Collection Search

[Resolution of the Society of Cincinnati, State of Massachusetts, to deny a membership application]

Draft resolution of the Society of the Cincinnati, State of Massachusetts, to return the membership fees of Luke Day and Elijah Day for "openly joining & leading & conducting the late rebellion in this Commonwealth," and thus having "rendered...

GLC04379.03

Resolves of the General Court of... Massachusetts

Contains messages of Gov. James Bowdoin on Shays' Rebellion and discussion re: appointing representatives to the Constitutional Convention

GLC04395

[Massachusetts document assessing a tax]

A copy for the selectmen or assessors of the town of Gorham, Massachusetts. Signed by Thomas Ivers as Treasurer and Receiver-General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Docketed on verso: "Treasurer Warrant for Assessing 1037:19/ March 1786. Select...

GLC04402

[Inventory of Daniel Shays' creditors]

Signed by the witness to Shays' statement by Jonathan Danforth. Describes Shays as "of the city of New York an insolvent debtor." This most likely not the same Daniel Shays who fomented the Shays' Rebellion.

GLC04296

A proclamation

Issued as Governor of Massachusetts. Gives a brief account of the rebel mobs storming the Court of Common Pleas in Northampton. Calls upon all civil & military officers to suppress Shays' Rebellion.

GLC03538

The history of the insurrections, in Massachusetts, in the year 1786, and the rebellion consequent thereon

First edition copy published by Isaiah Thomas. Gives a historical account of Shay's Rebellion.

GLC03808

to James Bowdoin

Connecticut Governor Huntington expresses his approval of the suppression of the insurgents (involved in Shays rebellion). Agrees to cooperate with Massachusetts Governor Bowdoin in apprehending insurgents hiding in Connecticut and not supplying...

GLC03711

to Henry Knox

Discusses Connecticut's progress in raising troops for duty in the Northwest territory and the appointment of officers. Retained copy, as noted on docket. Written as governor of Connecticut to Knox as the Secretary of War.

GLC03729

The History of the insurrection, in Massachusetts, in the year 1776, and the rebellion consequent thereon

First edition copy published by Isaiah Thomas. Gives a historical account of Shay's Rebellion. Late 19th century binding by P. V. Sanford.

GLC05949

Act to punish rebels and their supporters in Shays's Rebellion

Oblong broadside. "An act, describing the disqualifications to which persons shall be subjected, who have been, or may be guilty of treason, or giving aid or support to the present rebellion, and to whom pardon may be extended." Signed in type by...

GLC06980

to Rev. Dr. Walter re: Europe's political strife, system of checks and balances

Some edge losses at top right, affecting a few letters. A rare letter, written as president, commenting on his writings on government, and their influence on the Federal constitution and his depair over Europe's political and military strife. He...

GLC06666

[Certification for rations]

Written by Major General Paterson to certify that Ira Sayman has furnished 140 rations. This was enough for ten days for one lieutenant and 12 men who were guarding prisoners in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Note on verso, signed by Caleb Hick...

GLC02497.13

[Notes]

Docketed as "some minutes respecting the terms of the proposed loan to the U.S - for [illegible] the troops to be raised by virtues of the resolve of Congress of the 20th October 1786." The loan is for $500,000. (The troops were being raised to...

GLC02437.08214

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing the "disorders which have arisen in these States." Discusses the variosu hardships and difficulties facing the young nation, and requests Knox's thoughts on the subject. Worries about...

GLC02437.09332

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter by Washington to Knox, discussing the potential Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, which he does not plan to attend. Believes the current national government is terribly flawed, but that maintaining it may be the best...

GLC02437.09333

to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter by Washington to Knox, discussing Shay's rebellion. Greatful that the rebellion has been supressed. News of the rebellion, and fear of further upheaval, helped spur Washington to agree to attend the Constitutional Convention...

GLC02437.09334

to Henry Knox

Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes "I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them!" Alludes to...

