Private Riley's Debt

Private Riley is dragged out of the Boston court by his fellow soldiers led by Captain Charles Fordyce to avoid indenture.  His choices were to pay the fine of 26 pounds, a large amount, go to jail (gaol) or be indentured to the plaintiff for three years. Not a good choice unless indenture was a rue for desertion.  Constable Peter Barbour tried to take Riley into custody as neither Riley or his fellow soldiers had ready cash to pay the fine. Other soldiers arrived, swords were drawn and civilians joined in and some minor wounds resulted.  Riley is freed by his mates but the House of Representatives reviews the mater and orders a new trial.  The trial was postponed a number of times for lack of Riley. The more dramatic event of March 5, 1770, the Boston Massacre, made the issue irrelevant.  
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