collecting in the street, and his danger increasing, he calls out to the main-guard, within hearing, for protection. Captain Preston, the officer of the day, being told that the ringing of the bells is the signal for the inhabitants assembling to attack the troops, repairs to the main-guard; and learning the situation of the sentry, sends off a corporal and six men to protect both him and the king’s chest in the custom-house. The soldiers march off with their pieces unloaded, and the captain follows to prevent disorder. Ere they have formed, that part of the mob which comes through the main-street, and appears to be headed by the mulatto Attucks, and to contain a number of sailers, upon coming to the town-house, exclaim—“Damn the rascals, this will never do; the readiest way to get rid of those people, is to attack the main-guard; strike at the root, this is the nest.” The soldiers are pelted while going to defend their comrade; and, when upon their station, are served as was the single sentry, have snow-balls, large pieces of ice, sticks and other things thrown at them, and are obliged to load for their own safety. The reproachful language with which they are abused exclusive of a plenty of oaths and execrations, is, “Come on you rascals, you lobster scoundrels, you bloody-backs, you cowards, you dastards for bringing arms against naked men; fire if you dare; fire and be damned, we know you dare not.” and much more to the same purpose. The reason for saying “you dare not fire,” is probably to be found in the doctrine latey advanced, “that soldiers, while on duty, may upon no occasion whatever fire upon their fellow-subjects, without the order of a civil magistrate.” The mob press in upon the soldiers, advance to the points of the bayonets, are desired to keep off, and are treated with cautious attention. This may be owing to apprehensions of danger to themselves in case of contrary conduct. The shouts, huzzas, threats, screams, and almost yells of the mob, with the ringing of the bells to increase the general confusion, may justly alarm them; but their precaution soon avails nothing. While they are pushing off the people, without once leaving their station or attempting to follow them, the mulatto, and about a dozen persons, several in sailors habits, come down to the spot, give three cheers, surround the soldiers, and strike their guns with clubs, crying out to the others, “Do not be afraid of them, they dare not fire; kill them, kill them; knock them over.” The mulatto aims a blow at captain Preston, strikes down one of the guns, seizes the bayonet with his left hand, and shows a hardy disposition answering to the threats which have been uttered. At this instant, there is a confused cry of “damn your bloods why don’t you fire,” and partly from persons behind the captain. Firing succeeds. Montgomery, whom the mulatto has assaulted, after recovering his legs, and relieving his gun