“Wm. Jackson. I went to house after Store Shut up. I went to my mothers where Capt. Pres[ton] lodged. Fire Cry’d. I run, left Prisoner. Inhabitants of Town told me they were fighting. I wish’d to God they might see it out. Corporal with 5 or 6 Soldiers came and told Prisoner the Town People were abusing the Centry. Prisoner put on his Sword and went out.”

“Edwd. Hill. I was in a house by Mr. Deblois, 3 or 4 Soldiers of 29 Regiment. Fire cry’d, I run out. They said no fire but Soldiers killing Town’s People. South Side of Town House. I told Guard Some said they would go and take Centry off Posts. They Sent a Corporal and men for Lt. Basset.

“The Party of Inhabitants said they would go and attack main Guard. Some said better not. Better take Centry of[f] his Posts. This Parry was coming from Murrays Barracks. Capt. Preston was engaged with Some Body when the first Bullet was fired. <Some Body> Soldier Attempted to fire at a Boy. Prisoner took him by the Arm and bid him not fire, no more Guns fired.

“I was going to Post office heard Guns fired and turnd about heard two more Guns then I went down.”

“Benja Davis. 10 m[inutes] after nine coming from No. people Engaged by Jus[tice] Quincy. [Thus in MS.] I could not see if Soldiers or Towns people, Some body clap’d me on sholder and asked me if I would go and help fight the Soldiers. I said no, he bid me note the Clock, he was down to Conduit and Cry’d fire. Presently the Bells rung. Then 7 or 8 Soldiers run thro Alley by Elliots with Something in hands. I went into King Street. No disturbance, people in Knots 5 or 6 together, at Jacksons Corner. Hear huzzaing in King Street, Went by Price. Saw 20 or 30 by Cus[tom] H[ouse] and huzzaing. People hallowed to him fire, you dare not fire. A young officer walking before G[uard] H[ouse]. 2 young men came without Hatts, and said to the Guard they [must] send Relief to the Centry for he heard some say they would murder him. Soon I heard Some Body from within Say out Guards. There came out I think 7. I saw no Officer. They marchd down to Centry Box and people closing near them, I think near 100. 6 or 7 min. before firing 1st Gun. Various Sorts of Noises.

“6 [seconds] between 1st Gun and 2d. 4 [seconds] between 2 and 3d then the rest fired quick.”

“Jos. Edwards. Heard bells ring, cry of fire, got to Brick Meeting house, they said affray was over. I went below King street. Saw 4 or 5. They grew to 12 Boys insulting Centry. They promised me to go away. I thought they were going till Party came from M[ain] G[uard]. I thought that stopt. Order to prime and load. I see ’em prime and load. I went away. I did not see Capt. Preston.

“I thought the Order to load came from Man on left hand. He had a Red Coat on dress’d in Regimentals, had a Muskett. I see him prime and load. Had Tare [i.e. tear] on Arm. I Stood to E[ast] of Steps, Officer below me. I saw no Body I took to be a Capt.”

“John Frost. Bells ringing for fire. Said they had drove Soldiers into Barracks. About 50 in Dock Square. Huzza for King Street. Barbers boy said of Centry this is the Son of Bitch that struck me. Centry went on the Steps and loaded his Gun, I took it he wanted to get in. They said damn you fire. Party came down. Capt. with them had Sash and Gorget and Sword in his hand. I went away. Heard Guns go off. The Capt. 3d man from Right. I did not hear Word to prime and load.”

“Benja. Leigh. Bells ring for fire. Came to Dock Square, said Inhabitants fighting, they huzzad for King street. Barber Boy said there the Son of Bitch that Struck me. People cry’d kill him, kill him knock him down. 30 in Dock Square, about 50 or 60 before Centry at this time. No clubs, but some had Walking Sticks. Centry Struck C[ustom] H[ouse] door with but of Gun. Then loaded, and charg’d Bayonet, and called out turn out Main Guard. Peo[ple] cry’d fire fire damn you durst not fire. Then they fell off a little. The Party came down. I saw Capt. Preston after Soldiers ranged. A man went up to Capt. and said are you going to fire. He said no Sir on my Honor if I can avoid it. I did not hear desire People to stand of[f] nor people hallow. Capt. Preston stood at left of whole, rather behind ’em. He had Reg[imental] Sash, Sword in hand, hat. I then went away, saw no Snow Balls.”

