A Closer Look at the Boston Massacre

Name: U.S. History

Date:

Core:

A Closer Look at the Boston Massacre:

Primary Source Documents

Source A. Excerpt from The London Chronicle, April, 1770 / Glossary
…On the 5th of March, in the evening, a number of the [colonists], after insulting [some British soldiers], attacked a sentry upon duty at the Customhouse, and forced him from his post. Upon his requiring aid, [British] Captain Pearson sent a non-commissioned officer and 12 men to his assistance, and soon after followed himself. This party was also attacked, and insulted by the [colonists], and one of [the soldiers], receiving a blow, fired his piece, after which six or seven others fired, by which three of the townspeople were killed upon the spot and several others were wounded; one of which is since dead of his wounds. / Sentry (n): soldier stationed to keep guard/watch
Customhouse (n): an office where taxes are collected
Source B. Deposition of Theodore Bliss, colonist / Glossary
At home. I heard bells for fire. Went out. Came to the Town House. The People told me there was going to be a Rumpus with the Soldiers. Went to the Customhouse. Saw [British] Captain Preston there with the Soldiers. Asked him if they were loaded. He said yes.
I saw the People throw Snow Balls at the Soldiers and saw a stick about 3 feet long strike a soldier upon the right. He sallied and then fired. / Rumpus (n): a disturbance, a fight
Customhouse (n): an office where taxes are collected
sallied (v): to come out of a position and make an attack
Source C. Deposition of James Woodall, colonist / Glossary
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.
Source D. Deposition of Newton Prince, an African-American and member of the South Church / Glossary
Heard the bell ring. Ran out. Came to the Chapel. Was told there was no fire but something better, there was going to be a fight. Some had buckets and bags and some Clubs… I saw some Soldiers coming out of the Guard house with their Guns and running down one after another to the Customhouse. Some of the people said let’s attack the Main Guard, or the Centinel who has gone to King Street.
[After arriving at the Customhouse, Newton Prince observed the following]: Saw the Soldiers planted by the Customhouse two deep. The People were calling them Lobsters, daring ‘em to fire. One said damn why don’t you fire? / Customhouse (n): an office where taxes are collected
Centinel (n): Soldier in charge of keeping watch over an assigned area

Name: U.S. History

Date:

Core:

Comparing & Contrasting Primary Source Accounts:

Examining the Boston Massacre

Part I. Comparing & Contrasting . Begin by analyzing two different primary sources (sources A, B, C or D). Select two sources and answer the questions below that follow.

Identify the source you were assigned: ______

Does this source support or contradict the account of the Boston Massacre presented in Paul Revere’s etching of the event? Support your response with specific details from both Revere’s etching and the text above.

This source ______(supports or contradicts) Paul Revere’s account of the Boston Massacre because: ______

______(5 points)

Identify the source you were assigned: ______

This source ______(supports or contradicts) Paul Revere’s account of the Boston Massacre because: ______

______(5 points)

Part II. Evaluating the Reliability of the Source

Which source presents a more accurate portrayal of the Boston Massacre – Paul Revere’s etching or the eye witness accounts (sources A, B, C & D) you read in class today? Why do you think the source you selected is a more accurate portrayal?

I think that ______(Paul Revere’s etching or the eyewitness accounts ) painted a more accurate picture of the Boston Massacre because: ______

______(10 points)