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| New Discovery: Indentured Servant's
Diary Links to the Boston Massacre by Mary
M. |
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1770. February 22
Oh, it was such a sad day. It all started when I was completing my
duties. On this fateful day my mistress asked me to go to the
merchant’s shop to get some more cider. So I headed to Merchants Row.
It was a cold, windy day when I saw a big crowd of angry schoolchildren
and some teenagers around my age, outside a shop which was importing
British goods. Many Bostonians are boycotting British goods. One child
put up a sign that said “IMPORTER” and the group started throwing
snowballs, sticks, and rocks at the shop. I must say, I almost got hit
with one. So, I hurried to an alley and watched the rest happen.
A man, Ebenezer Richardson, a Tory and good friend of the merchant, was
walking by when he saw the racket. He went over and tried to take
down the sign. The children kept throwing rocks, eggs, and snowballs at
him. Then, one rock hit Mr. Richardson on the head, opening a gash. I
couldn’t help but worry about what was going to happen next. Then, a
really shocked and scared Richardson ran to his home, and on to the
second floor, got his musket and shot into the crowd. I was so worried,
thinking about if anyone got hurt. I started out again looking to see
the victim. It happened to be one of the school kids laying dead on the
ground. Everyone was so angry and scared at what happened. Since I
didn’t know who got hurt, I asked a local Bostonian who it was.
He told me it was 11 year old, Christopher Seider. I was so scared,
seeing that innocent, little boy with a bullet in his eye and chest.
Just looking at that young man was breathtaking. I couldn’t think
straight because I was in so much shock. I turned around and ran all
the way to the shop on Merchants Row, holding on to my kerchief and
pulling up my skirt. I got the cider and ran home. When I got home I
did not tell my mistress about what I witnessed. But, I wonder about
the family of Christopher Seider. Just thinking about his family
makes me want to talk about mine.
So, I shall. Since, I am from Britain my family members are
Loyalists. Well, at least my mother is. But my two younger sisters are
not sure anymore because they heard of my thoughts. Oh how I wish to
speak to them again. Every since my mother sent me to the colonies, to
pay off my debts I have not spoke to them. And my poor father, was
killed by smallpox. But I am very excited to write that I have less
than a year until I am free. Oh how I count the days! Well, that's it
for tonight. Long days await, with adventure holding on.
~ Sarah Philips
1770. March 4th
I have a lot to write today. A new indentured servant came yesterday.
Her name is Elizabeth. She wanted to get started right away so I got a
sense of her skills. Most female indentured servants do chores
like laundry, sewing, and housekeeping and that was her main goal
today. I really admire her for being able to go to a new place and
start, especially because she seemed so young. I think she is an
orphan. When she caught me staring at her, I saw here face. She seemed
more scared than calm. I wish I could have gone over there and told her
that it was going to be okay, and since it was Saturday we got to go to
church and didn’t have to do any labor, but I was cooking dinner for
the mistress and her children. The master was not there. He went to the
tavern where most lawyers go. Also, for some reason she reminded me of
Christopher Seider.
Since I have mentioned Christopher Seider, I will tell you what
happened at his funeral. A little less than a fortnight ago, Samuel
Adams, a strong Patriot, organized a funeral that would begin at
Faneuil Hall. This I know from a conversation I secretly
overheard between my master and his acquaintance. On that day, I
watched from the corner of Mackrel and King street and was astonished
at how many people showed up to honor this lad. When the procession
started, the Bostonians marched along past the Town House, Liberty
Tree, Boston Common, and the Manufactory House, to the Granary Burying
Ground. Just looking at the small coffin was heart wrenching and
made me think about about what will become of this town. I was so
thankful that my mistress let me attend. I will never forget the sad
day for Boston.
~ Sarah Philips
1770. March 11
Let me tell you. I am very concerned about what is happening to this
town. I went to the market one day to buy food items, when I overheard
some ladies talking about the Massacre. According to them it was on
March 5, in front of the Custom House. There was a soldier outside when
people started harassing him. I think they were upset about the
Townshend Act. I missed some words, but the ladies said the soldier
called for help, so eight soldiers and Captain Preston arrived. The
crowd of the angry mob grew. As I leaned closer to hear the rest,
apparently the word “fire” was yelled and the soldiers were confused
about who said fire. Since the soldiers could only fire on command, a
soldier fired and the rest followed. When it was over three people were
dead right on the spot and two died later. I was in shock to hear this
news. It brought me back to the death of Christopher Seider. With my
strongest opinion, I think the British soldiers need to be removed.
After I heard the outrageous news I got what I needed, payed two
shilings and left. Since it occurred on King street I decided to go
that way. I could see the blood on the snow from the victims. It was so
real, so, unpleasant. I ran home.
A few days later a funeral was held, also organized by Samuel Adams.
And once again I attended, this time with Elizabeth. She was great
company. When we first got there I noticed there must have been
hundreds, maybe even thousands more people. When we started we went
past the same places we did when I went to the Christopher Seider
Funeral. I was sad to see five more people dead because of the British
soldiers.
O I am so lucky my master and mistress allowed me to attend what I
wished, and they provide me with shelter, food,and clothing. Also, not
once do I remember getting whipped for bad behavior. Well, I pray
to the lord that everything will be okay but the chances are leaving
slowly.
~ Sarah Philips
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Historical References:
Alison, Robert. A Short
Story Of Boston. Beverly:
Commonwealth Editions, 2004.
Background Information
For The Life Of An Indentured Servant.
26 April. 2006
<http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/socialstudies/pro
jects/jvc/unit/econ/servantlife_bkgd.html.>
The Boston Massacre
Trail. 26
April.2006,<http://www.sjchs-history.org/massacre.html
Hoose, Philip. We Were There, Too! New York: Folkways Music
Publishers, 2001.
Stefoff, Rebecca. Colonial
Life. Tarrytown: Benchmark Books,
2003.
Robert E. Lee Memorial Association. Indentured Servants. 26
April. 2006,<http://www.stratfordhall.org/ed-servants.html>
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