Directions:
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The following is a transcript of the trial of Captain Thomas Preston,
who
was in charge of the British troops involved in the Boston Masacre.
Source: Wheeler; Becker. The American Past.Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Company,
1990.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deposition of Captain Thomas Preston, March 12, 1770 (Excerpt).
The mob still increased and were outrageous, striking their clubs or
bludgeons one against another, and calling out, come on you rascals,
you
bloody backs, you lobster scoundrels, fire if you dare, God damn you,
fire
and be damned, we know you dare not, and much more such language was
used.
At this time I was between the soldiers and the mob, parleying with,
and
endeavoring all in my power to persuade them to retire peaceably, but
to no
purpose. They advanced to the points of the bayonets, struck some of
them
and even the muzzles of the pieces, and seemed to be endeavoring to
close
with the soldiers. On which some well behaved persons asked me if the
guns
were charged. I replied yes. They then asked me if I intended to order
the
men to fire. I answered no, by no means, observing to them that I was
advanced before the muzzles of the men's pieces, and must fall a sacrifice
if they fired; that the soldiers were upon the half cocks and charged
bayonets, and my giving the word fire under those circumstances would
prove
me to be no officer While I was thus speaking, one of the soldiers
having
received a severe blow with a stick, stepped a little to one side and
instantly fired..... On this a general attack was made on the men by
a great
number of heavy clubs and snowballs being thrown at them, by which
all our
lives were in, imminent danger, some persons at the same time from
behind
calling out, damn your bloods why don't you fire damn your bloods.
Instantly
three or four of the soldiers fired.... On my asking the soldiers why
they
fired without orders, they said they heard the word fire and supposed
it
came from me. This might be the case as many of the mob called out
fire,
fire but I assured the men that I gave no such order; that my words
were,
don't fire, stop your firing........
Witnesses for the King (Prosecution)
Edward Gerrish
I heard a noise about 8 o'clock and went down to Royal Exchange Lane.
Saw
some Persons with Sticks coming up Quaker Lane. I said Ito the sentry]
Capt.
Goldsmith owed my fellow Apprentice. He said he was a Gentlemen and
would
pay every body. I said there was none in the Regiment. He asked for
me. I
went to him, was not ashamed of my face.... The Sentinel left his Post
and
Struck me. I cried. My fellow Apprentice and a young man came up to
the
Sentinel and called him Bloody back. He called to the Main Guard....
There
was not a dozen people when the Sentinel called the Guard.6
Thomas Marshall
The People kept gathering. I saw no uneasiness with the Centinel. A
Party
then came down from the Guard LHouseJ I thought to relieve him. I heard
one
Gun. Thought it was to alarm the Barracks. A little space after another,
and
then several. I stood within 30 feet of the Centinel and must have
seen any
disturbance.... Between the firing the first and second Gun there was
time
enough for an Officer to step forward and to give the word Recover
if he was
so minded.
Ebenezer Hinkley
Just after 9 o'clock heard the Cry of Fire. I saw the party come out
of the
Guard House. A Capt. cried out of the Window "fire upon 'em damn 'em."
I
followed 'em down before the Custom House door. Capt. Preston was out
and
commanded 'em. They drew up and charged their Bayonets. Montgomery7
pushed
at the people advancing. In 2 or 3 minutes a Boy threw a small stick
over
hand and hit Montgomery on Breast. Then I heard the word fire in 1/4
minute
he fired. l saw some pieces of Snow as big as Egg thrown. 3 or 4 thrown
at
the same time of pushing on the other End of the file, before 1st gun
fired.
The body of People about a Rod8 off. People said Damn 'em they durst
not
fire don't be afraid. No threats.... I was a Rod from Capt. Preston.
Kid not
hear him give Order to firej 1/2 minute from 1st Gun to 2d. same to
3Vd. The
others quicker. I saw no people striking the Guns or Bayonets nor pelting
'em. I saw Preston between people and Soldiers. I did not see him when
1st
firing.
