For some days bye-past, there have been several affrays
between the inhabitants and the soldiers quartered in this
town.
Last Monday about 9 o'clock at night a most unfortunate
affair happened in King-street: The centinel posted at the
Custom-house, being surrounded by a number of people, called
to the main-guard, upon which Capt. Preston, who was Captain
of the day, with a party, went to his assistance: soon after
which some of the party fired, by which the following
persons were killed and wounded,
Mr. Samuel Gray, ropemaker, killed.--A Mollatto man, named
Johnson, killed.--Mr. James Caldwell, mate of Capt. Morton's
vessel, killed.--Mr. Samuel Maverick, wounded, and since
dead.--A Lad named Christopher Monk, wounded.--A lad named
John Clark, wounded.--Mr. Edward Payne, Merchant, standing
at his entry-door, wounded in the arm.--Mr. John Greene,
taylor, wounded.--Mr. Patrick Cole, wounded.--David Parker,
wounded.
Early next morning Captain Preston was committed to gaol,
and same day 8 soldiers.
A meeting of the inhabitants was called at Fanueil-hall that
forenoon: and the Lieutenant-Governor and Council met at the
Council-chamber, where the Colonels Dalrymple and Carr were
desired to attend, when it was concluded upon, that both
regiments should go down to the barracks at Castle-William,
as soon as they were ready to receive them.
_We decline at present, giving a more particular account of
this unhappy affair, as we hear the trial of the unfortunate
prisoners is to come on next week._
This is all the "Boston Chronicle" has to say about that great
historical event of the fifth of March, an event which stirred the whole
country and filled the minds of the Colonists with a perfect hatred of
the British power in America,--"The Boston Massacre." The editor of the
paper was probably a Tory.
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