“Richard Palmes. At Coffee House. Bells rang as for fire. I pass’d by Centry. No Body with him. Said Soldiers were abusing Towns People. I passd by J[ustice] Quin[cy’s] thro’ Alley. I Saw 3–4 Soldiers at Gate with Guns at Gate of Barracks. 2 Officers. I asked Officers I was Surprised they let ’em be out at that time. They answerd do you mean to teach us our duty. I said no but only to remind ’em of it. Officer said you see Soldiers gone into Barracks why dont you go home. James Lamb and I said [let us?] go home and they went off, 20 or 30, crying home home. I came thro Little Alley, I went thro Alley back with Mr. Hickling. I ask’d if he was going home, I saw Mr. Pool Spear, I went as far as T[own] Pump. Some Body said there was a Noise in King Street, I turn’d to go into K[ing] S[treet]. He said better not, afraid Something would happen. I went to make peace. I went saw Capt. Preston at head of 7. 8. Soldiers by C[ustom] H[ouse] drawn up Bayonet breast high. I found T. Bliss talking with Prisoner. T. Bliss ask’d him why dont you fire. Prisoner made some answer, T. Bliss said G[od] damn you why dont you fire. Then I stept between Prisoner and T. Bliss in front of Soldiers. I put my left Hand on Pris[oner’s] Right Sholdier in a familiar manner to Speak to him. J. Hickling was looking over my Sholder, I askd Prisoner are your Soldiers Guns loaded. He said yes with Powder and Ball, I said I hope you dont intend Soldiers shall fire on Inhabitants. His Answer was by no means. That Instant I saw a peice of Snow or Ice not large Strike the Gun of Gren[adier] Montgomery at Prisoner’s right Hand, who was only Soldier on his Right Hand. As soon as that he stept one foot back and fired. I then had my hand on Capt. Preston’s Sholdier. After this firing I heard the Word fire. (At firing 1st Gun Prisoner stood half way between Breach and Muzzle of the Gun fired.) Who gave the word fire I dont know, whether from before behind or one side of me. On firing the 1st Gun I took my hand of[f], I did not think who gave the Word fire. It was Spoke Loud. Gun going of[f] frightd me and scorched my Surtot on Shoulder and Prisoner might have given the Word I not have heard it. After Word fire in 6 or 7 [seconds]. The next Grenadier to Prisoner’s left fired and then it went through the Party. Prisoner stood still till the 2d and 3d Guns fired after 2d Gun fired I saw 1st Gren[adier] trying to prick me. Prisoner then by me with his hand on head of Sword not drawn. I struck him with a Stick on left Arm and dropt it and his Gun fell. I had not before that Struck at any Person. Then I turnd. I struck at 1st I could hit which was Capt. Preston. Guns then all fired. His face turn’d down Street towards Soldiers. My right foot slipt, and my Blow fell short. When I first heard word fire Prisoner’s <face> Back to Soldiers and face towards me. Before I recovered, the 1st Gren[adier] recovered and was making at me to push. I threw my Stick in his face which made him jump back and I jump’d toward lane, and he push’d at me again and fell. Prisoner said nothing since his answer to me. On firing People run. I had on a Cloath Colored Surtot.

“1/2 a minute <from> I was there.

“60 or 70 people at time of firing. No disturbance. I saw no Stick.”

In March 1771, Palmes published his own version of his testimony, Boston Gazette, 25 March 1771, p. 2, col. 1:

“Court. Please to relate to the Court what you know concerning the 5th of March.

“A. Between the hours of nine and ten o’clock, &c. as per Narrative, p. 38. No. 53. [This refers to Palmes’ deposition, which the editors have set out at the end of this note.]

“Q. Did you hear Mr. Bliss say any thing to Captain Preston? A. I did.

“Q. Inform the Court what he said to him.

