March 5, 1770 : Boston Massacre, Crispus Attucks first man killed

I am Frank – my family lives and works in Boston, I am apprenticed to the candle maker. Our fine city is plagued with British troops. They strut around and make their tyrannical presence known in all quarters of the city. A group of us lads follow them, jeering at every opportunity. We want them to leave!

This cold night, a bunch of us gathered to harass the British guard. We yelled at them and threw snowballs and stones. They chased us with their bayonets, sticking some in the arm or leg. When they reached the custom house, they took a position around the door. The soldiers tried to stab us – we hit them with sticks and snowballs when we had the chance. It was late that night, after 9:00pm. The poorly lit street made it hard to recognize friend from foe.

We stayed in the dark and called them names, until a snowball hit the British captain. He shouted “Fire!” to his men. They raised their guns to shoot over our heads when he told them to fire into the crowd. Bang! Bang! Shots rang out as the soldiers aimed into the middle of our group. Two men fell, then a third. Several more were staggered, supported by friends. We ran to those who fell, but the soldiers did not let us help them.

A respected citizen of Boston came forth and talked the captain into letting us aid our fallen comrades. By then four had died, seven were gravely injured but it looked like most would survive.

Two of the dead were recognized as residents of Boston, while two were strangers. The doctor went through the belongings of the strangers, hoping to find something to send to family members. One was a black man whose name was Crispus Attucks. We thought he might have been a former slave who had come to Boston and become a sailor.

But all were buried as HEROES, because of their tragic sacrifice! We later learned the British soldiers involved were tried and two convicted of manslaughter.

March 5, 1770: “Boston Massacre”

Before Reading: Have you heard of the Boston Massacre?

Check Comprehension: When did the Boston Massacre occur? (It happened in March at night, and there was snow on the ground.) What caused the English soldiers to fire into the crowd? (The crowd was throwing snowballs, hit the British captain and he got angry.) Were the English soldiers punished? (A court found two soldiers guilty of manslaughter.)

Discussion Questions: This story is taken from a newspaper article at the time. What part does the news play in making history? (The discussion will lead to documentation of facts that can be relied upon later on.)