Peter Cunningham
Upon the cry of fire and Bells ringing went into King Street, heard
the
Capt. say Turn out the Guard. Saw the Centinel standing on the steps
of the
Custom house, pushing his Bayonet at the People who were about 30 or
40.
Captain came and ordered the Men to prime and load.') He came before
'em
about 4 or 5 minutes after and put up their Guns with his Arm. They
then
fired and were priming and loading again. I am pretty positive the
Capt. bid
'em Prime and load. I stood about 4 feet off him. Heard no Order given
to
fire. The Person who gave Orders to Prime and load stood with his back
to
me, I did not see his face only when he put up their Guns. I stood
about 10
or 11 feet from the Soldiers, the Captain about the midway between.
Alexander Cruikshanks
As the Clock struck 9 I saw two Boys abusing the Centinel. They said
you
Centinel, damned rascally Scoundrel Lobster"' Son of a Bitch and desired
him
to turn out. He told them it was his ground and he would maintain it
and
would run any through who molested or attempted to drive him off. There
was
abqut a dozen standing at a little distance. They took no part. He
called
out Guard several times and 7 or 8 Soldiers with Swords Bayonets and
one
with a large Tongs in his hand came. I saw the two Boys going to the
Men who
stood near the Centinel. They returned with a new Edition of fresh
Oaths,
threw Snow Balls at him and he then called Guard several times as before.
William Wyatt
I heard the Bell, coming up Cornhill, saw People running several ways.
The
largest part went down to the North of the Townhouse. I went the South
side,
saw an officer leading out 8 or 10 Men. Somebody met the officer and
said,
Capt. Preston for Gods sake mind what you are about and take care of
your
Men. He went down to the Centinel, drew up his Men, bid them face about,
Prime and load. I saw about 100 People in the Street huzzaing, crying
fire,
damn you fire. In about 10 minutes I heard the Officer say fire. The
Soldiers took no notice. His back was to me. I heard the same voice
say
fire. The Soldiers did not fire. The Officer then stamped and said
Damn your
bloods fire be the consequences what it will. Immediately the first
Gun was
fired. I have no doubt the Officer was the same person the Man spoke
to when
coming down with the Guard. His back was to me when the last order
was
given. I was then about 5 or 6 yards off and within 2 yards at the
first. He
stood in the rear when the Guns were fired. Just before I heard a Stick,
which I took to be upon a Gun. I did not see it. The Officer had to
the best
of my knowledge a cloth coloured Surtout" on. After the firing the
Captain
stepd forward before the Men and struck up their Guns. One was loading
again
and he damn'd 'em for firing and severely reprimanded 'em. I did not
mean
the Capt. had the Surtout but the Man who spoke to him when coming
with the
Guard.
John Cole
I saw the officer after the firing and spoke to the Soldiers and told
'em it
was a Cowardly action to kill men at the end of their Bayonets. They
were
pushing at the People who seemed to be trying to come into the Street.
The
Captain came up and stamped and said Damn their bloods fire again and
let
'em take the consequence. I was within four feet of him. He had no
surtout
but a red Coat with a Rose on his shoulder. The people were quarrelling
at
the head of Royal Exchange lane.l2 The Soldiers were pushing and striking
with the Guns. I saw the People's Arms moving but no Sticks.
Theodore Bliss
At home. I heard the Bells for fire.t:3 Went out. Came to the Town House.
The People told me there was going to be a Rumpus with the Soldiers.
Went to
the Custom house. Saw Capt. Preston there with the Soldiers. Asked
him if
they were loaded. He said yes. If with Ball. He said nothing. I saw
the
People throw Snow Balls at the Soldiers and saw a Stick about 3 feet
long
strike a Soldier upon the right. He sallied and then fired. A little
time a
second. Then the otherl s l fast after one another. One or two Snow
balls
hit the Soldier, the stick struck, before firing. I know not whether
he
sallied on account of the Stick or step'd back to make ready. I did
not hear
any Order given by the Capt. to fire. I stood so near him I think I
must
have heard him if he had given an order to fire before the first firing.
I
never knew Capt. Preston before. I can't say whether he had a Surtout
on, he
was dressed in red. I know him to be the Man I took to be the Officer.
