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DAY 2 NEWS STORIES OF CAPTAIN PRESTON'S ACQUITTAL
READ BELOW AND FIND YOUR CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is Preston Guilty or Not?
By: Rebecca Ng
Boston: Day 2 of the trial began as more witnesses were asked to go up and give their
testimony, including Captain Preston himself. Yesterday, October 25th, was the day that
determined the fate of Preston. After two days of the trial, the jury has finally reached their
verdict. They have decided that he is not guilty.
The most prominent witnesses were James Woodall, Jane Whitehouse, and of course Preston.
James Woodall and Jane Whitehouse both saw a gentleman in dark clothing tap a soldier and
say, “By God I’ll stand by you whilst I have a drop of blood” and “Fire”. After the stranger
tapped the soldier, the soldier shot when he said “Fire”. Although, both James Woodall and Jane
Whitehouse are clueless as to whom that unknown stranger was. Ben Burdick, one of the witnesses,
said, “Captain Preston told them to stop firing.” He also said that he did not hear “Fire” from
Preston, but he heard it from the Sentinel. Then, Captain Thomas Preston was the next one to
speak. He started to describe what happened. He said that he was informed that the colonists
broke into several meeting houses. When he got there, he heard the colonists taunting the
soldiers, calling out, “Come on you rascals, you bloody backs, you lobster scoundrels, fire if
you dare.” Preston stood between the mob and the soldiers. He was asked if he intended to order
the men to fire, he simply replied, “No.” One of his men got hit by a club by someone in the mob
and fell to the floor. He quickly got up and let out the first shot. Preston
recalled, “Instantly, three or four of the soldiers fired.” He asked them why they fired and the
soldiers said that they thought that the command to fire came from him. Preston told the whole
court that his exact words were, “Don’t fire! Stop your firing!” But, he was mistaken for
saying “Fire” because someone standing behind him said, “Fire!” instead. “The confusion
prevented control for Captain Preston,” said the Defendant, Josiah Quincy.
During the Press Conference, one member of the jury said, “The witnesses contradicted each
other. Theodore Bliss and Daniel Calef was an example.” When the prosecution side was asked what
their reaction was after the jury announced that they have reached their verdict and that
Preston was not guilty, they said, “We were not surprised.” Josiah Quincy said, “Day 1 of the
trial needed getting used to, but Day 2 went well,” when he was asked what his opinion was for
the whole trial. He also said that he was shocked and happy about the results. He says, “I hope
the innocent always stays innocent.” As a result, Day 2 of the trial ended with Captain Preston
being not guilty.
Verdict of Trial- Captain Preston is Innocent! (Day 2)
Day two of the murder trial for Captain Preston- the verdict is in. The trial started with more
dense witnesses.
Many of the witnesses like Henry Knox, Daniel Cornwall and Robert Goddad. But another witness by
the name of Richard Palms believed that it was the colonists fault. He said that before the
shooting, he asked Captain Preston if he was planning on shooting or not and the Captain said
no. Also, Robert believes that Captain Preston didn’t say ‘fire’ and that the colonists didn’t
have any right to throw things at the soldiers.
Last to be called to the stand was the Captain himself. He said that it couldn’t have been him
who said ‘fire’ because he was trying to calm the angry colonists down, but they kept on
provoking them.
“I just wanted to handle it peacefully,” the Captain stated. “I had no intention to shoot.”
He believes that the soldiers mistaken the man who said ‘fire’, for himself. When asked by
Robert Paine, a Prosecution lawyer, why he called the soldiers to the Custom House in the first
place, the Captain said that he told them to come because he believed that there would be a raid
that night.
While the jury was away making there decision, Captain Preston was extremely nervous and
anxious. Also, Prosecution felt that the first day went better and Defense felt that day two
went better.
As the jury walked back into the room, one member placed a piece of paper in the hands of Judge
Peter Oliver. He read it out loud: “The jury pleads Captain Thomas Preston as not guilty!”
A proud Captain gave credit to his lawyers and is happy to be free. He is thankful.
Judge Peter Oliver, on the other hand thought that the jury made the wrong decision.
“It was obvious that the Captain is guilty…” the Judge stated. “But its over.”