“A. He said to Capt. Preston, ’Why don’t you fire?’ Capt. Preston made him some answer, but what it was, I cannot say. Then Mr. Bliss returned, God damn you, why don’t you fire? Upon this, I stept in between him and Capt. Preston, as related above [that is, in the deposition].

“Q. At the time the soldiers fired, did you see a number of things thrown at them?

“A. I saw nothing thrown, or touch them, excepting that which struck Montgomery. [Here the printers of the Gazette added the following note: ’Mr. Palmes and Mr. John Hickling both say, that the Piece of ice or frozen snow, which struck Montgomery fell perpendicular—probably from the roof of the Custom-House.’]

“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.”

“(No. 53)

“I Richard Palmes of Boston, of lawful age, testify and say, that between the hours of nine and ten o’clock of the 5th instant, I heard one of the bells ring, which I supposed was occasioned by fire, and enquiring where the fire was, was answered that the soldiers were abusing the inhabitants; I asked where, was first answered at Murray’s barracks, I went there and spoke to some officers that were standing at the door, I told them I was surprized they suffered the soldiers to go out of the barrack after eight o’clock; I was answered by one of the officers pray do you mean to teach us our duty; I answered I did not, only to remind them of it; one of them said you see that the soldiers are all in their barracks, and why do not you go to your homes; Mr. James Lamb and I said, Gentlemen let us go home, and were answered by some, home, home; accordingly I asked Mr. William Hickling if he was going home, he said he was, I walked with him as far as the post-office, upon my stopping to talk with two or three people, Mr. Hickling left me; I then saw Mr. Pool Spear going towards the town-house, he asked me if I was going home, I told him I was; I asked him where he was going that way, he said he was going to his brother David’s. But when I got to the town-pump, we were told there was a rumpus at the custom-house door; Mr. Spear said to me you had better not go, I told him I would go and try to make peace; I immediately went there and saw Capt. Preston at the head of six or eight soldiers in a circular form, with guns breast high and bayonets fixed; the said Captain stood almost to the end of their guns. I went immediately to Capt. Preston (as soon as Mr. Bliss had left him) and asked him if their guns were loaded, his answer was they are loaded with powder and ball; I then said to him I hope you do not intend they shall fire upon the inhabitants; his reply was, by no means. When I was asking him these questions my left hand was on his right shoulder; Mr. John Hickling had that instant taken his hand off my shoulder, and stept to my left, then instantly I saw a piece of snow or ice fall among the soldiers, on which the soldier at the officer’s right hand stept back and discharged his gun, at the space of some seconds the soldier at his left fired next, and the others one after the other. After the first gun was fired, I heard the word Fire, but who said it I know not; after the first gun was fired the said officer had full time to forbid the other soldiers not to fire, but I did not hear him speak to them at all; then turning myself to the left I saw one man dead, distant about six feet; I having a stick in my hand made a stroke at the soldier who fired, and struck the gun out of his hand. I then made a stroke at the officer, my right foot slipt, that brought me on my knee, the blow falling short, he says I hit his arm; when I was recovering myself from the fall I saw the soldier that fired the first gun endeavoring to push me through with his bayonet, on which I threw my stick at his head, the soldier starting back, gave me opportunity to jump from him into exchange-lane, or I must been inevitably run thro’ my body. I looked back and saw three persons laying on the ground, and perceiving a soldier stepping round the corner as I thought to shoot me, I ran down Exchange lane, and so up the next into King-street, and followed Mr. Gridley with several other persons with the body of Capt. Morton’s apprentice up to the prison house, and saw he had a ball shot through his breast; at my return I found that the officer and soldiers were gone to the main guard. 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 and saw there the soldiers were formed into three divisions, the front division in the posture of platoon firing, and I expected they would fire. Hearing that his Honor the Lieutenant Governor was going to the Council-chamber, I went there, his Honor looking out of the door desired the people to hear him speak; he desired them to go home and he would enquire into the affair in the morning, and that the law should take its course, and said, I will live and die by the law. A gentleman desired his Honor to order the soldiers to their barracks, he answered it was not in his power, and that he had no command over the troops and that it lay with Col. Dalrymple and not with him, but that he would send for him, which after some time he did; upon that a gentleman desired his Honor to look out of the window facing the main-guard, to see the position the soldiers were in, ready to fire on the inhabitants, which he did after a good deal of perswasion, and called for Col. Carr and desired him to order the troops to their barracks in the same order they were in; accordingly they were ordered to shoulder their guns, and were marched off by some officers, and further saith not.

