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