The Verdict is in for the Thomas Preston Case!
By: Kristina Naviello
Boston: Yesterday, October 29, 1700, was the second, and last day, of Captain Thomas Preston’s
difficult trial. For those who have not yet been informed, Captain Thomas Preston
was put on trial for the death of five colonists during a confrentation between the British and
American colonists. Someone gave the order to the British to fire at the colonists. Some said
it was Preston, others said not, but it was the jury that made the final decision.
After the first day of the trial, Preston was scared at what the next day might lead to.
The final witnesses were called to the stand as the lawyers got their last chance. Daniel
Cornwal l was about two yards away from Preston and was postive that he did not give the order.
However, Daniel Calef specifically stated that he saw Preston mouth “Fire!” To the rest of the
soldiers.
After the rest of the witnesses were finished, the final, and most important witness,
was called to the stand: Thomas Preston. Preston stated that he did not want the British to
fire, but he would much rather solve the problem peacefully, without harming anyone that might
possibly be in danger. Preston that said that he was shouting “Don’t Fire,” attempting to stop
the British. He heard someone close to him tell the soldiers to fire, which may explain why
some people thought it was him. He ended his fight by telling the jury that it all could have
been avoided if the colonists had not thrown anything at the British, and listened to him, as he
tried to solve the problem the “correct way.”
I later spoke with Judge Oliver, before the jury had come to a verdict. “I will be ok
with any decision the jury has made,” he stated.
The prosecution had felt that they had done a far better job the first day of the trial
because they thought some of the witnesses that had gone today, lied to save Preston. “I
strongly believe he will be found guilty”, Robert Paine, one of the prosecution lawyers, stated
while the jury deliberated.
The courtroom was filled with voices discussing their thoughts of what the final
decision would be. I overheard Jane Whitehouse saying that she thought he would be found not
guilty.
At that split second, the jury had returned with the verdict. The judge had seen the
decision, and it was time for the rest of the courtroom to find out as well. “We the jury, find
Caption Thomas Preston, not guilty.”
Robert Paine felt that he had done so much work, all for nothing. However, the defense lawyers
could not have been happier. But it was Thomas Preston who was the most relieved out of every
person in the courtroom.
On the day of October 29th, 1770, Captain Thomas Preston left the courtroom, a free, and
thankful man.
Jury Decides Captain Preston is Not Guilty
By Julie Chen
Boston: On Friday, October 12th, Day Two of the trial of Captain Preston, the jury finally
reached a verdict, saying that Captain Preston was not guilty.
Day Two started off with the rest of Defense’s witnesses. Those witnesses included
Matthew Murray, Benjamin Burdick, James Woodall, Jane Whitehouse, and Captain Preston himself.
Many of these witnesses, like Woodall and Whitehouse, said that they saw a stranger dressed in
blue tell the soldiers to fire. This must’ve helped Defense. Also, Burdick actually heard the
Captain telling the soldiers to stop firing. Those witnesses strongly supported the Defense and
were very helpful to them.
After the rest of the testimonies, the lawyers gave their closing statements. John
Adams, a lawyer for Defense, said that that night was a very hectic one, and sticks and ice were
being thrown, so it would be very easy to mistaken who cried fire. Samuel Quincy reiterated that
Preston was responsible for the deaths of those five people.
Finally, after the closing statements, the jury contemplated their decision. After a few
minutes, they announced that they found Captain Preston not guilty. At the press conference
after the trial, a relieved Captain Preston stated, “We put up a good fight.” Witness Benjamin
Burdick said, “Inarguably, the soldiers were guilty, not the Captain. He tried to stop them.”
The Defense lawyers looked very satisfied. John Adams said, “Day One went pretty badly, but the
jury was on our side today, on Day Two.” Meanwhile, the lawyers for Prosecution, Samuel Quincy
and Robert Paine, said that the trial was pretty fair and that either side could’ve won.
Thankfully, Captain Preston is no longer a guilty man.
OCTOBER 31ST, 1770
Captain Thomas Preston acquitted unanimously by jury
Preston proved to be innocent after insufficient evidence to the contrary
By Amy Ho
BOSTON—The trial of Captain Thomas Preston, having been continued for five days, finally ended
yesterday afternoon with the acquittal of said captain. The captain, who had been released only
to participate in the trial, seemed very thankful to walk out of the court doors as a free man
after seven months in jail, starting with his arrest the day after the Boston Massacre until
just yesterday.
