempted himself to mutilate and deface them. This
occasioned a collection of people who were in the vicinity of the spot.
R was very abusive in his language, and charged some of the
citizens who had assembled, with perjury, and threatened to prose-
cute them. Hut they seemed to have considered him too insignificant
to be noticed. The boys, however, who were quite young, and who
had brought the pictures into the street, followed the man to his
house, and gave him some opprobrious and reproachful language,
which were the only means of redress in their power, for his attack.
The moment he entered his dwelling, he seized a gun ; this rather
0 BVBNT8 PRECEDING Till: MASSACRE
irritated thnn terrified the lads, and they began to pelt the house with
snow-balls ami stones. Ik- fired from one of the windows, and kill.nl
a boj ol eleven years of age. A great excitement was produced
Among tin' people, by this unnecessary and most wanton conduci
lhe funeral of the lad was attended by an immense concourse of the
inhabitants; and he was considered a martyr in the cause of liberty.
'I'll'' Boldiers, when they left their Lanark's and strolled ahum the
town, frequently carried large elubs, for the purpose.no doubt, of
assaulting the people, though with a pretence for their own safety.
Chi the second of March, two (.f them rudely insulted and assaulted
a workman at a ropewalk, not far from their barracks; being bravelj
resisted and beaten oil', they soon made another attack, in greatei
numbers, probably tenor twelve. They were again overpowered bj
the people at the ropewalk : and a third time came, with about fift)
ot their fellows, to renew the assault. But they were still vanquishe I.
and received some wounds and bruises in the affray which they had
thus wantonly provoked. They appeared yet again with large re-
cruits, and threatened vengeance on the defenceless workmen. But
the owner or conductor of the ropewalk met them, and prevailed on
them to retire, without making the meditated assault. Perhaps the
more discreet among them were satisfied of the impropriety of their
conduct, or were fearful of the consequences of another attack. On
the third, in the afternoon, several of the soldiers, armed with lar*'c
cluhs, went again to the ropewalk ; and after much insolent and
threatening language, struck some of the workmen.
In consequence of these various quarrels, and of the violent threats
of the soldiers, that they would he avenged, when in truth they had
been the rude aggressors, the minds of the citizens were greatly
alarmed on the fourth and fifth ; and so apprehensive were many of
an attack from the military, as threatened, that in some instances
they required their children and the female part of their families to
remain at home during the evening. [The suhsequcnt events are de-
tailed in the Report and Narrative, which follow.]
R E P 0 R T
COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF BOSTON,
The town of Boston now loyally convened at Faneuil Nail, have di-
rected us, their committee, to acquaint yen of their present miserable
situation, occasioned by the exorbitancy of the military power, which,
in consequence of the intrigues of wicked and designing men to bring
us into a state of bondage and ruin, in direct repugnance to those
rights which belong to us as men, and as British subjects, have long
since been stationed among us.
The soldiers, ever since the fatal day of their arrival, have treated
us with an insolence which discovered in them an early prejudice
against us, as being that rebellious people which our implacable ene-
mies had maliciously represented us to be. They landed in the town
with all the appearance of hostility ! They marched through the
town with all the ensigns of triumph ! and evidently designed to sub-
ject the inhabitants to the severe discipline of a garrison ! They have
been continuing their enormities by abusing the people, rescuing
prisoners out of the hands of justice, and even firing upon the inha-
bitants in the street, when in the peace of God and the King; and
when we have applied for redress in the course oi' the law of the land,
our magistrates and courts of justice have appeared to be overawed
by them; and such a degree of mean submission has been shewn to
them, as has given the greatest disgust, even to the coolest and mosl
judicious persons in the community. Such has been the general state
of the town.
On Friday the 2d instant, a quarrel arose between some soldiers of
the 29th, and the rope-makers' journeymen and apprentices, which
was carried to that length, as to become dangerous i" the lives of
each party, many of them being much wounded. This contentious
disposition continued until the Monday evening following, when a
party of seven or eight soldiers were detached from the main guard,
under the command of Captain Preston, and by his orders tired upon
the inhabitants promiscuously in King stint, without the least warn-
ing of their intention, and killed three on the spot : another has since
8 EVENTS PRECEDING THE MASSACRE.
died of his wounds, and others are dangerously, some ii is feared
mortally, wounded. Captain Preston and his party now are in jail.
An inquiry is now making into this unhappy affair; and by Borne of
the evidence, there is reason to apprehend that the soldiers have I" i a
made useof by others as instruments in executing a settled plot to
massacre the inhabitants. There had been hut a little tunc before a
murder committed in the street by two persons of infamous charac-
ters, who hud been employed by the commissioners and custom-
house officers, [n the present instance there me witnesses who swear
that when the Boldiers tired, several muskets were discharged from the
house, where the commissioners' board is kept, before which this
shocking tragedy was acted ; and a hoy, servant of one Manwaring,
a petty officer in the customs, lias upon oath accused his master of
firing a gun upon the people out of a window of the same house, a
number of persons being at the same time in the room ; and confesses
that himself, being threatened with death if he refused, discharged a
gun twice hy the orders of that company. Nut as it has been impos-
sible for any person to collect a state of facts hitherto, we are directed
by the town to give you this short intimation of the matter for the
present, and to entreat your friendship to prevent any ill impressions
from being made upon the minds of his Majesty's ministers, and others
against the town, hy the accounts which the commissioners of the cus-
toms and our other enemies may send, until the town shall he ahle to
make a full representation of it, which will he addressed to you hy the
next conveyance.
This horrid transaction has occasioned the greatest anxiety and dis-
tress in the minds of the inhabitants, who have ever since been neces-
sitated to keep their own military watch ; and his Majesty's council
were so convinced of the imminent danger of the troops being any
longer in town, that upon application made by the inhabitants, they
immediately and unanimously advised the lieutenant-governor to effect
their removal ; and Lieutenant-Colonel Dalrymple, the present com-
manding officer, is now removing all the troops to Castle William.
We are, with strict truth, Sir,
Your most faithful and obedient servants,
JOHN HANCOCK, WM. PHILLIPS,
SAM. ADAMS, JOS. WARREN,
W. MOLINEUX, SAM. PEMBERTON,
JOSHUA HENSHAW,
Committee of the Town of Boston.
To Thomas Pownall, Esq.
Boston, March 12, 1770.
Boston, ss. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other In-
habitants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified and
legally warned, in public Town-Meeting assembled at
Faneuil Hall, on Monday the V-ith day of March,
Anno Domini, 1770, —
That article in the warrant, for calling this meeting, viz. :
"What steps may be further necessary lor obtaining a par-
ticular account of all proceedings relative to the massacre in
King-street on Monday night last, that a lull and just repre-
sentation may be made thereof ?" was read,
Whereupon,
Voted, That the Honorable James Bowdoin, Esq., Doctor
Joseph Warren, and Samuel Pemberton, Esq., be a committee
for this important business; and they are desired to report as
soon as may be.
Attest. William Cooper, Town-Clerk.
The following Report, containing a narrative of the late
Massacre, is submitted to the Town.
In the name of the Committee,
James Bowdoin.
4~
At the Town Meeting held on the 10th of March, 1770, l\,
adjournment,
The aforementioned Report was read and considered, where-
upon voted unanimously, that the same be accepted, and that
it be immediately printed, and the Committee are desired to
transmit copies thereof, as soon as possible, to the following
gentlemen, viz.: the Right Honorable Isaac Barn?, Esq., one
of his Majesty's most Honorable Privy Council, Thomas Pow-
nall, Esq., late Governor of the Massachusetts, William Bol-
lan, Esq., Agent for his Majesty's Council, Dennys DeBerdt,
Esq., Agent for the House of Representatives, Benjamin
Franklin, Esq., LL.D., and Barlow Trecothick, Esq., a mem-
ber of Parliament for the city of London.
Attest. William Cooi-eii, Town-Clerk.
SHORT NARRATIVE
HORRID MASSACRE IN BOSTON,
Perpetrated in the evening of the fifth day of March, 1770,
by soldiers of the Twenty-ninth Regiment, which with the
Fourteenth Regiment were then quartered there ; with some
observations on the state of things prior to that catastrophe.
It may be a proper introduction to this narrative, briefly to
represent the state of tilings for some time previous to the
said Massacre ;, and this seems necessary in order to the funn-
ing a just idea of the causes of it.
At the end of the late war, in which this province bore so
distinguished a part, a happy union subsisted between Great
Britain and the colonies. This was unfortunately interrupted
by the Stamp Act ; but it was in some measure restored by
the repeal of it.4 It was again interrupted by other acts of
parliament for taxing America; and by the appointment of a
Board of Commissioners, in pursuance of an act, which by the
face of it was made for the relief and encouragement of com-
merce, but which in its operation, it was apprehended, would
have, and it has in fact had, a contrary effect. By the said act
the said Commissioners were "to be resident in some conve-
nient part of his Majesty's dominions in America." This must
be understood to be in some part convenient for the whole. But
• The stamp act waa passed 2'Jd of March, 17G3 ; and repealed 18th of
March, 17CG.— D.
14 NARRATIVE OF TUB BOSTON MASSACRE
a does Dot appear that, to fixing the place of their resi
the convenience of the whole was atoll consulted, for Boston,
being ver) far from the centre of the colonies, could not be
the place must convenient for the whole. Judging by the act,
it may seem this town was intended to he favored, by the
Commissioners being appointed to reside here; and that the
consequence of that residence would be the relief and en-
couragement of commerce ; but the reverse has been the con-
stant and uniform effect of it; so that the commerce of the
town, from the embarrassments in which it has been lately
involved, is greatly reduced. For the particulars on this
head, see the state of the trade not long since drawn up and
transmitted to England by a committee of the merchants of
Boston.*
The residence of the Commisssioners here has been detri-
mental, not only to the commerce, but to the political interests
of the town and province ; and not only so, but we can trace
from it the causes of the late horrid massacre. f Soon after
their arrival here in November, 1707, instead of confining
themselves to the proper business of their cilice, they became
partisans of Governor Bernard in his political schemes; and
had the weakness and temerity to infringe upon one of the
most essential rights of the house of commons of tins province
— that of giving their votes with freedom, and not being ac-
countable therefor but to their constituents. One of the
members of that house, Capt. Timothy Folgier, having voted
in some affair contrary to the mind of the said Commissioners,
was for so doing dismissed from the oilice he held under them.
These proceedings of theirs, the difficulty of access to them
on oiiice-business, and a supercilious behavior, rendered them
disgustful to people in general, who in consequence thereof
treated them with neglect. This probably stimulated them to
resent it ; and to make their resentment felt, they and their
coadjutor, Governor Bernard, made such representations to his
• Sec Bradford's Mass. State Paperx, 121-160.— A.
t This act was poncd iu June, 17-iT; ( barlefl Paxton, William Burch,
Henry llultun, Juhn Temple, and John Uobiuson, were the Commis-
sioners.— D.
NARRATIVE OF THE BOSTON MASSACRE. 15
Majesty's ministers as they thought besl calculated to bring
the displeasure of the nation upon the town and province ;
and in order that those representations might have the more
weight, they are said to have contrived and executed plans
for exciting disturbances and tumults, which otherwise would
probably never have existed ; and, when excited, to have
transmitted to the ministry the most exaggerated accounts of
them.
These particulars of their conduct his Majesty's Council of
this province have fully laid open in their proceeding in coun-
cil, and in their address to General Gage, in July and October,
17G8 ; and in their letter to Lord Hillsborough of the 15th of
April, 1709.* Unfortunately for us, they have been too suc-
cessful in their said representations, which, in conjunction
with Governor Bernard's, have occasioned his Majesty's faith-
ful subjects of this town and province to be treated as enemies
and rebels, by an invasion of the town by sea and land ; to
which the approaches were made with all the circumspection
usual where a vigorous opposition is expected. | While the
town was surrounded by a considerable number of his Ma-
jesty's ships of war, two regiments landed and took posses-
sion of it; and to support these, two other regiments arrived
some time after from Ireland ; one of which landed at Castle
Island, J and the other in the town.
Thus were we, in aggravation of our other embarrassments,
embarrassed with troops, forced upon us contrary to our in-
clination— contrary to the spirit of Magna Charta — contrary
• Sec Bradford's Mass. State Papers, 158-100..— D.
t Gordon remarks, that the British commander in this instance expected
resistance from the poople, and accordingly the vessels of war in the harbor
were lying with springs on their cables, and their guns ready for firing in-
stantly upon the town, in case of the least opposition. The troops began to
land at about noon of the 1st of October, 1708, under cover of the cannon of
their ships, an 1 having effected their landing without molestation, marched
on to the common, with muskets charged, bayonets fixed, drums beating, fcc.,
as if taking possession of a concpuered town. — Gordon, i. 207. — D.
I This fortress, then called CasUe William, was on Onstlc Island, nearly
three miles S. E. from Boston. In 1798, the fortress fl is ceded to the United
States, and in the following year was named by l'res. Adams, F\ i I ••
pendence. — D.
lLj NARRATIVE OF THE BOSTON MA8SACR1
to the very letter of the Bill of Rights, in which it is declared,
that the raising or keeping a standing army within the king-
dom in time of peace, unless it he with the consent of parlia-
ment, is against law, and without the desire of the civil ma-
gistrates, to aid whom was the pretence for sending the troops
hither ; who were quartered in the town in direct violation of
an act of parliament for quartering troops in America; and
all this in consequence of the representations of the said Com-
missioners and the said Governor, as appears by their memo-
rials and letters lately published.
As they were the procuring cause of troops being sent
hither, they must therefore be the remote and a blameable
cause of all the disturbances and bloodshed that have taken
place in consequence of that measure.
But we shall leave them to their own reflections, after ob-
serving, that as they had some months before the arrival
of the troops, under pretence of safety to their persons, re-
tired from town to the Castle, so after the arrival of the
troops, and their being quartered in the town, they thought
proper to return ; having answered, as they doubtless thought,
the purpose of their voluntary flight.
We shall next attend to the conduct of the troops, and to
some circumstances relative to them. Governor Bernard
without consulting the Council, having given up the State
House* to the troops at their landing, they took possession of
the chambers, where the representatives of the province and
the courts of law held their meetings ; and (except the council-
chamber) of all other parts of that house ; in which they con-
tinued a considerable time, to the great annoyance of those
courts while they sat, and of the merchants and gentlemen of
the town, who had always made the lower lloor of it their ex-
change. They had a right so to do, as the property of it was
in the town ; but they were deprived of that right by mere
power. The said Governor soon after, by every stratagem
and by every method but a forcibly entry, endeavored to get
possession of the manufactory-house.t to make a barrack of it
• In State street, now standing. — T).
t The manufactory-house was an old building out of repair, belonging to
NARRATIVE OF THE BOSTON MASSACRE 17
for the troops; and for that purpose caused it to be besieged
by the troops, and the people in it to be used very cruelly;
which extraordinary proceedings created universal uneasi-
□ess, arising from t ho apprehension that the troops under the
influence of such a man would be employed to effect the mos1
dangerous purposes ; but failing of that, other houses were
procured, in which, contrary to act of parliament, he caused
the troops to be quartered. Alter their quarters were settled,
the main guard was posted at -(die of the .said houses, directlv
opposite to, and not twelve yards from, the State House,
(where the General Court, and all the law courts for the
county were held), with two field pieces pointed to the State
House. This situation of the main guard and field pieces
seemed to indicate an attack upon the constitution, and a de-
fiance of law ; and to be intended to affront the legislative
and executive authority of the province.
The General Court, at the first session after the arrival of
the troops, viewed it in this light, and applied to Covernor
Bernard to cause such a nuisance to be removed ; but to no
purpose. Disgusted at such an indignity, and at the appear-
ance of being under duresse, they refused to do business in
such circumstances; and in consequence thereof were ad-
journed to Cambridge, to the great inconvenience of the
members.
Besides this, the challenging the inhabitants by sentinels
posted in all parts of the town before the lodgings of officers,
which (for about six months, while it lasted), occasioned
many quarrels and uneasiness.*
Capt. Wilson, of the 59th, exciting the negroes of the town
to take away their masters' lives and property, and repair to
the army lor protection, which was fully proved against him.
The attack of a party of soldiers on some of the magistrate3
the province. It occupied the site of Hamilton Place. The Council refusing
to allow it to bo used as a barrack, Governor Dcrnard directed a British
officer to take possession of it. The keeper resisted, with so much resolutiou.
that the attempt was abandoned. — D.
* While the British troops were in Boston, the citizens, whenever it WM
necessary t<» l>e out in the evening, generally went armed with walking-
sticks, clubs, &c, to protect themselves from insult.— D.
18 NARRATIVE OF THE BOSTON MASSACRE.
of the town — the repeated rescues of soldiers from peace offi-
cers—the tiring of a loaded musket in a public street, to the
endangering a great number of peaceable inhabitants — the
frequent wounding of persons by their bayonets and cutlass
and the numerous instances of bad behavior in the soldiery,
made us early sensible that the troops were not sent heir for
any benefit to the town or province, and that we had no good
to expect from such conservators of the peace.*
It was nut expected, however, that such an outrage and
massacre, as happened here on the evening of the Gfth instant,
would have been perpetrated. There were then killed and
wounded, by a discharge of musketry, eleven of his Majesty's
subjects, viz. :
Mr. Samuel dray, killed on the spot by a ball entering his
head.f
Crispus Attucks, a mulatto, killed on the spot, two balls en-
tering his breast.
Mr. James Caldwell, killed on the spot, by two balls enter-
ing his back.
Mr. .Samuel Maverick, a youth of seventeen years of age,
mortally wounded ; he died the next morning.
Mr. Patrick Carr mortally wounded ; he died the 1 1th in-
stant.
Christopher Monk and John Clark, youths about seventeen
years of age, dangerously wounded. It is apprehended they
will die.
Mr. Edward Payne, merchant, standing at his door ;
wounded.
Messrs. John Green, Robert Patterson, and David Parker ;
all dangerously wounded. J
• The inhabitants instead of making application to the military officers on
these occasions, chose rather to oppose the civil authority and the laws of the
land to such offenders ; and had not the soldiery found means to erode legal
punishments, it is more than probable their insolence would have reo
check, and some of the most melancholy effects of it been prevented.
t Samuel Qray was a young man, and worked in the rope-walks of John
Gray. "After Mr. Gray had been shot through the body, and had fallen
npon the ground, a bayonet was pushed through his skull, and his brains
scattered upon the pavement. " — Warren*! Address, Mm . ,;. 1775. — D
\ The funeral of the victims of the massacre was attended on Thursday,
NARRATIVE OP Tin: BOSTON MASSACRE 19
Tlu' actors in this dreadful tragedy were a party of soldiers
commanded by Capt. Preston of the 29th regiment. This
party, including the Captain, consisted of eight, who are all
committed to jail.
There arc depositions in this affair which mention, that
several guns were fired at the same time from the Custom-
house ;' before which this shocking scene was exhibited.
Into this matter inquisition is now making. In the meantime
it may be proper to insert here the substance of some of those
depositions. •
Benjamiii Fri/.ell, on the evening of the 5th of March, hav-
ing taken his station near the west comer of the Custom-house
in King street, before and at the time of the soldiers firing
their guns, declares (among other things) that the first dis-
charge was only of one gun, the next of two guns, upon which
he the deponent thinks he saw a man stumble ; the third dis-
charge was of three guns, upon which he thinks he saw two
men fall ; and immediately after were discharged five guns,
two of which were by soldiers on his right hand ; the other
three, as appeared to the deponent, were discharged from the
balcony, or the chamber window of the Custom-house, the
Hashes appearing on the left hand, and higher than the right
hand Hashes appeared to be, and of which the deponent was
very sensible, although his eyes were much turned to the sol-
diers, who were all on his right hand.
Gillam Bass, being in King street at the same time, declares
that they (the party of soldiers from the main guard) posted
the 8th of March. On this occasion the shops of the town were closed, and
all the bells were ordered to be tolled, as were tho-c of the neighboring towns.
The procession began to move between 4 and 5 o'clock I'M. ; the bodies of tie
two strangers, Caldwell un.l Atliuks, being borne from Fancuil Hall, and tbosc
of the other victims, from the residences of their families— the kcarscs meet-
ing in King street, near the scene of the tragc ly. and passing through the
main street, attcn led by an immense throng, to the burial-ground, where the
bodies were all deposited in one vault. Patrick Cm; who died of his wounds
on the 11th, was buried on the 17th, in the same vault with bis murdered
associates.— D.
• The Custom-house stood at the corner of King street ami * llson B Line,
the present site of the Merchants' Hank. On the opposite corner Btood the
Royal Exchange Tavern.— D.
oo NARRATIVE OF THE BOSTOH MASSACRE
themselves between the Custom-house door and the west
corner of it; and in a few minutes began to fire upon the
people: two or three of the Hashes so high above the rest,
that lie the deponent verily believes they must have come
from the Custom-house windows.
Jeremiah Allen declares, that in the evening of the 5th day
of .March current, being at about nine o'clock in the front
chamber in the house occupied by Col. Ingersoll in King
street, he heard some guns fired, which occasioned his going
into the balcony of the said hou^p. That when he was ill
the said balcony in company with Mr. William Molincux,
jun., and John Simpson, he heard the discharge of lour or
five guns, the Hashes of which appeared to be to the westward
of the sentry-box, and immediately after, he the deponent
heard two or three more guns and saw the flashes thereof
from out of the house, now called the Custom-house, as they
evidently appeared to him, and which he the said deponent at
the same time declared to the aforesaid Molineux and Simpson,
being then near him, saying to them, (at the same tim- point-
ing his hand towards the Custom-house), "there they are out
of the Custom-house."
George Coster, being in King street at the time above-men-
tioned, declares that in five or six minutes after he stopped,
he heard the word of command given to the soldiers, fin ; upon
winch one gun was fired, which did no execution, as the de-
ponent observed; about half a minute after two guns, one of
which killed one Samuel Gray, a ropemaker, the other a mu-
latto man, between which two men the deponent stood, after
this the deponent heard the discharge of four or five guns
more, by the soldiers ; immediately after which the deponent
heard the discharge of two guns or pistols, from an open win-
dow of the middle story of the Custom-house, near to the
place where the sentry-box is placed, and being but a small
distance from the window, he heard the people from within
speak and laugh, and soon after saw the casement lowered
down ; after which the deponent assisted others in carrying
off one of the corpses.
Cato, a negro man, servant to Tuthill Hubbart, Esq., de-
NARRATIVE OF THE BOSTON MASSACRE. 21
clares that on Monday evening the 5th of March current, on
hearing the cry of fire, lie ran into King street, where he saw
a number of people assembled before the Custom-house; that
he stood near the sentry-box and saw the soldiers fire on the
people, who stood in the middle of said street ; directly after
which he saw two flashes of guns, one quick upon the other,
from the chamber-window of the Custom-house; and that
after the firing was all over, while the people were carrying
away the dead and wounded, he saw the Custom-house door
opened, and several soldiers (one of whom had a cutlass), go
into the Custom-house and shut the door after them.
Benjamin Andrews deelares, that being desired by the com-
mittee of inquiry to take the ranges of the holes made by mus-
ket balls, in two houses nearly opposite to the Custom-house,
he finds the bullet hole in the entry-door post of Mr. Payne's
house (and which grazed the edge of the door, before it en-
tered the post, where it lodged, two and a half inches deep),
ranges just under the stool of the westernmost lower chamber
window of the Custom-house.
Samuel Drowne, towards the end of his deposition (which
contains a pretty full account of the proceedings of the sol-
diers on the evening of the 5th instant), deelares, that he
saw the flashes of two guns fired from the Custom-house, one
of which was out of a window of the chamber westward ut
the balcony, and the other from the balcony; the gun (which
he clearly discerned), being pointed through the ballisters, and
the person who held the gun, in a stooping posture withdrew
himself into the house, having a handkerchief or some kind
of cloth over his face.
These depositions show clearly that a number of guns were
fired from the Custom-house. As this affair is now inquiring
into, all the notice we shall take of it is, that it distinguishes
the actors in it into street-actors and house-actors ; which is
necessary to be observed.
What gave occasion to the melancholy event of that eve-
ning seems to have been this. A difference having happened
near -Mr. Gray's ropewalk,* between a soldier and a man be-
* Gray's roi>cwalk was near G recti's barracks in Atkinson street.— D.
22 NARRATIVE OF THE BOSTON MASSACRE
longing to it, the soldier challenged the ropemakers to a box-
ing match. The challenge was accepted by one of them, and
the soldier worsted. He ran to the barrack in the neighbor-
hood, and returned with several of liis companions. The fray
was renewed, and the soldiers were driven off Th< .
returned with recruits and were again worsted. This hap-
pened several times, till at length a considerable body of sol-
diers was collected, and they also were driven off the rope-
makers having been joined by their brethren of the contiguous
ropewalks. I5y this time Mr. Gra) being alarmed interposed,
and with the assistance of some gentlemen prevented any fur-
ther disturbance. To satisfy the soldiers and punish the man
who had been the occasion of the first diflerence, and as ;m
example to the rest, he turned him out of his service; and
waited on Col. Dalrymple, the commanding officer <»f the
troops, and with him concerted measures for preventing fur-
ther mischief. Though this affair ended thus, it made a strong
impression on the minds of the soldiers in general, who thought
the honor of the regiment concerned to revenge those repeated
repulses. For this purpose they seem to have formed a com-
bination to commit some Outrage upon the inhabitants of the
town indiscriminately ; and this was to be done on li
ning of the 5th instant or soon after; as appears by the depo-
sitions of the following persons, viz. :
William Newhall declare-, that on Thursday night the 1st
of .March instant, he met tour soldiers of the :2!>ih regiment,
and that he heard them say, "there were a great many that
would eat their dinners on .Monday next, that should not eat
any on Tuesday."
Daniel Calfe declares, that on Saturday evening the 3d of
March, a camp-woman, wife to James McDeed, a grenadier
of the 20th, came into his father's shop, and the people talking
about the affrays at the ropewalks, and blaming the soldiers
for the part they had acted in it, the woman said, "the sol-
diers were in me right ;" adding, " that before Tuesday or
Wednesday night they would wet their swords or bayonets in
New England people's blood."
Mary Brailsford declares, that on Sabbath evening the 4th
NARRATIVE OP Till: BOSTON MASSACRE •_■.;
of .March instant,a soldier cam,- to tli Mr. Ainoa
Thayer, where she then was. Lie desiring to speak with Mr.
Thayer, was told by Mrs. Mary Thayer, that her brother was
engaged, and could not be spoke with, He said, "your bro-
ther as you call him, is a man J haw a great regard For, and 1
came on purpose to tell him to keep in his house, for before
Tuesday night next at twelve o'clock, there will Ik: a great
deal of bloodshed, and a great many lives lost;" and added,
••that he came out of a particular regard to her brother to
advise him to keep in his house, lor then he would be out of
harm's way." lie said, -your brother knows me very well ;
my name is Charles Malone." He then went away. Of the
same import, and in confirmation of this declaration, are the
depositions of Mary Thayer and Asa Copeland, who both live
with the said Mr. Thayer, and heard what the soldier said as
above-mentioned. It is also confirmed by the deposition of
Nicholas Ferriter.
Jane Usher declares, that about 0 o'clock on Monday morn-
ing the 5th of March current, from a window she saw two
persons in the habit of soldiers, one of whom being on horse-
back appeared to be an officer's servant. The person on the
horse first spoke to the other, but what he said, she is not able
to say, though the window was open, ami she not more than
twenty feet distant; the other replied, "he hoped he should
see blood enough spilt before morning.-'
Matthew Adams declares, that on Monday evening the 5th
of March instant, between the boms of 7 and 8 o'clock, he
went to the house of Corporal Pershall of the 20th regiment,
near Quaker Lane.- where he saw the Corporal and his wife,
with one of the lifers of said regiment. When he had got
what he went for, and was coming away, the corporal called
him back, and desired him with great earnestness to go home
to his master's house as soon as business was over, and not to
be abroad on any account that night in particular, for "the
soldiers were determined to be revenged on the ropewalk
people ; and that much mischief would be done.'- Upon
which the fifer (about eighteen or nineteen years of age), said,
* Congress street.
24 NAUHATIVi: OF Till: IJOSToX MASSACiti:
"lie hoped in God they would burn the town down." On
this he left the house, and the said Corporal called alter him
again, and begged he would mind what he said to him.
Caleb Swan declares, that on Monday night, the 5th ol
March instant, at the time of the bells ringing for fire, he
heard a woman's voice, whom he knew t<> be the supposed
wife of one Montgomery, a grenadier of the 29th regiment,
standing at her door, and heard her say, "it was not lire ; the
town was too haughty and too proud ; and that many of their
arses would be laid low before the morning."
Margaret Swansborough declares, that a free woman named
Black Peg, who has kept much with the soldiers, on hearing
the disturbance on Monday evening the 5th instant, said, " the
soldiers were not to be trod upon by the inhabitants, but would
know before morning, whether they or the inhabitants were
to be masters.''
Joseph II 00 ton, jun., declares, that coming from the South-
end of Boston on Monday evening the 5th of March instant,
against Dr. Se wall's meeting he heard a great noise and tu-
mult, with the cry of murder often repeated. Proceeding to-
wards the town-house lie was passed by several soldiers run-
ning that way, with naked cutlasses and bayonets in their
hands. He asked one of them what was the matter, and was
answered by him, "by God you shall all know what is the
matter soon." Between 'J and 10 o'clock he went into King
street, and was present at the tragical scene exhibited near
the Custom-house ; as particularly set forth in his deposition.
Mrs. Mary Russell declares, that John Brailsford a private
soldier of the fourteenth regiment, who had frequently been
employed by her (when he was ordered with his company to
the Castle, in consequence of the murders committed by the
soldiers on the evening of the 5th of March), coming to the
deponent's house declared, that their regiment were ordered
to hold themselves in readiness, and accordingly was ready
that evening, upon the inhabitants firing on the soldiery, to
come to the assistance of the soldiery. On which she asked
him, if he would have fired upon any of the inhabitants of this
town. To which he replied, " yes, if he had orders ; but that
NAERATIVB OP TUB Boston MASSACRE. 25
if he saw Mr. Russell, he would have fired wide of him." He
also said, " It's well there was no gun fired hy the inhabitants,
for had there been, ire should have come to the soldiers' as-
sistance."
i>y the foregoing depositions it appears very clearly, there
was a general combination among the soldiers of the 29th re-
giment at least, to commit some extraordinary act of violence
upon the town ; that if the inhabitants attempted to repel it by
firing even one gun upon those soldiers, the 1 1th regiment were
ordered to be in readiness to assist them ; and that on the late
butchery in King street they actually were ready for that pur-
pose, had a single gun been fired on the perpetrators of it.