The
Man that fired first stood next to the Exchange lane. I saw none of
the
People press upon the Soldiers before the first Gun fired. I did after.
I
aimed a blow at him myself but did not strike him. I am sure the Captain
stood before the Men when the first Gun was fired. I had no apprehension
the
Capt. did give order to fire when the first Gun was fired. I thought,
after
the first Gun, the Capt. did order the Men to fire but do not certainly
know. I heard the word fire several times but know not whether it came
from
the Captain, the Soldiers or People. Two of the People struck at the
Soldiers after the first Gun. I dont know if they hit 'em. There were
about
100 people in the Street. The muzzles of the Guns were behind him.
After the
first Gun the Captain went quite to the left and I to the right.
Henry Knox
I saw the Captain coming down with his party. I took Preston by the
Coat,
told him for Gods sake take care of your Men for if they fire your
life must
be answerable. In some agitation he replied I am sensible of it. A
Corporal
was leading them. The Captain stopd with me and the Party proceeded
to the
Centinel the People crying stand by. The Soldiers with their Bayonets
charged pushing through the People in order to make way„make way damn
your
Bloods. The Captain then left me and went to the Party. I heard the
Centinel
say damn their bloods if they touch me I will fire. In about 3 minutes
after
this the party came up. I did not see any thing thrown at the Centinel.
I
stood at the foot of the Town house when the Guns were fired. I heard
the
People cry damn your bloods fire on. To the best of my recollection
the
Corporal had a Surtout on. I had none.
Benjamin Burdick
When I came into King Street about 9 o'Clock I saw the Soldiers round
the
Centinel. I asked one if he was loaded and he said yes. I asked him
if he
would fire, he said yes by the Eternal God and pushd his Bayonet at
me.
After the firing the Captain came before the Soldiers and put up their
Guns
with his arm and said stop firing, dont fire no more or dont fire again.
I
heard the word fire and took it and am certain that it came from behind
the
Soldiers. I saw a man passing busily behind who I took to be an Officer.
The
firing was a little time after. I saw some persons fall. Before the
firing I
saw a stick thrown at the Soldiers. The word fire I took to be a word
of
Command. I had in my hand a highland broad Sword which I brought from
home.
Upon my coming out I was told it was a wrangle between the Soldiers
and
people, upon that I went back and got my Sword. I never used to go
out with
a weapon. I had not my Sword drawn till after the Soldier pushed his
Bayonet
at me. I should have cut his head off if he had stepd out of his Rank
to
attack me again. At the first firing the People were chiefly in Royal
Exchange lane, there being about 50 in the Street. After the firing
I went
up to the Soldiers and told them I wanted to see some faces that I
might
swear to them another day. The Centinel in a melancholy tone said perhaps
Sir you may.
Daniel Calef
I was present at the firing. I heard one of the Guns rattle. I turned
about
and lookd and heard the officer who stood on the right in a line with
the
Soldiers give the word fire twice. I lookd the Officer in the face
when he
gave the word and saw his mouth. He had on a red Coat, yellow Jacket
and
Silver laced hat, no trimming on his Coat.'5 The Prisoner is the Officer
I
mean. I saw his face plain, the moon shone on it. I am sure of the
man
though I have not seen him since before yesterday when he came into
Court
with others. I knew him instantly. I ran upon the word fire being given
about 30 feet off. The of ficer had no Surtout on.
Robert Goddard
The Soldiers came up to the Centinel and the Officer told them to place
themselves and they formd a half moon. The Captain told the Boys to
go home
least there should be murder done. They were throwing Snow balls. Did
not go
off but threw more Snow balls. The Capt. was behind the Soldiers. The
Captain told them to fire. One Gun went off. A Sailor or Townsman struck
the
Captain. He thereupon said damn your bloods fire think I'll be treated
in
this manner. This Man that struck the Captain came from among the People
who
were seven feet off and were round on one wing. I saw no person speak
to
him. I was so near I should have seen it. After the Capt. said Damn
your
bloods fire they all fired one after another about 7 or 8 in all, and
then
the officer bid Prime and load again. He stood behind all the time.
