James Bowdoin

About

Massachusetts political leader who wrote the report on the Boston Massacre that rallied American revolutionary opinion. After the Revolutionary War he became the 2nd Governor of Massachusetts.

Before Fame

He initially supported the British governors of New England, but as their rule became increasingly strict, he changed his mind.

Trivia

His Short Narrative of the Horrid Massacre, referring to the Boston Massacre, criticized both the Massachusetts governor and British soldiers, becoming a major propaganda piece.

Family Life

His father James Bowdoin was a wealthy Boston merchant.

Associated With

After the Revolution he ran for Massachusetts office against the more popular John Hancock, and was roundly defeated.