GLC02437.09409

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for several letters, which put his mind at ease regarding General Benjamin Lincoln's military operations (Lincoln led the Massachusetts state militia in Shays' Rebellion) and the dignity of Government. Congratulates Knox on the recent...

GLC02437.09411

Archive of Captain John Bryant, Deputy Commissary of Military Stores at the Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts [Decimalized .001-.117]

Includes letters from Henry Knox (28 letters), Henry Jackson, Samuel Hodgdon, Timothy Pickering, Benjamin Lincoln, William Simmons, John Crane, and Jonathan Jackson among others.

GLC03432

to John Bryant

Orders Captain Bryant to immediately send him "a return of every article taken by General Shepard [from the armory in Springfield, Massachusetts]...noting particularly the state they were in at the time they were taken, and at the time they were...

GLC03432.010

[Appointment for Simon Elliot as captain]

Appoints Elliot as an Adjutant in the militia with the rank of captain under the command of General Benjamin Lincoln. This militia was being raised to put down Shay's rebellion. At the time it was actually an illegitimate militia put together by the...

GLC01450.448.03

to John Sullivan

Massachusetts Governor Hancock requests permission of New Hampshire Governor Sullivan to send troops in pursuit of rebels involved in Shays's rebellion through his state.

GLC00300

A Proclamation: [amnesty offer to Shays's rebels]

Offers pardons to Massachusetts citizens who participated in Shay's Rebellion (1786-1787). Document includes a printed seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Printed by Adams and Nourse. Noted in Ford no. 2474.

GLC00518

Three documents related to the military service of Gideon Stebbins [Decimalized]

GLC01412.10

[Pay roll for Captain Stebbins militia company for service suppressing Shay's Rebellion]

Lists the men and indicates that they helped suppress "the Mob at Northampton."

GLC01412.10.02

[Pay roll for Captain Stebbins militia company for service suppressing Shay's Rebellion]

Lists the men and indicates that they served under General William Shepard "in defense of the Supreem Judicial Coart at Springfield."

GLC01412.10.03

to James Madison

The letter mentions the importance of the Federal system, the political situation in Virginia in Madison's absence, Shays' Rebellion, the situation with the Spanish on the Mississippi, and the impossibility of operating with independent sovereign...

GLC00099.131

to George Washington

Writes that he hopes to be able to visit General Washington at Mount Vernon soon. Is convinced of the General's affection for him and feels sure that his limited correspondence will not be misconstrued; is aware that responding to too many letters...

GLC02437.03319

to Joseph Williams

Wrote last to Major Williams while at Springfield regarding the protection of military stores. Has heard that in the absence of General Sheppard [probably William Shepard], a Colonel Chapin will be in command. Asks Williams to talk to Colonel...

GLC02437.03313

[Memorandum related to Robert Morris and Jeremiah Wadsworth]

Describes a series of meeting in October - November 1786 involving Knox, Robert Morris, Jeremiah Wadsworth, Gouverneur Morris, and Samuel Osgood to develop Knox's proposal to loan money to Congress to clothe, feed, pay and house the troops. Congress...

GLC02437.03314

to Henry Knox

Writes, "The people here smell a rat, that the Troops about to be raised are more for the insurgents than the Indians, however this makes no odds, every body seems to wish a strong government, & to believe the government can only be strengthened by...

GLC02437.03322

to Henry Knox

Writes primarily about his efforts to recruit a regiment in the Boston area. Sad to hear that the rank of Colonel Hull could not be altered, because now he is convinced Hull will not serve, and the military will lose a valuable officer. Will see...

GLC02437.03335

to Henry Knox

Writes that since his last letter, the loan for raising men to oppose the Indians has been offered, and it has been debated for several days. The reference to "Indians" is code for the troops being raised to suppress Shays's Rebellion. Explains...

GLC02437.03343

to Henry Jackson

Writes that Jackson must be anxious and surprised that he has not yet heard from Knox "on the subject of clothing & rations. The fact is that I have been unable to give you any satisfaction on these points." Writes, "Congress came to the...