Mr. Lee
went up to the officer and called the officer by name Capt. Preston.
I saw
him coming down from the Guard behind the Party. I went to Gaol the
next day
being sworn for the Grand Jury to see the Captain. Then said pointing
to him
that's the person who gave the word to fire. He said if you swear that
you
will ruin me everlastingly. I was so near the officer when he gave
the word
fire that I could touch him. His face was towards me. He stood in the
middle
behind the Men. I looked him in the face. He then stood within the
circle.
When he told 'em to fire he turned about to me. I lookd him in the
face.
Diman Morton
Between 9 and 10 I heard in my house the cry of fire but soon understood
there was no fire but the Soldiers were fighting with the Inhabitants.
I
went to King Street. Saw the Centinel over the Gutter, his Bayonet
breast
high. He retired to the steps„loaded. The Boys dared him to fire. Soon
after
a Party came down, drew up. The Captain ordered them to load. I went
across
the Street. Heard one Gun and soon after the other Guns. The Captain
when he
ordered them to load stood in the front before the Soldiers so that
the Guns
reached beyond him. The Captain had a Surtout on. I knew him well.
The
Surtout was not red. I think cloth colour. I stood on the opposite
corner of
Exchange lane when I heard the Captain order the Men to load. I came
by my
knowledge of the Captain partly by seeing him lead the Fortification
Guard
Nathaniel Fosdick
Hearing the Bells ring? for fire I supposed I went out and came down
by the
Main Guard. Saw some Soldiers fixing their Bayonets on. Passed on.
Went down
to the Centinel. Perceived something pass me behind. Turned round and
saw
the Soldiers coming down. They bid me stand out of the way and damnd
my
blood. I told them I should not for any man. The party drew up round
the
Centinel, faced about and charged their Bayonets. I saw an Officer
and said
if there was any disturbance between the Soldiers and the People there
was
the Officer present who could settle it soon. I heard no Orders given
to
load, but in about two minutes after the Captain step'd across the
Gutter.
Spoke to two Men„I don't know who then went back behind his men. Between
the
4th and 5th men on the right. I then heard the word fire and the first
Gun
went off: In about 2 minutes the second and then several others. The
Captain
had a Sword in his hand. Was dressd in his Regimentals. Had no Surtout
on. I
saw nothing thrown nor any blows given at all. The first man on the
right
who fired after attempting to push the People slipped down and drop'd
his
Gun out of his hand. The Person who stepd in between the 4th and 5th
Men I
look upon it gave the orders to fire. His back was to me. I shall always
think it was him. The Officer had a Wig on. I was in such a situation
that I
am as well satisfied there were no blows given as that the word fire
was
spoken.
Isaac Pierce
The Lieut. Governor asked Capt. Preston didn't you know you had no power
to
fire upon the Inhabitants or any number of People collected together
unless
you had a Civil Officer to give order. The Captain replied I was obliged
to,
to save my Sentry.
Joseph Belknap
The Lieut. Governor said to Preston Don't you know you can do nothing
without a Magistrate. He answered I did it to save my Men.
Edward Hill
After all the firing Captain Preston put up the Gun of a Soldier who
was
going to fire and said fire no more you have done mischief enough.
Richard Palmes
Somebody there said there was a Rumpus in King Street. I went down.
When I
had got there I saw Capt. Preston at the head of 7 or 8 Soldiers at
the
Custom house drawn up, their Guns breast high and Bayonets fixed. Found
Theodore Bliss talking with the Captain. I heard him say why don't
you fire
or words to that effect. The Captain answered I know not what and Bliss
said
God damn you why don't you fire. I was close behind Bliss. They were
both in
the front. Then I step'd immediately between them and put my left hand
in a
familiar manner on the Captains right shoulder to speak to him. Mr.