“Mathew Murray. Bells ring. I went out and ran and got handle of Broom. They said Soldiers by Murrays Barracks. Barbers Boy said Soldiers knoct me down with but of Gun. I saw Centry on C[ustom] H[ouse] door landing. People said fire damn you fire, the[y] were at little distance.

“I went R[oyal] E[xchange] alley Prisoner and Party came down. I see ’em load.

“I see a man come to Capt. Preston and said he had best withdraw his Men for no Body was going to do any hurt. I stood 2 or 3 minutes, by Gren[adier]. A Stick or piece of Ice came from Stones and struck Gren[adier]. in Side and im[me]diately, he fired, and I went off. I heard no body bid him fire. 2 yd. of Prisoner nearer the Soldier, looking towards Capt. Preston who Stood talking with Man when Gun went off. He was in front. 2 or 3 Snow Balls before firing thrown at Soldiers. Prisoner had Sword in hand, I dont know if drawn. I dont know if Surtot. or Regimental, I think Surtot. I knew him by Sight before. I saw him in fore noon When going on Guard. Many People, great talking. Did not hear fire. Seem’d in Anger.

“A Woman crowded in by me and talked by the Soldier on right hand.

“If Prisoner had given Order. load I should have heard it.”

“Andrew Servant to Oliver Wendell. Cry of fire. Bells rang. I met one of my Acq[uaintance] bottom of School House Lane. Told me Soldiers were fighting and killing every Body. that one had struck him on Arm with Cutlass and most cut it off. and I had better not go down. I said a good Club was as good as a Cutlass, and he had better get one and go back and see if he could not cut too. He turnd back and went with me and see 2 Centrys at M[ain]G[uard]. Some Boys throwing Snow Balls at them who seemed enraged. Swearing at People. A few people talking with them and some laughing at them and Calling them Lobsters. My Acq[uaintance] said they were trying to get them out of Murry Barracks.

“People from that way turnd down K[ing] S[treet] in haste. Heard 3 cheers in K[ing] S[treet]. We went down by Whipping Post. Some by us threw Snow Balls and Cinders of Seacoal at people. Some returned by C[ustom] H[ouse]. Most of ’em had Sticks, a small Huddle round Centry Box.

“Boys hallowed they had got his Gun away and now they’d have him. I heard 3 cheers round C[ustom] H[ouse]. I went by M[ain] G[uard] to T[own] H[ouse] Steps to see if M[ain] G[uard] would turn out. I see 7 or 8 men turn out and officer with a lace Hat and Sword in hand Red Coat Silver on Shoulder.

“Officer said something to ’em and they march’d. He lead them he did not go behind em. They seem’d in great Rage.

