Deposition No. 17
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Testimony of Colonel James Barrett About the Battle of Concord
Lexington, April 23, 1775
I James Barrett of Concord Colonel of a Regiment of Militia in the County of Middlesex do testify and say that on Wednesday morning last about day break I was informed of the approach of a number of the Regular troops to the town of Concord where was some magazines belonging to this Province when there was assembled some of the militia of this and the neighboring Towns when I ordered them to march to the North Bridge (so called) which they had passed and were taking up.
I ordered said militia to march to Said Bridge and pass the same but not to fire on the Kings Troops unless they were first fired upon.
We advanced near Said Bridge when the said Troops fired upon our militia and killed two men dead on the spot and wounded several others which was the first firing of guns in the Town of Concord
My detachment then returned the fire which killed and wounded several of the Kings Troops
James Barrett
Witnesses to the Testimony
Middlesex, April the 23, 1775
the above named James Barrett personally appeared and after due caution to testify the whole truth and nothing but the truth made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him inscribed
Before us —
Wm Reed
Jon Hastings
Duncan Ingraham
{ Justices of Peace
Certification of the Testimony
Province of Massachusetts Bay, Charlestown
I Nathaniel Gorham Notary Public & tabellian public duly admitted and sworn do certify all whom it doth or may concern that Wm Reed, Jon Hastings and Duncan Ingraham Esquire are three of his Majestys Justices for the County of Middlesex and that full faith & credit is to be given to the translations as such in witness where of I have hereunto affixed my name & seal this twenty sixth of April one thousand seven hundred & seventy five
Nathaniel Gorham Noty Pub
The foregoing instruments are true copies in Witness whereof I have hereunto set my name & seal
Interesting Facts About the Deposition of James Barrett
- Joseph Warren of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress wanted the depositions gathered as quickly as possible, so he could send them to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, and Benjamin Franklin in London.
- Franklin was the Agent for Massachusetts and acted as its representative. Warren wanted Franklin to have eyewitness accounts that could be used to help gain sympathy for the Patriot Cause.
- Colonel James Barrett was a resident of Concord and leader of the Concord Militia at the Battle of Concord.
- Barrett was notified the British were marching to Concord to seize the military supplies.
- Barrett took command of the assembled militia forces and ordered them to the North Bridge.
- Barrett ordered his men not to fire unless the British fired first.
- When the Americans neared the bridge, the British fired.
- Barrett’s men returned fire.
- The notary public, Nathaniel Gorham, went on to serve as the 8th President of the Continental Congress (June 6, 1786–February 2, 1787).
