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THE PRINCETOWN MASSACRE
677

… that this informant observed to them that their detention appeared to be entirely the fault of their own agent, Mr. Beasley … that this informant heard a voice, but whose it was this informant did not know, ordering the soldiers to charge; that at this time Captain Shortland was near to this informant, and he seemed to be employing means to induce the prisoners to return to the prison; that on hearing the word 'Charge' given, he looked round and found himself on the point of the soldiers' bayonets … that he found it necessary to attempt to extricate himself and succeeded in getting round the left wing, which rested on the wall. … Whilst this informant was endeavouring to get around, the firing commenced, at first he heard two or three muskets, but afterwards the discharges became more frequent, and almost amounted to a volley." He then retired to attend to the wounded.

It must be added that the prisoners unanimously speak of Dr. Magrath with high praise, as most kind and attentive to their wants and ailments.

John Odiorne, a citizen of the United States. "He was at the store in the Market Square, standing by the door; and the wagon with the bread was partly unladen, when this informant heard some persons talking loud at the gate at the uppercut (i.e. the main entrance) and went round the wagon to see who it was, and saw Captain Shortland advancing into the yard; and he was giving his orders to the turnkeys at the lodge in a loud voice; and Richard Arnold spoke to him, and told him something about the wall, when Captain Shortland said, 'D—— you, why did not you tell me about it before? Ring the bell, call the guard out.' That the guard immediately followed Captain Shortland into the yard, when he ordered them to form across the yard,