The third witness was a slave named Andrew. There occurred a slight argument among the
prosecution lawyers when the witness answered in the negative to Robert Paine’s question, “Were
the bayonets used as weapons?” Seeming slightly angry at his colleague for stepping down after
just the one question, Samuel Quincy stood up and asked Andrew why he was a reliable witness.
At long last came the witness everyone, whether they showed it or not, had been waiting for. As
promised on the first day, against all normal courtroom procedures, Captain Preston himself
testified. John Adams’s questions seemed never-ending as the captain poured forth his
experiences from the night of the fifth of March. Although graciously allowing room for
confusion, the captain never deviated from his story.
According to his testimony, Captain Preston had gone to the scene of the firing because he
wanted to see for himself what was going on. At this point, there ensued a very irritating and
sharp noise, repeated again and again, which later on was shown to be Samuel Quincy in his
agitation. “I believe I was wearing a red coat with a surtout,” the captain had said, rolling
his head in a defiant gesture towards Samuel Quincy. This seemed to belie many witnesses’
testimonies. During the cross-examining, when objected to with the accusation of leading the
witness, the aforesaid Quincy simply rephrased the question he had just asked.
When giving the defense’s closing statements, Josiah Quincy played on the confusion of the night
and the stranger in the blue velvet surtout. He also pointed out that the witnesses differed on
the color of the captain’s surtout; some witnesses claimed that it was red, while others
insisted it was blue. While Josiah Quincy spoke of the facts of the trial, Robert Paine appealed
to morals and emotions of the human heart, calling Preston cold and heartless.
After the jury had filed out, Samuel Quincy requested and was granted the permission to make a
small speech. “We have realized that Captain Preston is a very excellent liar,” he had said,
causing many in the room to smile and laugh.
All too soon, the jury reached a verdict; the captain had been unanimously acquitted. Although
severely disappointed after a long five days of grueling hours in the courtroom, the prosecution
accepted the decision with good grace. Samuel Quincy even shook hands with the defense,
congratulating them on a case well fought.
When asked later on, Captain Preston answered, “I believe that everyone shares the blame for the
Boston Massacre: the crowds, the soldiers, the strange man in blue…everyone.” Obviously, he was
excluding himself.
Captain Preston: Guilty or Innocent?
By: Joey Hajjar
Boston: In Day two of the Captain Thomas Preston trial, the jury has reached a verdict.
On October 13, 1770 in Boston Massachusetts, the two day trial of Captain Preston came to a
final result. All the witnesses have been examined and the lawyers provided their closing
statements and the jury was able to come to a conclusion.
Captain Thomas Preston - accused of authorizing his soldiers to fire their weapons at
the colonists, is found innocent by a five to two vote from the jury. Five members voted
innocent and two members voted guilty. Their reasons were that the witnesses who accused him of
yelling fire were either a considerable distance away from the Captain at the time or unaware of
what clothes he was wearing or the events that followed the incident. What choice did the jury
have if they did not have much evidence to prove him guilty?
The witnesses once again were the most important part of drawing this verdict. Richard
Palms supplied the defense with an abundant amount of useful information. He only heard the
shots being fired and someone screaming “Fire!” but he was unsure of whom it was. Palms accused
Theodore Bliss of trying to convince the Captain to fire their weapons, but the Captain
refused. Captain Preston earlier told his soldiers, “Under no circumstances may you fire your
weapons at anyone.”
Captain Preston had some opinions of his own as well. The mobs were threatening and
cursing the soldiers off. Captain Preston seemed to think soldiers heard the mobs
yelling, “Fire your weapons!” and confused it with his voice. The captain even attempted to
control his soldiers after the first firing but couldn’t get them to listen.
The defense used the clothing that Captain Preston was wearing to their advantage very
well. Captain Preston informed the courtroom that he was wearing a blue coat on that fatal
night. Some people may have charged him of wearing different clothing that night and therefore
may have confused him with someone such as Theodore Bliss.
