Crispus Attucks is one of America’s underrated American heroes. Though a runaway slave turned patriot, he will always be remembered as the first martyr of the American Revolution.
Attucks was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, probably around 1723. He was a slave of Deacon William Brown who, in 1750, advertised the return of a runaway slave named Crispas. The article reads
“Ran-away from his Master William Brown of Framingham, on the 30th of September, last, a Mulatto Fellow, about 27 years of age, named Crispas, six feet, two inches high, short curl’s Hair, his Knees nearer together than common; had on a light colour’d Bearskin Coat, plain brown Fustian Jacket, or brown all-Wool one, new Buckskin Breeches, blue Yarn Stockings, and a checked woolen Shirt.
Whoever shall take up said Run-away, and convey him to abovesaid Master, shall have ten pounds, old Tenor Reward, and all the necessary Charges paid. And all Masters of Vessels and others, are herby cautioned against concealing or carrying off said Servant on Penalty of the Law. Boston, October 2, 1750.”
As a runaway slave, Attucks could have enjoyed a life of complete freedom as a sailor in Boston. From the day of his escape on September 30th, 1750 until his death on March 5th, 1770 very little is known of Crispus Attucks.
What we do know is that the full expression of love for his country found him on the night of March 5, 1770 at the head of a group of Boston sailors and colonists, protesting the actions of the British.
Perhaps his desire was to see slavery ended or—having embraced a new life—the desire to see America Independent of British rule was what drew him to the front of that crowd that cold, snowy night. What remains sure is that his boldness to confront tyranny ignited the passion in other patriots, including four others who were slain in the sporadic musket volley.
In William C. Nell’s historical account Services of Colored Americans in the Wars of 1776 and 1812 gives us this account of Attucks:
Botta’s History, and Hewes’s Reminiscences (the tea-party survivor)establishes the fact that the colored man, Attucks, was of and with the people, and was never regarded otherwise. Botta, in speaking of the scenes of the fifth of March, says : The people were greatly exasperated. The multitude, armed with clubs, ran towards King Street, crying, * Let us drive out these ribalds; they have no business here !
‘ The rioters rushed furiously towards the Custom House ; they approached the sentinel, crying, * Kill him, kill him !
‘ They assaulted him with snowballs, pieces of ice, and whatever they could lay their hands upon.” The guard were then called, and, in marching to the Custom House, ” they encountered,” continues Botta, ” a band of the populace, led by a mulatto named Attucks, who brandished their clubs, and pelted them with snowballs.The soldiers appeared like statues j the cries, the bowlings, the menaces, the violent din of bells still sounding the alarm, increased the confusion and the horrors of these moments ; at length the mulatto and twelve of his companions, pressing forward, environed the soldiers, and striking their muskets with their clubs, cried to the multitude :
‘ Be not afraid, they dare not fire ; why do you hesitate, why do you not kill them, why not crush them at once !
‘ The mulatto lifted his arm against Captain Preston, and having turned one of the muskets, he seized the bayonet with his left hand, as if he intended to execute his threat. At this moment, confused cries were heard :
‘ The wretches dare not fire !
‘ Firing succeeds. Attucks is slain. Two other discharges follow. Three were killed, five severely wounded, and several others slightly.” Attucks was killed by Montgomery, one of Captain Preston’s soldiers. He had been foremost in resisting, and was first slain ; as proof of front and close engagement, received two balls, one in each breast.
After the Boston Massacre, Massacre Day was celebrated to remember the patriots who were martyred in Boston square. It was celebrated from 1781 to 1783 on March 5, the anniversary of the Boston Massacre. The final observance of Massacre Day was in 1783. With the end of the American Revolutionary War and the securing of American independence, the Boston Board of Selectmen thought it was appropriate to replace the holiday with Independence Day, held on July 4 in honor of the Declaration of Independence.
Attucks sacrifice was a shining example of morale courage. As such, his legacy should inspire all Americans in their loyal to this country, knowing that one person can make a difference, and that a life laid down in the pursuit of freedom is never really lost.