“Are you the officer who was in command of the troops?” he asked, addressing Captain Preston.
“Yes, sir.”
“Do you know you have no power to fire upon the people except by order of a magistrate?”
“I was obliged to fire to save the sentry.”
“That’s a lie,” shouted the crowd.
The surging multitude compelled the lieutenant-governor to enter the Town House. A few moments later he appeared upon the balcony overlooking King Street.
“I am greatly grieved,” he said, “at what has happened. I pledge you my honor that this unhappy occurrence shall be inquired into. The law shall have its course. Now, fellow-citizens, let me urge you to retire to your homes.”
“No, no! Send the troops to their barracks. We won’t go till they are gone!” the shout from the people.
“I have no power to order them.”