Adams and Quincy feel they performed very well on the second day of the trial as well.
They got several strong points out and the witnesses were defending their side more often
today. However, Quincy believes that the witnesses could have been a little bit more detailed
in their stories which could have helped them even more.
Looking at the facts, numerous civilians inside that courtroom this morning would admit
Captain Thomas Preston innocent of telling his soldiers to fire at the colonists. Judge Peter
Oliver agrees, “I think he deserves to be free. Congratulations to Captain Preston.” John
Adams is a patriotic supporter, and he states, “I am protecting this man with my life because I
admire justice more than patriotism.” Some people are dedicating their lives to saving this
man, and he deserves to be free.
Oct.13, 1770
Colonial Times
Captain Thomas Preston Found Not Guilty
By Katherine Ritter
Boston-
Earlier today, at around 10 A.M. in the Boston Courthouse, the second and final day of Captain
Thomas Preston’s trial took place.
Accused of ordering his British troops to fire in a mob fight (later known as the Boston
Massacre), on March 5th, 1770, thus killing five people, Preston awaited the verdict that would
decide of he were to live or die, for if he be found guilty, he would be hanged. The verdict was
to be announced today.
There were a few remaining witnesses that testified today. Among the more memorable
quotes during these testimonies was, from the defense’s witness, Jane Whitehouse, “The Captain
didn’t play any role in ordering the troops to fire.” Even a few from Preston himself, “I
said ‘stop your fire’!” He also quoted, “I did not give the order to fire.”
That’s not to say the prosecution didn’t have a strong side today. One of their
witnesses, Daniel Calef, stated specifically, “I saw a red-coated officer order fire.”
All these confusing pieces of evidence made the jury more conflicted than ever. So when
they went to deliberate, everyone, especially Captain Preston, was waiting on tenterhooks for
the verdict. In the defense’s closing statement, they quoted, “I see truth is this man’s
[Preston] eyes when he said he didn’t give the order to fire.” On the prosecution’s side, one of
their closing statements was, “I am sure the Captain gave the order that killed five people.”
While waiting for the verdict, I spoke with the honorable Judge Peter Oliver. He
stated, “Both sides did very well for the trial.” I also spoke with a witness, John Cole. He
said, “Preston is guilty. He deserves a consequence.” Both the defense and prosecution lawyers
were confident as the jury entered the room. The verdict that the Captain was found not guilty
by the jury came as a blow to the prosecution and a joy to the defense.
While talking to Preston after the trial, he said his immediate reaction “was relief.”
Captain Thomas left the courthouse today as a free and light hearted man.
Period 4 articles below - others to be posted as they come in!
Keep scrolling down and read Period 3 articles!
Now we have Period 5/6 and Period 12 too!
Captain Preston Accused of the Death of 5 Men
By: Joey Hajjar
Boston: A trial is being held in Boston for Captain Thomas Preston. He has been
accused of telling his soldiers to fire their guns at the colonists during a mob fight. On the
tragic night of March 5, 1770 five men were shot and killed. The shooting occurred in Boston,
Massachusetts in front of the custom house. There were sticks and snowballs being thrown about,
there were many screams and nasty language among the crowds during the mob fight. The question
is, did Captain Preston tell his soldiers to fire?
During day 1 of the court session, several important events occurred. The
prosecution has been fighting to put Captain Preston in jail, but with John Adams and Josiah
Quincy defending him, it has been a tight battle.
The testimonies of the witnesses have been the most important part of making this
decision. Many say that they were very close to the Captain and that they heard him tell his
soldiers of fire. However, the witnesses did say that they were unsure about other things; such
as the clothes that the Captain was wearing, and anything that happened after the firing. Some
of them have never even met the Captain before. There could just be lies in the courtroom from
the people that want the captain in jail for other reasons.
There were a few witnesses with more likely stories that claimed they never heard Captain
Preston tell his soldiers to fire. Henry Knox, who was standing about 50 feet away when the
shots were fired, claimed that he took Preston by the coat and told him to take care of his men
before the shooting. He did not hear anyone say fire, but thought Captain Preston was being
irresponsible by not controlling his soldiers. James Woodall claimed he saw a soldier get hit
by a stick and fire at a colonist and Captain Preston didn’t do anything about it.
