Read "The Writings of Samuel Adams, Volume II: 1770-1773" by Samuel Adams online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
[Trials of Preston and soldiers--Discussion of testimony].
To the Printers. That the trial of the soldiers concern'd in the carnage on the memorable 5th of March, was the most solemn trial that ever was had in this country, was pronounc'd from the bench. To see eight prisoners bro't to the bar together, charg'd with the murder of five persons at one time, was certainly, as was then observ'd, affecting: But whoever recollects the tragedy of that fatal evening, will I believe readily own that the scene then was much more affecting--There is something pleasing and solemn when one enters into a court of law --Pleasing, as there we expect to see the scale held with an equal hand--to find matters deliberately and calmly weigh'd and decided, and justice administered without any respect to persons or parties, and from no other motive but a sacred regard to truth--And it is solemn as it brings to our minds the tribunal of GOD himself! before whose judgment-seat the scriptures assure us all must appear: And I have often tho't that no one will receive a greater share of rewards at that decisive day, than he who has approv'd himself a faithful upright judge.