The Fifth of March
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The Fifth of March is a 1993 novel about the Boston Massacre (of March 5, 1770, pre-Revolutionary War) by historian and author Ann Rinaldi, who was also the author of many other historical fiction novels such as Girl in Blue and A Break with Charity.
This book is about a young fourteen-year-old indentured servant girl named Rachel Marsh who finds herself changing as she meets many people, including young Matthew Kilroy, a British private.
[edit] Plot summary
Fourteen-year-old Rachel Marsh is a servant for John and Abigail Adams. She works for them and they, in turn, encourage her to read and educate herself. When British troops are sent to Boston to keep order, Rachel fights with, feeds, and eventually befriends Matthew Kilroy, a sentry posted outside the Adams' door. Their relationship blossoms although Rachel will not act on it or show her affection for Matthew except verbally. Matthew is lonely, poor, cold, and hated by most Bostonians, and his frustration is manifested in the Boston Massacre which Rachel witnesses.
John Adams agrees to defend the British soldiers and their captain, accused of manslaughter. Along with the other soldiers, Matthew is thrown in jail where Rachel visits him despite the Adams' wishes. The captain is acquitted, six soldiers are acquitted, and two privates, including Matthew, have their thumbs branded and are sent back to England. Matthew and Rachel are separated despite their feelings for each other.