John
Hickling then looking over my shoulder I said to Preston are your Soldiers
Guns loaded. He answered with powder and ball. Sir I hope you dont
intend
the Soldiers shall fire on the Inhabitants. He said by no means. The
instant
he spoke I saw something resembling Snow or Ice strike the Grenadier
on the
Captains right hand being the only one then at his right. He instantly
stepd
one foot back and fired the first Gun. I had then my hand on the Captains
shoulder. After the Gun went off I heard the word fire. The Captain
and I
stood in front about half between the breech and muzzle of the Guns.
I dont
know who gave the word fire. I was then looking on the Soldier who
fired.
The word was given loud. The Captain might have given the word and
I not
distinguish it. After the word fire in about 6 or 7 seconds the Grenadier
on
the Captains left fired and then the others one after another. The
Captain
stood still till the second Gun was fired. After that I turned and
saw the
Grenadier who fired first attempting to prick me by the side of the
Captain
with his Bayonet. I had a large Stick in my hand. I struck over hand
and hit
him in his left arm. Knocked his hand from his Gun. The Bayonet struck
the
Snow and jarr'd the breech out of his hand. I had not before struck
at any
body. Upon that I turnd, thinking the other would do the same and struck
at
any body at first and hit Preston. In striking him my foot slip'd and
my
blow fell short and hit him, as he afterwards told me, on the arm.
When I
heard the word fire the Captains back was to the Soldiers and face
to me.
Before I recovered the Soldier who fired the first Gun was attempting
again
to push me through. I tossed my Stick in his face. He fell back and
I jump'd
towards the land. He push'd at me there and fell down. I turn'd to
catch his
Gun. Another Soldier push'd at me and l I ran off. Returnd soon and
saw the
dead carrying off and the party was gone. The Gun which went off first
had
scorched the nap of my Surtout at 1 the elbow. I did not hear the Captain
speak after he answered me. Was there but about 3/4 of a minute in
the
whole. There was time enough between the 1 first and second Gun for
the
Captain to have spoke to his Men. He stood 1 leaning on the dagger
in the
scabbard. At the time of the firing there was '1 between 50 and 80
People at
some distance not crowding upon the Soldiers 1 and thin before them.
"Q. Did you situate yourself before Capt. Preston, in order that you might
be out of danger, in case they fired?
"A. I did not apprehend myself in any danger.
"Q. Did you hear Captain Preston give the word Fire?
"A, I have told your Honors, that after the first gun was fired, I heard the
word, fire! but who gave it, I know not.
"Q. Do you think it was possible Capt. Preston should give the word
fire,
and
you not be certain he gave it?
"A. I think it was.
Matthew Murray
I heard no order given. I stood within two yards of the Captain. He was in
front talking with a Person, I don't know who. I was looking at the
Captain
when the Gun was fired.
Andrew, a Negro servant to Oliver Wendell
I jump'd back and heard a voise cry fire and immediately the first Gun
fired. It seemed to come from the left wing from the second or third
man on
the left. The Officer was standing before me with his face towards
the
People. I am certain the voice came from beyond him. The Officer stood
before the Soldiers at a sort of a corner. I turned round and saw a
Grenadier who stood on the Captain's right swing his Gun and fire.
I took it
to be Killeroy. I look'd a little to the right and saw a Man drop.
The
Molatto was killed by the first Gun by the Grenadier on the Captains
Right.
I was so frightened, after, I did not know where I was....
Daniel Cornwall
Capt. Preston was within 2 yards of me„before the Men„nearest to the
right„facing the Street. I was looking at him. Did not hear any order.
He
faced me. I think I should have heard him. I directly heard a voice
say Damn
you why do you fire. Don't fire. I thought it was the Captain's then.
I now
believe it. .
William Sawyer
The people kept huzzaing. Damn 'em. Daring 'em to fire. Threw Snow balls.
I
think they hit 'em. As soon as the Snow balls were thrown and a club
a
Soldier fired. I heard the Club strike upon the Gun and the corner
man next
the lane said fire and immediately fired. This was the first Gun. As
soon as
he had fired he said Damn you fire. I am so sure that I thought it
was he
that spoke. That next Gun fired and so they fired through pretty quick.
