snow balls to be thrown at them : which
seems to have been the only provocation that
was given. Mr. Knox (between whom and
Capt. Preston there was some
conversation on
the spot) declares, that while he was talking with
Capt. Preston, the soldiers of
his detachment had
attacked the people with their bayonets ; and
that there was not the least provocation given to
Capt. Preston, or his party : the
backs of the
people being towards them when the people
were attacked. He also declares, that Captain
Preston seemed to be in great haste and much
agitated ; and that according to his opinion there
were not then present in
Kingstreet above seventy
or eighty persons at the extent.
The said party was formed into a half circle,
and, within a short time after they had been
posted at the
Custom-House, began to fire upon
the people.
Captain Preston is said to
have ordered them to
fire, and to have repeated that order. One gun
was fired first : then others in succession, and
with deliberation, till ten or a dozen guns were
fired ; or till that number of discharges were
made from the guns that were fired. By which
means eleven persons were killed, and wounded,
as above represented.
These facts with divers [diverse] circumstances
attend-
ing them, are supported by the depositions of a
considerable number of persons : and among
others, of the following, viz. Messir’s. Henry Bass,
Samuel Atwood, Samuel Drowne, James Kirk-