It appears by a variety of depositions, that on the same eve-
ning between the hours of six and halt" after nine (at which
time the firing began), many persons, without the least provo-
cation, were in various parts of the town insulted and abused
by parties of armed soldiers partrolling the streets ; particu-
larly :
Mr. Robert Pierpont declares, that between the hours of 7
and 8 in the same evening, three armed soldiers passing him,
one of them who had a bayonet gave him a back-handed
stroke with it. On complaint of this treatment, lie said the
deponent should soon hear more of it, and threatened him
very hard.
Mr. Henry Bass declares, that at 9 o'clock, a party of sol-
diers came out of Draper's alley, leading to and from Mur-
ray's barracks, ■• and they being armed with large naked cut-
lasses, made at every body coming in their way, cutting and
slashing, and that he himself very narrowly escaped receiving
a cut from the foremost of them, who pursued him.
Samuel At wood declares, that ten or twelve soldiers armed
with drawn cutlasses bolted out of the alley leading from
Murray's barracks into Dock-square, and met the deponent,
• Murray's barracks were in Brattle street, in the building directly op-
posite the little alley (formerly called Boylstonc's alley), wliich lends from
the bottom of Cornhill. The City Tavern now occupies the site. The 11th
royal regiment was here quartered. The 29th was quartered in Water and
Atkinson streets. — D.
26 NARRATIVE OB THE BOSTON MASSACRE
who asked them if they intended to murder people ? They an-
swercd, " VTes, by God, root and branch;*' saying, "hen
of them;" with that one of them struck the deponent with a
club, which was repeated by another. The deponent being un-
armed turned to go off, and ho received a wound on the left
shoulder, which reached the hone, disabled him, a:
much pain. Having gone a few steps the deponent met two
officers, and asked them, " Gentlemen, what is the matter?"
they answered, " You will see by and by ;" and as he passed
by Col. Jackson's he heard the cry, turn out the guards.
Capt. James Kirkwood declares, that about u of the clock
in the evening of the &th day of .March current, he was going
by Murray's barracks: hearing a noise lie stopped at .Mr.
Rhoads's door, opposite the said barracks, where said Ilhoads
was standing, and stood some time, and saw the soldiers com-
ing out of the yard from the barracks, armed with cutlasses
ami bayonets, and rushing through Doylstone's alley1 into
Cornhill, Hvo officers, namely, Licuts. Minchin and Dickson,
came out of the mess-house, and said to the soldiers, - My lads,
come into the barracks and don't hurt the inhabitants," and then
retired into the mess-house. Soon after they came to the door
again, and found the soldiers in the yard; and directly upon
it, Ensign Mall came to the gate of the barrack-yard and said
to the soldiers, "Turn out, and f will stand by you ;" this he
repeated frequently, adding, " Kill them! stick them! knock
them down; run your bayonets through them ;" with a great
deal of language <»f like import. Upon which a great number
of soldiers came out of the barracks with naked cutlasses,
headed by said Mall, and went through the aforesaid alley;
that some officers came and got the soldiers into their barracks,
and that Mall, with his sword or cutlass drawn in his hand, a:
often had them out again, hut were at last drove into then
barracks by the aforesaid Minchin and Dickson.
Mr. Henry Rhoads's declaration agrees with Captain Kirk-
wood's.
Mr. .Matthias King, of Halifax, in Nova Scotia, declares, that
• The arch-tray through the Mock from Brattle street to Cornhill.— D.
X.UUtATIYi: 01 THE BOSTOH MASSACBE. 27
in the evening of the fifth day of .Much instant, about nine
o'clock, lie was at his Lodgings at Mrs. Torrey's, near the town
pump, and heard the bells riug and the cry ol "Fin ; upon
which he went to the dour Olid .saw .several soldiers come
round the south side of the town-house, armed with bayonets,
and some tiling which he took to be broadswords; that « uic ul
those peo] !e came up almost to him and Mr. Bartholomew
Kneeland ; and that they had but just time to shut the door
upon him ; otherwise lie is well assured they must have fell
victims to their boundless cruelty, lie afterwards went into
the upper chamber of the said house, and was looking out of
the window when the drum and the guard went to the bar-
rack, and he saw one of the guards kneel and present Ins piece,
with a bayonet fixed, and heard him swear he would lire ujion
a parcel of boys who were then in the street, but he did not.
He further declares that when the body of troops was drawn
up before the guard bouse (which was presently after the
massacre), he heard an officer say to another, that this was
line work, and just what he wanted ; but in the hurry he could
not see him, so as to know him again.
llobert Polley declares, that on Monday evening, the 5th
instant, as he was going home, he observed about ten ,
standing near My. Taylor's door; after standing there a small
space of time, he went with them towards Doylston's alky, op-
posite to Murray's barracks ; we met in the alley about eight
or nine armed soldiers; they assaulted us, and gave us a great
deal of abusive language ; we then drove them back to the
barracks with sticks only ; we looked for stones or bricks, but
could find none, the ground being covered with snow. S
of the lads dispersed, and he, the said Policy, with a few
others, were returning peaceably home, when we met about
nine or ten other soldiers armed : one of them said, ,; Where
are the sons of bitches?" They struck at several persons in
the street, ami went towards the head of the alley. Two offi-
cers came and endeavored to get them into their barracks;
one of the lads proposed to ring the bell; the soldiers went
through the alley, an. I the boys huzzaed, and said they were
gone through Royal Exchange lane into King street.
28 NARRATIVE OF THE BOSTON tlASSAl RE
Samuel I kowne declares that, about nine o'clock of the even-
ingof the fifth of March current, standing at his own < 1< * »r in
Cornhill, ho saw about fourteen or fifteen soldiers of the 29th
regiment, who came from Murray's barracks, armed with naked
cutlasses, swords, &c., and came upon the inhabitants of the
town, then standing or walking in Cornhill, and abused some,
and violently assaulted others as they met them ; most <>f
whom were without so much as a stick in their hand to defend
themselves, as he very clearly could discern, it being moon-
light, and himself being one of the assaulted persons. All or
most of the said soldiers he saw go into King street (some of
them through Royal Exchange lane),- and there followed
them, and soon discovered them to he quarrelling and fighting
with the people whom they saw there, which he thinks were
j i< > t more than a dozen, when the soldiers came first, armed as
aforesaid. ( >f those dozen people, the most of them were gen-
tlemen, standing together a little below the Town House, upon
the Exchange. At the appearance of those soldiers so armed,
the most of the twelve persons went oil", some of them being
first assaulted.
The violent proceedings of this party, and their going into
King street, '-quarrelling and fighting with the people whom
they saw there" (mentioned in Mr. Drowne's deposition), was
immediately introductory to the grand catastrophe.
These assailants, who issued from -Murray's barracks (so
called), after attacking and wounding divers persons in Cornhill,
as above-mentioned, being armed, proceeded (most of them) up
the Royal Exchange lane into King street ; where, making a
shortstop, and after assaulting ami driving away the few they
met there, they brandished their arms and cried out, ".Where
are the bdogers! where are the cowards !" At this time there
were very few persons in the street beside themselves. This
party in proceeding from Exchange lane into King street.
must pass the sentry posted at the westerly corner of the
Custom House, which butts on that lane anil fronts on that
street. This is needful to be mentioned, as near that spot and
• Eschnngc street.
NARRATIVE OF Till: BOSTON MASSACRE. 2fl
in that street the bloody tragedy was acted, and the
street actors in it were stationed : their station being but
a few feet from the front side of the said Custom 11
The outrageous behavior and the threats of the said party oc-
casioned the ringing of the meeting-house hell near the head
of King street, which hell rin'_ruig quick, as for lire, it presently
brought <>ut ;i number of the inhabitants, who being b i sen'
sible of the occasion of it, were naturally led to King street,
where the said party had made a stop hut a little while before,
and where their stopping hud drawn together a number of
hoys, round the sentry at the Custom House. Whether the
boys mistook the sentry for one of the said party, and thence
took occasion to differ with him, or whether he first affronted
them, which is affirmed in several depositions, — however that
may be, there was much foul language between them, and
some of them, in consequence of his pushing at them with his
bayonet, threw snowballs at him/ which occasioned him to
knock hastily at the door of the Custom House. From hence
two persons thereupon proceeded immediately to the main-
guard, which was posted opposite to the State House, at a
small distance, near the head of the said street. The ollicer
on guard was ("apt. Proton, who with seven ov eight soldiers,
with fire-arms and charged bayonets, issued from the guard-
house, and in great haste posted himself and his soldiers in
front of the Custom House, near the corner aforesaid. In
passing to this station the soldiers pushed several persons with
• Since writing this narrative, several depositions have appeared, which
make it clear that, the sentry was first in fault, lie overheard a barber's
boy saying, that a captain of the 14th (who had just passed by) WHS
a fellow as not to pay his barber for BhaYing him. Upon this the sentry left
his pout and followed the boy into the middle of the street, where he told him
t ) show his face. The boy pertly replied," 1 am not ashamed to Bhow my face
to any man." Upon this the sentry gave him a sweeping stroke on the head
With his musket, which made him reel and stagger, and cry much. A lellow-
apprentice asked the sentry what he meant by this abuse.9 He replied,
• Damn your blood, if you do not get out of the way 1 will give you some-
thing," and then fixed his bayonet and pushed :.t the 1 .. Is, who both ran out
of his way. This dispute collected 0 lew persons about the boy, near the
Custom House. Presently after this, the party above-mentioned came into
King8treet, which was a further occasion of drawing people thither, OS above
related —See deposition of Benjamin Uroader= and others.
30 NARRATIVE OP Till: BOSTON MASSACRE
their bayonets, driving through the people in bo rough a u,:i n-
ner that it appeared they intended to create a disturl
This occasioned some snowballs to he thrown at them, which
seems to have been the only provocation that was given. .Mr.
Knox (between whom and Capt. Preston there was some con-
versation on the spot) lifelines, that while he was talking with
Capt. Preston, the soldiers of his detachment hail attacked the
people with their bayonets; and that there was not the least
provocation given to Capt. Preston or his party; the hacks of
the people being toward them when the people were attacked,
lie also declares, that Capt. Preston seemed to be in great
haste and much agitated, and that, according to his opinion,
then.' were not then present in King street above seventy or
eighty persons at the extent.
The said party was formed into a half circle ; and within a
short time after they had been posted at the Custom House,
began to fire upon the people.
Captain Preston is said to have ordered them to fire, and to
have repeated that order. One gun -was fired first : then
others in succession, and with deliberation, till ten or a dozen
guns were fired ; or till that number of discharges were made
from the guns that were fired. By which means eleven per-
sons were killed and wounded, as above represented.
These facts, with divers circumstances attending them, are
supported by the depositions of a considerable number of per-
sons, and among others of the following, viz. : — Messrs. Henry
Bass, Samuel Atwood, Samuel Drowne, James Kirkwood,
Robert Polley, Samuel Condon, Daniel Usher, Josiah Simp-
son, Henry Knox, Gillam Bass, John Ilickling, Richard
Palmes, Benjamin Tri/zel, and others, whose depositions are
in the Appendix.
Soon after the firing, a party from the main guard went
with a drum to Murray's and the other barracks, beating an
alarm as they went/which, with the firing, had the efl
a signal for action. Whereupon all the soldiers of the 20tl
regiment, or the main body of them, appeared in King
under arms, and seemed bent on a further massacre of the in-
habitants, which was with great difficulty prevented. They
NARRATIVE OP Till: BOSTON MASSACRE ,;i
were drawn up between the State [louse and main .
their lines extending across the street and facing down King
street, where tlic town-people were assembled. The first line
kneeled, and tlic whole of the first platoon presented their
guns ready to lire, as soon as the word should he given. They
continued in that posture a considerable tune; hut by the I
providence of God they were restrained from firing. That
they then went into King street with such a disposition will
appear probable by the two following depositions.
Mrs. Mary Garduer, living in Atkinson street, declares, that
on Monday evening the 5th of March current, and before the
guns fired in King street, there were a number of soldii
sembled from Green's barracks towards tho street, and oppo-
site to her gate; that they Stood ver\ still until the guns wcl'O
fired in King street ; then they clapped their hands and
cheer, saying, "This is all that we want." They ran to their
barrack, and came out again in a tew minutes, all with their
arms, and ran towards King street.
William Fallass declares, that (after the murder in King
street) on the evening of the nth instant, upon his return home,
lie luul occasion to stop opposite to the lane leading to Green's
barracks,* and while he stood there, the soldiers rushed hy
him with their arms, towards King street, saying, " This is our
time or chance :" and that he never saw men or dogs so
greedy for their prey as those soldiers seemed to U\ and the
sergeants could hardly keep them in their ranks.
These circumstances, with those already mentioned, amount
to a clear proof of a combination among them to commit some
outrage upon the town on that evening; and that alter the
enormous one committed in King street, they intended to add
to the horrors of that night by making a further slaughter.
At the time Capt. Preston's party issued from the main
guard, there were in King street about two hundred persons,
and those were collected there hy the ringing of the hell in
consequence of the violences of another party, that had been
there a very little while before. When Captain Preston had
got to the Custom-house, so great a part of the people dispersed
• In Atkins hi street. — D.
32 NARRATIVE OP Till: BOSTON MASSACRE
at sight of 'the soldiers, that not more than twenty or thirty
then remained in King street, aa Mr. Drowne declares/ and
at the time of the Bring not seventy, as Mr. Palmes thinks, j
But alter the firing, and when the slaughter was known,
which occasioned the ringing of all the hells of the town, a
large body of the inhabitants soon assembled in King
and continued there the whole time the 20th regiment was
there under arms, and would not retire till that regiment, and
all the soldiers that appeared, weir ordered, and actually went,
to their barracks: alter which, having been assured by the
Lieutenant-Governor, and a number of the civil magistrates
[-resent, that every legal step should he taken to bring the
criminals to justice, they gradually dispersed. For some time
the appearance of things were dismal. The soldiers outrage-
ous oh the one hand, and the inhabitants justly in<
against them on the other: both parties seemed disposed to
come to action. In this case the consequences would have
been terrible. But by the interposition of Ins Honor, some of
his Majesty's council, a number of civil magistrates, and other
gentlemen of weight and influence, who all endeavored to
calm and pacify the people, and by the two principal ollicers
interposing their authority with regard to the soldiers, there
was happily no further bloodshed ensued ; and by two o*elock
the town was restored to a tolerable state of quiet. About
that time, Capt. Preston, and a few hours after, the party that
had fired, were committed to safe custody.
One happy effect has arisen from this melancholy affair,
and it is the general voice of the town and province it may
be a lasting one — all the troops are removed from the town.
They are quartered for the present in the barracks at Castle-
Island ; from whence it is hoped they will have a speedy order
to remove entirely out of the province, together with those
persons who were the occasion of their coining hither.
In what manner this was effected, it is not foreign from the
subject of this narrative to relate.
The morning after the massacre, a town-meetiivj was held ;
at which attended a very great number of the freeholders and
' .Sco Lis Deposition. f Sec hia Deposition.
NARRATIVE OF THE B08XON MASSACRE 33
other inhabitants of the town. They were deeply imj I
and affected by the tragedy of the preceding night, and were
unanimously of opinion, it was incompatible with their safety
that the troops should remain any longer in the town. In
consequence thereof they chose ;i committee of fifteen gentle*
men t<> wait upon his Honor the Lieutenant-Governor in
Council, t<> request of him to issue hisordersfor the immediate
removal of the troops.
The message was in these words :
'•That it is the unanimous opinion of this meeting that the
inhabitants and soldiery can no longer live together in safety ,
that nothing can rationally be expected to restore the |
the town and prevent further blood and carnage, but the im-
mediate removal of the troops; and that we therefore most
fervently praj his Honor, that Ins power and influence may be
exerted for their instant removal."
His Honor's reply, which was laid before the town then
adjourned to the old south meeting-house, was as follows:
•• ( Icntlemen,
" I am extremely sorry for the unhappy differences between
the inhabitants and troops, and especially for the action of the
last evening, and 1 have exerted myself upon that occasion.
that a due inquiry may be made, and that the law may have
its course. I have in council consulted with the commanding
officers of the two regiments who arc now in the town. They
have their orders from the General at .New York. It is not
in in} power to countermand those orders. The Council have
desired that the two regiments may be removed to the Castle.
From the particular concern which the 29th regiment has had
in your differences, Col. Dalrymple, who is the commanding
officer of the troops, lias signified that that regiment .-hall with-
out delay be placed in the barracks at the castle, until lie can
send to the General and receive his further orders concerning
both the regiments, and that the main-guard shall be removed,
and the 1 1th regiment so disposed, and laid under such re-
3
34 NARRATIVE OB THE BOSTON MA8SACRE
straint, that all occasion of future disturbances may be pre-
vented."
The foregoing reply having been read and fully con
—the question was put, Whether the report be satisfactory ?
Passed in the negative (only one dissentient) out of upwards
of 4,000 voters.
A respectable committee was then appointed to wait on his
Honor the Lieutenant-Governor, and inform him, that it is
the unanimous opinion of this meeting, that the reply made to
a vote ol the inhabitants presented his Honor in tin- morning,
is by no means satisfactory; and that nothing less will satisfy
than a total and immediate removal of all the troops.
The committee having waited upon the Lieutenant-Gover-
nor, agreeable to the foregoing vote, laid before the inhabit-
ants the following vote of Council received from his Honor.
His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor laid before the Board
a vote of the town of Boston, passed this afternoon, and then
addressed the Board as follows:
" Gentlemen of the Council,
" I lay before you a vote of the town of Boston, which I
have just now received from them, and I now ask your advice
what you judge necessary to be done upon it.''
The Council thereupon expressed themselves to be unani-
mously of opinion, "that it was absolutely necessary for his
Majesty's service, the good order of the town, and the peace
of the province, that the troops should be immediately removed
out of the town of Boston, and thereupon advised his Honor
to communicate this advice of the Council to Col. Dalrymple,
and to pray that he would order the troops down to Castle
William." The committee also informed the town, that Col
Dalrymple, after having seen the vote <A' Council, said to the
committee,
" That he now gave his word of honor that fie would begin
his preparations in the morning, and that there should be no
unnecessary delay until the whole of the two regiments were
removed to the Castle."
NARRATIVE OF THE BOSTON MASSACRE 35
Upon the above report being read, the inhabitants could not
avoid expressing the high satisfaction it afforded them.4
After measures were taken for the security of the town in
the night by a strong military watch, the meeting was dis-
solved.
1779145
In the concluding paragraph of the foregoing narrative ii is said,
that the town-meeting was dissolved after 1 1 1 ■ - measures were taken
for the security of the town in the night, by a strong military watch.
Our implacable enemies, in pursuance of their plan of raisrepn
atiun, have taken pains to misrepresent tins most necessary measure,
by declaring it to have been contrary to the mind of the Commander-
in-Chief, and against law.
This matter will he judged of, hy stating the fact, and producing
the law.
When the Committee, who had waited on the Lieutenant-Governor,
had reported to the town that the troops would be removed to Castle
Island (at which time it was near night), it was thought necessary for
the safety of the town, and for preventing a rescue of the persons
committed to jail for firing upon and killing a number of his Majes-
ty's subjects, that there should be a military watch ; and divers gen-
tlemen were desired to take the needful steps for that purpo
being then night, it was impossible a regular notification should issue
from the officers of the militia; a considerable number of respectable
persons therefore offered themselves volunteers, and did the duty of
a military watch under the direction of the I. hut. -Colonel, who attend-
ed that service with the approbation of the chief Colonel of the lios-
• The town of Boston afterwards determined to celebrate the anniversary
of the filth ef March, to tho end that there might be an annual dovclopmi nt
of the '• fatal effects of the policy of standing armies, an 1 the aatur *l ton-
dency of quartering regular troops in populous cities in times ol
The first anniversary wad observed at the Manufactory House, that :
place where the first opposition to the Boldiery was made, in October, 1768
The anniversary was observed every year until 1784, when the celebration
was superseded by that of the 4th July. The names of the orators in their
order were— James Lovell, Dr. Joseph Warren, Dr. Benjamin Church,
John Hancock, Dr. Joseph Warren, Itev. Peter Thacher, Benjamin Hichborn,
Jonathan \V. Austin, William Tudor, Jonathan .Mason, Jun., Thorn.
Jun., (leorgc Richards Mima, Dr. Thomas Welch. The " Boston Oration*,"
so calle 1, were published in a volume in 1786, by Peter E lea — D
•
36 NARRATIVE OP Till; B08TON MASSACRE
ton regiment The next day, with two of the select men of the town,
the chief Colonel went to tin- Lieutenant-Governor, and ihej ini
him it was apprehended absolutely necessary for the safety of the
town there should be a military watch kept; and that the Colonel then
waited upon him in receive his orders. The Lieuteuant-Oovernor
declined giving uny orders concerning it, hut said the law was clear,
that the Colonel, as chief officer of the re jiment, might order a mili-
tary watch , ami that he might do about i: as lie thought lit. In
consequence of (his, and knowing the law gave bim such a power, the
Colonel issued his orders tor that purpose, and a regular watch was
kept the following night. The next day the Licutenant-G<
sent for the Colonel, ami let him know, thai lie was in doubt about
the legality of the appointment of the military watch; ami .
mended to the Colonel to take good advice, whether he had a right
by law to order such a watch.
This being quite unexpected, occasioned the Colonel to express
himself with some fervor. He also said, be had already taken advice,
and had no doubt of his own power; but had the preceding day
waited upon his Honor as Commander-in-Chief to receive his orders ;
which, as his Honor bad declined giving, and left the matter with
himself, he had appointed a military watch ; and judged it .
sary measure to quiet the fears and apprehensions of the town, The
interview ended with the Lieut-Governor's recommending again, that
the Colonel would take cue to proceed according to law ; and with-
out his forbidding a military watch.
This military watch was continued every night, till Colonel Dal-
rymple had caused the two regiments under his command to he re-
moved to the barracks at Castle Island. During the continu i
the watch, the Justices of the Peace in their turns attended every
night ; and the utmost order and regularity took place through the
whole of it.
This is the state of the fact, upon which every one is left to make
his own observations.
Now for the law ; with respect to which nothing is more n<
than just to recite it. It runs thus, "That there be military watches
appointed and kept in every town, at such times, in such places, and in
such numbers, ami under such regulation, as the chief military officers
of each town shall appoint, or as they may receive orders from the
chief officer of the regiment."- This nee,!- no comment It ctcarlj
authorises the chief officer of the regiment to appoint militan watches.
The late military watch in Boston being founded on such an appoint-
ment was therefore according to law.
* Sec a Law of the Province for regulating the Militia, made in the 5tfa
year of William and Mary, Chup. 7., Sec. 10.
APPENDIX;
COM A I M.N l
THE SEVERAL DEPOSITIONS REFERRED TO IN THE PRECEDING
NARRATIVE; AND ALSO OTHER DEPOSITIONS RE-
LATIVE TO THE SUEJECT OF IT.
(Hal.)
I, John "Wilme, of lawful age, testify that about ten days before the
laic massacre, Christopher Rurably of the 1 ith regiment, was at my
house at the north part of the town, with sundry other soldiers; and
lie, the said Rumbly, did talk very much against the town, and said
if there should beany interruption, that the grenadiers' company was
to march up King-street ; and that if any of the inhabitants would
join with them, the women .should be sent to the castle, or some Other
place; and that he had been in many a battle ; and that he did not
know but he might be soon in one here ; and that if he was, he would
level his piece so a^ not to miss; and said that the blood would soon
run in the streets of Boston ; and that one .Sumner of the same regi-
ment did say that he came here to make his fortune ; and that he
would as soon fight for one King as another; and that the two gaps
would be stopped, said one of the soldiers; and that they would soon
sweep the streets v( Boston.
And further sailh, that he heard a soldier's wife, named Eleanor
Park, >ay, that if there should be any disturbance' in the town of Bos-
ton, and that if any of the people were wounded, she would take a
stone in her handkerchief and beat their brains out, and plunder the
rebels. — And further 1 say not. John "Wilme.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 21, 1*770. John Wilme, above named,
after due examination, made oath to the truth of the afore-
said affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance of the
thin-
Before, John Paddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 2.)
I, Sarah Wilme, of lawful age, testify that about ten days before
the late massacre, Christopher Rumbly, of the I Lth regiment, was at
our house at the north part of the town, with sundry other soldiers ;
and he, the said Humbly, did talk very much against the town, an 1
38 APPENDIX
said, if then Bhould \»- any interruption, that the grenadici
pany was to march op King street ; and that if any of the inhabitants
would join with them, the women should t to the castle 01
some other place; and that ho had been in many a battle; rind that
he did not know but he might be soon in one here; and that if hi
was, he would level Lis piece so as ii"t to nn-s; and said ihut the
blood would soon run in the streets of Boston , and that one Sumner,
of the same regiment, did say, that lie came hero to make liis fortune,
and that he would as soon fight for one King as another; and that
the two gaps would be stopped, said one of the soldiers; and that
they would soon sweep the streets of Boston. — And further saith nut.
Sarah Wii
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 21, 1770. Sarah Wilmc, above named,
after due examination, made oath to f 1 1 « - truth of the afore
said affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance of the
thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
And. John Tudor, Justice Pe
(No. ;;.)
I, David Cockran, of lawful age, testify, that I went to the 1
Mr. John Wilmc, to pay him a visit in the evening, about ten day.-,
before the late massacre, and there 1 found four <>r five soldiers, and
after s<>mc time the said Wilmc told me not t" !»• out in the night of
such a day (though I cannot positively sav what day) ; whereupon I
asked him what he meant, and he told me that there would he dis-
turbances, or words to that effi et ; and that one of said soldi.
me by the arm, and said, the blood would soon run in the stro ts ■ l
Boston. — And further saith not
His
Atie=.t. Ki.isua Story, David ^ Cockran.
Mark.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 21, 1770. David Cockran, above named,
after due examination, made oath to the truth of the afore-
said affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance of the
thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Just Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Justice Peace
(No. 4.)
William Newhall, living in Fish-street of lawful age, testifies and
says, that on Thursday night, being the first of March instant, between
the market and Justice Quincy's, ho met four soldiers of Hie 20th
regiment, all unarmed, mid that he heard them say, "then
great many that would eat their dinners on Monday next, that should
any on Tuesday."
WnuvM Newmall.
APPENDIX. 39
Suffolk, as, Boston, March 21, 1770. William NewhalL. above
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
of the thing.
Before, John Ri duock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
Ami, J < j 1 1 >• Hill, Just. Peace.
(NO. :»)
I, Nicholas Keritcr, of lawful age, testify that on lYi lay the se-
cond instant, about half past 11 o'clock, A.M., a soldier of the
29th Regiment came to Mr. John Gray'a ropewalks, and looking
into one of the windows said, by God T^llhave satisfaction! with
many Other oaths ; at the last llC said he was not afiai 1 of any OUC
in the ropewalks. 1 stcpt out of the window and speedily knock'd
up his heels. On falling, his coat flew open, ami a naked sword ap-
peared, which one John Willson, following me out, took from him,
and brought into the ropewalks. The soldier then went to (Jinn's
barrack-, and in aboul twenty minutes returned with eight or aine
more soldiers armed with cluhs, and began, as I was told, with three
or four men in Mr. Gray's warehouse, asking them why they had
abused the soldier aforesaid ? These nun in the warehouse passed
the word down the walk for the hands to Come up, which they did,
and SOOn heat them oil'. In a few minutes the soldiers appeared
again at the same place, reinforced to tie' number of thirty or forty,
armed with clubs and cutlass s, and headed by a tall negro drummer
widi a cutla>s chained to his body, with which, at Grst rencounter, 1
reccivi d a cut on the lead, but b< ing immediately supported by niue
or ten more of the rope-makers, armed with their wouldring sticks,
we again beat them off. And further 1 say not.
Nl< HOLAS FbRITER.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 20, i?;o. Nicholas Feritcr, above
mentioned, after due examination, made oath to the afore*
said affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance of tho
thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Jus. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Jus. Peace.
(Xo. G.)
I, Jeffrey Richardson, of lawful age, testify and say, that on
Friday, the second instant, about 11 o'clock, A.M., eight or ten
soldiers of the 29th regiment, aim d with clubs, came to Mr. Johu
(I ray's ropewalks, and challenged all the rope-makers to come out
and fight them. All the hands then present, to the number of
thirteen or fourteen, turned out with their wouldring sticks, an 1 beat
them off directly. They very speedily returned t> the ropewalk,
reinforced to the number of thirty or forty, and headed by a tall
uejiro drummer, a^ain challenged them out, which tb • same hand-
•10 APPENDIX.
accepting, again beat them off with considerable bruises. And fur-
ther 1 say not. .Iii i m:v RicilARi
Suffolk, bs. Boston, March 19, 1770. Jeffrey Richard on, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate the rcmcnjbiam.e
of the thing.
Before, Ri. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Jus. Peace.
(No. 7.)
John Fisher, of lawful age, testifies and saith, that on the second
day of March, between 11 and 12 o'clock, A.M., he saw about -is
soldiers going towards Mr. John Gray's ropewalk, some with clubs ;
they had not been there long, before they returned quicker than
they went, and retreated into their barracks, and brought out the
light infantry company, with many others, and \\<ut against the
rope-makers again ; but were soon beat off as far as Green's lane,
the soldiers following and chasing many persons they could see in
the lane with their clubs, and endeavoring to strike them, when a
corporal came and ordered them into the barracks. And further
saith, that on Saturday the 3rd instant, he saw the soldiers making
clubs; and by what he could understand from their conversation,
they were determined to have satisfaction by Monday. And fur-
ther saith not. John Fisher.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 17, 1770. John Fiaher,
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrauc.-
of the thing.
Before, Ri. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
And, Sam. Plmiilhton, Just. Peace.
t (No. B.)
