Note: The accounts that follow are exactly as is written in Wheeler and Becker’s “Discovering The American Past, Volume I to 1877" third edition, pp. 78-89. I have not changed the shorthand, which may appear as spelling and grammatical errors along with omitted words. I have not, however, included all the witnesses.

WITNESSES FOR THE KING (PROSECUTION)

EBENEZER HINKLEY

Just after 9 o’clock heard the Cry of Fire. I saw the party come out of the Guard House. A Captain cried out of the Window “fire upon’em damn ‘em.” I followed ‘em down before the Custom House door. Captain Preston was out and commanded ‘em. They drew up and charged their Bayonets. Montgomery [one of the soldiers] pushed at the people advancing. In 2 or 3 minutes a Boy threw a small stick over hand and hit Montgomery on Breast. Then I heard the word fire in 1/4 minute he fired. I saw some pieces of Snow as big as Egg thrown. 3 or 4 thrown at same time of pushing on the other End of the file, before 1st gun fired. The body of People about a Rod [16.5 feet] off. People said Damn ‘em they durst [dare] not fire don’t be afraid. No threats...I was a Rod from Captain Preston. Did not hear him give Order to fire. ½ minute from 1st Gun to 2nd same to 3rd. The others quicker. I saw no people striking the Guns or Bayonets nor pelting ‘em. I saw Preston between people and soldiers. I did not see him when 1st firing.

DANIEL CALEF

I was present at the firing. I heard one of the Guns rattle [fire]. I turned about and lookd and heard the officer who stood on the right in a line with the Soldiers give the word fire twice. I lookd the Officer in the face when he gave the word and saw his mouth. He had on a red Coat, yellow Jacket and Silver laced hat, no trimming on his Coat. The Prisoner is the Officer I mean. I saw his face plain, the moon shone on it. I am sure of the man though I have not seen him before yesterday when he came into Court with others. I knew him instantly. I ran upon the word fire being given about 30 feet off. The officer had no Surtout on.

ROBERT GODDARD

The Soldiers came up to the Centinel and the Officer told them to place themselves and they formd a half moon. The Captain told the Boys to go home least there should be murder done. They were throwing Snow balls. The Capt. Was behind the Soldiers. The Captain told them to fire. One Gun went off. A Sailor or Townsman struck the Captain. He thereupon said damn your bloods fire think I’ll be treated in this manner. This Man that struck the Captain came from among the People who were seven feet off and were round one wing. I saw no person speak to him. I was so near I should have seen it. After the Capt. Said Damn your bloods fire they all fired one after another about 7 or 8 in all, and then the officer bid Prime and load again. He stood behind all the time. Mr. Lee went up to the officer and called the officer by name Capt. Preston. I saw him coming down from the Guard behind the Party. I went to Goal [jail] the next day being sworn for the Grand Jury to seethe Captain. Then said pointing to him that’s the person who gave the word to fire. He said if you swear that you will ruin me everlastingly. I was so near the officer when he gave the word fire that I could touch him. His face was towards me. He stood in the middle behind the Men. I looked him in the face. He then stood within the circle. When he told ‘em to fire he turned about to me. I lookd him in the face.

DIMAN MORTON

Between 9 and 10 I heard in my house the cry of fire but soon understood there was no fire but the Soldiers were fighting with the Inhabitants. I went to King Street. Saw the Centinel over the Gutter, his Bayonet breast high. He retired to the steps – loaded. The Boys dared him to fire. Soon after a Party came down, drew up. The Captain ordered them to load. I went across the Street. Heard one Gun and soon after the other Guns. The Captain when he ordered them to load stood in the front before the Soldiers so that the Guns reached beyond him. The Captain had a Surtout on. I knew him well. The Surtout was not red. I think cloth colour. I stood on the opposite corner of Exchange lane when I heard the Captain order the Men to load. I came by my knowledge of the Captain partly by seeing him lead the Fortification Guard.

WITNESSES FOR THE PRISONER (PRESTON)

DANIEL CORNWALL

Capt. Preston was within 2 yards of me – before the Men – nearest to the right – facing the Street. I was looking at him. Did not hear any order. He faced me. I think I should have heard him. I directly heard a voice say Damn you why do you fire. Don’t fire. I thought it was the Captain’s then. I now believe it...

JANE WHITEHOUSE

A Man came behind the Soldiers walked backwards and forward, encouraging them to fire. The Captain stood on the left about three yards. The man touched one of the Soldiers upon the back and said fire, by God I’ll stand by you. He was dressed in dark colored clothes...He did not look like an Officer. The man fired directly on the word and clap on the Shoulder. I am positive the man was not the Captain...I am sure he gave no orders...I saw one man take a chunk of wood from under his Coat throw it at a Soldier and knocked him. He fell on his face. His firelock [Musket] was out of his hand...This was before any firing.

JAMES WOODALL

I saw one Soldier knocked down. His Gun fell from him. I saw a great many sticks and pieces of sticks and Ice thrown at the Soldiers. The Soldier who was knocked down took up his Gun and fired directly. Soon after the first Gun. I saw a Gentlemen behind the Soldiers in velvet of blue or black plush trimmed with gold. He put his hand toward their backs. Whether he touched them I know not and said by God I’ll stand by you whilst I have a drop of blood and then said fire and two went off and the rest to 7 or 8...The Captain, after, seemed shocked and looked upon the soldiers. I am very certain he did not give the word fire.

THOMAS HANDASIDE PECK

I was at home when the Guns were fired. I heard ‘em distinct. I went up to the main guard and addressed myself to the Captain and said to him What have you done? He said, Sir it was none of my doings, the Soldiers fired of their own accord, I was in the Street and might have been shot. His character is good as a Gentlemen and Soldier. I think it exceeds any of the Corps.