Boston Massacre

A detailed Summary of Boston Massacre

On March 5, 1770, five colonists were killed and six wounded from British attack, who is to blame. Some people say Captain Thomas Preston was to blame other say it was brought on by the colonists. The actual event is subject to much controversy. Tensions were high at this time between the British and the colonists so witnesses' views can be slanted. Many witnesses were called to the stand during the trial, however only a minimal amount of decent evidence was attained. I feel Captain Thomas Preston's deposition is truthful because his view matches with many other witnesses.

Preston states that many colonists were antagonizing the soldiers with clubs and snow balls. Preston mentioned that a soldier, " . . . received a severe blow with a stick . . . attack was made on the men by a great number of heavy clubs and snow balls . . . " (Wheeler and Becker 77). Many members of the prosecution and of the defense have views that agree with Preston. Theodore Bliss of the prosecution said, "I saw people throw snow balls at the soldier and saw a stick . . . strike a soldier . . ." (Wheeler and Becker 81).

Also Richard Palmes from the defense who claims he was very close to the action described that he " . . . saw something resembling snow or ice strike the Grenadier . . ." (Wheeler and Becker 85). All three people from different aspects of the action and trial state the same thing. Although other views from each side may be slanted the sticks and ice, seem to match, resulting in good evidence.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The colonists were also antagonizing the soldiers by shouting insults and dares from them to fire. With fifty or sixty colonists shouting fire, the soldiers may confused the colonists yelling fire with Preston telling them to fire. Just as Preston explained, " . . . they said they heard the word fire and supposed it came from me" (Wheeler and Becker 77). Alexander Cruikshanks of the prosecution agrees with Preston, "They said you Centinel, damed rascally Scoundrel Lobster Son of a Bitch" (Wheeler and Becker 80). William Wyatt also from the prosecution agreed too, " . . . crying fire, dam you fire" (Wheeler and Becker 80). William Sawyer of the defen

Some common words found in the essay are:
Wheeler Becker, Thomas Preston, Thomas Preston's, Richard Palmes, Tensions British, Theodore Bliss, Massacre March, wheeler becker, Diman Morton, William Wyatt, Ebenezer Hinkley, wheeler, wheeler becker, becker 77, wheeler becker 77, snow balls, captain thomas, richard palmes defense, prosecution defense, becker 85, views slanted, witnesses' views, captain thomas preston, stick , clubs snow balls,

Approximate Word count = 759
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.

Boston Massacre

Related Essays

Professional Essays

Saved Paper

Newest Essays

Testimonials