1, John Hill, aged sixty-nine, testify, that in the forenoon of Fri-
day the second of March current, 1 was at a house the comer of a
passage way leading from Atkinson's street to Mr. John (i. .'
rope-walks, mar Green's barracks so called, when I saw eight i .
ten soldiers pass the window with clubs. 1 immediately got up and
went to the door, and found them returning from the rope-walks to
the barracks; whence they again very speedily re-appeared, now
increased to the number of thirty or forty, armed with clul
other weapons. In this latter company was a tall negro drummer,
to whom 1 called, you black rascal, what have you to do with white
people's quarrels i He answered, I BuppOM I may look on, and
went forward. 1 went out directly and commanded the peace, tell-
ing them I was iu commission ; but they not regarding me, knocked
down a rope-maker iu my presence, and two or tl :n beat-
ing him with clubs, I endeavored lo relieve him ; but on approach-
APPENDIX. .11
ing the fellows who were mauling him, one of them with a. great
club struck at me with such violence, that bod I eot happily avoided
it might have been fatal to mo. Tho party last mentioned rushed
in towards the rope-walks, and attacked the ropc-makcra nigh the
tar-kettle, but were soon boat off, drove ont of tho passage-way by
which they tut' rill, and were followed by the rope-makers, whom 1
persuaded to go back, and they readily obeyed. And further 1 Bay
not. John Hill.
Suffolk, S3. Boston, March 19, 1770. John Hill, Esq., above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
tho aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
of the thing.
Before, Ki. Dana, > Justices of the Peace and of the
John Ruddock, \ Quorum.
(No. 9.)
I, John Gray, of lawful age, testify and say, that on the Saturday
preceding the massacre on the Monday evening of the 5th instant,
Middlctou the chimney-sweeper being at my house, said to my
maid, as she informed me, that he was well acquainted with the
Boldiers, and they had determined to have their revenge of the rope-
walk people ; being alarmed with this news, 1 determined to see
Col. Dalrymple on Monday morning. At Sabbath noon 1 was sur-
prised at hearing that Col. Carr and his officers had entered my
rope-walk, opened the windows, dours, &C, giving out that they
were searching for a dead sergeant of their regiment ; this put me
upon immediately waiting upon Col. Dalrymple, to whom 1 related
what I understood had passed at the rope-walk days before lie re-
plied it was much the same as he had heard from bis people ; but
says he, " your man was the aggressor in affronting one of my peo-
ple, by asking him if he wanted to work, and then telling him to
clean his little-house." For this expression 1 dismissed my journey-
man on the Monday morning following; and further said, 1 would
do all in my power to prevent my people's giving them any affront
in future. He then assured me, he had and should do everything
in his power to keep his soldiers in order, and prevent tluir any
more entering my inclosure. Presently after, Col. Carr came iu,
and asked Col. Dalrymple what they should do, for they were daily
losiug their men ; that three of his grenadiers passing <niietly by
the rope-walks were greatly abused, and one of them so much beat
that he would die. lie then said he had been searching ton
geaut who had been murdered ; upon which, 1 said, V. s, C
bear you have been searching for him in my rope-walks ; and asked
him, whether that sergeant hail been iu the affray there ou the Fri-
day ; he replied, no: for he was seen on the Saturday. I then
asked him, how lie could think of looking for him in my walks ; and
that had he applied to me, 1 would have waited on him, an i
every apartment 1 had for his satisfaction. John Qbay.
42 APPENDIX.
Suffolk, is. Boston, March 22, 1770. John (-ray, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-WTitten affidavit. Taken to perpetuate the
rcmeiubranoo of the thing.
Before, Ri. Dana, Justice of the Peaoo an! of the Quorum,
And, John Hii.i., Jus. P
(No. 10.)
Archibald McNeil, Jun., of lawful age, testifies and Bays, that on
Saturday the third instant, about half an Lour after four in the afl r-
noon, the deponent with two apprentices were spinning at the 1 ■•• i
end of Mr. McNeil's rope-walk, three stout grenadiers, armed with
bludgeons, came to tliein, and addressing the deponent, said, " \ ou
damned dogs, don't you deserved to be killed? Are you lit t»
die ?" The deponent and company being quite unarmed, gave no
answer. James Baylcy, a seafaring young man, coming up, said to
the deponent, &C, Why did you not answer r One of the grena-
diers, named Dixson, hearing him, came up to Bayley and asked him
if he was minded to vindicate the cause? Bayley, also unarmed,
did not answer till James Young came' up, who, though equally na-
ked, said to the grenadier, Damn it, 1 know what a soldier is. That
grenadier stood still, and the other who had threatened the depo-
nent came up and struck at him, which Young fended off with his
arms, and then turning, aimed a blow at the depom nt, which had it
reached might probably have been fatal. Patrick , Mr.
Winter Calef's journeyman, seeing the affray, went into the tan-
house, and bringing out two bats gave one to a bystander, who, to-
gether with Patrick, soon cleared the walk of them. And further saith
not. Am ini: w.i> McNeil.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 17. 1770. Archibald McNeil above
named, after due examination, made oath to the above affi-
davit, taken to perpetuate t ho remembrance of the thing.
Before, Ki. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Ju>t. of Peace.
(No. 11.)
Mary Thayer, of lawful age, testifies and says, that on Sabbath
day evening, the 1th current, a Boldi r of th • 29th, named Charles
Malone, came into Mr. Amos Thayer's house, brother to the depo-
nent, and sent a young lad belonging to Mr. Thayer up stairs to bis
master, desirhuj him to come down to him. Mr. Thayer rcl
come down or nave any thing to say to him. The deponent going
down on other occasion, said she would hear what the Boldicr had to
say. Ami coming to the soldier told him her brother was I I
The soldi t .-aid, " Your brother as you call him, is a man 1 have a
very great regard for, and came here to desire him to keep in the
house and not be out, for there would be a great deal of disturbance
APPENDIX. 43
and blood between that, time mini Tuesday night at 12 o'clock." Ho
repeatedly said he hod a greater regard for Mr. Thayer than any one
in Boston, and on that account came to desire him to keep in the
house, which it* he did there would be no danger. After repeating
the above frequently, he even turned ;it the door, ami said, my nunc
is Charles Malonc, your brother knows me well, ami insisted 7Crj
oarneetly that the deponent would not neglect informing her brother.
And further sakh not.
Mauy Tuayeb.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 17, 1770. Mary Thayer, above named,
after due examination, made oath to the truth of the above
affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance of the thing.
Before lit. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum.
John Hill, Just, of Peace.
(No. 12.)
I, Mary Brailsford, of lawful age, testify and declare, that on
Sunday evening, the 1th instant, a person knocked at the door of
Mr. Thayer's house ; Mr. Thayer's lad went to see who it was, the
boy went up stains to his master, and the soldier came into the room
where I then was ; Miss Mary Thayer ami the boy came down Btairs
into the same room. Miss Thayer told the soldier her brother was
engaged, and could not be spoke with. He said, '' Your brother as
you call him, is a man 1 have great regard for, aud 1 came on pur-
pose to tell him to keep in his house, for before Tuesday night next
at twelve o'clock, there will be a gnat deal of blood shed, and a
great many lives lost ;'' and added, " that he' cam - out of particu-
lar regard to her brother to advise him to keep in bis houa . for
then he would be out of harm's way." lie said, your brother knows
me very well, my name is Charles Maloue ; ho then went away. —
Aud further saith not.
her
Mary Jlf Drailsfobd,
Attest. Wm. Palfrey. .Mark.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 17, 1770. Mary Brailsford above
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before Ki. Dana, Just, of Peace aud of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just, of Peace.
(No. 13.)
I, Asa Copelaud, of lawful age, testify and declare, that on Sun-
day eveuing, the 4th instant, a soldier named Maloue, came to the
house of my master, Mr. Amos Thayer, and asked for tie' young
mau that lived in the house. I asked him what young man he meant ;
he said the young mau a carpenter; 1 supposing he meant my mas-
11 APPENDIX.
ter, told him he was up stairs. Ho then asked me to go and call
him, and said ho wanted to speak with him ; 1 then went np and
told my master that Malone was below and wanted to speak with
him. My nfastcr told me to tell him be wa ild not
go down, and said if he bad any thing to Bay, 1. must say it to his
Bister, Miss Mary Thayer. 1 then went down and heard said Ma-
lone saying to Miss Thayer, " 1 would have bira keep in Cm- I have
a greater regard for Mr. Thayer, than fur any other person in town ,"
and added, " 1 would have him keep in hi-, own place, for 1 j
day night next before twelve o'clock, there will be a gn at many
lives lost, and a great deal of blood Bhed, which be i |
several times. As be was going out of thedoor he turned back and
.-aid Mr. Thayer knew him wry well, and had drank with him, that
his name was Charles Malone. And further saith not.
Asa CoPELAND.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 17, 1770. Asa Copelund, above
named, after due examination, made oath to tin; truth of
the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
of th • thing.
Before Ri. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Ju.-t. of Peace.
(No. 14.)
I, John Brailsford, of lawful ago, testify that on Monday evening,
the 0th instant, as I was passing by the sentry at Col. Dalrympli *fl
house in Greene's lane, 1 asked a soldier named Swan, of the 29th
regiment, what was the reason of their peopled going about armed
with cluhs in such a manner, and troubling the town's people. Swan
told me, " You will sec, you had hetter go home," and more to the
same purpose. When the guna were fired, 1 returned hack an I
Swan what that could mean ? Swan, waving his head, said, " It's
the guards ; there is no shot there ; you had better go home ;" and
by all his behaviour and discourse he manifested his full acquaint-
ance with the whole affair. — And further saith not.
John Buailsi oud.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 21, 1770. John Brailsford, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth < f
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before John Ri doock, Just Peace and the Quorum,
John Hill, Ju.-t. Peace.
(No. 15.)
Nathaniel Noye9, of lawful age, testifies and says, that on h<
Sabbath evening, the -1th day of March current, a little alter dark,
he saw live or six soldiers of the 14th and 29th region nts, each of
them with clubs, pas.-dng through Fore street, and heard th<
APPENDIX. ,\j
that if they saw any of the inhabitants of this town out in the street
after nine o'clock, they swore hy God, they would knock them down,
be they who they will. N vm. NorC8.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 16, 1770. Nathaniel Noyes,
named, utter due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before Hi. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum.
John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 10.)
Richard Ward, of lawful age, does testify and say, that on the
Lord's day evening preceding the fifth day of March instant, about
dusk, he went to see one Sir. Dines (who i^ a s ildicr in the 29th
regiment, and who worked, when he was not upon duty, in Mr. John
Picmont, peruke maker's shop, with the deponent, a journeyman to
said Picmont') ; the said Dines lives near the barracks at New Mor-
ton ; when your deponent was there, he heard one of the officers of
the said 29th regiment say to the sergeants, " Don't let any of your
people go out unless there be eight or ten together."
KieiiAim Ward.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 10, 1770. Richard Ward, above-
named, alter due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before Hi. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum.
Jons Hill, Just. Peace.
(No 17.)
Jane Usher, of lawful age, testifies and says, that about nine
o'clock in the morning of Monday the fifth day of March current,
she being in the front chamber of the house of John Scollay, Esq.,
on Dock square, from the window saw two pcrsous in the habit of
soldiers, oue of whom being on horseback, appeared to be an offi-
cer's Bervant. The person on the horse first spoke to the other, but
what he said she is not able to say, though the window was open,
and she not more than twenty feet distant ; the other replied, lt He
hoped he should see blood enough spilt before morning."
Jam: Osn
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 10, 1770. Jane Usher, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the re-
membrance of the thing.
Before Hi. Dana, Just, of 1'euce and of the Quorum.
John Hill, Just. Peace.
APPENDIX.
(Xo. 18.)
Matthew Adams (living with Mr. John Arnold) being of lawful
age, trsiiii en and Bays, that on Monday evening the fifth
March instant, between the hours of b svcn and eight of the clock, he
wont to the house of Corporal Pcrshall, of the twenty-ninth regi-
ment, near Quaker lane, where ho saw the corporal and bis wife,
with one of the fifers of sai.l regiment ; when he had got what
he went for, and was coming away, the corporal called him hack,
and desired him with great earnestness to go homo to hi- masters
house as soon as business was over, and not to be abroad ou any ac-
count that night in particular, for the soldiers were d tennined to
he rovenged ><n the ropewalk people ; and that much mischi f would
he done ; upon which the fifer (about eighteen or nineteen years of
age), said he hoped in God they would hum the town down ; on
this he left the house, and the said corporal called after him again,
and begged he would mind what he had said to him ; and further
saith not. Matthew Adam-.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 20, 1770. Matthew Adams, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the rcuicin-
brancc of the thing. 4
Before John Ruddock, .lust. Peace and of the Quorum.
John JIii.l, Just. Peace.
(No. 19.)
Caleb Swan, of lawful age, testifies and says, that last Monday
night, the 5th of March 1770, being at .Mr. Sample's door, at the
"o"VJ l11^ "l" "' AllUll.ll 1«IU, Ul_lll£ UL .III. . '.lllljMI .- UUUI , ill IIJC
lorth part of the town, mar the north battery, at the time of the
jells ringing for tire, he heard a woman's voice, whom he knew to
3C the supposed wife of one Montgomery, a grenadier of the 29th
DO!
b
Ue ttie SUppV/.-V 'I IIUV. Ml yjll^ ITlVUlgUlllbl f l *V ClblWUllil Ul lllU ~ S
regiment, standing at her door, and heard her say it was not fir
.' _llil' 111, DbllUUlUL Ul 111. I UUUI , tlllM II .4111 IIUl .-3.1V It \>.l-"5 IIUl UlC ,
the town was too haughty and too proud ; that many of thi.ii arses
would be laid low before the morning. Upon which Susanna Cath-
cart said to her, I hope your husband will be killed. On which the
woman replied, my husband is able and will stand his ground.
Cai r.n Swan.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 'J 1 , 1770. Caleb Swan, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
of the thing.
Before John Ruddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum.
JoVjn Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 20.)
Margaret Swanshorough, of lawful age, testifies and says, that
a free woman, named Black Peg, who has kept much with the
soldiers, ou bearing the disturbance ou Monday evening, the 5th
APPENDIX. 47
instant, said, 'l the Boldiers were not to be trod upon by the inhabi-
tants, but would know before morning* whether thej or the inhabi-
tants were to be masters." Since which time, the said lilack Peg
has Bold off her bouscbold Btuff and li It the town, on her hearing
what she had .said before was given in to the committee « f i uquiry.
her
M IRG \l;i i ; S\v INSJ
mark.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 20, 1770. Margaret Swansborough,
aforenamed, after due examination, made oath to the truth
of the aforesaid affidavit, ta'celi to pel petuate the remem-
brauee of the thing.
Before John Uuddock, Just. Peace aud of the (Quorum.
Belcher Noyes, Ju.-t. Peace.
(No. 21.)
Robert Picrpont, of lawful age, testifies and says, that going to
see a sick neighbor between the hours of seven and eight on .Monday
evening, the fifth current, two soldiers armed, one with a broad
sword, the other with a club, passed him near the hay market, going
towards the town-house, seeming in great haste. In a lew minutes
they returned and hollowed very loud, u Colonel." Before the d po-
ncut reached .Mr. West's house, where he was going, they |
him again, joined by another, with a blue surtout, who had a bayonet,
with which he gave the deponent a back-hand d stroke, apparently
more to affront than hurt him. On complaint of this treatment,
be said, the deponent should soon bear more of it, and tin
him very hard, aud further saith not. Run. Piuuiom.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 10,1770. Robert Picrpont, above
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the re-
membrance of the thing.
Before Rr. Dana, Jnst. Peace and of the Quorum.
John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 22.)
John Brown, of lawful age, testifies and says, that coming home-
wards about niucof the clock on Monday evening, the fifth curn ut, he
fell in with Nathaniel Bosworth, and walking slowly tog< thcr, a
little to the southward of Liberty-tree so called, they met a parcel
of soldiers, about six or seven in number, walking very fast into
town, one of the foremost said, li damn you stand out of the way," and
struck the deponent a blow on the breast, which made him Btagger
aud fall nearly to the ground, though he had .-h cared out of the
way. The soldiers pressed along cursing and damning, towards the
town-bouse with nuked bayonets in their bauds.
John Bkown.
■IS APPENDIX.
Suffolk, bs. Huston, March 17, 1770. Joltn Brown, above-
named, after duo examination, made < «n t li to the truth of
the aLove affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
of the tbiug.
Before [li. Dana, Just. Peace aud of the Quorum.
John Hiii., Just. Pi a
The following deposition should have immediate] y preceded No. 5.
(No. 23.)
Samuel Bostwick, of lawful age, testifies and says, that on Fri-
day, the 2d instant, between ten and eli yen o'< lock in the forenoon,
three soldiers of the 29th regiment, came up Mr. Gray*s ropcwalk,
and William Grcuu, one of the hands, spoke to one of them, saying,
l( soldier, will you work?" The soldier replied, ''yes." Green said,
" then go and clean my s— t-house." The soldier swore by the Holy
Ghost that he would have recompense, and tarried a good while
swearing at Green, who took no further notice of him, and then
went off, and soon after returned to the ropcwalk with a party of
thirty or forty soldiers, headed by a tall negro drummer, and chal-
lenged the rope makers to COIUC out. All hands then present, being
about thirteen or fourteen, turned out aud beat them off, Considerably
bruised. And further Baith not.
Samuel Bostwick.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March l'J, 1770. Samuel Bostwick, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above affidavit, takeu to perpetuate the remembrance
of the thing.
Before Ri. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum.
John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 24.)
1, William Tyler, of lawful age, do testify and say, that on the
evening of the fifth of .March, a little after nine o'clock, as 1 w.i>
coining up King street, just before I got to the custom house, I saw
the sentinel running after a boy, and immediately heard him cry out
as though in great distress. I asked the boy what was the matter ;
he told me the sentinel had struck him with his gun and bayonet be-
cause he asked Captain Goldfinch for some money that he owed him.
The sentinel said that he should not use an officer ill in the street.
Soou after the boy left the sentinel and went away, and immediately
ten or twelve soldiers came running up SHsby'fl alley, crying out,
" Where are your Sons of Liberty :" and went from thence to I'oru-
hill. 1 further testify, that when the above complaint was made of
the seutinel's striking the barber's boy, there were few people iu
the street. I saw but five or six about them, who immediately
dispersed. 1 then left King street, and went up to Cornhill.
William 'Y\ LEr..
APPENDIX. -li
Suffolk, ss Boston, March 21, 1770. William Tyler, above
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the afonsaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the rem' m-
branoe of the thing.
Before, John RuDDOl k, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hii.i., Just. Peace.
(No. 25.)
Henry Bass, of lawful age, testifies and says, that going from hia
house in Winter-Street, ou Monday evening, the fifth of March, to
see a friend in the neighborhood of the Rev. Dr. Cooper's meeting-
house ; that the bell was ringing for nine o'clock when he came out
of his house, and that he proceeded down the Main Btreet, and going
near Draper's alley, leading to Murray's barracks, through which he
purposed to pass, heard some boys huzzaing, and imagines that there
were six or seven of them and not more — and presently after he saw
two or three persons in said alley with weapons, but cannot posi-
tively say what they were. Soon after several more came into the
alley and made a sally out, and those that came out were soldiers,
and tli inks were all grenadiers, as they were stout men, and were
armed with large naked cutlasses ; they made at every body
coming in their way, cutting and slashing ; the said deponent very
narrowly escaped receiving a cut from the foremost of them, who
pursued him below Mr. Simpson's stone .-hop, wh re he made a
stand; presently after, going up Cornhill, he mctanoystor man,
who said to the deponent, " Damn it, this is what 1 got by going
up," and showed the deponent a large cut he had received from one
of the soldiers with a cutlass, over his right shoulder ; said depo-
nent thinking it not safe but very dangerous for him to go through
the alley, he returned home by the way of King-street, through Koyal
Exchange lane, and passed by the sentinel at the corner of the
Custom house. And said deponent further says, that he never saw
fewer persons in King street, considering the pleasantness of the
evening, and verily believes there was not twelve persons between
the Crown coflee-houso and the bottom of the Town-house ; he
imagines it to bo then about fifteen or twenty minutes after nine.
After said deponent got to the head of the Town-house, he met a
great many persons who enquired of him about the affair ; the said
deponent told them there had been an atlYav by Murray's barracks,
but that it was then over. And further this deponent saith not.
Hbnui Bass.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 10, 1770. The above-named Henry
• Bass personally appearing, and being carefully examined
and duly cautioned to testify the whole truth, inaketh
solemn oath to the fore-written deposition by him sub-
scribed,taken to perpetuate the remembrance of the thing.
Before, Ri. Dana, Justice of the Peace aud of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just. Peace.
•I
60 APPENDIX.
(No. 26.)
1, William LcBaron, of Boston, of lawful age, testify and say, that
on Monday evening the fifth day of this instant March, about ten
minutes after nine o'clock, being in King street with my brother
Francis LcBaron, saw a soldier, the sentry of the Custom house
door, running after a barber's boy; the boy called out as it be was
in distress, and the Boldier pursuing him with bis firelock, toll him
if he did not bold his tongue ho would put a ball through him, after
which the soldier returned to his post; immediately after this 1
heard a great noise in Silsby'n lane, so call. J, and immediately
about thirtei a or fourteen soldiers appeared in King street, near the
watch-house, with their drawn Bwords, cutlasses, ami bayonets,
calling out, l< Where arc the damned boogers, cowards, where arc
your Liberty boys ;" at which time there was nut more than < ight or
ten persons in King Btreet; one of the .soldiers came up tu me,
damned me, and made several passes at me with a drawn sword, the
last of which the sword went between my arm and breast, and then
1 run, as 1 bad nothing to defend myself, and was pursued by a sol-
dier with a naked bayonet, who swore he would run me through ; at
which time your deponent cried lire ! and soon after the hells rung,
and further your deponent saith not. William LeBaro.v.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 19, 1770. William LcBaron, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, Ki. Dana, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Ju.st. Peace.
(No. 27.)
William Lewis, testifies and says, that on the evening following
Monday the fifth instant, about nine o'clock, be passing through
King street, in order to go into Cornhill street, while ho was cross-
ing King street heard some people wrangling at the Custom-house
door, and he immediately saw four soldiers of the 2Utb regiment
jump out from between the Watch-house and the Town-bouse steps,
at the cast end of the house, in their short jackets with drawn
swords in their hands, two of whom run after the deponent and pur-
sued him close until he got to his home iu Cornhill street, where
just as he entered the door ouc of the soldiers struck at him either
with his sword or bayontt, but the deponent rather thinks it was the
latter, as be afterwards found a three-stjuarc bole cut in the skirt of
his surtout, which he verily believes was made by the blow that the
soldier struck at him; and further saith not. William Lewis.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 20, 1770. William Lewis, abovc-^
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
of the thing.
Before, John RroDoeK, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Ju.-t. Peace.
APPENDIX. 51
(No. 28.)
Nathaniel Thayer, of lawful age, testifies, that on Monday even-
ing the 5th of March, about nine of the clock, as he sat in his
house in CornhiH bo board a great noise, at which he went to the
door, and saw a number of people by Mr. Quincy's door, near .Mur-
ray's barracks, where he heard the Sticks and clubs going, Upon
which fire was cried, and presently ran live soldiers as he supposes
from the main-guard, with swords or cutlasses, Bwcarhrg and damn-
ing, and saying, " Where are they ? cut them to pieces." The sol-
din-, iii their waistcoats came to his dour and insulted him ; BO he
shut his door and went iu. Nath. Tiiaykk.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 19, 1770. Nathaniel Thayer,
above-named, after due examination, made oath to the
truth of the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate the re-
membrance of the thing.
Before, Ki. Dana, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
John HlLL, Just. Peace.
(No. 29.)
I, Isaac Parker, of lawful age, testify and say, that being at Mr.
Richard Salter's bouse on the evening of the fifth current, beard a
great noise in the street, upon which 1 went to the entry door and
saw a great number of soldiers in their jackets without sleeves, hav-
ing naked cutlass. s iu their bands, flourishing them over their beads,
one of whom assaulted me with a naked cutlass, aiming a stroke at
my bead, whicb 1 happily avoided by a sudden retreat in-doors.
Isaac Parker.
Suffolk, fs. Boston, March 10, 1770. Isaac Parker, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, Ki. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just Peace.
(No. 30.)
I, Bartholomew Knceland, of Boston, merchant, being of lawful
age, testify and say, that ou Monday evening, the fifth instant (be-
ing at my lodgings at the bouse of my sister, Mrs. Mebetable Tor-
rey, widow of the late Mr. Samuel Torrcy, deceased), about fifteen
minutes after nine o'clock, beariug a bell ring, whicb I supposed
was for fire, weut immediately to the frout door, followed by Mr.
Matthias King, Mrs. Torrcy, and two others of the family; standing
at the door for the space of four or minutes, I saw a number of sol-
dicrs, with broadswords ami bayonets, in the main street near the
towu pump, making a great noise. One of the said soldiers, when
nearly opposite to me, spake to me tbe following words, viz.,
•• Damn you, what do you do there ? Get iu." To whicb 1 made
APPENDIX.
The same Boldicr immediately crossed the gutter, and,
up to me, pointed his naked bayonet within six inches ol
my breast; 1 told him to go along, and then 1 retired into tho
house In about half an hour's time after the above, 1 heard a vo
ley of small arms fired off in King street ; and upon inquiry
tJld that three men were killed and one wounded
no answer.
cumin
was
Bart. Kneelakd.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March, 12, 1770. Bartholomew Knee-
land, abovo-namod, after due examination, made oath to
the ahovo-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the re-
membrance of the thing.
Before, Hi. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
Jons Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 31.)
1 Nathaniel Appleton, of lawful age, testify, that on Monday
evening the 5th instant, between nine and ten o'clock, 1 was Bitting
in my house in CprnhUl, heard a noise in the street, 1 went to my
front door and saw several persons passing up and down the street ;
I asked what was the matter.' was informed that the soldie, s at
Murray's barrack were quarrelling with the inhabitants. Standing
[here a few minutes, 1 saw a number of soldiers, about twelve or fif-
teen as near as 1 could judge, come down from the southward, run-
nine toward the said barrack with drawn cutlasses, and appeared to
be passing by, but on seeing mc in company with Deacon Marsh at
my door, they turned out of their course and rushed-upon us with
uplifted weapons, without our speaking or doing the least thing to
provoke them ; with the utmost difficulty we escaped a stroke DJ
retreating and closing the door upon them.
I further declare/ that at that time my son, a lad about twelve
years old, was abroad on an errand, and soon came home and told
me that he was met by a number of soldiers with cutlasses in then-
hands, one of which attempting to strike him, the child begged tor
his life, saving, « Bray soldier, save my life ;" on which the soldier
replied, "No, damn you, 1 will kill you all," and smote him Willi
bis cutlass, which glanced down along his arm and knocked bun 0 the
ground, where they left him. After the soldiers bad all passed the
child arose and came home, bavin- happily received no other dam-
age than a bruise on the arm. 1 further declare that the above-
related transactions happened but a few minutes before the soldiers
fired upon the people in King street; and further saith not.
1 ' ' N.Vill. Al'l'I.lMON.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 20, 1770. Nathaniel Appleton,
above-named, after due examination, made oath to the
truth of the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate the re-
membrance of the thing.
Before, John RunoocK, Just. Peace, and the Quorum,
John lln.t, Just. Pcaoo.
APPENDIX. 53
(No. 32.)
Jeremiah Belknap, of lawful age, testifies and pays, that on the
first appearance of the affray in CornhiU on Monday evening, the
fifth instant, hearing a noise ho ran to his door and heard Mr. Wil-
liam Merchant say he had been struck by a soldier, and presently
saw to the number of eight or nine soldiers come out of Boy la ton's
alley into the street, armed with elubs and OUtlasscs. The deponent
went into the street and desired them to retire to their barracks ;
upon which one of them, with a club in one hand and a cutlass in
the other, with the latter made a stroke at the deponent; when
finding there was no prospect of stopping them, the deponent ran to
the main-guard, aud called for the officers of the guard. The reply
was, " There is no officer here." Several of the soldiers came out
of the guard-house, and the deponent told them if there was not a
party sent down there would be bloodshed. Just as the deponent
spoke these words he was attacked by two soldiers, with drawn cut-
lasses, supposed of the party from Murray's barracks, one at his
breast and the other over bis head. One of the guards said, " This is
an officer," meaning the deponent, 1 believe a constable ; on which
the two assailants retired aud put up their cutlasses ; and further
saith not. Jeremiah Belknap.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 1G, 1770. The above-named Jere-
miah Belknap, personally appeared, and being carefully
examined, and duly cautioued to testify the whole truth,
maketh solemn oath to the forewritten deposition by him
subscribed, taken to perpetuate ♦he remembrance of the
thing.
Before, Hi. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Him., Just, of Peace.
(No. 33.)
1, John Coburn, of lawful age, testify and say, that on the even-
ing of the 5th of March instant, being alarmed by the cry of fire
■and ringing of bells, rau out of my house with my bags aud buckets ;
11(1011 going to Mr. Payne's door, he told me it was not fire, it was
a riot. 1 sent my buckets home again, aud went to Mr. Amory's
corner with Mr. Payne, and Mr. Walker, the builder, came along
and .-aid the soldiers were in the street in CVrnhill aud Dock-square,
with their drawn cutlasses, cutting and slashing every body in their
way, and the inhabitants wanted help, and said, pray geutlemeu run,
or words to that purpose. I returned again to my house, aud a few
minutes after, at the head of Royal Exchange lane, in the street, I
saw a few, not exceeding fifteen or twenty persons, stop, as 1 sup-
posed, talking what had happened. 1 went to Mr. Payne's door and
stood in his entry with him, 1 believe, about ten or fifteen minutes,
aud heard some words with the people and the sentinel, such as,
[)u fire if you dare, but no further than words, not so much as to
touch him, as 1 saw ; neither did 1 sec more than five or six that
54 APPENDIX.
had so much as .slicks in their hands, all entirely unarmed, without
any weapons. Mr. Harrison Gray, jun., came into tho entry to us,
and upon this immediately cairn: an officer with a party of .six or
seven men with their puus breast-high, and cleared the way, and by
their behavior 1 did not know but they would fire. 1 said it was
not prudent to tarry there ; went directly into my own house and
called all my family in. To the best of my judgment, then- was
not more than fifty or sixty people in the street when tho party
came, and I 1> lieve it was Dot exceeding two minutes from the time
that I left Mr. Payne to the tiling of the gUttS, and further your
deponent saith not. John Coburk.
