military. … I heard Major Joliffe give orders to cease firing."
John Soathern, private in the Derby Militia. "We went close to the railings; my bayonet pricked them; when we got there, the prisoners began throwing stones; one stone struck me. Just then the firing commenced. After some time Capt. Shortland came in front and said, holding his hands up, 'For God's sake, men, cease firing.' Captain Shortland was not near me when it commenced. The order to fire was given on the left, and it passed through the ranks one after another."
Lieutenant Avelyne, of 1st Somerset Militia. "When I came into the Market Square with Captain Shortland the prisoners had burst No. 1 gate and were rushing through in a crowd. … Capt. Shortland went forward to speak to them. … The soldiers did not charge by my order, nor did I hear Capt. Shortland order it. I considered myself under Capt. Shortland's orders. … I heard the first musket fired. I could not see where it was fired from. … There was at first a single shot, and almost instantly after several others were fired. I heard no distinct order to fire. … I did not go into the prison yard."
Lieutenant Fortye, of 1st Somerset Militia. "My guard took up the firing from others without any orders."
Cornelius Rowe, prisoner. "I saw the military come down the square and heard Capt. Shortland order them to charge."
Thomas Tindale, prisoner. "I heard Captain Shortland give orders to fire … he gave orders twice to fire. I was not ten steps from him when I heard him. I heard every word he said; I saw him plainly; the firing commenced by one musket first, then two, and
