The Boston Massacre

The Boston Massacre was a fight that happened on March 5th, 1770 between a drunken crowd or colonists and British soldiers. The name "Boston Massacre" was given to the event by the Sons of Liberty, particularly by Samuel Adams. Five colonists were killed. Three died on the post and two were wounded and died afterwards. The victims of the incident were a black sailor named Crispus Attucks, a ropemaker by the name of Samuel Gray and a mariner called James Caldwell. Those who died afterwards were Samuel Maverick and Patrick Carr.

    Crispus Attuks, black sailor

The occurence began with a crowd of drunk colonists following and attacking a soldier. The soldier took refuge in the House of Customs, where several soldiers were protecting the custom officials. These soldiers were led by a British officer named Captain Thomas Preston. As the colonists continued to attack, the soldiers' increasing anxiety caused them to fire, despite Preston's orders. This led to the resultant deaths of the five colonists. A town meeting was called demanding the removal of the British troops and a trial for the captain and his men for murder. Six colonists were wounded in this accident.

    The Boston Massacre, by Paul Revere

The trials for the captain and his men were two of the longest in history. It was the first time a judge applied the term "reasonable doubt". The captain and his soldiers were defended by John Adams and Josiah Quincy II. They won the trial and gained the release of the soldiers. Two of them were found guilty afterwards for manslaughter. The accused soldiers were:

Captain Thomas Preston

Corporal William Wemms

James Hartigan

William McCauley

Hugh White

Matthew Kilroy

William Warren

John Carrol

Hugh Montgomery

The British were tried before the Superior Court of Judicature, the highest court in Massachusetts.

    John Adams, defense lawyer