SulVolk, ss. Boston, .March 16, 1770. The above-named John
Cobnrn, personally appearing, and being can fully examin-
ed and duly cautioned to testify the whole truth, makcth
solemn oath to the afore-written deposition by him sub-
scribed, taken to perpetuate the remembrance of the
thing.
Before, Ki. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 31.)
1, Robert Policy, of lawful age, testify and declare, that on Mon-
day evening, the 5th inst., as I was going home, observed about ten
persons standing near Mr. Taylor's door. After standing there a
small space of time, I went with them towards Boylston's alley, op-
posite to Murray's barracks. We met in the alley about eight or
nine soldiers, some of whom were armed with drawn swords and
cutlasses, one had a tongs, another a shovel, with which they as-
saulted us, and gave us a great deal of abusive language. We then
drove them back to the barracks with sticks only; wc look I foi
stones or bricks but could find none, the ground being covered with
snow. Some of the lads dispersed, and myself with a few others
were returning peaceably home, when we met about nine or tin
other soldiers armed with a naked cutlass in one hand and a stick or
bludgeon in the other. One of thorn said, il Where are the sons oi
bitch.s ?" They struck at several persons in the street, and went
towards the head of the alley. Two officers came and endeavored
to get them into the barracks. One of the lads proposed to ring
the bell. The soldiers went through the alley, and the boys huz-
zaed and said they were gone through Royal Exchange lane into King
street. Myself and some of the boys then went into King strci t. 1 saw
two or three snow balls strike the side of the Custom House, near
which a sentinel stood. Tho BCntincl kept the boys oil" with his
bayonet charged breast high, which he frequently pushed at them.
1 then saw eight or nine soldiers with a leader come from the main
guard towards the Custom House, where they drew up, three facing
up the street and three fronting the street. They kept continually
striking and pushing with their bayonets at the people who press
A.PPENDIX 55
towards them, without offering any insult as I saw. I then went
down Royal Exchange tano. When I was in tlic middle of the lane
1 heard the discharge of a gun, which was immediately followed by
about BOYCn others. And further saith uot.
his
Robert -\- Polllv,
Attest. W'.m. Palfrey. mark.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 17, 1770. Robert Policy, above-
named, after duo examination, made oath to the truth of
the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, Hi. Dana, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
JOHN Him., Justice Peace.
(No. 35.)
Samuel Atwood, of Wcl fleet, of lawful age, testifies and says,
that a few minutes after nine of the clock on Monday ovening last,
lying on board a vessel in the town dock, he heard a noise and dis-
turbance at the upper end of Dock Square, and going up he fouud
the soldiers and inhabitants engaged in the narrow passes round
Murray's barracks so called ; the latter being mostly boys unarmed,
dispersed, on which ten or twelve soldiers armed with drawn cut-
lasses, clubs, and bayonets bolted out of the alky into the square
aud met the deponent, who a>ked them if they intended to murder
people? They answered, "Yes, by God, root and branch/' say-
ing, " here is one of them ;'' with that one of them struck the de-
ponent with a club, which was repeated by another : the deponent
being unarmed turned to go oft', and he received a wound on the
left shoulder, which reached the bone, disabled him, and gave him
much pain. Having gone a few steps, the deponent met two offi-
cers, and asked them, gentlemen, what is the matter: They an-
swered, '• You will see by ami by ;" and as he passed by Colonel
Jackson's, he heard the cry, kk Turn out the guards."
S .Mui.i. Atwood.
Suffolk, ss. March lo, 1770. The above-named, Samuel At-
wood, appeared before us. two of his Majesty's Justices of
the Peace for the said county of Suffolk, and being care-
fully examined, and duly cautioned to declare the whole
truth, made oath to the truth of the above testimony by
him subscribed, taken to perpetuate the rcmembraucc
of the thing.
Before, Ki. Dana, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Justice Peace.
(No. 36.)
Captain James Kirkwood, of lawful age, testifies aud says, that
about nine of the clock in the evening vi the fifth day ot March
56 APPENDIX,
curnnt, he was going by Murray's barracks, hearing a noise, stopped
at Mr. Rhoads's door, opposite to said barracks, where said Rhoads
was Standing, and stood some time aud saw the soldiers comiug out
of the yard from the barracks, armed with cutlasses and bayonets,
aud rushing through Boylston's alley into Cornhill. Two officers,
viz., Lieuts. Minchin and Dickson, came out of the mess house and
said to the soldiers, my lads come into the barrack and don't hurt
the inhabitants, and then retired into the muss-house. Soon after
they came to the door again, and t'ouud the soldiers in the yard ;
and directly upon it, Ensign Mall came to the gate of the barrack
yard, and ftaid to the soldiers, " Turn out, and 1 will stand by you !"
This he repeated frequently, adding, "Kill them! stick them!
knock them down, run your bayonets through them," with a great
deal of language of like import. Upon which a great number of
soldiers came out of the barracks, with naked cutlasses, headed by
said Mall, and went through the aforesaid alley, some oQicers came
and got the soldiers into their barracks; and that Mall, with his
SWOrd or cutlass drawn in bis hand, as often had them out again ;
but they were at last drove into their barracks by the aforesaid
Minchin and Dickson. J AMES Kiukwood.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 21, 1770. James k'irkwood, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid allidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Justice Peace.
(No. 37.)
Matthias King, of Halifax, in Nova Scotia, of lawful age, testi-
fies aud says, that in the evening of the fifth day of March instant,
about nine of the clock, he was at his lodgings at Mrs. Torrcy's,
near the town pump, and heard the bells ring and the cry of fire ;
upon which he went to the door, and saw several soldiers coming
round the south side of the towu house armed with bayonets, and
something which he took to be broad-swords ; that one of those peo-
ple came up almost to him and Mr. Bartholomew Kueeland ; and
they had but just time to shut the door upou him, otherwise he is
well assured'they must have fell victims to their boundless cruelty:
lie afterwards went into the upper chamber of the said house, and
was looking out of the wiudow when the drum and the guard went
to the barrack ; aud he saw one of the guards kneel and present his
piece with a bayonet fixed, and heard him swarc he would fire upou
a parcel of boys who were then iu the street, but he did not. He
further declares, that when the body of troops was drawn up before
the guard-house (which was presently after the massacre), he heard
an officer .-ay to another, that this was fine work, aud just what he
wanted ; but iu the hurry he could not see him, so as to know him
agaiu. M.v miiAS King.
APPENDIX. 57
Suffolk, bs. Boston, March 17, 1770. Matthias King, above
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
of the thing.
Before, Re. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just, of Peace.
(No. 38.)
Bartholomew Broaders, of lawful ago, testifies and says, that on
Sunday evening, being the 4th instant, preceding the massacre, he
wmt up to see Patrick Dines, a soldier of the 29th regiment, who
worked with Mr. Piemont, and in Dawson's room heard Sergeant
Daniels say, that the oflieers said, since patience would not do, force
must. And that the soldiers must not bear the affronts of the in-
habitants any longer, but resent them, and make them know their
distance; and further, that the inhabitants would never be easy,
and that he should desirC to make the plumbs ily about their ear-,
and set the town on lire round them, and then they would know who
and who were of a side — said Daniels asked Edward Garrick, fcllow-
apprentiec to the deponent, if he knew where he could get a stick
that would bear a good stroke r Garrick replied, you must look for
one. And the deponent further saith, that about eight o'clock ou
Monday evening, he went down King street, and met twelve of the
towns people with clubs, who said that they had been attacked by
the soldiers ; that he followed the towns people to the conduit, and
then returned home. Soon after Mr. Green's maid and his daughter
called him out of the shop, and asked him to go to the apothecaries ;
and then they with the deponent returned to the custom-house ; iu
going he met his fellow-apprentice, and they went and Mood upou
the Custom-house steps, and Mr. Hammond Green came out, say-
ing, come in girls ; then the deponent and his fellow-apprentice, by
the maid's invitation, went iu also. Soon after Sawny Irving, so
called, came in as he thought without a hat, seemed a little angry,
and he thinks asked for a candle, (the maid lias since told him he
did ask for one), then he went through the room along with Hammond
Green, the latter returned into the kitchen, theu he left the house
and went home; after which the deponent came down King street,
and went through Quaker lane, and coming up the laue again, saw
the sentinel at the Custom -house have his post and come into the
middle of the street, aud said to the deponent's fellow-apprentice,
— who he thought had said something of an officer's not paying his
debts — let me see your face ; the boy answered, 1 am not ashamed
to show my face ; immediately upon which the sentinel fetched a
sweeping stroke with his gun, upon the side of his head, which
made li tin reel and stagger about, and cry much. The deponent
asked what he was struck for ; he answered for nothing, he then
asked the seutiucl what he meant by thus abusing the people. He
replied, danm your blood, if you do not get out of the way, 1 will
58 APPENMX.
give you something ; he then fixed bis bayonet, and pnshodat them,
and tin y both run. Then one Richard Ward, another fellow-ap-
prentice, aakcd the one struck, what it was for, and endeavored
to get bis Btick to strike the sentinel, but bo told him not to, and
came away ; then he heard % buzza or two, and as he got up
Silsby's alloy, up came a number of grenadiers, as he thought
about ten, with clubs, cutlasses, and bayonets, crying out, where
arc the damned Yankees. 1 lu replied, what is the matter, they
answered, wo will let you know, lie then run into his master's en-
try, and as running in, saw near twenty other soldiers with bayo-
nets, &c. flourishing, coming from the guardhouse as bethought;
immediately after, he heard the bells ring, and then as he took it,
the tame party with a Bcrgeant at their head, tame running by,
knocking down and slashing all the towns people they met with ;
then he beard people who were running, ask where the tire was. He
told them it was no tire, but the soldier's near Justiec Quineey's
were fighting with the inhabitants. He then went towards Justice
Quineey's, and found the soldiers had retired to their barracks,
when three cheers were given by the inhabitants, lie then went
down to King street, and heard the people talking of the abuse bis
fullow-appreuticcs had received from the sentinel, but saw no insult
0 lie red the sentinel, the people being in the middle of the street.
One Came up with a cane, appeared a gentleman, and .spoke to the
sentinel, and then went away ; then the sentinel went up the steps
of the eustomdiouse and pointed his gun ; some of the inhabitants
then said be is going to lire — then be took down his gun and loaded
it ; while he was loading, one Thomas Greenwood a waiter, went
into the eu?toin-house door, and it was shut immediately ; and then
Mr. Green's son, John, said the sentinel was a going to lire ; but be
saw no abuse offered him, or any danger he was in. He then went
down Koyal Exchange lane, met a number of people who were
also dispersing near Dock square. He then said to one Cox and
the people, that the soldiers were going to lire upon the inhabi-
tants at the commissioner's steps ; some of the people went up upon
this news to King street ; another man came from King street, and
said to them, come up into King street. He then went up Silsby's
alley, and when he got to Mrs. Kustis's shop, beard a guu go off,
and afterwards several others in a short space of time after one
another. Soon after he was told that three men were killed ;
then heard the bells ring, and saw the people assemble fast in
King street. The deponent further saith, that on the night above-
said, the snow was deep upon the ground, and well remembers
that when the sentry called for the main guard, there were not
above ten or twenty people in King street near the customdjou.se.
Aud further saith not.
BaRTIIOI 0MEW UnOAbEKS.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 19, 1770. Bartholomew Broaden,
above uained, after due examination, made oath to t!.
APPENDIX. 59
truth of the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate
the remembrance of the thing.
"Before, Ki. Dana, Ju^t. of Peace and of the (Quorum,
And, John lln.i., Ju.->t. Peace.
(No. 39.)
John Goddard, of Brookliue, testifies and says, as he was passing
the street on Saturday last, being the 3d instant, he stopped near
the 1 irrackfl in Water Btrect, and suld several of the barrack peo-
ple some potatoes about live o'clock in the afternoon, and found by
their discourse sonic of the soldiers had returned from a fray near
the ropcwalks, and a number of soldiers came out of the barrack.-,
he supposed about twenty, with clubs, seemingly much enraged;
an 1 i ii in a profane manner swore he would bj revenged on them,
if he fired the town. John GoODARD.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 22, 1770. John Goddard, above-
mentioned, after due examination made oath to the truth
of the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. -10.)
Daniel Calfe, of lawful age, testifies aud says, that on Saturday
evening, the :3rd instant, a camp woman, wife to James McDced, a
grenadier iu the 29th, came into Daniel Calfe's shop, father to the
deponent, and the people, talking about the affray at the ropework,
and blaming the soldiers for the part they had acted in it. The
Woman said the soldiers were iu the right, adding that before Tues-
day or Wednesday night they would wet their swords or bayonets in
New England people's blood. The deponent further says, that On
the evening of the 5th current, hearing the bells ling, which he
took for fire, he went out, and near the old south meeting house
heard the soldiers were fighting with the inhabitants in King street,
whereupon he came into King Btrect, and seeing a number of people
(about one hundred) he went up to the Custom House, where were
posted about a dozen soldiers with an officer. That this deponent
heard said officer order the soldiers to fire, and gave the second word
to fire before they fired ; and upou the officers ordering the soldiers
to tire the second time, this deponent ran oil' about thirty feet dis-
tant, when turning about, he saw one Caldwell fall, and likewise a
mulatto man. Daniel Calfe.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 21, 1770. Daniel Calfe, above
named, after due- examination, made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Ju.>t. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
Go APPENDIX.
(No. 41.)
I, Thomas Marshall, of lawful age, do testify and declare, that,
on Monday night, the 5th of March, four or five minutes after nine
o'clock, coining from Col. Jackson's house on Dock Sqnarc, to my
house in King street, next door to the Custom House, 1 saw no pi i
son in the street bu1 the sentinel at the Custom House, in perfect
peace. After l had been in my house ten or twelve minutes, being
in my shop in the front of the house, 1 heard the cry of murder at
a distance, on which I opened the door, hut saw no person in the
street ; but in half a minute I Raw several persons rushing out from
the main guard house, crying out, damn them, where are they ?
They came down as far as the corner of Mr. Philips'* house ; 1 saw
their swords iind bayonets glitter in the moonlight, crying out as be-
fore, and by Jesus 1 t them come ; at which time I was culled into
the house by one of my family, but returned again in half a minute,
and saw ten or twelve soldiers, in a tumultuous manner, in the mid-
dle of King stnet, opposite to Royal Exchange lane, flourishing their
arms, and saying, damn them where are they, and crying fire ; the
hells then rung as for fire ; 1 was then called in airaiu for half a
minute, and returning again to the door, the inhabitants began to
collect. .Soon after a party of soldiers came down the south side of
King street and crossed over to the Custom House sentinel, and
tome d in a rank by him, nor did I see any manner of abuse offered
the sentinel, and in three minutes at the farthest they began to lire
on the inhabitants, by which several persons were killed, and several
others were wounded. Some time after this, the party marched off
very leisurely, and without molestation, and presently after the
main guard was drawn out in ranks between the guard-house and
town-house, and was joined by the piijuct in the same manner, with
fixed bayonets and muskets shouldered, except the front rank, who
stood with charged bayonets, until the Lieutenant Governor came
up. And I do further declare, as near as 1 can judge, there was not
more than 100 persons iu the street at the time the guns were dis-
charged. Tuo. Marshall.
Suffolk, S3. Boston, March 20, 1770. Thomas Marshall, Esq.,
above named, after due examination, made oath to the
truth of the afore-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate
the remembrance of the thing.
Before, lit. Dana, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
Sam. Pemberton, Just. Peace.
(No. 42.)
I, John Leach, jun., of lawful age, do testify and say, that on
Monday night, between the hours of nine and ten in the evening of
the 5th instant, three youths and myself were passing through the
alley leading from Justice Quincey's to Murray's barracks (so
called); when we had got about half way through the alley a soldier
of the 29th regiment with a dirty looking man overtook us, the
A.PPEXDIX 61
soldier being armed with a cutlass or sword, an<l the man with a
Bhort thick club, and rushing through us, one of the youths asked
what the matter was ; by that the man that had the club Btruck one
of the youths on the shoulder; another of the youths asked him
what he meant, by that the soldier came up and struck the youth
with hi< sword or cutlass on his arm, which did him considerable
damage ; then we all ran up the alley and asked I'm assistance, when
soon came up some more soldiers out of their barracks through tin-
alley armed with cutlasses, swords, Bhovels, ami longs, cutting ami
slashing, that we were obliged to run up the alley and stand at the
head of the alley and keep them in as long as we could ; hut there
were so many that we were obliged to run ; Lut they immediately
made after us and knocked several of us dowu, myself for one.
Some time after two officers of the 29th rcgimcul came up the alley
and drove the soldiers home to their barracks, and then the ] pie
chiefly dispersed, myself for one ; as I was going down Dock square to
go home 1 heard a number of people hallow, Run up K iug street, for
the soldiers are knocking people down ; after some time considering
what the matter was, 1 ran up lloyal ICxchangc alley, so called ;
when 1 had got to the head of the alley, 1 saw about eight soldiers
standing round the sentry box by the Custom-House with their guns
levelled breast high and a considerable number of people stand in
King Street; when 1 had been there about three minutes 1 heard the
word fire (but who it came from I cannot say), but nobody seemed
to mind it ; about half a minute after 1 heard the word lire again,
ind s eiie other words, but could not tell what they were ; directly
the soldier on the right hand iired, I had a blow on my back which
1 thought wasj from the butt of a gun, I was then a-goiug >;fi when
1 heard live or six guns go off which 1 took to be nothing but powder
at first, till I sec two men drop, by this the people seemed to dis-
perse, then I was going up by the Town House when 1 saw the peo-
ple bringing along two dead men, a little while after the whole of
the 2(Jth regiment drew up by the Town House, 1 stayed a little
while longer, and made the best of my way home. And further 1
say not. John Leach, Juk.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 21, 1770. John Leach, Jun., above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John Ruddoc k, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 43.)
I, the subscriber, of lawful age, testify and say, that on Monday
•veiling, the 5th instant, March 1770, being at the south part of
the town between the hours of nine and ten o'clock, 1 heard the
bells in the centre of the town ring, and lire cried, ran immediately
tor King street, where 1 suppos • 1 it was, and to ray great astonish-
62 APPENDIX.
mcnt, I saw a number of soldiers with presented bayonets, com-
manded by an officer whom 1 « 1 i « I not then know; the soldiers form-
ed a scini-circle round the sentinel box to the Custom- House 'lour
— [wont immediately up to them, and spoke to the fourth man
from the corner, who stood in the gutter, and asked him if the sol-
diers were loaded, ho replied Jfes ! I then asked (addressing myself
to the whole), if they intended to lire, was answered positively, V. b,
by the Internal Cod. 1 tlicn looked round to see what numb t of
inhabitants were in the street, and computed them to bo about fifty,
who were then going off as East as possible ; at the name time 1 ob-
served a tall man standing on my left-hand, who seemed not appre-
hensive of the danger he was in, and before 1 had time to speak to
him, 1 heard the word " Fire!1' and immediately the report follow-
ed, the man on my left hand dropped, 1 asked him if he was hurt,
but received no answer, 1 then stooped down and .saw him gasping
and struggling with death. 1 then saw another man laying dead ou
my ri.'ht hand, but further advanced up the street. 1 theu saw the
soldiers loading again, and I ran up the street to get some assistance
to carry oft" the dead and wounded. Doctor Jos. Gardner, and
David Bradley, came down with me to the corpses, and as we were
stooping to take them up, the soldiers presented at us again ; 1 then
saw an officer passing busily behind them. We carried oil" the dead
without regarding the soldiers. 1 then saw an officer pass before
the soldi' is and hove up their arms, and said stop firing, don't lire
any more, upon which they shouldered. I then went close up to
theiu, aud addressing myself to the whole, told them 1 came to see
some faces that 1 might be able to swear to another day — Capt.
Preston, who was the oftieer, turned round and answered (in a mel-
ancholy tone), "perhaps you may.-' After taking a view of each
man's face 1 left them. They soon after ran up to the main guard-
house. 1 have nothing farther to say. Ilt.vi. {U una k, Jin.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 20, 177U. benjamin Burdiek, Jun.,
above-named, after due examination, made oath to the
truth of the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the re-
membrance of the thing.
Before, John Kuddoi. k, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
Aud, John Hill, Justice Peace.
(No. 44.)
1, Charles Hobby, of lawful age-, testify and say, that on Monday
evening the 5th instant, between the hours of nine and ten o'clock,
being in my master's house, was alarmed with the cry of Are. I ran
down as far as the town-bouse, and then heard that the soldiers aud
the inhabitants were fighting in the alley by Dr. Cooper's me. ting-
house. 1 went through the alley, 1 there saw a number of soldiers
about the barracks, some with muskets, others without. I saw a
number of officers at the door of the mess-house, almost fronting the
alley, and sonic of the inhabitauts iutieating the officers to com-
APPENDIX. i, i
maud the Boldiors to bo peaceable and rotho to their barracks. One
of the officers, \i/.., Lieut. Mincbin, replied, that the soldiers had
been abused lately by tlie inhabitants, and that if tlie inhabitants
would disperse, the Boldiers should follow their example. Captain
Goldfinch was among the rest of the officers in or about the steps of
the mess-house door, but did not command tlie Boldiers. I then
Left them and wen! to King street. 1 then saw a party of soldiers
loading their muskets about the Custom-houso door, after which
they all shouldered. 1 heard some of the inhabitants cry out,
" heave no snow balls ;" others cried " they dare not lire." Capt.
Pre ton was then standing by the soldiers, when a snow ball .struck
a grenadier, who immediately Crcd, Capt. Preston standing close by
bim. The Captain then spoke distinctly, " Fire, Fire !" 1 was
then within four feet of Capt. Preston, and know bim well ; the sol-
diers fired as fast as they could one after another. 1 .saw the mu-
latto fall, and Mr. Samuel Gray went to Ionic at him, one of the
soldiers, at the distance of about four or five yard-, pointed bis piece
directly for tli \ said Cray', head and fired. Mr. Cray, after strug-
gling, turned himself right round upon his heel and fell doad. Capt.
Preston some time after ordered them to march to the guard buns.:.
I then took up a round hat and followed the people that carried lain
dowu to a house near the post-office. And further saith not.
Charles Hobby.
Suffolk, BS. Boston, March 20, 1770. Charles Hobby, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the atbre.-aid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
Belcher Noyes, Justice of Peace.
(No. 15.)
I, William Taut, of lawful ago, testify and say, that on Monday
5th instant, being then in a house on the Long Wharf, bearing a
bell ring, imagined it was for fire : whereupon 1 run up King street,
and inquiring the cause, was informed, that there had been a num-
ber of the inhabitants of the town insulted by the s .Lliers in different
places. As 1 got abreast of Quaker lane, 1 met a number of per-
sons, to the amount of thirty or forty, mostly boys and youngsters,
who assembled in King street, before the Custom-house, and gave three
cheers, and some of them being near the sentry, at the Custom-house
door, damned him, and bid him fire and be damned ; and some .-now
balls were throwed, or other things: whorcup in the sentry stepped
on the steps of the Custom-house door, and 1 iaded his piece, and
struck the butt of it against the steps, presented it at the people
several times : at length the people drawing n -arer to bim, he
knocked at the Custom-house door, and I saw it opened about half-
way- In the space of six or seven minutes, 1 saw a party of soldiers
come from the main guard, and draw themselves up in a line from
til APPENDIX.
the corner of the Custom-house i i the .- ntry-box; the ]>oo|.l< '-till
continued in the street, crying, "Fire, fire, and be damned," and hove
some more snow balls ; whereupon 1 beard a musket go off, and in
tin- space of two or three Bcconds, I heard the word fire given, but
by whom I know not, and instantly the soldiers fired one after an-
other. I then stood between the sentry-box and the Custom-house
door. And further 1 know not. William Tant.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 20, 1770. William Tant, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to ill • truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, Jons lit ddo< k, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
Belch eu Novas, Justice o' Peace.
(No. 46.)
I, Thomas Cain, of lawful age, testify and say, that on Monday,
the 5th instant, being in a house on the long wharf, I heard a bell
ring, which I imagined was for nine o'clock, but being informed by
a person in my company that it was twelve minutes pa-t that hour
by bis watch, 1 then concluded the bill rung for (ire, so I ran up
King street, in company with Mr. William Taut, and asking a few
people whom 1 met the cause of the lull's ringing, was answered the
soldiers had insulted some of the town's people by the ropcwalks
I then went down Quaker, lane as far as Justice Dana's bouse, where
1 met a number of people coming up, and asked them if there bad
been any disturbanee at or near the ropcwalks ? They answered
me, that there had been several people insulted and knocked down
by the soldiers in different parts of the town. 1 then came up int..
King street, where they assembled together below the town house
(to the best of my knowledge), between thirty and forty persons,
mostly youngsters or boys, and when there they gave three eh.', is,
and asked where the soldiers were (1 imagine tiny meant them that
had insulted them) ; some of the people assembled bciug near the
sentry at the Custom House door, damn'd him, and 1 saw some
snowballs or other things throwed that way, whereupon the sentry
stepped on the steps at the Custom House door and loaded his piece,
and when loaded struck the butt of his firelock against the steps
three or four times, in the interim the people assembled, continuing
crying " Fire, fire, and be damned," and some of them drawing near
to him he knocked at the Custom House door very hard, whereupon
the door was opened about halfway, and I saw a person come out,
which 1 imagined to be a servant without a hat, his hair tied and
hung down loose.
In the space of about five minutes, to the beat of my remem-
brance, I perceived a party of soldiers come from the main-guard
directly through the concourse of people that was then in King
otreet, with their muskets and fixed bayonets, pushing to and fro.
saying, " Make way ;" when they had got abreast of "the Custom
APPENDIX C.r>
house tln'y drew up in a lino from the corner of Royal Exchange
lane to the Bcntry box m t the Custom-house door, and being in that
position for the space of five or >i:i minutes, with their muskets
levelled breast high and pointed at the people that was still in the
struct, huzzaing, &c, and orying fire, as before, and sunn: more
snowball-, or other things being hove, 1 heard and .-aw the flash of a
gnu that went off near the corner of the afore-mentioned lane, and
in tlic space of two seconds 1 heard the word " b^ire" given, but by
whom I cannot ascertain, but the soldiers fired regularly one after
another, and when discharged, loaded again ; I then BtOod behind
the sentry box, between the soldier next it aud the Custom-house.
Thomas Cain.
Suifolk, ss. Boston, March 20, 1770. Thomas Cain, after due
examination, made oath to the truth of the aforesaid affida-
vit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
Belcher Noyes, Just, of Peace.
(No. 47.)
I, Peter Cunningham, of lawful age, testify, that on Monday
evening, the 5th current, on the cry of fire, a few minutes after ',>
o'clock, coming into King street, I saw Capt. Preston standing be-
fore the door where the main-guard was kept, and heard him say,
"Turn out the guard!" Then 1 passed down King street, and
saw the sentry at the Custom-house with his bayonet charged,
dodging it about as if pushing at the boys, who seemed to be laugh-
ing at him, and none of them within twelve or fifteen feet of him.
In a few minutes after, Captain Preston arrived with a party of
soldiers, perhaps seveu or eight, and took post between the Custom-
house door and the west corner of said house, round the sentry box.
As soon as they had taken their post, they began to push their
bayonets at the people, though none seemed to oiler them any of-
fence. The captain quickly commanded them to prime and load,
which being effected, they began to push as before. The captain
came before them and put his arm under three or four of their pieces,
and putting them into an upright posture, then retired from my
sight ; and presently they again levelled and the firing began, and
proceeded till ten or eleven pieces were discharged. On the people's
scattering a little, 1 saw two men near me lay dead un the street, and
observed the soldiers to load again, and moved off. And further 1
say not. Petes Cunningham.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 20, 1770. Peter Cunningham, above-
named, after due examination] made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit. Taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Justice of Peace and Quorum,
John Hill, Justice Peace.
6G APPENDIX.
(No. 48.)
I, Samuel Condon, of lawful age, testify and say, that on tbo aighl
of tin.- .r>th instant March, being on the long wharf, between the
hours of 9 and 10 o'clock, and hearing the bells ring ns for fire, 1
ran up King street; on my coming nigh the town-house 1 saw a
number of people, about thirty or forty, chiefly consisting of boys
ami lads, who proceeded down said Btrcct opposite the Custom-
house; the sentinel on their approach placed himself on the Cus
tom-houso steps, and charged his musket and presented the Bame
against the body of the people who offered him no insult or violence ;
in a. few minutes after, a party came down from the main guard, con-
sisting of about eight soldii rs with their guns and bayonets in a
charged position, headed by an officer, and posted themselves by the
west comer of the Custom-house, round tin: sentry fox in a half
circle ; at this time 1 stood near the door of the Royal Exchange
tavern, but apprehending danger as the soldiers stood with their
muskets ami bayonets in a charged or presented position, moved
from thence down said Royal Exchange lane, and stood nigh the west
end <>f the. Custom-house ; duriug this interim I saw no violence
offered the soldiers ; in a few minutes after having placed myself as
aforesaid, a musket was tired by the soldier whostood n< xt tin: c »i ocr,
in a fw seconds after another was fired, and so in succ —inn till the
ivholc was discharged, to the number of eight or thereabouts ; while
the muskets were discharging 1 walked down the lane, and when the
firing Ceased 1 turned and went up to the head of the Ian.) when 1
saw the people carrying oil' one dead person, and two more laying
lifeless on the ground about two muskets' length from the said sol-
diers, inhumanly murdered by them, the blood then running from
them in abundance ; a person asked the soldier who fired first, the
reason for his so doing, the soldier answered, " Damn your bloods,
you boogcrs, I would kill a thousand of you !" the soldiers were
then charging their muskets again in order for a second discharge
in case any insult had been offered theiu. Samuel Condon.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 20, 1770. Samuel Coudon, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, takcu to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John Kl ODO( k, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, JoilN llu.i., Just. Peace.
(No. -19.)
