"On March 5,1770, after being harassed for two years during their occupation of Boston, British soldiers finally lost control, firing into a mob of rioting Americans, killing several of them." The aftermath of this "massacre" led to what became the American Revolution. This book gathers together the most primary documents pertaining to the incident. Included are newspaper stories, the official transcript of the trial, letters, and maps of the area.--[book cover].

pt. 1. Context. Introduction: With blood "running like water" -- pt. 2. Documents. American rights asserted -- London's response -- A governor's lament -- A Bostonian's protest -- Parliament's frustrations with Massachusetts -- Unintimidated Massachusetts legislators -- A British soldier's complaint -- A martyr is made -- A most shocking scene -- Revere's rendering -- Hutchinson under pressure -- Gage reports to Hillsborough -- Preston pleads his case to Pitt -- Boston counters Preston -- Gage's hands tied -- An eyewitness account -- Coroner's inquest for Crispus Attucks -- Grand jury indictment -- A short narrative -- A fair account -- Additional observations -- Town leaders and the battle for public opinion -- The soldiers' appeal for a single trial -- Questions about the court record -- A judge's directions to jurors -- The Short narrative view reaffirmed -- The trial outcomes defended -- Annual commemoration -- A problematical reminiscence -- Monument to the fallen -- A more balanced view.