[121] Deposition of Captain John Parker.
[122] Rev. Jonas Clarke.
[123] Deposition of Thomas Fessenden.
[124] The English contention is that the Americans fired first. See letter of W. S. Evelyn, who was with Percy; De Bernicre's Account, and Lieut.-Col. Smith's Report. It seems to me of but little moment as to who fired first. The council of war, convened by Gen. Gage, April 18, wherein it was determined to march out and destroy the public stores of Massachusetts was the first real hostile act and could only lead to war. Major Pitcairn has denied that he authorized that first shot. I believe him to have been gruff and profane, but honest, brave, and faithful to his King. He died from wounds received in the Battle of Bunker Hill.
[125] Depositions of William Draper; of William Munroe; of Simon Winship; of John Munroe; and of John Bateman, a British soldier.
[126] Deposition of William Wood.
[127] MSS. narrative of Levi Harrington, a youthful spectator.
[128] Deposition of John Munroe.
[129] Deposition of John Munroe.
[130] MSS. narrative of Levi Harrington, and Deposition of John Munroe.