Ebenezcr Hinckley, of Boston, of lawful age, declares, that on
Monday evening the oth of March current, that being at home in
hifl house, he heard the bells ring, and came out, ami came through
Cornhill street, to the corner of King etrcct, near tbo main-guard
house ; immediately as he turned the comer, he saw a party of
soldiers come oat of the maiu-guard house, and he the deponent
then saw an officer, as In thought, look out of the chamber window,
APPENDIX. 67
and call to them, and said " Fire npon them, damn them, fire upon
them." The deponent thru followed them, viz., the said part) of
Boldiers, tu the place where they were post d, being I elbre the sen-
try box in a half circle, near tho Custom-house ; they reaching f< r-
ward pushing their bayonets, and endeavoring to stab people, pro-
voked a f w boys to throw two or throe snow-balls, and challenged
them to fire. In ahouta minute after, the deponent heard the word
" Fire," and then saw a Btick thrown wliieh hit a soldier's gun,
whereupon the corner soldier fned, and tho rest followed in the fir-
ing— when the firing was, the deponent verily belie \ is there ivasnot
more than fifty or sixty persons in that part of the street — And it
appeared to the deponent, that the Boldicrs going down to the Custom-
house in so hostile a manner, was the oocasion of drawing the most
of those people there.— And the deponent further saith, that through
tho whole, he ; -aw not 'tie brick-bat or stone thrown, and believes
that it was naturally impossible to COUIC at any, as the snow Was
considerably deep.
Memorandum. After the party of soldiers wore got to their
place, he saw Capt. I'reston who commanded th Ml, whom he knew
very well. And further saith not. Eiu;ni:/i.k IIini KLEY.
Suffolk, S3. Boston, March 20, 1 77u. £bcnczcr Hinckley,
above-named, after due examination, made oath to the
truth of the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate tho re-
membrance of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Ju.st. of Peace aud of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 50.)
Francis Arehbald, jun., of lawful age, testifies and saith, that ou
Monday evening, the fifth of March instant, at about ten minutes
pa.-t nine of the clock of said evening, as he was going through the
alley that leads from Cornhill to Brattle street (so called), with
several others with him, he saw a soldier with a cutlass, flourishing
it about in said alley, and a mean-looking fellow with him, with a
club iu his hand ; then the deponent heard .somebody outside of the
alley speak to the said soldier, and told him to put up his cutlass,
for it was not clever to carry such a weapon in the night without it
was in the scabbard ; whereupon said soldier came up to him the
deponent, With his cutlass pointing towards his breast, and daiun'd
him, aud asked him what lie had to say against it ; whereupon the
deponent told him to stand oft'. The said soldier then went up to ouc
of the lads that was with him and struck him (as the depou at thought),
the deponent then went out of said alley ami hollowed to some lads who
were standing mar the Town House ; when they came to depoueut's
assistance, they made said soldiers retire through said alley to the
barracks ; in about five or BIX minutes after, about twelve' or fifteen
soldiers came out of .-aid barracks (as 1 heard the next Jay they
were encouraged an 1 set ou by Ensign Mall, belonging to the "Jeth
68 APPENDIX
regiment), with cutlasses, tones, and club.-', and cam'- up to them
and damned them, and .said, " Where i- the Yankee boogers ?"
when tli' y began to strike the people in the strc t with said weap-
ons. And as the <1 pouent was standing with Mr. John Hicks, one
of the soldiers came up with a pair of tongs, and just going to make
a stroke at said deponent, said Hicks knocked him down, whereupon
the deponent, when said Boldicr lM np, knocked him down again
aud broke his wrist (as he was informed afterwards), then the de-
ponent was going home to the south end. Just as he got to the
Town House he looked down King Btroct and saw about fifty or
>i-vty people standing in the middle of said Btroct, opposite the Cus-
tom-house, thou the deponent went down to see what was the mat-
ter. When he got down said street he saw a party of soldiers com-
ing from the main-guard (amongst which was one Matthew Kilroy,
of the 29th regiment), going to the sentinel that was standing at
the Custom-house. Then the deponent went over to the side of
the way and there stood about two minutes, when he saw the flash,
and heard the report of a gun that was fired from said sentinel's
I rst, and six or seven fired directly afterwards. Then the deponent
saw three men lying near said sentinel's post, dead. And the depo-
nent further adds, that at the time of his standi ug there as aforesaid,
he saw nobody molest or trouble said sentinel or party of soldiers
(as aforesaid) in any shape whatever. And further the deponent
saith not. Francis AaciiUALn, Jin.
Suffolk, as. Boston, March 17. 1770. Francis Archbald, Jun.,
above-named, after due examination, made oath to the
truth of the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate
the remembrance of the thing.
Before, Hi. Dana, Just, of Peace aud of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just, of Peace.
(No. 51.)
I, Nathaniel Fosdick, of lawful age, testify and say, that on the
night of the fifth instant, betwixt the hours of nine and ten
o'clock, being in my house with my family, hearing the bells ring
for lire ran out to assist the inhabitants, rau towards the north ; when
1 came to the Town House. 1 see the people running down King
street, 1 followed ; when I came by the guard house 1 see some sol-
diers come out and fix their bayonets ; 1 ran to know where the fire
was ; after 1 had gut into King Street 1 mad-: a halt, as 1 stopped 1
was pushed behind, 1 tinned round and saw some soldiers with their
bayonets charged, which came against me. 1 a^ked them if this was
the fire that is cried .; Thy made no answer. 1 asked them what
tbey meant by coming on me in that manner .: Their answer was,
'l Damn you, stand out of our way." 1 told them I would not move
for no man under the heavens. 1 offended no one. Therefore the)
I me, some on my right and some on my left. I followed be-
hind them ; they went to theseutry box and faced round, and formed
APPENDIX. HO
in a half circle. I saw a number of people near the middle of King
street, about twenty yards from the sentry box. 1 spoke out, and
desired that no disturbance might be betwixt the inhabitant! and the
soldiers, for if the BoldicrB were in fault, there was their officer,
which 1 looked upon to bo the officer of the day, and he could settle
the affair in one minute ; then 1 spake to two men to speak to the
officer ; then 1 see two or three advance towards the officer. 1 heard
some words pass, what they were I know not ; 1 turned round and
Bpake to the people to step off and let them that went to the
officer settle the dispute ; the people Standing still, I turned to-
wards the officer and see him fall into the regular circle, then I
heard the word "Fire!" On my left one gun was fired off by a
soldier on their right. Upon which 1 rushed in; then seeing the
first soldier that fired run at some persons and fall upon the ground,
I hollowed to take his gun from him, then 1 received three pushes
by their bayonets, two in my left arm and one in my breast; that
at my breast 1 struck off with a stick, and the gun went off instant-
ly. Then 1 drew back, and finding one dead, as 1 thought, on my
left and one on my right, 1 then run over to Quaker lane, where I
saw a number of people, 1 desired them to step out and keep the
soldiers from getting off; from thence 1 went over to the other tide
the street, to the lane near the town watch-house, where 1 desired
the people to step out, and not to let the soldiers get off, for 1 would
■j:o home and get my gun aud bring a party against them, which 1
did, but meeting some of the inhabitants returning, they told me the
soldiers were gone oil' and affairs would be settled to-morrow, on
that 1 went home. Natii. Fosdick.
.Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 17, 1770. Nath. Fosdick, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
braucc of the thing.
Before, Ri. Dana, just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
Sam. PiiMUERTON*. Just, of Peace.
(No. 52.)
Joseph Hooton, Jr., of lawful age, testilies and says, that coining
from the south end ui Boston, on Monday evening the fifth instant,
against the old south meeting house, he heard a great noise and tu-
mult, with the cry of murder often repeated. Proceeding towards
the town-house the deponent passed by several Boldicrs running that
way, with naked cutlasses and bayonets in their hands. The de-
ponent asked one of them what was the matter, and was answered
by him, " By God, you shall all know what is the matter soon !"
Between nine and ten o'clock the deponent came into King street,
and stood about the middle of the street, or nearer tho Custom-
house, in the direction of Quaker and Royal Exchange lanes, and
saw about eight or ten soldiers drawn up near the Custom-h lUSC,
and au officer, which he siuee uudcrstauds was Capt. Preston, be-
70 APPENDIX.
twoen the soldiers and tho Custom-liouso. There was inucIinoi.se
and huzzaing among the boys and people, and some of the boys the
deponent observed drew near to the Boldicrs. In this hurry and
confusion, the deponent heard many ask each other whether they
thought they would lire.- and it was generally concluded they would
not. l!ut in about Cue minutes after the d iponcnt first stood there,
be heard the officer give the word "fire ;" they n/t then firing, lie
again said " fire," which they still disobeying, lie said with a much
higher voice, ** Damn you, fire, bo the consequence what it will!"
Soon after this one of the puns went off — iu a f< i , another,
and n) on, till six or seven were discharged. .Near the deponent's
left baud, dropt :i man, which he since learns was Mr. James Cald-
wcll, uu which he left the place. And further saitb not.
.1 -.111 IIooton, Jit.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 15,1770. The said Joseph Hooton,
Jr., personally appearing, luaketh solemn oath to the truth
of the fore-written deposition, by him subscribed.
Before me, Kd.m. Quikcy, Just. Pacis.
(No. 53.)
I, Richard Palmes, of Boston, of lawful a » . t jtify and .-ay, that
between the hours of nine and ten o'clock of the fifth instant, 1
beard one of the bells ring, which 1 supposed was occasioned by
fire, and enquiring where the fir.1 was, was answered that the soldiers
were abusing the inhabitants; 1 asked where, was first answered at
Murray's banaebs. 1 went there and spoke to some officers that
woe standing at the door, 1 told them I was surprised they - ifl I
the Boldiers t . go out of the barracks after eight o'clock ; 1 was an-
Bwcrcd by one of the officers, pray do you mean to teach- us our
duty ; I answered 1 did not, only to remind them of it. erne of
them then said, you see that the soldiers are all iu their barracks,
and why do you not go to your homes. Mr. James Lamb and J
said, Gcntleini n, let us go home, and were answered by some, home,
borne. Accordingly I asked Mr. William llickling if he was
home, be said lie was ; 1 walked with him as far as the post-office,
upon my stopping to talk with two or three people, .Mr. Hicklinv
left me ; 1 then saw .Mr Pool Spear going towards the town house",
be asked me if I was going hone, I told him 1 was; 1 asked him
where ho was going that way, he' ,-.ii 1 be was going to bis brother
David's. Hut when 1 got to th • town-pump, we were told tie re was
a rumpus at the Custom-house door ; Mr. Spear said to mo you bad
better not go, 1 told him 1 would go and try to make peace. I im-
mediately went there and saw Uapt. Preston at the head of >ix or
eight soldiers in a circular form, with guns breast high and bayonets
fixed; the said Captain stood almost to the cud of their guns. 1
went immediately to Capt. Preston (as soon as Mr. Bliss had left
him), and asked him if their guus were loaded, his answer was thej
are load< d with powder and ball ; 1 then sai 1 to him, I hope you do
APPENDIX. 71
not intend they shall fire upon the inhabitants, hi- reply was, by no
means. Wbcu 1 was asking bim tbesc questions, my left hand was
on his right shoulder; Mr. John Hickliug liad tbat instaut taken Lis
band off my shoulder, and stepped i > my left, then instantly I saw a
piece of snow or ice fall among the soldiers, on which the sol lier at
the officer's right hand stepped back aud discharged Lin guu, ;it the
space of some s conds the Boldier at his left fired next, and the
others one after the other. Alt r the first gun was fired, 1 beard
the word " fire," but who said it 1 knou not. After the first gun
was lircd, the said oflicer bad Full time to forbid the other soldiers
not to fire, but 1 did not hear bim speak to them at all; then turning
mys It to the Left I saw one man dead, distant about six feet ; 1 having
a stick in my baud made a stroke at tbo Boldier who fired, and struck
the gun out of his hand. 1 then mad: a stroke at the oflicer, my
rigbt foot slipped, that brought mo on my knee, tbo blow falling
short; be snys 1 bit bis arm ; when I was recovering myself from
the fall, 1 saw tbo soldier that tired the Gist gun endeavoring to push
me through with bis bayonet, on which I threw my stick at hi* head,
the soldier starting had;, gave me an opportunity to jump from bim
into Exchange lane, or I must been inevitably run through my body.
1 looked back and saw three persons laying on the ground, and per-
ceiving a soldier stepping round the comer as 1 thought to shoot mc,
1 ran down Excbaugc lane, and so up the next into King Street, and
followed Mr. Gridloy with several other persons with the body of
Capt. Morton's apprentice, up to the prison bouse, and saw be had
a ball shot through his breast , at my re: urn 1 found tbat the officer*
and soldiers were gone to the main guanl. To my best observation
there were not seventy people in King street at the time of their
firing, and them very scattering ; but in a few minutes after the
firing there were upwards of a thousand. Finding the soldiers were
gone I went up to the main-guard, aud 6aw there the soldiers were
formed into three divisions, the front division in the posture of pla-
toon tiring, and 1 expected they would lire. Hearing that his Honor
the Lieutenant-Governor was going to tbo Council chamber, 1 went
there ; his Honor looking out of the door desired the people to bear
bim speak, be desired them to go home and be would enquire into
the affair in the morning, and tbat the law should take its course,
and said, 1 will live and die by the law. A gentleman desired bis
Honor to order the soldiers to their barracks, be answered it was not
in his power, aud that he had no command over the troops, and that
it lay with Col. Dalrymplc and not with bim, but that be would send
for bim, which after some time ho did ; upon that a gentleman de-
sired bis Honor to look out of the window facing the main-guard, to
see the position the soldiers were in, ready to lire on the inhabitant;,
which he did after a good deal of persuasion, and called for Col.
Can ami desired him to order the troops to their barracks in the
same order they were in ; accordingly they wcrcordi red to .-boulder
their guns, and were marched off by some officers. And farther
saith not. Rich. I'm mes.
72 APPENDIX.
Suffolk, bs. Boston, March 17, 1770. Richard Palmes, abovc-
nained, after due examination, made oath to tlie truth of
the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
of the thing.
Before, Hi. Dana, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Justice Peace.
(No. 54.)
1, William Wyat, of Salem, coaster, testify and say, that last
Monday evening, being the fifth day of March current, 1 was in Bos-
tun, down%t Treat's wharf, where my vessel was lying, and hearing
the bells ring, supposed there was a fire in the town, whereupon I
hasl n d up to the Town-houso,on the south side of it, where 1 saw an
officer of the army lead out of the guard-house there seven or eight
soldiers of the army, and lead them down in SRCUling ha.^te, to the
Custom-house on the north side of King street, where 1 followed
them, and when the officer had got there with the men, he bid them
face about. I stood just below them on the left wing, and the said
officer ordered his men to load, which they did accordingly, with the
utmost dispatch, then they remained about six minutes, with their
firelocks rested and bayonets fixed, hut not standing in exact order
1 observed a considerable number of young lads, and here and there
a man amongst them, about the middle of the street, facing the sol-
diers, but not within ten or twelve feet distance hum them ; I ob-
served some of them, viz., the lads, ice , had sticks in their hands,
laughing, shouting, huzzaing, and crying lire ; but could nut observe
that any of them threw anything at the soldiers, or threatened any
of them. Then the said officer retired from before the soldiers and
stepping behind them, towards the right wing, hid the soldiers
fire; they not firing, he presently again bid 'em lire, they not
yet firing, he stamped and said, " Damn your bloods, fire, he the
consequence what it will ;" then the second man on the left wing
fired oil* his gun, then, after a very short pause, they fired ouc after
another as quick as possible, beginning on the right wing ; the last
man's gun on the left wing Hashed in the pan, then he primed again,
and the people being withdrawn from before the soldiers, most of
them furthi r down the street, he turned his gun toward them and
fired upon them. Immediately after the principal filing, I saw
three of the people fall down in the street; presently after the last
gun was fired oil', the said offic r, who had commanded the soldiers
(as above) to fire, sprung before them, waving his sword or stick,
said, " Damn ye, rascals, what did ye tire for?" aud struck up the
gun of one of the soldiers who was loading again, whereupon thcy
scemed confounded aud fired no more. 1 then went up behind them
to the right wing, where one of the people was lyin ■_', to se l whether
lie was dead, where there were four or live people about him, one
nf them saying he was dead ; whereupon one of the soldiers said,
" Damn his blood, he is dead, if he ever sprawl again 1 will be
APPENDIX. 73
damned for him." And 1 remember as the said offic r was going
down with the soldiers towards the Custom-house, a genth man spoke
to him and said, " Capt Preston, for God's sake keep your men in
order, and mind what you arc about." And further 1 Bay not.
March ?, I 770. William Wi at.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 13, 177o. William Wyat, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit; taken to perpetuate the re-
membrance of the. thing.
Before, Ki. Dana, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Tudor, Justice Peace.
(No. 55.)
I, Henry Knox, of lawful age, testify and say, that between nine
and ten o'clock, P. M., the tilth instant, 1 saw the .-entry at the
Custom-house charging his musket, and a number of young persons
crossing from Royal Exchange to Quaker lane; seeing him load,
stopped and asked him what he meant ? and told others the sentry
was goiug to fire. They then huzzaed and gathered round him at
about ten feet distant. 1 then advancing, went up to him, and the
sentry snapped his piece upon them, Knox told him if he Ored he
died. The sentry answered he did not care, or words to that pur-
pose, damning them and saying, if they touched him, he would fire.
The hoys told him to fire and be damned. Immediately on this I
returned to the rest of the people and endeavored to keep every hoy
from goiug up, hut finding it ineffectual, went oil' through the crowd
and saw a detachment of about eight ur nine men and a corporal,
headed by Capt. Preston. 1 took Capt. Preston by the coat and
told him for (Jud's sake to take his men back again, for if they
fired his life must answer for the consequence ; he replied he was
sensible of it, or knew what he was about, or word- to that purpose ;
and .- seined in great haste and much agitated. While I was talking
with Capt Preston, the Boldiers of his detachment had attacked the
people with their bayuuets. There was not the least provocation
given to Capt. Preston or his party, the backs of the people being
towards them when they were attacked. During the time of the
attack 1 frequently heard the Words, l* Damn your blood," and
such like expressions. When Capt. Preston .-aw his party engaged
he directly left me and went into the crowd, and 1 departed : the
deponent further .-ays that UlC/C was nut. present in Kiug street
above seventy or eighty people at the extent, according to hid
opinion. Hexui Knox.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, .March 17, 1770. Henry Knox, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the re-
membranoe of the thing.
Before, Ki. Dana, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Justice Peace.
74 AITKNDIX.
(No. 56.)
Cdward Payne, of Boston, merchant, testifies and nays, tLat ou
the evening of the lil'tli instant, on bearing the bells ring, bo sup-
posed there was (he, but on going out be was informed there was
uot any fire, but a riot of the soldiers, and that the soldiers were
cutting down Liberty-tree. That be went into King-street, where
he met Mr. Walker the shipwright, who informed him, that the boI-
diers at Smith's barracks had sallied out upon the inhabitants, and
hod CUt and beat a number of persons, but were drove baek to their
barracks. That he (the deponent), then went to the cast end of the
Town House, where he beard the same report from divers persons.
That whilst lie stood there, a number of persons, not exceeding
twenty, some of them with sticks in their hands, came up the lane
by Sii.-by's into King .street, at whieh time there was, as near as he
cau judge, about the same number in Kiug street, when a lad came
up from the Custom-bouse, and informed the people, that the :scu-
tincl there had knocked down a lad belonging to their shop, upon
whieh the people moved that way, and surrounded the sentinel.
That this deponent then Went home, and stoud upon the sill of his
entry door, whieh is nearly opposite to the east end of the Custom-
house, where he was soon joined by -Mr. George Ucthunc, and .Mr.
Harrison Gray, that the people round the sentinel were then crying
out " b'ire, (ire, damn you, why don't you lire," soon aft r, he per-
ceived a number of soldiers coming down towards the sentinel, witb
their arms iu a horizontal posture, and their bayonets fixed, who
turned the people from before the Custom-bouse, and drew up be-
fore the door, the people, who still remained in the street and about
the soldiers," continued calling out to them to tire. In this situation
they remained some minutes, when he heard a gun snap, and pre-
sently a single gun fired and soon aft. r several others went off, one
after another, to the number of three or four, and then heard the
rammers go into the guns as though they were loading ; immediately
after whieh, three or four more went oft* in the same manner ; at
which time, a ball passed through the deponents right arm, upon
whieh be immediately retired into the bouse. That at the time of
the sentinels being surrounded, and at the time of the firing, it ap-
peared to the deponent, that there were from fifty to an hundred
persons in the street, and uot more. The deponent further saith
not. Kdward Payne.
Test. Mr. Payne subscribed his
name with bis left baud.
John Amokv.
Suffolk, ss. Bostou, March 21,1770. Edward Payne, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John liri.no. k, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just. Peace.
APPENDIX. 75
(No. 07.)
John Gammcll, of lawful ago, testifies and says, tha soon after
the bells ran" oil Mondaj oveuing the 5th rostaut, be stood by the
.Town House, ana saw a party consisting of about fifteen or sixteen
soldiers, come out of the wain guard, and a > ,j ant or corporal or-
d. red them to prime and load, which they *Ji«d« detachment
of about six men with a corporal, filed off to V\ rtliatn s court, as was
said to caU Captain Preston, and the rest, to Uie Custom-house
a few minutes after they took their post by the C ustom-house, tne
deponent went down and saw them pushing at the people with Uieir
bayonets, and telling them to stand off, or they would fire upon
them ; the people laughed at them j and told them they dared not
to fire Not long after, the deponent heard the word » Lire, and
quickly the man on the right wing fired, and successively several
more On this tW deponent walked off through Quaker lane. And
further saith not 7 ioi« Gamuell.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 17, 1770. John Gainmcll, abovo-
named, alter due examination, made oath to the truth ol
the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
of the thing.
Before Ri. Dana, Just, of Peace aud of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just, of Peace.
(No. 5S.)
I, Charlotte Bourgatc, of lawful age, an indented servant to Ed-
ward Manwaring, Esq. j being at my master's lodgings at Mr. Hud-
son's at the north end, on the night of the horrid massacre in King-
Strcct of the 5th iustant, heard the bells ring, which 1 took to be
for fire (about half an hour before the bells rung, my master, With
one Mr. Munroc, said they would go to the Custom-house and drink
a ela«s of wine) ; then 1 went out, there being nobody in the house
that 1 knew of, but Mr. Hudson and wife ; then I w. at up to the
Custom-house door and knocked, when a young man, which 1 have
since heard was named Hammond Green, let me in, and locked the
door ; wh.n 1 saw my master and Mr. Munroc come down stairs,
and eo iuto a room ; when lour or live men went up stairs, puUing
and hauling me after them, and .sdd, " My good boy, come ; • when
I was carried into the chamber, there was but one light in the room,
and that in the corner of the chamber, when 1 saw a tall man load-
i„ ., a gun (then I saw two guns in the room), my mast r not being
in the chamber, there was a number of gentlemen m the room.
After the gun was loaded, the tall man gave it to me and told me
to lire, and said he would kill me if 1 did not ; 1 told him 1 would
not He drawing a sword out of his cane, tola me, it 1 did not lire
it, he would run it through my guts. The nun putting the gun out
of the window, it being a little open, 1 fired it side way _up the
street ; the tall man then loaded the gun again. 1 heard I he balls
-o down. The man then laid it on the window again, and told me
76 APPENDIX.
to fire it. I told lt'un I would doI fire again ; he told mc again, ho
would run mo through the guta if I did not. Upon whieh I fired
the tsauiu way up the street. After I fired the second gun, I saw my
master in the room ; ho took a gun and point -'1 it out of th • window ;
I heard the gun go off. Then a t.ill man came and clapped mc on
the shoulders above aud below stairs, and said, that's my go< d b iy,
I'll give you some money to morrow. 1 said, 1 don't want any mo-
ney. There being a light in the lower room, and the door being
upon the jarr, 1 saw it was the tall man that clapped mo on the
shoulder; then the young man Hammond Green let me out of the
door, there bciug two or three people in the entry ; when I got out
of the house, 1 saw a number of people in tin' streets. And I ran
home as fust as 1 could, and sat up all night in my master's kitchen;
Ami further say, that my master licked mc the next night for telling
Mrs. VYaldrpn about his firing out of the Custom-house. Ami for
fear that I should he licked again, 1 did deny all that 1 -aid before
Justice Quincy, which 1 am wry sorry I'm-. And further 1 say not.
AttMt. LUisha Story, his
Edward Crafts. Charlotte x Bourcate,
Mark.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 2."!, 1770. Charlotte Bourgate,
above-named, after due examination, made oath to the
truth of the above affidavit, Edward Manwaring, Esq , and
John Munroc above named, were notified and present;
and interrogated the deponent. Taken to perpetuate the
remembrance of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 50.)
Gillam Bass, of lawful aire, testifies and says, that being in King
street, on Monday night, the 5th instant, after nine of the clock, he
saw about an hundred people gathered about the Custom-house, and
presently came a party of armed soldiers, with bayonets fixed from
the main guard keeping on the south side of King street, till they
came marly opposite the Customdiousc, and then passed over, driv-
ing through the people in so rough a manner, that it appeared to the
deponent that they iut siided to create a disturbance. They posted
themselves between the Custom-hous ! door and the wc^t comer of it ;
and in a few minutes begau to tire upon the people. Two or three
of the Hashes so high above the rest, that the deponent verily believes
they must have come from the Uustbm-house windows : And further
saith, that he observed no violence to the soldiers at or before the
firing, or to the Custom-house, by the people.
Gillam Bass.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 1G, 1770. Gillam Bass, above-named,
after due examination, made oath to the truth of the above
APPENDIX. 77
affidavit. Taken to perpetuate the remembrance of the
tiling.
Before, Kl. Dana, Justice of Peace, ami of the Quorum,
John Hill, Justice Peace.
(No. 60.)
Bcojamin Alline, of lawful age, testifies and Bays, that on Monday
evening, the 5th current, hearing the bells ring after nine o'clock,
he came into King street, and saw the Custom-house sentry standiug
quietly in his place. A hunt four or five minutes after, the boys in
the street came up near to him, and made a noiso, on which the
soldier returned to the Custom-house steps. The deponent ijuickly
after this saw the Custom-house door open, and the sentry turn that
way, and soon shut ogain. The sentry then faced the boys and
waved hia gun about as if to keep them off, and in a few minutes;
eight or nine soldiers came down with an officer at their head,
and placed themselves round the sentry, and in a few minutes!
after, he heard the word Fire, and they fired in succession, one
after the other. The deponent further saith, that when be first
arrived at t lie Custom-house, there did not seem to be more than 30
or -10 people round it, mostly hoys, and they offered no violence as
he observed, only making a noise and huzzaing. And further saith
not. Benjamin Alline.
Suffolk, S3. Boston, Maroh 17, 1770. Benjamin Alline, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the re-
membrance of tin; thing.
Before, Hi. Dana, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
John Mill, Just. Peace.
(No. 61.)
I, Francis Read, of lawful age, testify, that on Monday evening,
the Dth instant, hearing the bells ringing in the centre of the town,
1 came into King street and found near an hundred people, mostly
boys, standing round at about seven or eight yards distance from the
Custom-house, before which stood a soldier on sentry. In a few
minutes I saw a little man, in a grey surtout with his hair clubbed,
open the Custom-house door and go in, and quickly after the sentry
went to said door, then a little open, and seemed to speak with some-
body in the house, after which the door was shut, and the sentry
loaded his piece. In about three or four minutes I saw a party of
soldiers come down from the main guard with an officer, which were
posted in a semicircle from the door round the Bcntry-boz to the
southwest corner of the Custom-house. About five or six minutes
after they were posted, I heard the word " Fire," from among the sol-
diers, and in a little time after the soldiers, fired ; first one gun,
then another, some times two at once, till eight or t n were fired.
Casting my eyes about after the filing was over, 1 saw the smoke of
two discharges high above the rest. On this 1 left *'
not. ^ Fk •
78 APPENDIX.
Suffolk, B8. Boston, March 20, 1770. Francis Read, above-
Darned, after due examination, made oatli to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Ju.st. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, Belcher Noyes, Just. Peace.
(Xo. 62.)
I, Diinond Morton, of lawful age, testify and say, that on Monday
night the .'ih instant, between the hours of oinc aod I n 1 heard the
cry of lire by my house. Immediately 1 ran oul towards the Town-
House; when I got between the Old South Meeting and the Old-
Brick Electing, 1 met some people, they fold mc there was do lire,
but people gathered in King strict; immediately] left them and
came towards the Town-House, when I saw a number of people go
round the Brazen-head corner, some crying, they are thi> way, and I
run in amongst them, and came down before the Custom-bouse, and
there I saw a sentinel walking backwards and forwards before the
door. S i after 1 saw the sentinel retreat back upon the stone of
the Custom-house door, waving his bayonet breast high all the way.
Win n he got on the stone he drew his cartridge to load hisgun ; whilst
he h-;i- loading hisgun, 1 saw Th imas Greenwood, a waiter to the
commissioners, run out from the people where 1 was, and run b hind
the sentinel, and knock at the door of the Customs, and was boon
let in : By that time the sentinel had his gun loaded. Then the
people cried, you dare not lire ; and others said, lire and be damned :
then the boys gave two or three cheers. Upou that I saw Capt.
Preston, marching and leading down from the main guard eijrht or
tiers, with their bayonets fixed, swinging tbeir guns. When
they passed me, 1 followed them down to the Custom bouse. In
about two minutes, Capt. Preston or boihc other person ordered
them to load, which they did ; then I went towards Quaker lane,
wh< n 1 saw the Bash of a gun from the soldiers at the Custom-house,
and a man fall before me; the guns being repeatedly fired, 1 looked
round and saw two or three men lay down on the snow. When I
found there wore three d iad an 1 a Dumb r of others wounded, in about
ten or fifteen minutes afterwards, I saw the soldiers march towards
the main guard — the snow being at that time mar a foot d !Cp
And 1 further say, that I did not see any insult offered to the senti-
nel from the inhabitants; and at the time the guns were fired, there
were not above >ixty or seventy persons standing before the Custom-
house door. And further I say not. Dimond Moiiton.
Suffolk, ES. Boston, March 17, 1770. Diinond Morton, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, Ri. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
I No. 63.)