The defense, represented by Adams and Quincy, seem to think they started off a little rough but
ended the session well. They got all the information they wanted out of their witnesses and
could not agree with the Captain anymore then they already do.
The prosecution thinks they started off a little rocky as well, but when they put together all
the little details, they will find Captain Thomas Preston guilty of telling his soldiers to fire
at the colonists.
Judge Peter Oliver seems to believe that there have been good witnesses, all the lawyers are
doing a great job of defending their case, and the race is just about dead even. Anyone can win
at this point in time.
Captain Thomas Preston quotes, “I’m completely innocent and we are definitely going to win. I
would just like to thank my defense for their time and risking their lives to save mine.” As
most people will agree, the debate is very close up to this point, so we will see what happens
tomorrow, in day 2 of the trial.
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October 12th, 1770
Colonial Times
First Day of Captain Thomas Preston’s Trial Held Today
By Katherine Ritter
Boston-
Today, at around 10:00 A.M. in the Boston Courthouse, Captain Thomas Preston, accused of
ordering British troops to fire in a mob fight, thus beginning the Boston Massacre in which 5
people were killed, was put on trial.
Today, the first day of the trial of Preston, unveiled many interesting pieces of
information, so conflicting as to which side is the truthful one, that in my opinion, Judge
Peter Oliver said it best- “I would not want to be part of the jury in this case.”
The Boston Massacre occurred on the night of March 5th, 1770, in front of the customs
house. It was made up of a mob of colonists and a group of British soldiers. As the prosecution
states, “Thomas Preston was responsible for giving the order to fire during the massacre.”
However, the defense retaliates that there was “confusion during the battle and Preston was
trying to stop the firing.”
Both sides have valid witnesses. For the prosecution’s part, one of their witnesses,
Ebenezer Hinckley, stated, “I heard Captain Preston say, ‘Fire upon them! Damn them!’”. However,
in the defense’s favor, their witness, Benjamin Burdick, made the statement, “He told them to
stop firing!” As anyone can see, there are many things to ponder upon, as both sides had valid
reasons for their points.
As I was looking around the courtroom, I noticed how absorbed the jury was in this
case. They have a lot to think about in terms of the verdict. Captain Preston was also very
gripped in the trial-waiting to see if his life will, in fact, end earlier than he expected, for
if he be found guilty, he shall be sentenced to death. However, Preston seemed very confident at
the end of the day, when I asked him if he thought the trial went well, replied, “Absolutely, my
defense lawyers made great points, and the prosecution is running out of options.”
The witnesses were also confident in their testimony. In fact, when talking to one after
the trial and asked them how their recollection of the event went, they replied, “It went well
because I was there, I know what happened, and I told the truth.”
At the closing remarks, both the prosecution and defense lawyers admitted that their
part of the trial “started of rocky.” However, the next and final day of the trial is tomorrow,
and we shall see what a new day brings to this fascinating trial.
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Day One of Captain Preston’s Murder Trial
-Danielle Violette-Birnberg
Boston: March 12, 1770, Captain Preston is on trial for murdering five colonial protestors.
On the cold night of March 12th, about fifty colonial citizens protested against the Townshend
Acts which placed duties on certain imported goods such as glass and tea. Snowballs and sticks
were thrown at soldiers who has there guns loaded and ready on King Street. The soldiers were
led by Captain Preston. The word “Fire!” was exclaimed and colonial protesters fell dead to the
ground.
Now in court, Captain Thomas Preston is being accused of ordering the soldiers to fire the
shots, resulting in deaths. Judge James Oliver is on the case.
The prosecution lawyers say that Captain Preston is guilty and that he told them to fire. In
addition, they stated that even if he was not the one to order them to fire he “should have been
able to retain his soldiers”.
The defense lawyers say that Preston was not the person that yelled “Fire!” Also, according to
them, the colonists didn’t listen to the warn of the soldiers and that they provoked, annoyed,
and harassed the soldiers by throwing things at them.
Called to the stand as the 6th witness by prosecution, John Cole stated that the colonists
didn’t throw anything at the soldiers. Claiming he was about four feet away from the Captain at
the time, he believes that he did hear him say ‘fire’.
