Final Answer:
According to John Adams, British soldiers fired into a crowd of civilians during the incident of the so-called Boston Massacre, but he called it a "massacre of the law and the constitution."
Step-by-step explanation
John Adams, who later became the second President of the United States, played a significant role in the legal aftermath of the Boston Massacre.
In his defense of the British soldiers involved in the incident, Adams argued that they were provoked by an unruly crowd.
Although Adams acknowledged that the soldiers fired into the crowd, he sought to emphasize the legal perspective.
By labeling it a "massacre of the law and the constitution," Adams aimed to convey that the incident represented a violation of legal principles and constitutional rights rather than an intentional attack on the people.
This reflects Adams' commitment to the rule of law and his belief that even in tumultuous times, legal principles must be upheld.
Adams' choice of language highlights the complexity of historical events and the nuanced perspectives of those involved.
While the term "Boston Massacre" suggests a deliberate and indiscriminate attack on civilians, Adams' characterization underscores the legal intricacies and differing viewpoints surrounding the incident, emphasizing the importance of context and interpretation in understanding historical events.