Adams, together with Josiah Quincy, defended the accused with ability and firmness, and the result crowned not only the advocates, but the jury and the people of Boston with honor.

Distinguishing between the Government, upon whom the responsibility rested, and the troops who were its agents, the jury acquitted the accused.

The people sustained the verdict; affording to Great Britain and to the world a noble proof, that they had been well prepared by education for the trust of self-government.
The controversy between the Province of Massachusetts and the British Government continued, and the exasperation of the Colonies became more intense, until the destruction of the imported tea in the harbor, in December, 1773, incensed the Ministry so highly, that they procured an act closing the port of Boston.

This act was followed by the convention of the first American Congress at Philadelphia, on the 5th of September, 1774.

As John Adams had been the master spirit in the agitation in Massachusetts, he was appointed one of the Delegates to the General Congress.