After John Cole, a very interesting witness was called up to the stand. Jane Whitehouse stated
that while agreeing with other witnesses that the colonists threw things at the soldiers and
provoked them that she also believes that a man in velvet ordered to soldiers to fire and was
encouraging them to do so.
Another witness called to the stand by the defense lawyers by the name of James Woodall agreed
with Jane Whitehouse. He too believes that the man in velvet told the soldiers to fire.
After the trial, Judge James Oliver made some statements.
“The trial went well today,” he said, despite the fact that he felt that some of the witnesses
did not tell the truth or did not know the truth, on the stand.
“I’m not leaning to any side yet,” was his concluding statement, “but I will know after
tomorrow’s trial.”
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Captain Thomas Preston Put
On Trial!
By: Kristina Naviello
Boston: Yesterday, October 24th, 1770, Captain Thomas Preston was put on trial for the massacre
of five people. The colonists were confronted with British soldiers a few nights ago. The
soldiers were armed, and little did the colonists know, they were deadly as well. Someone gave
the command to fire, but no one is sure who actually did. The courtroom was hushed while the
prosecution made it’s opening statement, trying to prove that Mr. Preston gave the first order
for the soldiers to fire. Then the defense made their opening statement as well, then, the
witnesses began taking the stand. According to Ebenezer Hinckley, it all started when a young
boy threw a stick at
Private Montgomery’s breast. “Then I heard the word ‘fire’ and in 1/4 minute, he fired.”
Joseph Petty, a bystander who witnessed the entire account, stated that the soldiers were armed,
but the colonists were only armed with sticks and snowballs, around the size of an egg. He as
well, did not know who gave the word to fire. At this point in the trial, both the defense and
the prosecution were looking a little nervous, worried that if they didn’t do well today, it may
be too late. Theodore Bliss stated that he was positive Captain Preston did not give the order
to fire. James Woodall said a man in a black; velvet coat was the one who said that one, deadly
word. All witnesses stated that they saw most, or little of the account, and all have different
answers. We will see tomorrow what the jury’s verdict will be, and discover Captain Thomas
Preston’s fate.
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OCTOBER 25TH, 1770
Captain Thomas Preston to stand trial for murder
Preston blamed by many to be the cause of five deaths
By Amy Ho
BOSTON—The town was filled with rumors flying from mouth to ear yesterday as Captain Thomas
Preston of the 29th Regiment stood on trial for murder. As most people already know, the night
of March 5, 1770, otherwise known as the Boston Massacre, was the night of a riot between the
soldiers and some unruly Bostonians, ending in the deaths of five colonists. There have been
arguments ever since. Someone had given the order to fire; was that someone Captain Preston?
The Boston Massacre was the culmination of many nights’ worth of colonial-military tensions.
What started out as a slight scuffle between a British sentry and a shop owner soon escalated
into a large mob of 400 people insulting the 29th Regiment. “Fire; why don’t you fire” was
shouted by the colonists. A voice cried out, “Fire!” As if on cue, a few of the soldiers shot
into the crowd. Three colonists died instantly; two others of wounds a few days later.
Preston was defended by Samuel Quincy and Robert Paine; the prosecution was none other than John
Adams and Josiah Quincy, brother of Samuel Quincy. Beginning with the words “Captain Thomas
Preston is a guilty man,” the aforesaid Samuel Quincy started off the first day of the case with
a powerful yet concise opening statement. John Adams, who opened for the defense, gave an
equally strong and confident speech.
As the case began in all earnestness, the prosecution’s witnesses came and left one by one. The
defense tried unflaggingly to disprove the witnesses’ reliability, but were mostly unsuccessful
despite the use of clever questioning. However, John Adams was accused several times of
speculation and leading the witness; almost all of the objections were sustained by the
Honorable Justice Peter Oliver.
After the prosecution’s witnesses had all been cross-examined, it was time for the defense to
call up their own witnesses. The witnesses were levelheaded and spoke clearly, apparently
unfazed even when cross-examined by the prosecution.
