then to prime and load: this being done, the said troops marched
on till they came within a few rods of Captain Parker's company,
who were partly collected on the place of parade, when said
Winship observed an officer at the head of said troops,
flourishing his sword, and with a loud voice giving the word,
'Fire! fire!' which was instantly followed by a discharge of arms
from said regular troops; and said Winship is positive, and in
the most solemn manner declares, that there was no discharge of
arms on either side, till the word 'Fire' was given by the said
officer as above.

"SIMON WINSHIP."

"LEXINGTON, _April 25, 1775_.

"I, John Parker, of lawful age, and commander of the militia in
Lexington, do testify and declare that, on the 19th instant, in
the morning, about one of the clock, being informed that there
were a number of regula-officers riding up and down the road,
stopping and insulting people as they passed the road; and also
was informed that a number of regular troops were on their march
from Boston, in order to take the province stores at Concord,
ordered our militia to meet on the common in said Lexington, to
consult what to do, and concluded not to be discovered, nor
meddle or make with said regular troops (if they should
approach), unless they should insult or molest us; and, upon
their sudden approach, I immediately ordered our militia to
disperse, and not to fire. Immediately said troops made their
appearance, and rushed furiously, fired upon, and killed eight of
our party, without receiving any provocation therefor from us.

"JOHN PARKER."

"LEXINGTON, _April 24, 1775_.

"I, John Robins, being of lawful age, do testify and say that, on
the 19th instant, the company under the command of Captain John
Parker, being drawn up (some time before sunrise) on the green or
common, and I being in the front rank, there suddenly appeared a
number of the king's troops, about a thousand, as I thought, at
the distance of about sixty or seventy yards from us, huzzaing,
and on a quick pace toward us, with three officers in their front
on horseback, and on full gallop toward us, the foremost of which
cried, 'Th