GLC02437.03362

to Henry Knox

Discusses the lack of supplies faced by a group of soldiers he encountered, and mentions that he had to supply them himself because "not one shilling will be furnished by the state." However, he is running out of money. Declares that the Board of...

GLC02437.03372

[List of officers appointed under General Henry Jackson]

Date added later in pencil. List of officers appointed under General Henry Jackson. Officers are sorted by rank, and include Majors William Hull, William North, and E. [possibly Elnathan] Haskell, as well as William Eustis as Surgeon.

GLC02437.03404

to Henry Knox

Discusses raising troops to fight against the insurgents, in particular to fight under Colonel [possibly Michael] Jackson. Mentions the drive to raise funds for recruiting troops and also procuring supplies, such as for the regiments of General...

GLC02437.03418

to William Shepard

Marked "copy" on docketing. Shepard's name spelled "Sheppard." Thanks him for his recent letters. Writes that there has not yet been a Congress able to proceed to business. Hopes that they will be organized this week, and can discuss the request...

GLC02437.03421

to James Bowdoin

Marked "copy" on docket. Describes in some detail the confrontations between his troops and the insurgents in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays. Reports that General [William] Shepard, who is also leading troops, is in a precarious position which it...

GLC02437.03422

to James Bowdoin

Written from Brookfield, likely in Massachusetts. Marked "copy." Relates how he led his troops to the aid of General Shepard. "Writes, Gen'l Sheppard expects hourly an attack by the whole force of the Insurgents:- Shays marched with the party...

GLC02437.03425

to James Bowdoin

Marked "copy." Written from "Head Quarters Springfield." Reports on Shay and his supporters' situation. Relates that he and a number of other regiments arrived in Springfield the day before. Writes, "On my arrival I found, that Shays had taken...

GLC02437.03427

to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his letters. Never doubted Knox's good wishes toward him, or his desire to promote Sargent's military achievements. Is acutely aware of Knox's responsibilities and does not want to put him in an embarrassing position because of his...

GLC02437.03432

to Benjamin Lincoln

Contains two letters. The first, written from Pelham, Massachusetts on 31 January 1787 to General Benjamin Lincoln, is signed by (though not in the hand of) Daniel Shays, along with Francis Stone and Adam Wheeler. The second is Lincoln's reply...

GLC02437.03434

[General Benjamin Lincoln's orders]

General orders which congratulate troops on the successful capture of a large number of insurgents. This document is probably one of the enclosures that accompanied Lincoln's 5 February 1787 letter to Knox (GLC02437.03444).

GLC02437.03442

to Marquis de Lafayette

Provides an account of Shays' Rebellion in Massachusetts. Claims the "discontents in Massachusetts" were "speedily and effectually suppressed." Says these discontents were immersed in "Opinions which perhaps were necessarily diseminated previous to...

GLC02437.03451

to Henry Knox

Says that he received his recent letters, including one to be delivered to [Benjamin] Hichborn. Asks him to give his regards to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan. Writes that Major [William] North has not yet arrived, and he is afraid that North is sick on...

GLC02437.03458

to unknown

Notes he left Pittsfield along with General [Benjamin] Lincoln this morning. Mentions the number of men enlisted in "disaffected counties" and when their enlistment expires. Discusses the mood of the mob, saying the men look forward to taking up...

GLC02437.03462

to Henry Knox

Requests Knox to read and send a document (not included) to the governor concerning the mood of the people. Writes that "His people, as I am informed, are getting mad, [Ours] have been so for some time since the rage is abating."

GLC02437.03463

to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrangement of troops and an established military uniform he received from Major [William] North. Asks Knox to decide which of the two majors will be assigned to him so he can appoint a field officer at the Castle. Goes into further...

GLC02437.03469

to Joseph Williams

Had wanted to see Williams in order to talk about "the business" (likely referring to Shays' Rebellion). Writes he is relying on Williams to protect the military stores "in every event, for which you shall be amply compensated." Asks him to...

GLC02437.03312