In spite of this, when the first day of the case drew to a close, Samuel Quincy spoke of his
belief that it had been a “good day” for the prosecution. “We got a lot of information out to
the jury, and I hope that they can see our point and that Preston is [found] guilty.” Robert
Paine seemed to feel the same confidence in their ability to prove Captain Preston guilty of the
charges.
Defense’s John Adams hinted strongly that Captain Preston himself would be testifying the next
day of the trial during his closing statement. He too had faith in the witnesses’ ability to
clarify the defense’s point to the jury.
When asked to comment, Captain Preston was restrained from answering by his lawyers. His only
response was, “I will give my full testimony tomorrow.”
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The Trial of Captain Preston Starts
By Julie Chen
Boston: Today, on Thursday, October 11th, the trial of Captain Thomas Preston began. The
trial is about the events that happened on March 5. Boys were causing trouble by throwing around
snowballs and sticks, so Captain Preston and his soldiers came to sort the problem out. A mob
fight broke out, and five men were killed from a gunshot. Captain Preston is accused of ordering
the soldiers to fire.
Today, during Day One of the trial, the lawyers began with their opening statements. The
Prosecution side claimed that Captain Preston did say fire, while Defense rebutted that he is
not guilty.
Then came the testimonies. Many witnesses, such as Robert Goddard and Ebenezer Hinckley,
confidently declared that they definitely heard the Captain order the soldiers to fire. Those
witnesses helped the Prosecution side very much. On the other hand, witnesses like Daniel
Cornwall and Diman Morton have different accounts of the night. Daniel Cornwall told the court
that he was within two yards of the Captain and never heard him say fire. Instead, he heard him
say, “Damn you, why do you fire. Don’t fire.” That testimony was very helpful for Defense’s
arguments. Diman Morton only heard the Captain order the soldiers to load, not fire. Thus, both
Prosecution and Defense had their fair share of supportive witnesses. What did they think of Day
One?
The lawyers for Prosecution stated at the press conference, “Day One went good. We had
witnesses that helped us, and very few disagreed with us.” When asked which witnesses were most
helpful, they said, “John Cole help a lot—he told the jury that Captain Preston commanded the
soldiers to fire.” The lawyers defending Captain Preston said, “Day One went okay. We had
agreeing witnesses.”
Looks like both sides are happy about Day One. We’ll see what happens tomorrow, on Day
Two of the trial.
Captain Preston put on Trial
By: Rebecca Ng
Boston: Yesterday, October 24th, the trial of Captain Preston began regarding why five
Bostonian soldiers lay dead in front of the Custom House on the night of March 5th. Many say
that the shooting began somewhere around nine and ten o’clock. Young and old colonists
surrounded a group of British soldiers, throwing snowballs. The soldiers had asked them to stop,
but the colonists ignored their request. Someone ordered the soldiers to fire. Captain Thomas
Preston was accused of the murdering of the five laying dead.
For the first day of the trial, a total of 10 witnesses were called up to give their
testimony. Most of the witnesses recalled someone saying, “Fire.” Some witnesses claimed that
Captain Preston said it, but some are still unsure. Richard Palmes, who had accidentally hit the
captain with the stick, said, “The captain said he did not attend to hurt the colonists when he
was asked.” Robert Goddard, who was near the captain during the event, said, “The soldiers had
formed a half circle and the captain was behind them.” Almost all witnesses have recollected
during their testimonies that the colonists were throwing snowballs at the soldiers, even though
the soldiers commanded them to stop. Prosecution claims that the witness, John Cole, was one of
the most important of the witnesses. John Cole states that he remembers seeing soldiers pushing
colonists into the street and arms moving, but no sticks. Many witnesses including Cole have
been questioned concerning what clothing was Captain Preston was wearing. They all responded
that the captain was wearing a red coat, but weren’t sure if he had a surtout or not. Cole told
the court that he remembered seeing a rose on the shoulder of his jacket. A witness, who was
standing within two yards of Captain Preston, heard a voice say, “Damn you why do you fire.
Don’t fire.”
At the press conference, the Prosecution and the Defense stated, “Day1 of the trial went
good.” The witnesses were asked if they were part of the mob and Richard Palmes and Theodore
Bliss replied that they were.
Day 2 of the Trial of Captain Preston begins tomorrow. Will the captain be sentenced to his
death or will he be let go?
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