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"The Confession of Judah Marsh" published in the Hamsphire Gazette

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Judah Marsh, Jr., of Ware begged "the forgiveness of God and an injured community" in this written confession dated February 14, 1787. Marsh related that he had been chosen as an ensign in a "train" (trained) "band" (militia) and was under the influence of people "whose knowledge and judgment in public affairs, I supposed much superior to my own." He went to Springfield with the Regulators but dismissed his company at Amherst during the retreat, having become "fully sensible that I have acted a part contrary to the laws of God, as well as my country." He insists that he "never had a design to shed blood, nor did I imagine the controversy would ever come to shedding blood." Nevertheless, he was fully conscious that he had listened to "bad advice" and "acted a part contrary to the laws of God, as well as my country." Pleading for mercy and understanding due to his youth and previous good behavior Marsh threw himself on the mercy of the state.

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