“I stood by Pecks Corner Party got down and planted themselves. People by C[ustom] H[ouse]gave 3 cheers. Boys by Pecks Corner kept pelting Snow Ball. that way. I jump’d of[f] Post and run over to see what Soldiers were about. As I got a glimpse of Soldiers I heard people hallow here comes Murray and the Riot Act. They turn’d about and began to pelt a Man that run thro P[udding]Lane. I <try’d to> get again to Soldiers in front. I got to R[oyal] E[xchange] lane and heard a Gren[adier] next Corner say damn ye stand back. They that were before were trying to get back. A person went to crowd between me and the Bayonet and Gren[adier] made a push at him. The Lad said damn ye blood back’d Lobster are ye going to Stab me. Gren[adier] said By G[od]will 1. Turning round I saw the Officer. Two talking with him, and others jumping on their Backs to hear what was saying. Some Body that I took to be the officer said Stand off. Some Body said come away let the Guard alone. Some Body said in great hurry damn him he is going to fire. They began to shout and 3 cheers and cry damn him he durst not fire, fire and be dam’d, and began to throw Snow Balls and things at Soldiers, I saw the Soldiers dodging their Heads as they were pushing. I saw Several hit their Hatts. I was crowding to get as near officer as I could. People struck Guns with Sticks, and hit Grenadier’s Fingers. A person stood near behind me with a long stick and Trowsers Struck at Gren[adier’s]Gun who was pushing as I thought endeavoring to kill the person and [. . .] to be turning off. Then saw Some people coming from Jacksons who huzzad and said dam em they durst not fire. We ant afraid of them. Knock em over. One of em pretty short man. He push’d his way thro people and came between me and Grenadier close to officer. He had Stick in his hand which he <swing> strike at officer people still talking the officer. Officer dodged and try’d to fend off to[i.e. the?]blow with his Arm. Then he began to thump on Gren[adier’]s. Gun who was next [to]officer about 1 1/2 yd. off. I saw the Gren[adier] attempt to stick him, after he struck on his Gun. He started and put by Bayonets and struck the Gren[adier] on head with <Club> Stick. A Small Cord wood Stick. Just then I turnd to look tother Way to look at Off[icer]. There seemed a bustle. The Man kept hold of Bayonet. I took it to be the Molatto man. There seem’d to be a rush behind me. Crowding me as they rush’d in. The Genral cry was by me kill em kill em knock em over. On this the Gren[adier] stept back and relieved himself from him that had hold of his Bayonet, and began Lay on with his Gun. People then give a jump back very quick and made great noise, or Schre[ech]ing, and some huzzaing and saying fire dam him durst not fire. I heard a Voice distinguished from rest Say fire, and that instant a Gun went of[f]. Came from before me. I took it to be a man 2 or 3 below me from left. Officers back then before me. Voice came from below <soldier> Capt. I did not think it to be him. I took it to be a Soldier. Officer made a Corner. On Gun going off Gren[adier] I think Kilroy who stood on Capt. left Swung his Gun and it went off. I looked round and saw the Molatto fall, 1st Gun was down lower and sounded like a Pistol.

“5 or 6 [seconds] from my 1st glimpse to 2d Gun.

“Next I rem[embe]r I was in Dehon Entry.”

“Jack Servant of Dr. Lloyd. 19 yrs. in Country all time with Dr. Lloyd. Cant read.

“Heard Bells ring, met Andrew, I got to Whip[ping] Post, Saw men and Soldiers by C[ustom] H[ouse]. I went among. Snow Ball hit me. I went to Stones Door. I heard voice fire. I stood back by Barbers Shop. Presently fired. I see a man drop.”

“Danl. Cornwall. Bells ring. I run to T[own] H[ouse]. Man said a Rascal of Soldier had Cut a Boy on Arm. I ask’d where is the damn’d Rascall gone. Heard 3 cheers, and then run to alley by Murrays Barracks. Then 3 cheers. I went to T[own] H[ouse] and heard 3 cheers by C[ustom] H[ouse] and one advising em to go off. I believe they would if Soldiers had not <gone off> come down. I saw ’em throw Snow Balls and Oyster shells at Centry by C[ustom] H[ouse] door. Some for killing him, taking him burning Centry Box, but did neither. I stood in middle of K[ing] S[treet]. I saw Soldiers by Centry Box and Capt. Preston stood before 2 soldiers. I was in Crowd and did not see them down. I saw a young Man talking with Capt. Preston. I could not see Capt. say any Thing. He seem’d concern’d. Presently I heard a Stick or Something hard come against one of Soldiers Guns. Immediately I heard Gun go off but from what Soldier I could not tell. Not 1/2 [minute]. I think I was then within 2 yds. of Capt. He was before them. I don’t think he was then talking with any Body. I was looking at him, I think I should have heard him if he had given word to fire. I heard a voice Say damn you why do you fire dont fire. I think it was Capt. Preston. I stood at head of R[oyal] E[xchange] Lane.”

