1 of 1
The Trial of the British Soldiers of the 29th Regiment of Foot, for the Murder of Crispus Attucks, Samuel Gray, Samuel Maverick, James Caldwell and Patrick Carr, on Monday evening, March 5, 1770
Artifact IDTL 2026.1.44
Object Type
Temporary Loan
Date
1807
Printer
Belcher and Armstrong
(American, founded 1806)
Place MadeBoston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Medium
Octavo book
DimensionsOverall W 7 3/4 in x D 7 1/2 in (19.7 cm x 19.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionWilliam Hodgson [transcriber],
The Trial of the British Soldiers of the 29th Regiment of Foot, for the Murder of Crispus Attucks, Samuel Gray, Samuel Maverick, James Caldwell and Patrick Carr, on Monday evening, March 5, 1770
(Boston: Belcher and Armstrong, 1807).
The Trial of the British Soldiers of the 29th Regiment of Foot, for the Murder of Crispus Attucks, Samuel Gray, Samuel Maverick, James Caldwell and Patrick Carr, on Monday evening, March 5, 1770
(Boston: Belcher and Armstrong, 1807).
Historical NoteFollowing the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770, Captain Thomas Preston and eight British soldiers were jailed for the deaths of five civilians. To defuse intense public anger, royal officials delayed the legal proceedings. Despite widespread local hostility, John Adams agreed to defend the accused, publicly emphasizing that every individual in a free country has a fundamental right to legal counsel.
Years later, John Adams regarded his defense of the British soldiers as a definitive, proud milestone of his life and a triumph for the rule of law.In a famous diary entry recorded on March 5, 1773—the third anniversary of the massacre—Adams reflected on the immense personal risk and the ultimate value of his actions: "The Part I took in Defence of Cptn. Preston and the Soldiers, procured me Anxiety, and Obloquy enough. It was, however, one of the most gallant, generous, manly and disinterested Actions of my whole Life, and one of the best Pieces of Service I ever rendered my Country."
Additional DetailsYears later, John Adams regarded his defense of the British soldiers as a definitive, proud milestone of his life and a triumph for the rule of law.In a famous diary entry recorded on March 5, 1773—the third anniversary of the massacre—Adams reflected on the immense personal risk and the ultimate value of his actions: "The Part I took in Defence of Cptn. Preston and the Soldiers, procured me Anxiety, and Obloquy enough. It was, however, one of the most gallant, generous, manly and disinterested Actions of my whole Life, and one of the best Pieces of Service I ever rendered my Country."
Credit Lineon loan courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPolitical Memorabilia (National Archives Identifier 1677287)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction NoteThe use of this image and document information is fully restricted. Reproduction in any manner is not allowed.Not on view