Benjamin Prise], of Pownalborough, in the County of Lincoln,
mariner, of lawful age, tcstifieth and saith, thai in the evening of
the Oth day of March cort nt, goingto Capt. Joseph Elcnshaw'a at
the Bouth part of Host on, in hi> way thither, under Liberty Tree,
exactly at eight o'clock of Baid evening, he Baw there eleven sol"
iliers, and an officer met thi tn, dressed in a blue surtout ; upon hi>
speaking to them, they appeared very submissive, the offioer
ing them to appear at their respective places at the time, and if ih -y
should BCC any of the inhabitant, of the town, or any Other pcopl
not belonging to them, with arms, chilis, or any other warlike we ipons,
more than two being assembled together, to order them t i
and ask them their business, and where they were going ; if they
refused to st >p, or tell them thcit business or separate themselves,
to stop them with thciv firelocks, and all that shall take thi ir part.
\ftcr giving thes ■ orders, the officer went off to the northward, and
the soldiers southward ; upou which the deponent proceeded about
his business as far as Wheeler's poiut, and while there, the bell rang
as usual for fire, and he with others ran to the Town-house ; two en-
gines being there drawn, the men attending, left them on the WCSt
end of the Town-house, and going with ethers into Kite.' street, were
Stopped by two sentinels of the main guard, and forbid to pa.->s ou
their peril, and said if they did, they would fire on them ; but one
man Bomewhat bolder than the rest, said as the bells rang for fire,
aud all the inhabitants of the town had good right to pa^s through
any street or lane *.>{ the town, he should pass, aud shouldering a
stick he had in his hand, went forward and was followed by I
ponent and many others into Kiug street, the deponent taking hi-
station at the west corner of th • house now called the Custom-house,
aud between the corner and the sentry-box, where standing about
two or three minutes, he saw six or seven soldiers come from the
opposite side of the street, near to the head or opening of Koyal
Exchange lane, where they halted, and some of them spoke to the
sentry at the Custom-house and faced about, in which posture they
stood about two minutes, and in that lime he heard nothing said to
them, or of then), by any of the inhabitants; but hard two or
three cheers given by the people, and two or three boatswain's calls
piped, upou the last of which the soldiers began their lire, the de-
ponent Mill standing at the corner of the Custom-house, the first
discharge being only one gun, the next of two gnus upon which the
deponeut thinks be saw a man stumble ; the third discharge wa of
three guns, upon which he thinks he saw two men fall, and imme-
diately after were discharged five guns, two of which were by sol-
diers ou bis right hand, the other three, as appeared to th.- deponent,
were discharged from the balcony or the chamber window of the
Custom-house, the flashes appearing ou the left hand and higher
than the right hand flashes appeared to be, and of which the d po-
nent was very sensible, although his eyes were much turned t ) the
soldiers who were all on his right hand; soou after this, the depo-
SO APPENDIX.
ucnt paw live men on the ground, three whereof appean d to b • dead,
and tip' other two to bo struggling ; for the Bpac • of two minutes
following all fiction ceased ; after which the general cry was, let us
pick op the dead, and Dot let the Boldicrs Lave them, and thereupon
the deponent a sisted in supporting and steadying one who was
wounded till o ohair was brought to carry him <'fl'.
15l.NJA.MIN FllTZEL.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 22, 1770. Benjamin L<Yizel, abovc-
mentioued, after due examination, made oath to the truth
of the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, ,luii.\ ItuDUOCK, Jnst. Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 64.)
Jeremiah Allen, of lawful age, testifies and says, that in the
evening of the fifth day of March current, being at about nine
o'clock in the front chamber of the house occupied by Col. Ingcrsol
in King street, he heard some guns fired, which qcca ioncd his going
into the balcony of the said house — that when he was in the said
balcony, in company with Mr. William Molinenx, Jr., and John
Simpson, ho heard the discharge of four or five guns, the flashes of
Which appeared to be to the westward of the sentry box ; and im-
mediately after, he the deponent heard two or three more guns, and
saw the flashes thereof from out of the house now ealled the Cus-
tom-house, as they evidently appeared to him, and which he the said
deponent at the same time declared to the aforesaid Molincus and
Simpson, being then mar him, saying to them, at the same time
pointing his hand towards the Custom-house, " th ire they are out
of the Custom-house." And further the deponent saith not.
Jeremiah Allen.
Suffolk, ss. The above-named Jeremiah Allen, personally ap-
pearing, and being carefully examined, and duly cautioned
to testily the whole truth, maketh solemn oath to the forc-
writtcn deposition by him subscribed, taken to perpetuate
the remembrance of the thing.
Before, Ri. Dana, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Justice Peace.
(No. 65.)
age, testifi
evening of the fifth of March current, at about nine of the clock,
he heard a bell ringing at the south part of the town, which caused
him to leave his shop to make inquiry. So. in after, he h ard that
the soldiers had rose upon the inhabitants ; but when he had got a>
far as Faneuil Hall, seeing a number of gentlemen standing to-
gether, the deponent made up to them, and asked them what the
APPENDIX. 81
disturbance was ; they answered him thai two young men had been
abused bj the soldiers— but that the soldiers had now rcturued t .
their barracks —he then procccdud with a number of others up Royal
Exchange lane; at the head of the lane Borne of the pei ons with
him cried out, hero is a soldier, and huzzaed. Immediately tb
dier who was sentry near to the box before the Custom-house, re-
paired to the Custom-house door, at which with the knocker the
soldier gave three very hard strokes — upon which some person within
sid opcucd the door and spoke to him remarkably short, and then
shut it again. The soldier then directly loaded bis gun, knocking
the breech twice hard upon the stone steps ; at the same time Bevcu
soldiers (as the deponent judges), with a commanding offio sr, came
and cited clear tho way, as he came along : then forming them Into
a half circle, ordered them to load ; the deponent then made up a>
he could to tho officer, and said, for God's eakc don't fire upon the
people ; he made him no auswer ; then turning to the inhabitants, he
the deponent expressed bimselfin the following maimer : for God's
sake don't trouble tlie.se men for they are upon dutj and will tin —
turning about to the soldiers he saw them makingup to the inhabit-
ants, with their bayonets fixed (about tell feet nil >, directing them
to Stand off, attempting to drive them away with their bayonets-
then he withdrew himself to the other side of the way, where seeing
a man attempt to throw a club, he begged that he would not, adding
that if he did the soldiers would lire, and he did not. The dcpou* at
then standing by Warden and Vernon's .-hop on the south side of
King street, with hi- back to the soldiers ; immediately after hoard
the word present, at which word he stooped down. A little space
of time ensued, and then he heard the wo;ds, k> Damn you, lire ;"
the sound o( which words seemed to proceed from the lett of all the
soldiers, and very near to the sentry box ; Upon tin- order, he judg< d
two guns were discharged, and immediately three more, and thcu
two more — one of the two last guns went about live or six inches
OVer the deponent's back — after which he stood up, and anothci
gun was discharged which wounded one Robert Patterson in the
arm, and the blood was sprinkled upon the deponent's hand and
waistcoat. Alter the filing the depouent saw fuur persons drop;
then looking towards the soldiers, the deponent saw them making
towards the inhabitants with their fixed bayonets ; upon which he
retired down Quaker lane, and went rouud into the main street
homewards, where he met a number of people going up Royal Ex-
change laue — from thence he retired home.
Josi.vn Simpson.
The deponent further saith that he is satisfied there was not more
than seventy or eighty people in King street, who oilered no violence
to the soldiers or to any other persons, nor threatened any.
JoslAll SlMl'SON.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March It), 1770. Josiah Simpson, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
G
82
tho afore-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the rcmcni-
brance of the tbing.
Before, Ri. Dana, .lust. Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just. Peace.
- No. GG.)
I, John Wilson, of lawful age, testify, that on Monday even-
ing the 5th current, I was at Mr. Burdctt's at the head of Long-
lane, and heard the bells ring and lire cried, and thereupon went in
company with othors to King street, and saw no disturbance there ;
bearing tho bells still ringing, 1 asked what was the matter? The
peopli said tho soldiers had insulted the inhabitants, on which 1
went to Cornhill, where the bustle had been, and found no soldiers
there. Then 1 came down King street opposite the Cu.stuuidiou.se,
and saw a man with a light colored surtout coining from the main
guard i/o up to the sentry, and lay his hand on his .shoulder and
-peak some words to the sentry, and then enter the Cu.stom-house
door. On this the sentry grouuded the breech of his nun, took out
a cartridge, primed and loaded, and shouldered his firelock. After
this 1 drew hack opposite Mr. Stone's, and in a few minutes saw a
party of soldiers headed by an officer coining down from the main
guard, crying to the inhabitant-, " Damn you, make way you boo-
gcrs !" I not moving from my place, was struck by one of them on
the hip with the butt of his musket, which bruised me so much that
it was next day very sore, and much discolored. The offic t seeing
the soldier strike me, said to the soldier in an angry manner, " Why
dou't you prick the boogcrs ?" The party drew up before the Cus-
tom-house door, and ranged to the west corner iu a half circle, and
charged their pieces breast high. Some small boys coming up made
a noise to the soldiers, on which the officer .said to them, " Why
don't you lire ? Damn you, lire !" They hereupon fired, and two
men fell dead in my sight. 1 thru left the place, aud went over the
street and assisted Patterson the wounded man in fretting home.
The deponent further saith, that when he got into King street he
saw nobody but the sentry walking backwards and forwards by the
Custom house, and then went to Cornhill as above ; and at the
time of firing he verily believes there were not above fifty persons iu
the street near the Custom-house, the suow being at that time near a
foot deep; and further I say not. John WlLSON.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March I 'J, 1770. Johu Wilson, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance, of the thing.
Before, Ri. Dana, Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum,
Aud, John Hill, Justice Peace.
(No. 07.)
George Costar, of the Bay of Bulls, in the islaud of Newfound-
APPENDIX. S3
laud, mariner, of lawful age, tcstificth and saith, that being in Bos-
ton, about nine uf the clock, in the evening of tho Oth Jay of March
(•uncut, ho, the deponent was Standing in King Street, near the mid-
He of said street, and while there standing, among a large number
of other people, in about five or six minutes alter he stopped, he
heard the woid of command given to the soldiers, " Hie," upon
which one gun was fired, which did no execution, as the depom at
observed. About halt' a minute after, two guns, one of which lulled
one Samuel Gray, a ropeinakor, the other, a mulatto man, between
which two men the deponent Stood J after this the deponent heard
the discharge of four or five guns more, by the soldiers ; immediately
after which the deponent beard the discharge of two guns or pistols
from au open window of the middle story of the Custom-house, near
to the place where the sentry box was placed, and being but a small
distance from the window, he heard the people from within Bp iak
ami laugh, and soon after he saw the casement lowered down ; after
which the deponent assisted others in carrying offonc of the corpses.
his
George V. r\ Coster,
mark.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, Marcb 10, 1770. George Coster, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, Hi. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. ti8.)
Samuel Browne, of Boston, of lawful age, tcstificth and saith,
that about nine of the clock of the evening of the fifth day of .March
current, standing at his own door in Comhill, saw about t'ourt • n or
fifteen soldiers of the 20th regiment, who cam ■ from .Murray's bar-
rack, SOmC of whom were armed With naked CUtlusSC8, .swords, or
bayonets, others with clubs, tire shovels, or tongs, and came upon
the inhabitants of the town, then standing or walking in Cornhitl,
and abused some and violently assaulted others as they met them,
most of whom were without so much as a stick in their hands to de-
fend themselves, as the deponent very clearly could discern, it being
moon-light, and himself being one of the assaulted persons. All or
most of the said soldiers he saw go by the way of Cornhill, Crooked
lane, and Royal Exchange lane into King street, and there followed
them, and i-oon discovered them to be quarrelling and lighting with
the people whom they saw there, which the deponent thinks were
Dot more than a dozen, when the soldiers came there Gist, armed
as aforesaid. Of those dozen people, the most of them wore g ntlc-
men, standing together a little below the town-house upon the Ex-
change. At the appearance of tbosj soldiers so armed, the moit of
$4 APPENDIX.
tins twelve persona went oil", some of them b ting Inst assaulted.
\ 1 1 ■ r nrhicb the Baid Boldiora wore observed by the deponent to go
towards the main-guard, Prom whence were at the saute time issuing
.:. 1 coming into King street, five soldiers of said guard and a corpo-
ral armed with firelocks, who called out to the fore-mentioned sol
diors armed with cutlasses, be., ami Baid to them, "Go away," on
which they dispersed and went out of King street, some one way and
Bonic another— by this time were collected together in King Blreel
about two hundred people, ami then tin; deponent stood upon the
steps of the l&xchangc tavern, being the next lieu-'' t ■ » the Custom-
house; ami .-'ton after saw Capt. Preston, whom In- well knew, with
a number of soldiers armed with firelocks, drawn up mar tbo wesl
» orn ir of the Custom-house ; and at that instant the deponent think-
so great a part of the people were dispersed at the sight of the armed
soldiers, as that not more than twenty or thirty remained in King
street;* those who did remain being mostly sailors and other per-
sons meanly dressed, called out to the armed soldiers and dared
them to lire, upon which the deponent heard Capt. Preston Say to
the soldiers, " Damn your bloods! why don't you fire:" The sol-
diers not regarding those words of their captain, he immediately
said, u h'ire." Upon which they tired irregularly, pointing their
guns variously in a part of a circle as they stu.nl j during the time
of the soldiers firing, the deponent saw the flashes of two guns fired
from the Custom-house, one of which was out of a window of the
chamber westward of the balcony, and the other from the balcony,
the gun which he clearly discerned being pointed through the bal-
Usters,and the person who held the gun in a stooping posture, with-
draw himself into the house, having a handkerchief or some kind oi
cloth over his face. After this the deponent assisted in carrying oil'
the dead and wounded, as soon as the soldiers would permit the
people so to do, for at first they were cruel enough to ol struct the
carrying them off. SAMUEL DltOWKE.
Sufl'olk, ss. Boston, March 1G, 1770. The above-named
Samuel Drownc personally appearing, aud being carefully
examined and duly cautioned to testify the whole truth,
makcth solemn oath to the fore-written deposition by him
subscribed, taken to perpetuate the remembrance of the
thing.
Before, Kt. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
Aud, John Hill, Just, of Peace.
• Mr. Drownc says there were collected together in King street about two
hundred persons, and that at the Bight of the armed soldiers, they so far dis-
persed, as that sot more than twenty or thirty remained in King street.
Tliis circumstance accounts for the diversity in Bomo of the depositions,
vrith regard to the number of persons in King street about that time: such
depositions probably referring to different moments — moments, because the
whole disturbance in King street, from its beginning to the firing, continued
but a short Bpacc ol time.
APPENDIX. 85
(No. GO.)
], Robert Patterson, of lawful ago, testify and Bay, that on Mon-
day night, the 5th current, being at Capt. McNeill's at tbe North
End, heard the bells ring and "Fire!" cried. I immediately ran
till I got into Royal Exchange lano, it being about a quarter after 9
o'clock. I saw a number of people in the lane. 1 asked what was
the matter ? They told me that the soldiers were going to kill all
the inhabitants. 1 immediately went through the lano, and .stood in
the middle of King Btrect about ten or clevon minutes (the Bcntinel
then standing leaning against his box), when 1 saw an officer with
seven or eight soldiers coming from the main-guard, clearing the
way with their guns and bayonets, ge below the sentinel box, and
turn up and place themselves around it, facing the people Btanding
opposite Royal Exchange lano •, when 1 saw a man with a light
c.doi\d surtout at the Custom-house door, the door being wido
open, there standing with his shoulder against the side ; then 1 heard
the offie t order the soldiers to load, which they did. After that 1
heard the people say, " Damn you, why don't you tire :" In about
a minute after 1 heard tho word " Eire !" i;but from whom 1 cannot
say) which the soldiers did. Looking round 1 saw three men lay
dead on the snow ; the snow being at that time near a foot deep.
immediately they loaded again. The people then gave three cheers,
and cried out, " Let's go in upon them, and prevent their tiring
again ;" upon which they put on their hats and advanced towards
them. My hand being raised to put on my hat, still advancing to-
wards the soldiers, the .sentinel up with his gun and fired, the balls
going through my lower right arm, my hand immediately falling;
and finding myself wounded, made the beat of my way home with
help. And further 1 say not. his
Attest. Elisha Story. ROBERT -f PATTERSON,
mark.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 20, 1770. Robert Patterson, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
u( the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John IIu.l, Just. Peace.
(No. 70.)
Cato, a negro man, servant to Tuthil Hubbart, Esq., being of
lawful age, testifies and says, that on Monday evening, the fifth of
March current, on his hearing the cry of '' Eire !" ho ran into king
Street, where he saw a number of people assembled before the Cus-
tom-house ; that he stood near the sentry box and saw the soldiers
fire on th »' -' ' :- *> :J " ■■ -f : ' -' »■ •'-■••'"
86 APPENDIX.
and wounded, be .-aw tlio Custom-house door opened, and Boveral
soldiers (one ot' whom bad u cutlass) go into the Custom-house and
shut the door after then) -, that before the soldiers fired be beard :i
voioo Baying, " Damn you, why don't you lire .-" but did not sec who
it was. his
Test, John Edwards. Cato { c.
mark.
Suffolk, S3. Boston, March 16, 1770. The above-named Cato,
after careful examination, made oath to the truth ot
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, Hi. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
And, JuiiN Hill, Ju^t. of Peace.
(No. 71.)
Daniel Usher, of lawful age, testifies and says, that coming into
King street about half after nine o'clock on Monday evening th
5th current, he saw several persons, mostly young folks, gathered
between the Town House and Coffee House, sonic of whom were talk-
ing to the sentinel at the Commission is1 <>r Custom-house ; after
some time, the boys ;it a distance b !gan to throw light SUOW-balls at
him, which he sccincdmucli enraged at, and went on to the Custom-
house steps, where he appeared to have charged his gun, giving it
a heavy stamp upon the dour step, as if to force down the lead ; and
then swore to the. hoys if they came near him he would blow their
hraius out About ten minutes after this, the deponent saw Capt.
Preston leading seven or eight men from towards the down IIou>e,
aud placed them between the Custoin-hous • door, and the sentinel
box. About four or five ininut 3 aft ir they were post id, th
balls now and then coming towards the soldi is, the t\ipt. command-
ed them to fire. Upon this, one gun quickly went oil', and after-
wards he Bai 1 '' Fire by all means !" others succeeding, and the de-
ponent being utterly unarmed, to avoid further danger, went up
round the Town House till the fray was over. And further saith
not. Daniel Usueu.
Suffolk, ss. March 16, 1770. The above-named Hani. 1 Usher,
1 rsonally appearing, and beiug carefully examined, and
duly cautioned to testify the whole truth, makcth solemn
oath to the fore-written deposition, by him subscribed,
taken to perpetuate the remembrance of the thiug.
Before, lii. Dana, Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Ju.-t. Peace.
(No. 7_>.)
I, Robert Goddard, of lawful age, testify aud declare, that on
Monday evening, tho 5th instant, between the hours of 9 and 10
o'clock, being at my bottfcc at Wheel ".'s point, I h aid the cry of
lire. t\ rau out, and came through Long lane into Kin:- ■•'
APPENDIX. 87
right up to the north-west side of the Town House; when I got
thcr . I saw a number of gentleman, standing and talking, and heard
them Bay, that there was a man stabbed through the arm, and that
it was wry hard that the people eoul 1 not pass the strc< ts without
being Btabbed. Immediately aft sr, I heard Bome people cry out for
assistance. I then went down into King street, and in going down,
overtook an officer (as 1 thought), with eight or nine soldiers, with
bayonets charged breast bigh, the officer holding ;i naked cutlass in
his hand, swinging, and calling stand out nt* the way, and the sol-
diers cursing and damning, and pushing their bayonets, to clear the
way. They went down to the Custom-bouse, and placed themselves
just above the sentinel box ; the officer then ordered the soldiers to
plaee themselves, which they did, in a half circle ; with that the
boys came up near to the soldiers (stauding as before). The officer
then said, boj • g i off, lest there be some murder done ; with that
the 1 >, removed Lack a little distance, throwing suow-balls, the
soldiers pushing them with their bayoucts, saying, damn you, stand
oft"; with that the boys went forward. again, and a man with a nuked
cutlass in his hand, who appeared to he the commanding officer (as
1 fore), gave the word lire ; immediately a jruu going off upon the
left uf me, 1 saw a man like a sailor, go up to the commander, and
strike him upon the loft arm. Immediately he, the said officer, said
" Think 111 L used in this manner, damn you, lire," which they
did, one after another. After they had all fired, he ordered them
to mime and load again ; after that be ord Ted bis men in the mid-
die of the .-tree;, and told them to clear tb iir way, with their bayo-
nets breast bigh ; with that, looking round, I saw four men lay dead
on the snow, the snow b< nig at that time u iar a loot deep. I h< D I
went and helped the mulatto man who was .shot into Mr. Stone's
house. After we got him in there, 1 saw him give one gasp. 1
the u opened his breast, and saw two holes, one in each breast, where
the balls had entered. After that went to the door, and looked,
and saw the soldiers stuudiug in the middle of the street, and saw
two gentlemeu talking with the. officers and soldiers. Present!)
after, went to sec the mulatto again ; and returned back into the
street, saw all the soldiers at the main guard-house out, with their
bayonets charged breast high ; with that going home through
Quaker-lane into Long-lane, about the middle of the lane, saw two
soldiers, who told me to stand out of the way, or else they would
-tab me. I immediately got out of the way, and made the b -t of
my way home. And further say, that the grand jury desired me to
go and SCC whether 1 .should know the 'officer again ; one of them
goiug with me, 1 went up, and when 1 catuc to the jail, 1 saw several
people in the room with him. The gentleman of the grand jury
(who went up with me), asked me which was the man, I told him
that that gentleman (pointing to Capt. Preston), looked very much
like the man, and I verily believed he was the man that ordered the
soldiers to lire. " Don't you say s >," says he ; " Yes, sir," said I,
11 you look very much like the man." " If you say so," said be.
8S VPPENDIX.
clapping his ban ds, " I am ruined, and undone." And further say,
that at the timo of firing, there was Lut about fifty or sixty pen OS,
mostly boys, in King street. Robert Goddabd.
Suffolk, bs. I! rton, March 22, 1770. Robert Goddard, afore-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the rcm< m-
branee of the thing.
Before, John- Kuddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John IIii.i., Just. Peace.
(No. 73.)
I, John Hickling, being of lawful age, testify and say, that ou
Monday the Dth day .if Mareb 1770, returning from New Boston
in the evening between the hours of nine and ten o'clock, I heard
a noise and the cry of fire in King street, and inquiring the cause
was informed the soldiers intended to fire on the inhabitants ; im-
in dial ly proceeding to the place, I saw eight or nine soldiers with
fixed bayonets, charged breast high, standing in a circular manner at
the coiner of the Custom-house, and an officer standing before them
at the end of the bayonets, between the soldiers and the inhabitants.
1 saw but a few scattering people, supposed to be about thirty, in
the street before them at that time, and therefore was at a, !<•-> for
ihe reason of such an appearance ; going up to the officer I found
a young man named Bibs talking with him ; 1 inquired his name of
Bliss, who informed me that it was Preston. At that instant Mr.
Richard Palmes came up and asked the officer if he intended to fire
upon the people? He answered, "By no means." Palmes asked
if the guns were loaded? Preston answered in the affirmative.
Palmes further asked, lt With powder and ball ?" Preston answer-
ed they were. The soldiers, during this conversation, assumed dif-
ferent postures, sinning their bayonets frequently at the people, one
in particular pushing against my Bide swore he would run me
through ; 1 laid bold of his bayonet and tuld him that nobody was
going to meddle with them. Not more than teu seconds after this
1 Baw something white, resembling a piece of snow or ice, fall among
the soldiers, which knocked the end of a firelock to the ground. At
that instant the word " Fire !" was given, but by whom I know not;
but concluded it did not come from the officer aforesaid, as 1 was
within a yard of him and must have heard him had he spoken it, but
am satisfied said Preston did not forbid them to lire ; 1 instantly
leaped within the soldier's- bayonet as 1 heard him cock his <_run,
which that moment went oil' between .Mr. Palmes and myself. 1,
thinking there was nothing but powder fired, stood still, till upon the
other side of .Mr. Palmes and close to him, I saw another gun fired,
and the man since calkd Attueks, fall. 1 then withdrew about two
or three yards, and turning, saw Mr. Palmes upon his knee, and the
soldiers pushing at him with their bayonets. During this the rest of
the guns were fired, one after auother, when 1 saw two more fall. I
APPENDIX.
ran to one and seeing the blood gush out of Lis bead tliougb just ex-
piring, 1 felt for the wound and found a bole as big as my band.
Tliis 1 bavo since teamed was Mr. Gray. I tbcu went to At tucks
and found liim gasping, pulled his bead out of tbe gutter and left
liim ; 1 returned to the Boldicrs and asked tbcui what they tbougbl
of tbcuisclvcs, and whether they did doI des sr\ • to be cut to pi ic .-.
to lay men wallowing in their blood in such a manner : They an-
swered, >l God damn thcin, tiny should have stood out of our way."1
The soldii rs were thru loading their muskets, and told me upon my
peril not to come any nearer to them. 1 further declare that 1 heard
no other affront given them than the huzzaing and whistling of boys
in the street. - John 1 1 i< klinc.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 1G, 1770. The above-named John
Hickling, personally appearing, and being carefully ex-
amined and duly cautioned to testily the whole truth, mak-
cth solcmu oath to the fore-written deposition by him sub-
scribed, taken to perpetuate the remembrance of the thing.
Before, lit. Dana, Just, of Peace aud of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 74.)
I, Obadiali Whiston, of lawful age, testify and say, that on tlic
evening of the 5th instant, being at a house in Pond lane, on hear-
ing the bells ring, ran towards King street, and in going 1 met a
person who said, there is do fire, but the soldiers arc fighting with
the inhabitants. 1 went down the north side of the Town-House
into King .street, and there was only a few scattering people iu said
street; 1 came up to the Brazcnhcad in Cornhill, and saw a barber's
boy, who told me be bad been struck by the soldiers ; then I went
to the south side ofthc down-House and stood mar the main-guard.
where a considerable number of persons si 1. Captain Preston
standing by the guard-house door, said, " Damn you, turn out,
guard," which they obeyed, and then took off seven or eight soldiers
from the right, and went down King street, where J with the chief
of the people followed, and in going down the soldiers pushed me
and sai I, stand out of the way ; 1 followed them (to see where they
were going) as far OS the Custom-house, where said Preston drew
them up, and some boys being in the street, huzzaed ; a few minutes
after as 1 stood there, 1 saw one gun go off, and several more were
fired directly after ; the people near me said there was some persons
killed, after which 1 saw one man dead.
OfiADIAll WlIISTOM
Suffolk, s.s. Boston, .March 21, 1770. Obadiuh Whiston, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
of the thing.
Before, Jul in Ruddock, Ju>t. Peace and of tbe Quorum,
JoiIN Hill, Ju.-;t. Peace.
90
APPENDIX.
(No. 75.)
Gcorgo Robert Twelves Hewes, of lawful age, testifies and says,
that ou the last night, about one o'clock, as ho was returning alone
from Lis bouse to the Town-House, ho met Sergeant Chambers of the
29th, with eight or nine Boldicrs, all with very large clubs and cut-
lasses, when Dobson, a Boldicr, Bpokc to him and asked him how be
fared, ho told him very badly, to see his townsmen shot in such a
manner, and asked him if he did not think it was a dreadful thing ;
said Dobson swore by tJoJ it was a fine thing, and said you Bhall see
more of it; and on perceiving I had acanc, be informed Sergeant
Chambers; of it, who seized aud forced it from me, saying I bad no
right to tiny it ; 1 told him I bad as good a right to cany a cane
as they bad to cany clubs, but they hurried oil' with it into the main
guard. George Robert Twelves Uewes.
March tl, 17TU. The deponent further adds, that just be-
fore the soldiers came from the main guard to the Custom-house,
there were about fifteen or sixteen little boys near the sentry, who
was standing on the steps of the Custom-house ; an. I he saw a young
man of a middling stature, with a grey coat and short curled hair,
press by the sentinel towards the door of the Custom hous ■ and knock
at said door, upon which some person came and opened the door aud
he went in and shut the door immediately after him; and at the
same time the snow was near a foot deep in King street.
George Robert Twelves Hewes.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 17, 1770. George Robert Twelves
Hewes, above-named, after due examination, made oath to
the truth of the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the
remembrance of the thing.
Before, Ri. D.vna, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just, of Peace.
(No. 70.)
I, Thomas Jackson, Jr., do testify and declare, that on Monday,
the fifth instant in the evening, being in company, 1 beard (as near
as 1 can recollect), between nine and ten o'clock, a drum beat to
arms ; 1 immediately told the gentlemen (with whom 1 was then en-
gaged), 1 imagined there was Bonic disturbance between the inhabit-
ants and the Boldiery; he replied, fob, ! 1 believe it is nothing but
boys. 1 told him I was afraid there was something more in it than
that, and d -sired him (as the drum approached us), to look out of
the window to sec whether they were soldiers or not. Ho imme-
diately opened the window, and told me they were soldiers. Upon
this information, I immediately put on my hat and wont out. 1 had
not gun.' many paces before J met a man, of whom I inquired the
r» as,. .ti of the drum beating. He told me there were six men killed
in King street by the military ; 1 immediately hastened on in my
way to King street, and met another person by Concert hall, of
APPENDIX. 91
whom 1 likewise inquired as aforesaid ; bis answer to mo corresponded
with the other. When 1 got into King street, I found a great num-
ber of people there assembled, and intended going iutotho Custom-
house, to Bud out the particulars of the affair. LJpon my knocking
at the Custom-house door with tho knocker, Mr. Hammond Green
(who was ill ii looking out of tho window), asked me, " Who was
there r" 1 called him by name, and told him 1 wanted to come into
the Custom-house. Ho told me lie would not let me, nor even his
lather, (and I think ho said,) nor one of the CoimnissionOl'8, into the
house, for lie had orders lor so doing, or to that effect. 1 imme-
diately quitted the door and stayed some time at the bottom, and
then at the bead of the Town-house, whore 1 met Capt. John Riordan.
