Question

document #4
testimony from british captain thomas preston (excerpt)
about 9, some of the guard came to and informed me the town inhabitants were assembling to attack the troops, that the bells were ringing as the signal for that purpose...in my way there, i saw people in great commotion, and heard them use the most cruel and horrid threats against the troops...about 100 people passed..towards the custom house where the kings money is lodged. they immediately surrounded the sentry (british soldier) posted there, and with clubs and other weapons threatened to execute their vengeance on him.... their intention to carry off the soldier...and probably murder him. i immediately sent 12 men to protect the sentry and kings money...the mob still increased and were more outrageous, striking their clubs...and calling out, come on you rascals, you bloody backs, you lobster scoundrels, fire if you dare...fire... at this time i was between the soldiers and the mob, parleying with an endeavoring all in my power to persuade them to retire peacefully, but to no purpose.

1. according to captain prestons testimony, why were the bells ringing in town?
2. how many colonists did captain preston pass in the crowd?
3. how was captain preston trying to calm both his soldiers and the angry colonists?

Explanation:

1. The text states "the bells were ringing as the signal for that purpose" where "that purpose" refers to assembling to attack the troops.
2. The text clearly mentions "about 100 people passed".
3. The text says "I was between the soldiers and the mob, parleying with an endeavoring all in my power to persuade them to retire peacefully".

Answer:

1. As a signal to assemble to attack the troops.
2. About 100.
3. By parleying (talking) and trying to persuade them to retire peacefully.