6. As a young lawyer in Boston in 1770, Adams was called upon to represent the British commander and eight of his soldiers who "started" the Boston Massacre. Who was the British captain that Adams defended?
From Quiz John Adams: The Original Model
Answer:
Thomas Preston
Adams, along with his partner Josiah Quincy, were the only lawyers in Boston willing to face the wrath of their neighbors and defend Preston. Although a patriot, Adams believed that the British soldiers involved were innocent, and that more blame need be placed at the doorsteps of the "victims." Adams surprised Boston, and himself, by successfully defending Captain Preston, and then winning the acquital of six of the eight soldiers. The two that were convicted were found guilty only of manslaughter, and received a slap on the wrist. They had their thumbs branded. As for Adams, for his efforts he received very little money and a great deal of enmity on the part of his fellow Bostonians, including his cousin, Samuel Adams.