“Wm. Sawyer. Of Bolton. Bells rung. I went to T[own] H[ouse]. Cry of fire kept up. Soldiers before G[uard] H[ouse] fixing Bay[onets]. I passed by and see people by C[ustom] H[ouse]. Sold[iers] chall[enged] people to move out of Way. They faced about. People closed. I got to head of R[oyal] E[xchange] Lane. They stood pushing to keep of[f] Inhabitants. They came as close on them as they could. Inhab[itants] chall[enged] crying fire, huzza. Snow Balls. I think they hit Soldiers. A club hit one of their Guns and they fired. The Corner man I think said fire and fired. As soon as he fired he said again damn you fire. I was [10?] feet off. I think it was not the man whose Gun was struck with a Club. In 6 [seconds] next Gun fired and so thro. I was in a fright. When 1st Gun fired I cant say I was looking on Soldier who fired 1st.

“I think it was he, it look’d reasonable for he was the 1st who fired. I did not see Capt. What other witnesses [say] do not make me doubt. I was on a line with ’em.”

“Jane Whitehouse. I living near head of R[oyal] E[xchange] Lane. I ask’d Centry what noise was. People coming from T[own] H[ouse] said there is the Centry there is the bloody hacked Son of a Bitch let us go kill him. They keep coming along throw Oyster Shells chunks of Wood and Snow Balls at Centry, and beat him from Box to C[ustom] H[ouse] Steps. Then I saw a Party coming down from M[ain] G[uard]. I did not hear him call and an Officer with them which proved to be Capt. Preston. He bid em halt. He bid his Centry recover his Arms—fall in and march up to G[uard]H[ouse]. The Soldiers offered to move forward but could not for the Riot for they called out damn you Sons of Bitches fire you cant kill us all. I stept a little advancing and heard a Gentleman ask Capt. if he was going to fire, he said no Sir by no means by no means. Then Centry push’d me back and bid me go home or I should he killed. I stopt at end of C[ustom] H[ouse] where Centry put me. A man walked between C[ustom]H[ouse]and Soldiers and encouraged the Men to fire. Capt. Preston was to left of Soldiers when he said by no means, near in a line about 3 yd. from Lane. The man that encouraged the men to fire clap’d one Man on back and said fire by God I’ll stand by you. Dressed in dark coulored Cloaths. Did not look like an Officer. Upon that the man fired directly, it was not Capt. Preston, he did not give word to fire. I was in 1 1/2 yd. of him. I must have heard if he gave orders to fire, for my attention was on him by People saying Their is their Officer dam Son of Bitch let us go kill him. I see one Man take a Stick from under Coat and throw at a Soldier and knock’d him down, a thick Chunk of Wood, he fell across the Gutter and his firelock fell out of his hand, the right hand Soldier, before Gun were fired. Between first Gun and 2d did not hear word fire nor see any Body speak with Capt.”

“Newtown Prince. From [. . .] in W[est] I[ndies]. Ch[urc]h member, free Negro.

“I heard Bells ring, people said something better than fire. I got as far as T[own] H[ouse]. Number of People by W[est] Door of T[own] H[ouse]. I see Soldiers come out of G[uard] H[ouse] and run down to C[ustom] H[ouse] Bay[onets] fixed. Co. [Company?] by T[own] H[ouse] said let us tack [attack?] M[ain] Guard or Centry down to C[ustom] H[ouse]. Others said no dont let us, let us Attack the Centry gone down into K[ing Street].

“They went down K[ing] S[treet]. I went after em. Soldiers round C[ustom] H[ouse] 2 deep. Number in front of Soldiers calling ’em Lobsters, dam you why dont you fire. Capt. Preston came out of Rear and stood in front. I knew him and that he was Capt. of Guard this day. I see him talk with some people, some had Clubbs, and struck the Guns with sticks. Capt. Preston was to the Right 1 1/2 yds. from Corner. I thought the Guns would go off accidentally. I stepd out of the way and then Guns went off. I heard no Body give word to fire only general Cry of Fire.”

