number of the regular troops first fired upon them.

"JAMES MARR."

"MEDFORD, _April 25, 1775_.

"I, Edward Thoroton Gould, of his majesty's own regiment of foot,
being of lawful age, do testify and declare, that, on the evening
of the 18th instant, under the orders of General Gage, I embarked
with the light infantry and grenadiers of the line, commanded by
Colonel Smith, and landed on the marshes of Cambridge, from
whence we proceeded to Lexington. On our arrival at that place,
we saw a body of provincial troops, armed, to the number of about
sixty or seventy men. On our approach, they dispersed, and soon
after firing began, but which party fired first I can not
exactly say, as our troops rushed on shouting and huzzaing
previous to the firing, which was continued by our troops so long
as any of the provincials were to be seen. From thence we marched
to Concord. On a hill, near the entrance of the town, we saw
another body of provincials assembled: the light-infantry
companies were ordered up the hill to disperse them; on our
approach, they retreated toward Concord. The grenadiers continued
the road under the hill toward the town. Six companies of light
infantry were ordered down to take possession of the bridge which
the provincials retreated over; the company I commanded was one.
Three companies of the above detachment went forward about two
miles. In the meantime, the provincial troops returned, to the
number of about three or four hundred. We drew up on the Concord
side of the bridge; the provincials came down upon us, upon which
we engaged and gave the first fire. This was the first engagement
after the one at Lexington. A continued firing from both parties
lasted through the whole day. I myself was wounded at the attack
of the bridge, and am now treated with the greatest humanity, and
taken all possible care of by the provincials at Medford.

"EDWARD THOROTON GOULD,
"_Lieut. King's Own Regiment_."

"PROVINCE OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY,
"_Middlesex County, April 25, 1775_.

"Lieutenant Thoroton Gould, aforenamed, personally made oath to
the truth of the foregoing declaration by him subscribed, before
us,