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| The Discovery of a Blacksmith's
Journal Reveals New Details of the Boston Massacre by Raymond B. |
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1770, march 1
Dearest sister,
I have purchased an old blacksmith shop on King Street that was doing
well. Since the Redcoats arrived, I have not had a lot of
business. They have forced me to make horse shoes with no
payment. I Can not wait until they leave.
My breeches and cotton shirt are getting dirty. It has only been
one month since I last washed them. If I did not have an apron on when
I work, I would have to wash them every week. They cost me about
twelve shillings which Is worth the price.
Last night I decided to celebrate the opening of my shop, so I ate pork
loin. It was very delectable.
I overheard someone in the tavern. A little while ago a loyalist
shot a child and killed him. His name was Christopher Seider, I
believe. He hung a sign on a store that said “importer.” That got
the loyalist mad, so he went to his house and grabbed his gun and shot
him from his balcony. But the worst thing is that he got away with the
murder. I was shocked when I heard of this dreaded
news.
The Redcoats made a camp in the Common which is where animals grazed
and children played. It is very beautiful, but the soldiers are cutting
down the trees. And since they are, there is no sledding or anything,
and they play awful music very loud. It is very distracting. I can not
take it for much longer!
Sincerely your brother,
Christopher Smith
1770, march 6
Dearest sister,
I am sure you heard about the murders on King Street from the
London Times. But if you did not, I will tell you. There
was a mob and I was part of it. It was outside of the Town House.
Things got out of control when Hugh White, the sentry, was knocked over
in front of the Customs Office. He yelled for help. Then more
RedCoats came and shot at us. I was shot in the side. It
was not serious. I will be fine. But Crispus Attucks, a
runaway slave, and Mr. Samuel Gray were both shot and killed
instantly. James Caldwell was also killed in the murders on King
Street and another man who died this morning. I believe his name
was Samuel Maverick, and two apprentices David Parker and Christopher
Monk.
The doctor thought I may have an infection from the bullet, so he cut
me so blood would come out and carry the infection with it. She
called it bleeding. The solders will pay for what they have
done.
But some good came out of it. The Redcoats were sent to Castle
Island. It was a very happy day when they left. I hope they do
not come back to our town
They are going to have two trials soon. One for Captain Prescott
and one for the soldiers. I hope they are all guilty. My shop is
doing well since the Red Coats left.
Sincerely your brother,
Christopher Smith
1770, March 7
Dearest sister,
I have taken part in the funeral of the King Street murders because
most of the victims are my acquaintances who have stopped by my
blacksmith shop before to buy pots, pans, farm tools, hooks, and other
objects. The crowd was very large. There were hundreds of
people. It was unbelievable! We walked from Faenuil Hall to the
Granary Burial Ground.
The victims were buried next to Christopher Seider, the child I told
you about who was shot and killed by the loyalist. One of the
badly wounded from the murders, Samuel Maverick, died the next
day. His doctor was a witness in the trial because he was the
last to see him alive.
Boston is now more peaceful compared to when the Redcoats were here.
People are out on the streets again and most of the tension is
gone. The people are happy and cheerful and the children are
playing in the Common while the animals graze. It is so much
better without the Redcoats here. Maybe this business with the
King will go away.
Sincerely your brother,
Christopher Smith
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Historical References:
Beller, Susan. American
voices from The Revolutionary
War. New York: Benchmark books, 2003.
Hakim, Joy. From Colonies to
Country. New York: Oxford university
Press, 1993.
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Historical Terms
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Loyalist
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Mob
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Town House
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Sentry |
Faneuil Hall
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Granary Burial Ground
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About the Historian
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My name is Raymond. I'm 13. This is a webpage I made at King Middle
School. I love to play computer games and video games. I have a dog and
two hamsters. I have a very annoying brother. I live in a old Victorian
house
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