“James Waddel. Sworn on Bible. People said it was fire. I followed down to K[ing] S[treet]. Standing at M[ain] G[uard] door I saw party of Soldiers. The[y] went to Centry who fell in with them. They drawed up in a Circle. First thing I saw was a Soldier knock’d down and his Gun flew out of his hand. They threw Sticks and every thing else thrown at Soldiers. When knocked down he gets his firelock up and fires directly. I saw a person like a Gentleman walking behind the Soldiers, dress’d in blue or black Velvet or plush mounted, trimmed with Gold or Silver Lace. Bag wigg on. He offered his hand on a Soldiers back and said he would stand by them while he had a drop of Blood in his Body and said Fire. The first Gun went off before and immediately after his so speaking they fired. I was between Capt. Preston and End of a lane 2 yds. from him. I am certain and sure Capt. Preston did not give the word fire. He looked shock’d and lifted up his hand on their firing. A person speaking with Capt. at firing of 1st Gun. People 12 or 14 yds. from Capt. Preston at 1st firing. Capt. Preston at End of[their?]left.”

“Joseph Helyer. Bells rang. People at Conduit. People said a fight, dangerous to pass up. Street was still, people at Custom House, Soldier on C[ustom] H[ouse] Steps in threatning posture, heard Voice from Small people fire if you dare. People of more years told Boys not to molest Centry. It seem’d to Subside. I was about going off for I went to prevent mischief: a Gentleman came up R[oyal] E[xchange] lane, was opposed by a Soldier, the point of Bayonet touch’d his Hat. I think it was Hurd the Engraver. [Nathaniel Hurd (1730–1777); subject of a Copley portrait. DAB description begins Allen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928–1936; 20 vols. plus index and supplements. description ends .] About 1/2 way between C[ustom] H[ouse] and T[own] H[ouse] I met 8 Soldiers coming down. I saw a Com[missio]n[ed] off[icer] with ’em. Heard Some Body addressing the off[icer] in this Manner you wont fire upon them you have nothing to do but to keep em off. No answer. I thought at 1st sight it was one of the Men of C[ustom] H[ouse] and that he had been to call em. They went to Centry Box, confused Noise. I went to C[ustom] H[ouse] found Soldiers drawn up charged Bayonets. As I pass’d the last man on left a Gun was fired on the right about 20 [seconds] another 10 [seconds] another 3 [seconds] or 4 [seconds], 3 or 4 Gun 20 [seconds] more another, last Gun fired on an Angle. No Body before him he seem’d to fire at People on other Side of the Way. No Orders given to fire. The Soldiers seem’d to act pure Nature i.e. no Body coming towards ’em; I thought no order because they fired Scattering. I saw no Contest that could Occasion such an Action. After they were dead I could hardly believe it, because there was a Commiss[ioned] Officer. I heard noise like locking firelocks. Capt. stept before them and said dont fire on Inhabitants. I was nearly connected with one that was killed vizt. Maverick. Firing began at Right, last Gun, last man but one on left. No Crowding nor any thing that could occasion it. Confusion of Tempers. Watch Box just above Gutter, about Corner. People Covered Soldiers, but clear in the front.”

“Jas. Gifford. A short Conversation with Prisoner after the affair. At G[uard] H[ouse] I found Prisoner who said Centry attack’d by Mob. He carried down a party. Had rec[eive]d a blow on his Arm, that they had fired. He gave ’em no Orders and they must take the Consequence.

“I have known him 3 yrs. mild Temper’d, prudent, discreet. Officers never give Order to fire from charged Bayonet. They would all have fired together, or most of them.”

“John Gallispe. Going up to S[outh] End. I saw people coming down with Swords and Sticks 7 oClock.

“We were told Bell rung for fire. Landlord said it was not.

“I went down. 100 people just above Guard.”

“[J]ust before ten o’clock, the bells of the town were rung as is usual in case of fire, but I soon found there was another cause and one upon another came running to my house to inform me that, unless I went out immediately, the whole Town would be in arms and the most bloody scene would follow that had ever been known in America. I went immediately abroad, and met vast crowds of People running for their arms and prevailed on them to turn back and follow me to King street, promising them justice should be done.” Hutchinson to Gage, 6 March 1770, Adams, New Light description begins Randolph G. Adams, New Light on the Boston Massacre, Worcester, Mass., 1938. description ends 14.