The Fifth Of March: A Story of the Boston Massacre

A few weeks later, the people of Boston gather to cheer as the British soldiers (excepting those imprisoned for their involvement in the massacre) are escorted back to their ships to leave. Despite John’s advice, Rachel will bring food to Matthew. She believes that by pushing him away when he needed a friend, she contributed to what he did the night of the massacre. Matthew is thin and sallow after weeks in prison, but he is glad to see Rachel. He understands now that she’s always been his friend, even though he never expected to find friendship in such a cold, angry place as Boston. Rachel explains that the people are not angry, just hungry for the freedom to do as they please and not have their gains taken from them. Matthew wants this too, and Rachel realizes that Boston’s people are little different from the British soldiers. Matthew asks Rachel to bring a candle and writing implements next time so he can write to his mother. Choking up, Rachel agrees to do so.

Rachel meets with her friends at the bookstore. People know she’s been visiting the jail, and her friends warn her that these visits could be used against her to attack the Adamses.