Jane Whitehouse
A Man came behind the Soldiers walked backwards and forward, encouraging
them to fire. The Captain stood on the left about three yards. The
man
touched one of the Soldiers upon the back and said fire, by God I'll
stand
by you. He was dressed in dark colored clothes.... He did not look
like an
Of ficer. The man fired directly on the word and clap on the Shoulder.
I am
positive the man was not the Captain.... I am sure he gave no orders....
I
saw one man take a chunk of wood from under his Coat throw it at a
Soldier
and knocked him. He fell on his face. His firelock'7 was out of his
hand....
This was before any firing.
Newton Prince, a Negro, a member of the South Church
Heard the Bell ring. Ran out. Came to the Chapel. Was told there was
no fire
but something better, there was going to be a fight. Some had buckets
and
bags and some Clubs. I went to the west end of the Town House where
[there]
were a number of people. I saw some Soldiers coming out of the Guard
house
with their Guns and running down one after another to the Custom house.
Some
of the people said let's attack the Main Guard, or the Centinel who
is gone
to King street. Some said for Gods sake don't lets touch the main Guard.
I
went down. Saw the Soldiers planted by the Custom l house two deep.
The
People were calling them Lobsters, daring 'em to fire 1, saying damn
you why
don't you fire. I saw Capt. Preston out from behind 1 the Soldiers.
In the
front at the right. He spoke to some people. The Capt. 1 stood between
the
Soldiers and the Gutter about two yards from the Gutter. a I saw two
or
three strike with sticks on the Guns. I was going off to the west A,
of the
Soldiers and heard the Guns fire and saw the dead carried off. Soon
l after
the Guard Drums beat to arms. The People whilst striking on the Guns
1 cried
fire, damn you fire. I have heard no Orders given to fire, only the
people
in general cried fire.
James Woodall
I saw one Soldier knocked down. His Gun fell from him. I saw a great
many
sticks and pieces of sticks and Ice thrown at the Soldiers. The Soldier
who
was knocked down took up his Gun and fired directly. Soon after the
first
Gun I saw a Gentleman behind the Soldiers in velvet of blue or black
plush
trimmed with gold. He put his hand toward their backs. Whether he touched
them I know not and said by God I'll stand by you whilst I have a drop
of
blood and then said fire and two went off and the rest to 7 or 8....
The
Captain, after, seemed shocked and looked upon the Soldiers. I am very
certain he did not give the word fire.
Cross Examination of Captain James Gifford
Q. Did you ever know an officer order men to fire with their bayonets
charged?
A. No, Officers never give order to fire from charged bayonet. They
would
all have fired together, or most of them.
Thomas Handaside Peck
I was at home when the Guns were fired. I heard 'em distinct. I went
up to
the main guard and addressed myself to the Captain and said to him
What have
you done? He said, Sir it was none of my doings, the Soldiers fired
of their
own accord, I was in the Street and might have been shot. His character
is
good as a Gentleman and Soldier. I think it exceeds any of the Corps.
Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson
I was pressed by the people almost upon the Bayonets. The People cried
the
Governor. I called for the Officer. He came from between the Ranks.
I did
not know him by Moon light. I had heard no circumstances. I inquired
with
some emotion, How came you to fire without Orders from a Civil Magistrate?
I
am not certain of every word. I cannot recollect his answer. It now
appears
to me that it was imperfect. As if he had more to say. I remember by
what he
said or his actions I thought he was offended at being questioned.
Before I
could have his full answer the people cried to the Town house, to the
Town
house. A Gentleman by me (Mr. Belknap) was extremely civil. I thought
he
press'd my going into the Town house from a concern for my safety.
I was
carried by the crowd into the Council Chamber. After some hours Capt.
Preston was brought there to be examined. I heard him deny giving Orders.
I
am very sure it did not occur to me that he had said anything in answer
to
my question in the Street which would not consist with this denial.
My
intention in going up was to enquire into the affair. I have no particular
intimacy with Capt. Preston. His general character is extremely good.
Had I
wanted an Officer to guard against a precipitate action I should have
pitched upon him as soon as any in the Regiment.
The Evidence was ended.
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