USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Preston’s trial. The key question was whether he actually gave an order to his men to fire at the mob. Preston denied giving the order, but did not testify. Some witnesses said he gave such a command; most said he did not.

Detailed explanation-2: -Preston denied that he gave an order to fire and was supported by three defense witnesses, while four witnesses for the prosecution swore that he had given the order. The massacre label stood even after a Boston jury later acquitted Captain Preston and four of the soldiers of all charges.

Detailed explanation-3: -Thomas Preston ( c. 1722-c. 1798) was a British officer, a captain who served in Boston in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. He commanded troops in the Boston Massacre in 1770 and was tried for murder, but he was acquitted.

Detailed explanation-4: -Preston. The trial of Capt. Preston, who had been held in jail for seven months, began on 24 October 1770 and the verdict of not guilty was issued a week later on 30 October 1770.

Detailed explanation-5: -The mob still increased and were more outrageous, striking their clubs or bludgeons one against another, and calling out, come on you rascals, you bloody backs, you lobster scoundrels, fire if you dare, G-d damn you, fire and be damned, we know you dare not, and much more such language was used.