John Parker's deposition, six days after the Battle of Lexington

No. 4    Lexington April 25th, 1775

I John Parker, of lawful Age and Commander
of the militia in Lexington, do testify & declare
that on the 19th Instant, in the morning, about
one of the Clock, being informed that there were a
Number of Regular Officers riding up and down
the Road, Stopping and insulting People as they
passed they 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 up-
on and killed eight of our party, without receiving
any Provocation therefor from us.

                                John Parker

Middlesex Co., April 25th, 1775.  The above named John
Parker personally appeared, and after being duly
cautioned to declare the whole truth, made solemn
oath to the Truth of the above Deposition by him
published

               Wm. Reed
                Josiah Johnson
                Wm. Stickney } Just. of Peace


Deposition of Captain John Parker Concerning the Battle at Lexington, 04/25/1775; Massachusetts
State Papers, 1775 - 1787; Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774 - 1789; Record Group 360:
Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, 1765 -
1821; National Archives. National Archives Identifier: 595246