Navaleyes,
What you have learned is one of the basic lessons of historical document analysis. It is essential when looking at any “account” of any event to look deeper than just the words on the page. You need to understand the author, the period in which the document is written and the intended audience. All of these have an effect on the “truth” as it is written. This explains why over all the texts you have read you are seeing such a disparate “recollection”. A further problematic issue is the reader of any given document. It is exceptionally difficult to divest oneself of any preconceived notions. We all have them; anyone who says they do not is a liar. It is a simple part of the human psychological make-up.
What does this all mean? Simply put take everything with a pinch of salt and you will not go too far wrong. So far each of the accounts you have read from those who were there has had an agenda.
Cheers
BHR