Final answer:
The discrepancies between historical facts and Cooper's version concern the number of casualties and sequence of events in the Massacre at Fort William Henry. Perspectives and purposes of accounts contribute to differences in historical records, affecting our understanding of events like the Lexington Common skirmish.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discrepancies between the historical facts of the Massacre at Fort William Henry and James Fenimore Cooper's version in The Last of the Mohicans include a) the number of casualties and b) the sequence of events. Regarding casualties, historical accounts suggest fewer losses than Cooper's narrative implies. The sequence of events is also portrayed differently in his novel, often dramatized for literary effect, significantly diverging from the historical record. When analyzing historical events such as the skirmish at Lexington Common on April 19, 1775, variance in accounts can occur due to perspectives, retellings, and the passage of time, resulting in differing versions like those from the Annals of the Second Continental Congress or colonial militia records.
The versions of events vary because of subjective perspectives and the purposes of the accounts, such as whether they're meant for official records or propaganda. Factors like the Battle of the Wilderness, Boston Massacre, and Boston Tea Party also influence historical narratives, with each event having multiple interpretations. The understanding of historical battles, like those commanded by Major General Sir William Howe or Major General Benjamin Lincoln, can be shaped by the outcome, casualties, and the political objective behind recording the event.