While we wore conversing, a party vi' the 29th regiment came down
Queen street, and joined the regiment thou at tho Town-house ; soon
alter that, 1 asked Capt. Riordan if he would spend an hour at the
coffee-house 5 he complied, and wo immediately went; alter spending
some time there, 1 went home, and in going homo; 1 found the in-
habitants were gone off and tli : soldiers gone from tho Town-house.
It was .-oino time beforo 1 came into King street, that the guns wore
fired, and when 1 knocked at the Custom-house door, all tho persons
1 saw at the window over the sentry-box at the Custom -house (which
window was then opened;, was Mr. Hammond Green, and some
women. duo. J.u kson, Jr.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 10, 1770. Thomas Jackson, Jun.,
above-named, after duo examination, made oath to the
truth of the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate
the remembrance of the thing.
Beforo, Ki. Dana, Just of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just, of Peace.
(No. 77.)
I, John Riordan, of lawful ago, testify, that on Monday evening
the fifth instant, between 10 and 1] o'clock,! was at tho British
coffee-house and hoard Mr. Wells, the master of tho Rose man-of-
war, say that he had done more than over he did in his life, pointing
to his hat, out of which ho had pulled the cockade, and continued,
that all the boats were hoisted out, the barge particularly, which had
not been before for four months. Said master had at the same time
something that appeared like arms under his coat, which he said
were good stuff— that he know of this before (meaning as 1 thought
tho massacre of that evening) and had suit one boat after another
ou shore for orders, but having no return, had come himself in tho
barge. John Rioudan.
Suffolk, ss. Bostou, March 20, 1770. John Riordan, above-
named, after duo examination, made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John Ruod m k, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just, of Peace.
92 APPENDIX.
( No. 78.)
Abraham Tuckcruian, of lawful age, testifies and says, that James
Vibart, quartor-mastcr of tho 29th regiment, about teu o'clock a m.,
die 8th instant, said, the troubles here were nothing to what they
would be in sis months. Being asked why be thought so, replied,
This affair will get home, and the people here will bo disarmed as
they are in Ireland. Abraham Tuckkrma.v.
Suffolk, ss Boston, March 16, 1770. Abraham Tuckcrman,
abovo-named, after due examination, math: oath to the
truth of the afore-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate
the remembrance of the thing.
Before, Hi. Dana, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 70.)
Spencer Walker, of Boston, tailor, of lawful age, testifies and
says, that on the evening of the 5th instant, (being a bright moon-
light cveuing) immediately after the massacre in King street, he
was passing alone, by Murray's barrack, and was attacked by a man
of middle height and pretty lusty, a rough countenance and hair
curled round his head, whom he took to beau officer in disguise;
that the said officer rushed oul of Ihc gate from behind two soldiers
with a drawl) sword in liis haul, and seized the d( poncut first by the
collar and asked him why he carried a .stick, to which the deponent
answered it was all he had to defend himself with; the officer then
seized his stick and SWOI'C he would take it from him ; the depo-
nent said he should not ; the officer then pulled the stick three times
and drew back his sword as though he would make a pass at him,
upon which the depouenf let go the stick and turned back and saw
at the lVont door of the bouse another officer talking with a woman ;
the deponent asked the officer it' be kept soldiers there to disarm
people as they wcnl about their proper business, upon which the
officer laughed at him; the deponent then told the officer that he
would think it very hard if any inhabitant had taken a gun from &
Soldfer as he was going to relieve a sentry, the officer again laughed
at him ; upon which a soldier came up aud struck the depon mt on
the hip with the breech end of his gnu in the presence of the officer
at the door, and then the d iponcut retired. The depon snt further
says, that the next day he saw the same person who took the stick
from him (knowing him to be the same) in the dress of a commission-
officcr of the 29th regiment. Spexcer Walker.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, -March 20, 17 To. Spencer Walker, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth
of the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the re-
membrance of the thing.
Before, John Kudu it k, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Justice Peace.
APPENDIX. 93
- BO.)
Jonathan Mason, of lawful ago, testifies and says, that on the
evening of the 5th of March 1770, about 10 o'clock, being in King
street, Huston, standing Dear his Honor the Lieut. Governor, he
heard him Bay I i un offic :r al th ■ 1. ia I of tli • King's troops, who it
was said was Captain Preston, Sir, you arc sensible you bad do
tight to fire, unless you bad i rders Iron, ;i magi tral •. To which
Capt. Preston replied, Sir, we were insulted, or words to that pur-
pose, upon which Capt. Preston desired his Honor to go with him
to the guard-house, which Ins Honor declined, and repaired to tbe
couucil chamber. J on a. M . on.
Suffolk, bs. Boston, March lm, 1770. Jonathan Mason, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John LtuDDo< k, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 81.)
I, Isaac Pierce, of Boston, of lawful age, testify and say, that on
Monday evening, the 5th instant, hearing the bells ring, and that
the main guard bad fired on the inhabitants, repaired to King street,
and found the 29th regiment drawn up between the State-house and
main guard-house, and facing down said street, towards the inhabit-
ants; and seeing bis Honor the Commander-in-Chief appear, 1
went with him towards the soldiers, tin- front rank having their fire-
locks presi ntcd, with bayonets fix ■ i ; when we came near, 1 spoke
to Capt. Preston, then on the right, telling him there was hi- Honor
the Commander-in-Chief; Capt. Preston said " Where," I said
(pointing to his Honor), uThere, and you are presenting your fire-
locks at him," on which his Honor went round on the right think,
and coming to Capt. Preston, said •' Sir, are you the commanding
officer," who an.-w red, " Y> -, sir;" bis Honor then said, " Do you
know, sir, you have no power to fire on any body of people collected
together, except you have a civil magistrate with you, to give or-
ders;" Capt. Preston answered, " 1 was obliged to, to save my
sentry," on which 1 immediately said, "Then you have murdered
three or four men to save your sentry." Isaac PlER( E.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 21, 1770. Isaac Pierce, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John Ui ddoh k, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 82.)
[, Ebcnczcr Dorr, of lawful age, testify and say, that on tho
94 Al'l'I'NIMX
evening of the 5th instant, hearing the bells ring in the centre of
the town, I camo down to the Town-house and saw th o 2Uth regi-
ment under arms, between the Town-house and nmiu-guard, their
lin is extendiug across the street and facing down King Btreet, where
the town's people were assembled, and that the first rank waskuccl-
ing down, and the whole of the first platoon was presented, ready
for firing on tlie word being given, and continued a considerable time
in that posture, but by the providence of God they were restrained
from firing. Ebenezer Dorr.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 21, 177o. Ebenezer Dorr, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the nforesai 1 affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thiug.
Before, John Huddoi k, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
Jons Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 83.)
I, Edward Crafts, of lawful age, testify and say, that on Monday
evening, the fifth instant, between 1 1 and 12 o'clock, Mr. Joseph
Aycrs met me at my gate, and I asked him where he was going.
He answered, " Tu call Mr. Thomas Theodore Bliss to attend at
the Council-chamber, to give evidence of the Captain's giving the
soldiers orders to lire on the inhabitants." On leaving Mr. Bliss's
door, there passed by us two corporals with about twenty soldiers,
with muskets and fixed bayonets ; and on their observing our mov-
ing towards the Town-house, the soldiers halted, and surrounded
us, saying we were a pack of dainn'd rascals, and foe three coppers
they would blow our brains out. One of the corporals (viz. Eu-
stice), gave ordi rs for one half the soldiers to cock, and the rest to
make ready On which we told them, we had nothiug to .-ay to
them, but were on other business The corporal, Evstice, .-truck
Mr Ualdan, then in company, and turning to me, aimed a blow at
my head with his firelock, which 1 took upon my arm, and then,
with all his might, lie made a pass at me, with his fixed bayonet,
witli full int. nt to take my life, as 1 thought This 1 also parried
with my naked hand. Then a soldier stepped out from among the
rest, and present <1 his musket to my breast, and six or seven more
at about eight or ten feet distance also present d. I pou this 1
called Corporal McCan, who came to me with a drawn sword or
CUtlass in his hand, and pushed the gun from my breast, saying,
"This is Mr. Crafts, and if any of you offer to touch him again 1
will blow your brains out." Corporal Eustice answered and -aid,
w He is as damn'd a rascal as any of them." The next evening
about du.-k coining by Liowc's barrack, 1 saw Corporal MeCan who
saved my life, lie asked me if my arm was broke, 1 answered no.
He said the gun with which Kustice struck me, was broke to pieces.
And Coutiliued, " You would have been in heaven or hell in an in-
btunt if you had not called we byname. One man in particular,
APPENDIX. 93
would have shot you, Bcvcn more presented at you !" He als.j said,
his orders were, when the party caiuo from th i gu ir l-hous • by the
fortification, if any person or parsons assaulted them, to fire upon
thriii, every man b ing loaded with a brae; of balls. And further
1 say not. I iud Cuakt*.
Suffolk, bs. Boston, March 17, 1770. Edward Crafts, abovc-
uiitucd, ad i- duo examination, made oath to the truth of
the above writteu affidavit, taken to perpi tuatc the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, Hi. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 84.)
Joseph Allen, of lawful age, testifies and says, that between the
hours of nine and t n on Monday evening the fifth instant, being at
the dwcllinp house of Mr. VViuuiet at New-Boston, was there in-
formed that the town was alarmed by an affray between the soldiers
and inhabitants ; he immediately left said house, and alter arming
himself with a stout cudgel at Mr. Daniel Rca's, passed by Mur-
ray's barrack near Doctor Cooper's meeting-house, where were
drawn up a party of soldiers with a number of officers in front ; and
passing them quictl) in company with Edward Winslow, Jun., was
Overtaken by a party of armed soldiers, one. of whom laid hold of
the depou tit's lie. I; of his coat and shirt, and tore the shirt, a se-
coud struck him over the shoulders, and either the latter or a third
forcibly wrested the stick from him : Lieut. Minchin interposing
prevented farther abuse, and entered into conversation with the de-
poncnt, complaining of the inhabitants for wrangling with the sol-
diers on tin; mo.-t trilling occasion*. The deponent asked him if he
thought a man eoul 1 be inactive, when his countrymen were butcher-
ed iu the street? Lieut. Minchin answered, that u Mr. Molliuoux
was the author of all this." After the conversation was ended, or
was nigh ending, Lieut. Minchin returned the deponent his stick ;
and further saith not. JoSBPlI A.LLEN.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 1G, 1770. Joseph Allen, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, 111. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just. Peaoe.
(No. 66.)
I, William Fallass, of lawful age, testify and say, that after the
murder was committed iu King street, on the evening of the fifth
instant, npou my return home I had occasion to stop opposite to the
lane leading to Green's barrack, and while I stood there the soldiers
rushed by me with their arms, towards King street, saying, " This
..,; APPENDIX.
i.s our time or chance ;" and that I never saw m< d or dogs bo
for tin ir prey as these soldiers seemed to be, and the sergeants could
bardly keep thoni La their ranks. William Fai lass.
Suffolk,6s. Boston, .Marrh.n;, 1770. William Fallass, abovo-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate thorcmem-
brancc of the thing.
Before, Hi. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 86.)
Mary Gardner, living in Atkiuson street, of lawful age, testifies
and say.s, that on Mouday evcuing the fifth day of Maul, current,
and b fore the gum* fired in King street, there were a number of sol-
di i.- assembled from Green's barrack towards the street and oppo-
site her gate ; that they .stood very .-till until the guns were fired in
King street, then they clapped their hands and gave a cheer, say-
ing, kk This is all that WC want ;'' they then ran to their barrack and
came out again in a few minutes, all with their arms, and ran to-
wards Kiug street. Mauy Gardner.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 20, 1770. Mary Gardner, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, lit. Dana, Juatico of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Justice Peace.
(No. 87.)
John Allman, of lawful age, testifies and says, that after the party
with the drum came from the main guard to Murray's barracks, he
saw the soldiers there drawn up under arms, and heard the officers,
as they walked backwards and forwards, say, "Damn it, what a line
lire that was! how bravely it dispersed the mob!"
John Ai.i.man.
Suffolk, SS. Boston, March IG, 1770. John Allman, above-named,
after due examination, made oath to the truth of the above-
written atlidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance of
the thing.
Before, Ri. Dana, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Ju=t. Peace.
(Xo. 88.)
I, Benjamin Church, Jun., of lawful age, testify and say, that being
requested by Mr. Robert Pierpont,the Coroner, to assist in examining
the bodv of Crispus Attucks, who was Bupposcd to be murdered by
the soldi.rs on Monday evening the 5th instant, I found two wounds
in the region of the thorax, the one on the right side, which entered
through the BCCOn I true rib within an inch and a half of the sternum,
APPENDIX. 97
dividing the rib and separating the cartilaginous extremity from the
sternum, the ball passed obliquely downward through the diaphra<nn
and entering through the large lobe of the liver and the gall-bladder,
stUl keeping its oblique direction, divided the aorta descendena just
above its division into the iliacs, from thence it made its exit on the
left side of the spine. This wound I apprehended was the immediate
cause ol his death. The other ball entered the fourth of the false
ribs, about live inches from the lima alba, and descending obliquely
passed through the second false rib, at the distance of about eight
inches from the linca alba; from the oblique direction of the wounds,
I apprehend the gun must have been discharged from some elevation,
and further the deponent saith not. \u.sj. Church, Jun.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 22, 1770. Benjamin Church, Jun.,
above-mentioned, after due examination, made oath to the
truth of the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the re-
membrance of the thing.
Before, John Ruuoock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 89.)
I, William Rhodes, of lawful age testify and say, that on Tuesday
March u, 1770, the morning after the affair in King street, some of
the seamen belonging to the Rose man-of-war, laying j,, the harbor
"i Boston, came to my shop, and alter my asking them if they had
heard ol the afikir that happened, they answered me "yes," and that
all their boats were sent on shore maimed, and that the master of the
ship had kept then up all night, or the greatest part; 1 then asked them
whether they were kept to their quarters, they answered ■' no ;" I then
a^ked whether they had loaded their guns' they hkewi>e answered
"no, but that they had been tilling powder ; some time after, I enquired
ol these same people whether their people when they came on shore on
Monday night 5th March, were armed, they told me that the only per-
son that had any arms was their master, who came ashore in the barge
and that he had only a pair of pistols, and that when they had got
on the wharf that the said master gave the pistols to the coxswain of
""' baTSc • ^d further saith not. William Ruodks.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 21,1770. William Rhodes, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of the
aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetual.: the remembrance of
the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just. Peace.
Mary Russell, of lawful age, declares that John Bradford, a private
ildierof the 14th regiment, who had frequently been employed by
her (when he was ordered with his company to the castle, in conse-
quence of the murders committed by the soldiers on the evening of
7 °
98 APPENDIX
the 5th of Marco j, coming to the deponent's bouse, declared that
their regiment was ordered to hold themselves in readiness, and ac-
cordingly was ready that evening upon the inhabitants Gring on the
soldiery to come to the assistance of the soldiery : on which the de-
ponent asked him it" he would have Bred upon any of the inhabitants
of this town, to which he replied yes, if I had orders, but that, if he
saw Mr. Russell he would have fired wide of him — he also said, " U's
well there was no nun fired by the inhabitants, for had there been, we
should have come to the soldiers' assistance." And further saithnot.
Mary Ri ssell.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 17, 1770. The above-named Mary
Russell, personally appearing, and being carefully examined,
and duly cautioned to testify the whole truth, made solemn
oath to the forcwrittcn deposition by her subscribed. Taken
t<> perpetuate the remembrance of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
Joiin Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 01.)
I, Ephraim Fenno, of lawful age, testify, that on Friday the ninth
instant, as 1 was going home by the hospital in the common, I saw
Doctor Hall, surgeon of the 14ih regiment, looking out of his window,
who said to me, " Dirty travelling, neighbor !" " Ycs,sir," returned
I. He asked me what news in town? I told him 1 heard nothing
but as hat he already knew, that the talk was about the people that
were murdered. lie then asked me if the people of the town were
not easier? I replied, 1 believed not, nor would he till all the soldiers
had left the town. He then asked me, if I heard whether the 14th
regiment was going? I answered yes, for the people would not be
quiet till they were all gone. He said, the town's people hail always
used the soldiers ill. which occasioned this affair, and .said I wish that
instead of killing live or six, they had killed live hundred, damn me if
1 don't. And further 1 say not. Ephraim Fln.no.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 19, 1770. Ephraim Fenno, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of the
aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance ol
the thing.
Before, Jons Ruddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
(Xo. 92.)
David Loring, who was much employed in making shoes for the
14th regiment, declares that being at the woodvaid of the ] 1th regi-
ment on the 9th or 10th <»f March, talking with Serjeant Whitley, he
mentioned the unhappy affair of the murder committed by the soldier.-
on the evening of the 5th instant, and said that he believed if the
14th regiment had been upon guard that day it would not have hap-
APPENDIX 90
pencil, and told him that he never liked the 20th regiment since they
landed in Boston ; fheserjeant asked the reason why he did nut like
the -"'in regiment as well as the l nh ; be answered that they seemed
to be a si t of blood-thirsty men, and therefore did not like them, and
believed the affair would have never happencdhad it not been for the
affray of the 29th regiment at the rope-walks. A soldier of the 29tb
regiment named John Dudley being by, said it was ;i planned thing a
month before. D win Loki.no.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 10, 17 70. David Loring, above-
named, alter due examination, made oath to the truth of the
aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance of
the thing.
Before, John Blduock, Just, of Peace and of the Quorum,
John Una., Just. Peace.
(No. 93.)
I, the subscriber, being desired by the committee of inquiry to take
ranges of the holes made by musket halls in two houses near oppo-
site to the Custom-house, find that the hulkt bole in the entry door
post of Mr. Payne's house, and which grazed the edge of the door
before it entered the post when- it lodged, two and a half inches deep,
ranges just under the stool of the western most lower chamber win-
dow* of the Custom-house.
And that the hole made by another musket ball through the
window shutter of the lower story of the same house, and lodged in
the back wall of the shop, ranges about breast-high from the ground
and between the second and third window from the west corner of the
Custom house.
And that the holes made in the shop of Warden and Vernon.
through the outer shutter and back partition of the shop, ranged
breast-high from the ground, anil with the western most side of the
first window west of the great door of the Custom-house.
Bknj. Andrews.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 20, 1770. Benjamin Andrews, Esq.,
above-named, after due examination, made oath to the truth
of the aforesaid affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John- Ruddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
Bklcuku Novls, .lust. Peace
(No. 94.)
I, John Green, of lawful age, testify and say, that on Monday
evening the 5th instant, just after nine o'clock, 1 went into the Cus-
tom-house, and saw in the kitchen of said house two boys belonging
to Mr. Piemont the barber, and also my brother Hammond Green ;
upon hearing an huzzaing and the bell ring, I went out, and there
were but four or live boys in King street near the sentinel, who was
muttering and growling, and seemed very mad. I saw Edward Gar-
100 APPENDIX.
lick who was crying^ and told hi^ fellow apprentice that the sentinel
had struck him. 1 then wenl a-; far as the Brazen-Head, and heard
tlic people huzzaing by Murray's barrack, I wenl down King-street
again, a> far as the corner of Royal Exchange lane, by the sentry,
there being about forty or fifty people, chiefly boys, near the Custom-
house, bul saw no person insult, or say anything to the sentry ; I then
said to Bartholomew Broadcrs, these words, viz. : the sentry (then
standing on the steps and loading his gun), is going to fire; upon
which 1 wenl to the Custom-house gate and tried to get oyer the
gate, Inn could not; whilst standing there, 1 saw Thomas Greenwood
upon the fence, to whom I said, open the gate ; he said that he would
not let his father in, and then jumped down into the lane and said to
the deponent, follow me ; upon which L went down the lane with him,
and round by the Post-office, to the main-guard; he went into the
guard -house and said, turn out the guard, but the guard was out
before, and I heard that a party was gone to the Custom-house ; I
then heard the guns go olf, one after another, and saw three persons
fall ; immediately after, a negro drummer beat to arms, upon that the
soldiers drew up in a rank (and I did not see Greenwood again, until
the next morning), after that 1 .-aw the 29th regiment drawn up in a
square, at the south-west corner of the Town-house ; soon after I went
home; and further 1 say not. John Grben.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 24, 1770. John Green, above-
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above- written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the rcmem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
(No. 95.)
I, Hammond Green, of lawful ago, testify and say,' that on the
evening of the 5th day of March instant, between the hours of eight and
nine o'clock, I went to the Custom-house ; when I came to tile front
door of the said house, there were standing two young women
belonging to said house, and two boys belonging to Mr. Piemont, the
barber ; 1 went into tin- house and they all followed me, after that,
Mr. Sawny frying came into the kitchen where we were, and after-
wards 1 lighted him out at the front door, I then went back into the
kitchen again, and the boys above-mentioned went out ; after that,
two other boys belonging to Mr. Piemont, came into the kitchen, also
my brother John, who had been in a little while before, he went to the
back door and opened it, saying that something was the matter in the
Street, upon which, with the other three, 1 went to the corner
of Royal Exchange-lane, in King-street, and heard an huzzaing, as I
thought, towards Dr. Cooper's meeting, ami then saw one of the first-
mentioned boys, who said the sentry had struck him; at which time,
there were not above eight or nine men and boys in King-street, after
that 1 went to the steps of the Custom-houso door, and Mary Rogers,
APPENDIX 101
Eliza Awry, and Ann Green, came to the door, at the same time,
heard n bell ring; upon the people's crying fire, we all went into the
house and I locked the door, sa\ mg, n e shall know it an) body cornea ;
after that, Thomas Greenwood came to the door and I let bira in, he
said that there was a number of people iu the street, J told him ii' he
wanted to see anything to go up stairs, but to Like no candle with
him ; In: went up Btuirs, and the three women aforcraeutioned went
with him, and I went and fastened the windows, doors, and gate ; I
left the light in the kitchen, and was going up stairs, but met Green-
wood iu the room next to the kitchen, and be said that he would not
stay in the house, for he was afraid it would be pulled down, but I
was not afraid of any such thing; 1 then went up stairs into the lower
west chamber, next to Royal Exchange lane, and saw several guns
tired in King-street, which killed three persons which 1 saw lay on the
snow in the street, supposing the snow to be near a foot deep; after
that, I let Eliza Avery out of the front door, and shut it after her,
and went up chamber again ; then my father, Mr, Bartholomew Green,
came and knocked at the door, and 1 let him in; we both went into
the kitchen and he asked me what was the matter, I told him that
there were three persons shot by the soldiers who Stood at the door
of the Custom-house ; he then asked me where the girls were, I told
him they were up stairs, and we went up together, and he opened the
window and 1 shut it again directly ; he then opened it again and we
both looked out ; at which time Mr. Thomas Jackson, Jr., knocked at
the door. 1 asked who was there. Mr. Jackson said, it is 1,
Hammond, let me in ; 1 told him if my father was out, or any of the
Commissioners came, 1 would not let them in. And further 1 saynot.
11 immond Green.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March '2 t, 17Ti>. Hammond Green, above
named, after due examination, made oath to the truth of
the above-written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remem-
brance of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock,. Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
John Hill, Just, of Peace.
(No. 90.)
I, Thomas Greenwood, of lawful age, testify and say, that on Mon-
day the 5th instant, spending the evening at Mrs. Wheeler's, ['was
alarmed by the bells ringing ami people's crying lire, upon which I
turned out with Mrs. Wheeler's three sons and lielpc 1 Mr. Wheeler's
engine as far as the Old South meeting house, we met several people
who told us it was not fire, but it was the soldiers and inhabitants fight-
ing in King street, and desired them logo back and get their arms, upon
hearing this, I hastened down to King street, ami coming near the
west door of the Town house, I fell in with a number of pcool \ most
of them that I saw had sticks and clubs in their hands, and huzzaed,
after that we went round the north side of the Town-house, ami
stood between the cast steps of the Town-house and whipping-post; I
102 APPENDIX.
heard a number of people speaking, and one person in particular
spoke to the two sentinels, who were walking np and down the street
on the side of the Town-house, using these words,* "Come out and
fight us if you dare," calling them " Damned bloody back rascals and
scoundrcla to come out and fight them, it' they dared, we are enough
for you now," but 1 do not know whether the above person belonged
to tin' town; 1 looked round and saw about twenty people before the
Custom-house door, upon which I went down to the Custom-house, 1
then heard two or three persons use these words, one after another,!
" 1 wish 1 could get into the Custom-house, 1 would make the money
circulate amongst us,"after that I went up to the Custom-house door
and saw two or three snow-balls fall on the flat stones near the steps
of the door; I knocked and Mr. Hammond Green came to the door,
while I was speaking to the sentry, who stood upon the steps, 1 told
him not to let any body come into the door, and no person offered to
come in ; the said Green asked who was there, 1 answered 'tis Tho-
mas, let me m Hammond ; when I got in, the said Green said to mc if
I wanted to see anything, go up stairs, J went into the Lack room and
got the key of the little drawing-room, being the lower west corner
chamber, and went up stairs, and Elizabeth Avery, Mary Rogers and
Ann Green followed me into the room ; we all looked through the
glass, I saw some persons standing by the sentry-box stiikiie^- with
alieks, bul did not see them hit any body, though a number of per-
sons were close by them; 1 told the women above-mentioned that I
woidd not stay, for 1 was afraid that the house would be pulled down,
there being about forty or fifty persons consisting of men and boys ;
1 saw no persons throw any stones or attempt to break even a square
of glass, or get into the house (the next morning 1 found there was
not a pane of glass broke in the said house). Atlei wards, 1 went down
stairs and met Hammond Green in the middle room ; he asked- me
where 1 was going, I told him I was going out, upon which 1 went
into the kitchen aiul took my hat and went into the yard, got upon the
woodpile and went to the fence; John Green being by the gate
•It may not tie improper to remark here, that the deponent, Thomas Green-
wood, is ;i hire 1 servant to the Commissioners, on whom lie is altogether de-
pendent, and when before the Justices, he was several times detected iu plain
falsehoods; particularly in swearing first, that the number of persons who
called the soldiers "bloody back rascals," &c, was nine, then .-even, and
finally but one, as it now stale1.-; : and through the whole of his examination
he was mi inconsistent an 1 bo frequently contradicted himself, that all pre-
sent were convinced no credit ought to he e;ivcn to his deposition, for which
rcasou it would not have been inserted had it not been known that a d< posi-
lion was taken relating to this affair, from this Greenwood, by Justice Mur-
ray, and carried home by Mr. Robinson.
t As U,is deponent is the only person out of a great number of witnesses
examined, who heard any mention made of the Custom-house, and as it is
very uncommon for several people to repeat exactly the same words upon
such occasions (for the deponent insisted that the identical words were used by
each person) Considering the character an 1 connections ul' the deponent, and
his own express declaration in this affidavit, that he saw no person attempt
even to bre .k a square of glass or to get into the Custom-house, it may vtry
justly be doubted whether such words were used by any one.
U'lT.NDIX. 103
asked me to open the gate and let him in ; 1 t< *U1 him T would not
open the gate for any body ; one person passing by, said to me, heave
over some BhiUelahs. 1 jumped off the fence into Royal Exchange lane,
went down the lane with John Green, and went round by the post-
olliee to the main-guard ; 1 told one of the soldiers if they did not go
down to the sentry at the Custom house,* I was afraid they would
hurt him, though 1 had not Been any person insult him, some body
said thej were gone; I stood with John Green near the guard-house,
saw the guns go off and heard the report ; afterwards I heard a per-
son say, which I took to be a soldier, "That's right, damn them, kid
them all, they have no business there," and from thence 1 went to the
house of Mr. Burch, one of the Commissioners, where I saw Mr.
Burch and wife, Mr. Paxton, another Commissioner, ami Mr. Reeves,
Secretary to the Board; one of the- Commissioners asked me what
was the matter, 1 told him the soldiers had fired upon the inhabitants,
and had lulled two or three, and wounded some more, upon which Mr.
Reeves said, " God bless my soul," and then went into the other room.
1 left Mr. Huivlfs house ami went to the barracks at Wheelwright's
Wharf, and staid there all night ; 1 heard several soldiers say, "They
wished they were let out, for if they were, there should not be many
people alive in the morning ;" the whole of the 1 1th regiment being
under arms, and the piquet guard went to the main guard-house about
12 o'clock that night. Thomas GltKENWOOD.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, March 24, 1770. Thomas Greenwood, above-
named, alter due examination, made oath to the truth of the
above -written affidavit, taken to perpetuate the remembrance
of the thing.
Before, John Ruddock, Just. Peace and of the Quorum,
And, John Hill, Just. Peace.
Boston", the 22d March, 1770.
We, the subscribers, two of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for
the County of Suffolk (one being of the Quorum) hereby certify,
that Col. William Dalrymple, chief commander of the soldiers in Bos-
ton, William Sheaile, Esq., deputy collector of the customs, and Bar-
tholomew Green, head of the family in the Custom-house in Boston,
were duly notified to attend the captions of the affidavits inperpe-
tuam, ike, touching the. massacre by the soldiers in Boston, taken be-
fore us on the 16th, 17th, and 19th days of March current ; and that
the said William Slieaffc and Bartholomew Green attended accord -
ingly, on the 10th of March, and cross-examined as many of the de-
ponents as they thought (it and as long as they pleased, but declined
giving any further attendance. Rl. Daka,
John Hill.
•It seems very difficult, according to C,rcenwoo<Ts account, to form even a
conjecture of the reason of his fears, which ho expressed lor the sentry,
when in tlit same breath lie declares that he had not seen any person insult
uiui. Hut probably the true motives of his application to the main-guard
were not of a nature to be made public.
104 APPENDIX.
Suffolk, bs. Bo$ton, March SO, 1770.
We do hereby certify, that the Beveral copies contained in tlic an-
nexed printed collection of affidavits, taken before us in perpetuam,
dtc., have been carefully compared by us with the originals, and agree
therewith.
Ri. Dana, Justice of Peace, and of the Quorum.
John Hill, Justice of P
Wo do certify the like, respecting those affidavits taken before us.
Ri. 1)\n.\, Justice of Peace, and of the Quorum.
Sam. Pemberton, Justice of Peace.
We do certify the like, respecting the affidavit taken before us.
Ri. Dana, Justice of Peace, and of the Quorum.
John Ruddock, Justice of Peace, and of the Quorum.
We do certify the like, respecting the affidavit taken before us.
