March 1770 Boston Massacre

The Old South Meeting House floors were trembling by the march of a mob who ascended through its doors. Colonials were enraged, brought on by the prodding of Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. They were worked up and wanted something done about the situation.

Sitting at the large oak bench in front of the meeting room was the monderator, gavel ready. This isn't going to be good, he thought.

Soon shouts went up and complete chaos began.

"We want justice, we want justice for the people," shouted a heavyset mustached colonial in the back row.

"Yes, these Townsend Acts will bring us to poverty, we won't stand for it."

Sounds of the gavel striking the wooden pallet rang out. "Hear, hear, order in the hall."

Still much yelling was taking place. Again, the gavel struck the wood. "If we cannot restore order, this hearing will come to an end."

Finally most were seated, the din had died down, and all were looking expectantly toward the moderator.

"Thank you, Gentlemen. Now can I have Samuel Adams up here to state the cause of all this commotion."

You could see the seated crowd all moving in one direction, necks stretched, to get a look at the famous Mr. Adams.

A distinguished Mr. Adams stood on the platform, visible to all. He was a thorn to the British, constantly drumming up some complaint and then ramping up the Colonials to a fever pitch. In stature he wasn't very tall, had a large pointed nose, thin lips, and shoulder length grey hair. However, in voice he was very powerful.

Outside stood a couple of Redcoats, leaning in the doorway to hear what was going on. "Of course, that darn Samuel Adams is up there, now we'll have our work cut out for sure."

"Yes," replied his companion, "I saw that trouble maker Paul Revere going in there too."

Inside, a hush came over the crowd who flinched when the massive bell tower struck the hour.

Samuel Adams smiled. "I think that woke everyone up, aye?"

A chuckle went up from the crowd.

Samuel continued. "As most of you are aware, the British have proposed the Townsend Acts. If some of you don't know what that means, I will detail it for you. Each and every one of you will be required to pay tax on glass, paint, lead, paper, and tea. How do you feel about that?"

Lord, thought the moderator. Here we go again!

Just as he expected a roar emitted from the crowd.

"No way, I'm paying no tax to those crooked British."

"There will be a war, before I pay those Redcoats any taxes,"

After every statement, a crescendo of agreement went up from the seated Colonials.

Samuel raised both arms in the air, looked at the crowd, then satisfied he had made his point, nodded at the moderator.

Bang, bang, bang with the gavel. "Order in the house we are not done yet. Order I say."

The crowd slowly quieted down but Samuel got the reaction he was looking for.

Clearing his throat, Samuel spoke. "The Riot Act, which is not yet in effect, will also be implemented by the British. They are trying to subdue the Colonials so that they can bring their law and order to the nation. Are we going to let that happen?"

"Of course not, we will govern ourselves," stated the young man with spectacles in the front.

"We will tar and feather the British, throw them into their ship, and send them back home again,"' screamed the town constable.

Samuel listened and waited then raised his arms again. "All who want to discuss a plan going forward shall meet here on Friday night. Until then, go home and talk this over with your neighbors. Paul Revere and I will see you then. Come with a plan in mind; otherwise leave that decision to others. Thank you for coming, we will settle this once and for all. Boston will be ours."

The two British quickly made their way back to the other Redcoats who were waiting for news. Before they knew it, the Colonials raced out the door, formed a mob, unable to control themselves. They shouted taunts, pounded the British with any piece of wood they could find, and threw snowballs at them.

One unauthorized shot rang out and that's all it took for the riot to begin. When it was all over, three colonials were killed and eight were wounded. Some of the wounded died later. One casualty was an African American man, Crispus Attucks, who worked on the docks.

Governor Thomas Hutchinson promised an inquiry, so troops withdrew to Castle Island. In the end, one officer and three civilians were charged with murder. Six soldiers were acquitted, two others were charged with manslaughter; their hands were branded, and they were given reduced sentences.

The riot was one of the first catalysts that brought The British and Colonials to war. We all know that those proud Colonials who were not afraid to stand up for their rights brought our country to freedom......but at what cost to men?

857 Words
Prompt: Write a story about a riot