Ki. Dana, Justice of Peace, and of the Quorum.
John Tudor, Justice of the Peace.
We do certify the like, respecting those affidavits taken before us.
John Ruddock, Justice of Peace, and of the Quorum.
John Hill, Justice of Peace.
We do certify the like, respecting those affidavits taken before us.
John Ki ddock, Justice of Peace and of the Quorum.
Belcher Noyes, Justice of Peace.
We do certify the like, respecting the affidavit taken before us.
John Ruddock, Justice of Peace, and of the Quorum.
John Tudor, Justice of Peace.
I do hereby certify, that the copy of an affidavit (contained in the
annexed printed collection of affidavits,) taken before me, has been
carefully compared by me with the original, and agrees therewith.
Hum. Qi iNcv, J. Pacis.
By the Honorable Thomas IIlti ihn-
[SEAL] bon, Esq., Lieut. nam Governor and
Commander-in-Chief, in and over his
T. HUTCHINSON. Majesty's Province of Massachusetts
Pay in New England.
I do hereby certify that Richard Dana and John Ruddock, Esquires,
are two of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace and of the Quorum for
the County of Suffolk, within the aforesaid Province; and thai J hn
Hill, Edmund Quincy, Belcher Noyes, John Tudor, and Samuel Pern
berton, Esquires, are Justices of the Peace for the same County, and
APPENDIX. 105
that full faith and credit is mid ought to Le given to their several acts
and attestations (as on 1 1 1 « - annexi d paper) both in Court and without
•
In testimony whereof I have caused the Public Seal of the Pro-
vince of Massachusetts Bay ubovesaid to be hitherto affixed. Dated
at Boston the thirteenth clay of March, 1770. La the tenth year of
his Majesty's reign.
By bis Honor's Command,
John Cotton, D. Sec'ry.
o-
and
jC3T Three original certificates of the foregoing tenor, with the Pi
vincc S,al affixed to them, are signed by the Lieutenant Governor, a
annexed to three primed copies of this pamphlet.
Two of them will be sent to London for the satisfaction of such
gentlemen in England as incline to see the originals : \ iz, one of them to
William Bollax, Esq., and the other to Dennis DeBertdt, Esq.—
The third remains with the Committee.
In pursuance of a vote of the Town of the 2 2d of March, the
Committee sent printed copies of the foregoing Pamphlet, accompa-
nied with letters, to his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester,
his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, and also to the Lords
and other persons of character, whose titles and names follow,* viz.,
His Grace the Duke of Richmond,
Duke of (ill A I- ION.
The Right Honorable the Lord Camden.
The Most Noble the Marquis of Rockingham.
The lit. Hon. the Earl of Rochfobd.
Karl of Hai.ii ax.
Karl of Dartmouth.
Earl Temple.
Earl of NouTiiiNGTON.
Earl of Chatham.
Earl of Hillsborough.
Earl of Siii.ua rxe.
Lord Viscount Weymouth.
Lord Mansfield.
Lord Lyttlbtox.
Peer* of the Realm.
• This list find the following letter arc annexed to such copies only of tlii*
pamphlet as are intended for publication in America.
106 APPENDIX.
Sir Jons Cost, Speaker of (be House of Commons.
Sir Fletcher Norton, the succeeding Speaker.
The Marquis of Gbakbv!
Sir Edward II vwke.
Sir Oeokqe Saville.
George Grexvii i i , Esq.
Wii i.i \m Dow deswei i , Esq.
William Beckford, Esq., Lord Mayor of London.
The Honorable Sir William Meredith.
. Alex. Mackat, Esq . Col. of the 84th Regiment
LIiciiard .1 ackson, Esq.
John Wilkes, Esq., J Ku],rU. of thc Shire for Middlesex.
.John Glyxx, Lsq., \ °
Edmund Bi kke, Esq.
James Towxshend, Esq.
John L iwbridge, Esq.
Thomas Wmatki.y, Esq.
Alexander Wedderburn, Esq.
Members of the Jfonorablc House of Commons.
Tlie Right Honorable Sir John Earldlv Wilmot.
Thc Society for the Support of Magna Charta, and the Bill of
l,ts.
Thomas LIolus, Esq., F. R. S.
Mrs. C \iiii.ui\i. Macaulay.
John Pomeroy, Esq., Col. of the (ir>ili Regiment, and a Member
uf Parliament in Ireland.
Doctor Cuabi.es Lucas, Member of Parliament in Ireland.
Thc Committee sent like copies, and also writ, t<> tlie Gentlemen
mentioned in the Town vote prefixed t<» thc foregoing Narrative.
The following i^ a copy of thc Letter wrote by the Committee to
the Duke of Richmond ; to which [excepting the last paragraph of
it] the other letters, mutatis mutandis, correspond.
To his ('.race the Puke of Richmond.
Boston, New England, March 23, 1770.
My Lord Duke,
L is in consequence of the appointment of the Town of Boston,
thai we have thc honor of writing to your Grace, and of communi-
cating tin- enclosed Narrative, relating to the Massacre in this Town
on the 5th instant.
After that execrable deed, perpetrated by soldiers of the 29th
Regiment, thc town thought it highly expedient that a full and just
representation of it sin mid be math- to persons of character, in order to
frustrate the designs of certain men, who, as they have heretofore
been plotting the ruin of our constitution and liberties, by their
letters, memorials, and representations, are now said to have procured
depositions in a private manner, relative to the said Massacre, to bring
an odium upon the Town, as the aggressors in that affair: But we
APPENDIX 107
humbly apprehend, your Grace, after examining the said Narrative
and the depositions annexed to it, will be fully satisfied of the false-
I d ol such a suggestion ; and ire take upon ourselves to declare
upon our honor and consciences, that having examined critically into
the matter, there docs not appear the least ground for it.
The depositions referred to (if any such there be) were taken without
notifying the Select Men of the Town or any other persons whatever,
to 1"' present at the caption, in behalf of the Town: of which conduct
as it has been justly complained of heretofore in other cases, so the
Town now renew their complaint in the present case; and humbly
presume such depositions will have no weight, till the Town has been
served with copies of them, and an opportunity given the Town to be
heard in their defence, in this matter ; and in any other, wherein their
character is drawn into question, with a view of passing a censure
upon it.
A different conduct was observed on the part of the Town. The
Justices with a committee to assist them, made their examinations
publicly ; most of them at Fancuil Hall, and the rest where any per-
son might attend. Notifications were sent to the Custom-house,
where the Commissioners of the Customs -it, that they or any per-
sons in their behalf, might he present at the captions : " Accordingly
Mr. Sheafe the deputy collector, and Mr. Green, tenant of the Cus-
tom-house under the Commissioners, and employed by them, were
present at many of them.*
One of the said Commissioners, Mr. Robinson, in a secret manner
has embarked on bo nil ('apt. Robson.and sailed for London the 16th
instant, which, with three' of the- other Commissioners retiring from
the Town, and not haviqg held a board for some time since the 5th
instant,f gives reason to apprehend, they have planned, and are exe-
cuting a scheme of misrepresentation, to induce administration to
think, that their persons are not in safety in this Town, in the absence
of the Troops. But, my Lord, their safety is in no wise dependent on
Troops ; for your Grace must be sensible, that if any evil had ever
been intended them, Troops could not have prevented it.
It was so apparently incompatible with the safety of the Town, for
the Troops to continue any longer in it. that his Majesty's Council
were unanimous in their advice to the Lieutenant-Governor, that they
.should be' removed to the barracks at Castle [.-land. And it is the
humble and fervent prayer of the Town and the Province in general,
that his Majesty will graciously be pleased, in his great wisdom and
goodness, to order the said Troops out of the Province; and that bis
dutiful and loyal subjects of this Town and Province — dutiful and
loyal notwithstanding any representations to tlie contrary — may not
again be distressed and destroyed by Troops; for preventing -which
wo beg leave in behalf of the Town, to request most earnestly the
favor of your Interposition and Influence.
• Sec the Deposition of the Justice:), page 103.
i No Board has been lull from the Otfa of March, to tlie time of printing
this Letter, viz , May IGth, and it is uncertain when there will be one,
108 APPENDIX.
The candor and justice of your Grace, so conspicuous in the test
Session of Parliament, when your Grace «ai pleased to move in the
Hour of Lords, that the Resolves then under consideration, and
afterwards passed by that righl honorable House, for censuring this
Town and Province, should be suspended, till we could have oppor-
tunity of being heard on the subject of them, — the candor and justice
so conspicuous in that motion will always endear to us the personage
that made it. And they give us the strongest Reason to hope for
your Patronage, in everything not inconsistent with those virtues.
We have the honor to be, with the most perfect regard,
My Lord Duke,
Yova (i race's most obedient
and very humble Servants,
James Bowdoin.
Samuel Pembbrton.
Josei-ic Warren.
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
A S 11 0 R T iY A R R A T I V E
HORRID MASSACRE IN BOSTON,
ERPEtn \ti:d
IN THE EVENINQ OF THE 5tii OF MARCH, 1770.
PRINTED in OKDKK OK THE TOWN OP BOSTON, MDCCLXX.
NOTE. Tliu original from v Inch tlii* is printed is in the Libran
of Harvard University.
ADDITIONAL OHSKKVATIONS.
The extraordinary conduct of the Commissioners of the Customs
since the Mh of March, and their perseverance in it, make it neces-
sary to bestow a few observations upon it; and upon divers matters,
with whi>h it seems to be connected.*
The said Commissioners (excepting Mr. Temple) have all retired
from the town: and we Gnd, <>n particular enquiry, they have not
held a meeting of their Hoard since the 9th of March. How they
have disposed of themselves since ili.it time we shall here relate.
Mr. Robinson is gone to England, lie sailed the 16th of March,
and went not only without the leave, but, as it is said, contrary to
the minds of his superiors, signiGcd to him from home. None but
the few, intrusted with the secret, knew anything of lus going till after
the departure of the vessel in which he went.
Mr. Paxton retired to Cambridge, four miles from Boston, and for
the most part has continued there, lie has (.livers times, however,
visited the town since that retiring.
Mr. llulton sometime ago purchased a | lace at Brooklyn, live miles
from Boston, and has ever since resided there.
Mr. Burch, with his wife, has retired to Mr. Hulton's, who, to-
gether with Mr. Burch (leaving their wives behind them) are now on
a tour to Portsmouth, in the province of New 1 lamp-hire, where the
last account from thence left them. It is now above six weeks since
a Hoard of Commissioners was held: and it is utterly uncertain when
there will be another.
From their first establishment here, to the 11th of June, 17GS, they
• The copies of this Narrative, sent to Kiiglnnd and other parts, conclude
with the foregoing pages. Since they were sent, it lew appeared necessary to
add a few pages to the remaining copies: to do whicli an opportunity hus
been given by the restraint laid on the publishing of s;ii.l narrative here.
The reason of that restraint will appear by the following vote of the Town,
passod at tho Town-Meeting held the 20th of March, namely : " The Committee
appointed to prepare the true state of facts, relating to the execrable Massa-
cre porpctrated on the evening of the ."itli instant, in order thai the stme l>c
transmitted to Great Britain, having accordingly reported, and the Report
being accepted by the Town and ordered to be nriutcd: A ud whereas the
publishing of the said Narrative with the Depositions accompanying it, in
iLi> county, may t>c supposed l>y the unhappy persona now in custody for
trial, as tending to give au undue bias to the mind- of the •) ury, who are to try
I lie same: Therefore, voted, That the Committee reserve nil the printed
copies in their hand?, excepting those to he sent to Ureal Britain, till the
further order of the Town.
•Attest, William Cooper, Town-Clerk."
Jf.
n.j APPENDIX.
held their Boards regularly four days every week. They then retired
I the Romncy man-of-war, and from thence to the Castle: for
what purpose, their letters and memorial* lately publi hed have suf-
ficiently informed the world. Prom their re-establishment in Boston
in November, 1708, to the 6th of March, 1770, they held their Boards
in the same regular manner. Since that time there have been but
two Board meetings, the Inst of which was on the 9th of March.
Now what do all these manoeuvres since the 5th of March indi-
U it possible to suppose they indicate anything less than ;i
de i«*n i" Like occasion from the outrages ami murders committed on
the evening of that day by the soldiers (as isted perhaps from the
Custom house) to represent the town in a disadvantageous light?
And does not their former conduct render this highly probable?
Besides, it i- a fact, that Depositions have been taken in a secret
manner, relative to that unhappy offair, to the prejudice of the town;
and il is no way improbable that Mr. Robinson i> gone home with
memorials and letters from the Commissioners and others, accompany-
ing sueh depositions.
By some escapes, as well as by what the circumstances above-
mentioned make probable, a pretty good judgment may be formed of
the substance of those memorials, letters, and depositions, namely,
that the Custom-house was attacked — the revenue ohest in danger,
hut saved by the firing upon the mob— the King's troops compelled
to leave the town — the Commissioners thence obliged for their safety
t() qUjj it a]s0 — the consequent impossibility of their holding Boards
—the detriment thence arising to the revenue and his Majesty 6 service
all government at an end, and the Province in a state of rebellion.
If these he, either in whole or in part, the subject of the dispatches
sent home, it is very proper a few observations should be made upon
them.
The Custom house attacked— a falsehood. The people drawn into
Kin" Street, were drawn thither bv the cry of tire, and the outrages of
the soldiers, which occasioned it. From the first appearance of the peo-
ple in King street, to the time of the firing upon them, there had not
passed fifteen minutes, it might with as much truth be affirmed, that
they made an attack upon the Custom-house in London, as upon the
Custom-house in Boston : of which latter there was not even a pane
of glass broken.
The revenue chest in danger— a falsehood. It is not probable the
chest is kept at the Custoni-house ; but if it be, there was, and is, at
least as much danger of it from some of the out-door people em-
ployed under the Commissioners, as from any body else. It is cer-
tain that some of them are of an infamous character.
The troops compelled to quit the town — a falsehood. They quitted
the town by the ord< rs of their commanding officer, in consequence
of a request from the Lieutenant Governor who was advised by the
council to pray the said officer to remove the troops. This request
and this prayer was obtained by an application from the town to the
Lieutenant Governor. Into what limes are we fallen, that the govern-
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APPENDIX. 113
ment of thu province is reduced to the humiliating condition o! mak-
ing such a prayer !
liut supposing the troops had heen compelled viei armis to quit the
town. It would have been a measure justifiable in the sight of God and
man. When the soldiers, sent hither for the declared purpose of assist-
ing the civil magistrate to keep the peace, were themselves in a remark-
able manner the breakers of the peace — when, instead of assisting, they
insulted him ; and rescued offenders of their own corps from justice —
when they frequently abused the inhabitants in the night — when they
had entered into a combination to commit some extraordinary acts of
violence upon the town ; and in consequence 'of it, on the evening of the
massacre, attacked the inhabitants whereverthey met them; afterwards
firing upon, and killing and wounding a number of them — when all this
had been dune, and more threatened, it w;is higVtime they .-huuld be
removed from the town. If there had been no other means of getting
rid of them, the inhabitants would have had a right by that law of na-
ture, which supersedes all other laws, when they come in competition
with it — the law of self-preservation — to have compelled them to quit
the town. This law is radical in our nature, indelible from it, and uni-
formly operating where it can operate, to the removal or destruction
of every thing incompatible with it ; and is abrogablc by no other
law-giver than God himself, the great author of it. Therefore, al-
though the resisting the King's troops in any thing they have a
right by law to do, may be adjudged treason, yet when they act con-
trary to law, especially in so outrageous a manner as in the present
case, and retain a disposition to repeat it, whereby the lives of the
King's subjects are in danger, they then cease to be the King's troops;
that is, they are not the King's troops for any such purpose, but so
far become traitors ; and on the failure of other means of ruldance
from them, which the time and circumstances may make eligible and
are lawful, they may (by the principles of all law, as well as by the
great law above-mentioned, into which those principles are resolvable)
be resisted and expelled ; and not to do it, where it can be done, is a
species <<( treason against the constitution, and consequently treason
in an equal degree against the King and all his subjects.
The Commissioner.--, obliged fur their safety to quit the town. — If
one falsehood can be more so than another, this is the greatest yet
mentioned, and is as ridiculous as it is false. Their conduct and such a
declaration by no means agree. Would they in that case occasionally
visit the town? Would they trust themselves in the environs of it?
Could they think themselves safe at Cambridge and Bruokline ? Could
they think themselves safe anywhere in the province, or indeed in Ame-
rica ' Must they not know, if any evil were really intended them, it might
easily overtake- them any where, and every where on this side of the At-
lantic ? Some other reason than their safety must therefore be looked
for to account for their retiring, and discontinuing their boards. A
similar proceeding of theirs in Juno, 1708, and their letters and me-
morials lately published, give occasion at hast to conjecture what that
reason may be. Is it not probable it was to corroborate the said
S
1M APPENDIX.
depositions, and thence induce administration to think it necessary, not
only that the troops already here Bhould be continued, but that a fur-
ther number should be sent to strengthenand Bupport them '.' It" this
measure cannot be effected, and should the Commissioners be so un-
fortunate as to remain here unattaeked in the absence of the troops,
it might naturally he thought they could have remained here without
them in 1708; and therefore that they had put the nation to a very
great expense, for no other purpose than further to alienate the affec-
tions of tin' Americans, and to rive Lhem an additional reason to wish
themselves independent of it. And hence the Commissioners might
have cause to expeel a national resentment against them. However in-
jurious to us the effects «>f such policy may be, we cannot but applaud
it (on the principles of the Machiavelian .system) as it stands related to
themselves. If they 'thought, their own existence in danger, considered
as Commissioners, how natural was it to use the means to support it ?
And what fault could he found with the means, if those principles
justified them *? Why need they trouble their heads about consequen-
ces that would not a I fee t themselves? or, if they would, and such ex-
istence appeared precarious without those means, was it not necessary
they should he used, and the consequences disregarded? If the
means be successful to the end for which they seemed designed, it
requires no prophetic spirit to foretell that the consequences may he
bad enough. Whether the present Commissioners, or an) board
of Commissioners at all (whose appointments are fully equal to any be-
nefit the nation or colonies are like to reap from them, and whose Use-
fulness hitherto may be valued by some of the negative quantities in
algebra) are things of importance enough to hazard those consequen-
ces, or any ill consequence at all, is humbly submitted to the wisdom
of administration to determine.
The consequent impossibility of their holding boards. — This impos-
sibility was of their own creating. If they had continued in town
(from whence they had not the least reason to depart, unless to an-
swer purposes they would choose to conceal) they might have held
their boards as usual.
The detriment thence raising to the Revenue, and his Majesty's
service. — If any such detriment has arisen, the fault is their own.
His Majesty's service, is a cant term in the mouths of understrappers
in office. Many of them either do not know the meaning of it, or
abuse it to answer their own corrupt purposes. It is used to express
something distinct from the service of the people. The king and
people are placed by it in opposite interests. Whereas, by the happy
constitution we are under, the interest of the- Hingis the interest of
the people, and his service is their service : both are one, and consti-
tutionally inseparable. They who attempt to separate them, attempt
to destroy the constitution. Upon every such parricide may the ven-
geance both of King and People descend.
Government at an end. — This has been the cry ever since the
Stamp-Act existed. If the people saw they were going to be enslaved ;
if they saw Governor Bernard (from whom they had a right to ex-
APPENDIX. 115
pcct that lie would do nothing to promote it) was zealous and active
to rivet the chains ; and that his government, in its principles and
conduct, tended to the establishment <>i' a tyranny over them, was ii
unnatural for them in such a case to reluct; was it unreasonable to
refuse an acquiescence in such measures? Did an opposition to them
indicate a disregard to government '.' If government, in the true idea
of it, lias for its object the good of the governed, such an administra-
tion could not be called government: and an opposition to it by ii"
means included an opposition to government. From such an opposi-
tion has arisen the cry, that government is at an end. The sooner
such government is at an end tbe better.
When a | pie have lost all confidence in government, it is vain to
expect a cordial obedience to it. Hence irregularities may arise, and
have arisen. Hut they will cease, when the true ends of government
are steadily pursued. Then, and not till then, may it be expected,
that nun of weight and influence will exert themselves to make gov-
ernment respected. Nay, such exertions will then be needless, for
mankind cannot In lp respecting what is in itself respectable, especially
when it is at the same time so promotive of their own good as good
government is.
The province in a state of rebellion. — Into this state its enemies, on
both sides of the Atlantic, have been endeavoring to bring it. When
they could not make it subservient to their interest and views ; and
when their measures had raised a spirit of opposition to them, that
opposition was made the lucky occasion to represent the province in
a state of rebellion, or verging towards it. To justify such a repre-
sentation the more fully, they endeavored to drive it into that state:
whereby in the end they might hope to gratify both their malice and
avarice ; their malice by injuring it most essentially ; and their avarice,
by the subjection of it to their tyranny and pillage. But nothing can
be more false than such a representation: nothing more foreign from
this people than a disposition to rebellion. The principles of loyalty
were planted in our breasts too deep to be eradicated by tluir efforts,
or any efforts whatever ; and our interest co-operated with those prin-
ciples.
It is humbly hoped his Majesty will not be influenced by stick re-
presentations to think unfavorably of his faithful subjects of this pro-
vince : and that hope is grounded upon their innocence: of which
they have the highest evidence in their own consciousness ; and of
which they have given their adversaries no other cause to doubt, than
what arises from an opposition to their measures. Measures, not only
ruinous to the province, but hurtful to Qrtal Britain, and destructive
of the union, and commercial intercourse, which ought always to sub-
sist between her and her Colonies.
The foregoing Observations appeared necessary to vindicate the
Town and Province from the aspersions so unjustly cast upon them.
The few that follow refer to the present and future state of Great
Britain and her Colonies :
116 APPENDIX
Hon happy is Britain with regard to situation and many in-
ternnl circumstances; and in her connection with her Colonics!
Separated from the rest of the world, and possessed of bo large
a naval force, she is secure from foreign invasions : her government
(well administered) is the best existing; her manufactures arc ex-
tensive, and her commerce in proportion. To the two latter the Colo-
nies have in a considerable degree contributed. JJy these means she
lias risen to her present opulence and greatness, which so much dis-
tinguish her among the powers of Europe. But however great and
ipulent she may be, she is capable of being .-till more so ; and so
much so, that she may be deemed at present in a state of minority,
compared with what she will oue daj probably be, if her own con-
duct docs not prevent it. The means of tin* greatness are held out
to her by the Colonies ; and ii is in her power, by a kind and just
treatment of them, to avail herself of those mean-.
The Colonists are husbandmen, and till lately have manufactured
but a small part of their clothing, and the other articles with which
they had been usually supplied from Great Urituin. But they have
been taught by experience they van supply themselves; and that
experience (which has been forced upon them) has demonstrated
must clearly, that they have within themselves the means of living
conveniently, it' not with elegance, oven it' their communication with
the rest of mankind were wholly cut oft*. This, however, could not
be an eligible state : but no one entitled to and deserving the liberties
of an Englishman, can hesitate a moment to say, that it would be
preferable to slavery; to which the Colonists have apprehended
themselves doomed, by the measures that have been pursued by Ad-
ministration. If the Colonists might be permitted to follow their
inclinations, with which at the same time their interest coincides, tins
would be husbandmen still, and be supplied as usual from Great
Britain. The yearly amount of those supplies (as appears by the
exports from Britain) is very considerable,* and might be in future in
proportion to the increase of the Colonists.
• The value of the exports from Britain to tlie Colonies in 1700, which was
less than in 17o">, stood thus : —
To New England £ 109,642
New York 880,829
Pennsylvania 827,814
Virginia and Maryland, . S72.a4H
Carolina 290,782
£1,737,065
This is taken from " The present state v\' the Nation." in which there is an
account of the said exports for the years 1765 and 1700 only.
Now supposing the observation just, that the Colonists > whose number by
the saiil l'linplih t is estimated two millions) double every twenty years, unit
the exports from Great Britain to the Colonies Bhould increase in that pro-
portion, the value of the said exports nnd tin' number of the Colonials, at the
cud of five such periods alter 17iiii, will Btand thus : —
VALUE OF KX PORTS.
Iu 1766 £1,787,065 for two millions of Colonists.
1780 8,474,180 for four millions.
1806 G.948,260 for oight millions.
1B2G 13.b%,5°.0 for sixteen millions.
APPENDIX. U7
Their increase is rapid : they are daily emigrating from the old
towns, and forming new ones: and it' they double their numbers
every twenty years, as it is said they will continue to do, so long us
they can forru into families by procuring the means of subsistence at
an easy rate, which probably will he the case till America shall he
well peopled, there will he in a short time a prodigious addition to his
Majesty's subjects ; who if not compelled to manufacture lor them-
selves, will oca-ion a proportionable demand lor the manufactures of
(ileal Britain. If it he considered, too, that America, from its different
soils ami climates, can raise perhaps, all the productions of other
countries in the same latitudes; which being remitted in exchange
would in> ist of them lie rough materials for Britain to manufacture ;
what a fund of wealth and power will America be to her! Her in-
habitants, of every denomination, by finding employment, and the
consequent means of subsistence, will greatly increase; and her trade
and navigation he in proportion. She might then view with indiffer-
ence the interdiction of her trade with other parts of the world;
though she would always have it in her power, from the superiority
of Icr naval force, which such a trade and navigation would enable
her to support, to do herself justice, and command universal respect.
Connected with her Colonics, she would then he a mighty empire :
the greatest, consisting of people of one language, that ever existed.
If these- observations be not wholly visionary, and a mere reverie,
they possibly may not be unworthy the consideration of Parliament:
whose wisdom will determine, whether any revenue whatever, even
the greatest that America could possibly produce, either without or
with her good will, would compensate the loss of such wealth and
power; or justify measures that had the least tendency to bring them
into hazard : or whether for such a revenue it would be worth while
to hazard even the present advantages, resulting to Great Britain from
an union and harmony with her Colonies.
In 1S4G ~_7.7"'."lo for thirty-two millions.
1- .,; 55,580,080 for Bixty-four millions of Colonists.
The lost mentioned numbers are so large, that it is likely the principles oc
which they are formed may be called into question. Let us therefore tuk*
only one-quarter part of those numbers, and then the value- of exports from
Britain to the Colonies, in 1V|"'>. will be more than thirteen millions sterling
for sixteen millions of Colonists. It is highly probable, by that time there
will be at least that number of Colonists in the British Colonies on this c >n-
tineut. Now, in case there be no interruption of the union on 1 harmony that
ought to subsist between Great Britain and her Colonies, and which it is
their mutual interest Bhould subsist and t>c maintained, what good reason
can be given why such exports should not bear us great n proportion to the
number of the Colonists us they do at this timer If they should, the value
of such exports (which will be continually increasing) will bo at least thir-
tccn millions per annum, A sum far surpassing the value of all the exports
from Great Britain at this day.
In what proportion so vast a trade with the Colonies would enlarge the
other branches ol her trale ; how much it would increase the number of her
people, the rents and value of her lands, her wealth of every Bpecics, her in-
ternal strength, her naval power, and particularly her revenue (to enhance
which in a trilling degree has occasioned the present uneasiness between her
and the Colonics) arc matters left to the calculation and decision of the politi
col arithmeticians of Great Britain.
AN
INDEX TO THE APPENDIX
Adams Matthew,
Allen Jeremiah,
Allen Joseph, .
Alliue Benjamin, .
Allmun John,
Andrews Benjamin, Esq.
Applcton Nathaniel, .
Archbakl Francis, Jr., .
Atwood Samuel,
Bass Henry, .
Bass Gill mi,
Belknap Jeremiah,
Bostwick Samuel,
Bourgate Charlotto,
Brailsford John,
Brailsford Mary, .
Broadcrs Bartholomew,
Brown John,
Burdick Benjamin, Jr.,
c.
Cain Thomas, 64
Calm Daniel, • 69
Cato, . ... 85
Church Benjamin, Jr., OG
CoburnJohn. 63
Cochran David, 38
Condon Samuel, 0 i
120
Copelo
ii'l Asa,
Coster
Crafts
Edward, .
Cunnio .'Lam Peter,
INDEX.
Dorr Ebeuczer, . ... .93
Druwin.' Samuol, ....... 83
F.
Falloss William, 95
Fcnno Ephrnim, 98
Fcritcr Nicholas 39
Fisher, John, 40
Foa 1. k Nathaniel C8
Frizcl Benjamin, . 79
0.
Gammel John, 75
Gardner Mary, 9G
Goddard John, ... 59
Goddard Robert, 80
Gray John, 41
Green John, 99
Green Hammond, . . 100
Greenwood Thomas, 101
II.
newes George Robert Twelves, .... . . 90
Stickling John, . 88
Hill John, Esq., 40
Hinckley Ebcnczcr, GO
Hobby Charles, .......... 02
Hooton Joseph, Jr., ... GO
J.
Jackson Thomas, Jr., .... ... 90
King Matthias, .... 56
Kirkwood James, Capt., ... .... 65
Kiuilaii 1 Bartholomew, 51
Knox Henry, 73
INDEX 121
L.
J.cach Jolm, Jun., . CO
J.e Baron William, 60
Lewis William, 60
Loring David .98
M.
McNeil Archibald, . . ... 42
Marshall Thomas, Esq., GO
Maaon Jonathan, . 9:5
Morton Dimond, 78
Newhall William,
Noyes Nathaniel,
N.
41
Palmes Richard, . . . .70
Parker Isaac, .......... 51
Patterson Robert, . • 85
Payne Edward ..... 71
Poirco Isaac, . 93
Piorp 'Ut Robert, . . . . 47
Policy Robert, ... . . ol
Head Francis, . . ... 77
Rhodes William, . . ... 97
Richardson Jeffrey, . ..... 39
RiordanJohn, . 91
Russell Mary 97
Simpson Josiah, 80
Swan Caleb, 46
Swansboroueh Margaret, ........ 4iJ
Tant William, r.3
Thayer Nathaniel, 51
Thayer Mary, 41
Tuckennan Abraham, . .... 02
Tyler William, .
123 INDEX.
U.
Usher Daniel W
Usher Jane, . . 45
W.
Walker Bpencor, &2
Word Richard, 45
Whiston Obodiah 8'J
WilmcJohn, 37
Wiluie Sarah, 87
Wilson John, 82
Wyat Willium, 72
.
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