1781-1794

Various

Header Record

Title: 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

1788

Minot, George Richards, 1758-1802

Book

Title: 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

2 September 1786

Bowdoin, James, 1726-1790

Broadside

Title: 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

20 February 1787

Huntington, Samuel, 1731-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 them with arms or provisions. Reassures Bowdoin that the people of Connecticut "detest the lawless and violent courses which insurgents have taken." Indicates "copy" on the upper left hand corner.

GLC03711

17 October 1787

Huntington, Samuel, 1731-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

1786

Pamphlet

Title: 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

10 April 1786

Ivers, Thomas, ?-1800

Broadside signed

Title: [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 Men or Assessors of Gorham. Rec'd. May 3rd 1786." Associated with the series of burdensome tax laws which led to Shay's Rebellion.

GLC04402

February 23, 1803

Shays, Daniel, 1747-1825

Manuscript document signed

Title: [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

1788

Minot, George Richards, 1758-1802

Book

Title: 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

12 November 1786

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to Henry Knox]

Discusses the upcoming possible war with the Indians, and especially the financial prospects of Congress. Believes that Congress will be able to raise more money. Mentions that the Treasurer (possibly Robert Morris) has offered his loan, and that others in a position to do so will feel compelled to provide funding as well. Recipient inferred from content. See GLC02437.03317 and .03343 for related information.

GLC02437.03336

25 November 1786

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 different positions on the subject. Mentions that Shays' Rebellion has factored into the discussion. Seems to think they will, in a few days, have the money necessary for enlisting the men. Encloses a newspaper article about the doings of the General Court (not present). Also discusses how well the government seems to be functioning. Recipient…

GLC02437.03343

January 20, 1787

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 [Henry] Jackson and General [Benjamin] Lincoln. Reports on preparations for the fight against the Shays insurgents, and describes the preparations in the nearby states, such as New York.

GLC02437.03418

February 13, 1787

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the upcoming Convention in May to possibly create a new system of government and Constitution. Writes that the idea of such a convention "may not only be new, but may appear to interfere with that article in the Confederation, which provides that, 'no alteration therein shall be made without the consent of all the states.' But will not that consent be naturally obtained, by the recommendation of Congress to the States to adopt this mode, as they are all supposed to be, at all times, represented in that Body?" Provides evidence to support this argument, and discusses the…

GLC02437.03452

22 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stephen Higginson

Knox writes to Higginson, a former Congressman, to discuss Congress' opinions on amassing more troops in the frontier. Asks for his financial help, since Congress has good intentions in trying to fill the treasury, but there is not enough money now for emergencies. Writes, "Knowing your zeal for the public welfare, and your knowledge of our [brave] Boston patriots," he hopes Higginson will help him make arrangements to encourage others to help as well. See GLC02437.03336 and .03343 for related information.

GLC02437.03317

January 28, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Stephen Higginson

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Thanks him for his letters. Writes, "The Zeal of the people of Boston and the lower country in favor of Government is a good sign, and will probably produce the events expected from it." Declares, however, that even if the current insurgency dies down, "some measures will be necessary to prevent a repetition of" it. Believes that the "poor poor federal government is sick almost unto death." Mentions that a convention has been proposed by Virginia and several states with the intention to discuss reforms.…

GLC02437.03430

February 25, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stephen Higginson

Thanks Higginson for his observations on the current state of the government. Says Higginson's views are "perfectly just and well founded" and that Higginson has "a greater degree of attention, and thought on the subject, than most other gentlemen..." Shares his thoughts about the state of affairs, noting "the whole must be taken to peices [sic], and a new one erected on the bases of publick Liberty and public happiness..." Notes Congress has acceded to the idea of a Convention. Discusses the benefits the Convention would bring if the states were to agree to it. States he hopes that…

GLC02437.03468

24 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Nathaniel Gorham

Responds to a previous letter by Gorham. Writes a long letter discussing the proposal to use the arms and stores in Springfield, Massachusetts against the Shays' rebels. Declares that he has not received word from the Governor [probably James Bowdoin, of Massachusetts], but if he does, he will submit it immediately to Congress. Asks that Gorham contact the Governor and relate Knox's opinions on the subject to him, and suggests that Knox himself might write a letter to the Governor about it. Adds that Gorham's daughter is conducting herself beautifully, and is beloved by all her…

GLC02437.03391

29 November 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "Charles Town," possibly Charlestown, Massachusetts, where Gorham was born. Asks Knox to deliver a letter he has enclosed to his daughter. Relates information on preparations Massachusetts has made to confront the insurgents associated with Shays' Rebellion. Describes how they thought the insurgents would stand and fight, but upon realizing that their reinforcements would not be joining them, they ran. Explains that "it is happy for them they did not come," because the government had prepared its own troops to fight. There is now a good chance that a government force will…

GLC02437.03355

13 December 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he had planned to write him a long letter but the Governor sent him on a consultation. Writes, "There is no militia in Hampshire or Worcester that have artilery [sic] - & they are expecting soon to be called & advise not to take any from the arsenal untill the moment it is wanted & then to take what may be necessary- in the mean time to write to Congress on the subject - various reasons might be given why the Government party should not touch the public the stores- & at any rate not untill the moment the business is to be put at issue - however I hope there will…

GLC02437.03377

December 31, 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter and "shall endeavour to impress the sentiments therein contained. I shall be at Boston tomorrow & will se the Governor if possible. it will not be easy to have any considerable conversation with as he now has his councill in Town, in order I presume to prepare their arrangements for the protection of the Court at Worcester on the 23d of January- I have reason to think it will be spiritedly done- but as the success of the business in some of its parts may depend much upon secrecy I have avoided inquiry, as to particulars." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03397

14 June 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he finally obtained $500 to pay two companies of artillery marching to Springfield, Massachusetts. The soldiers were ordered to protect the Springfield armory, and Jackson expects them to arrive at Springfield on 21 June 1787. Reports that he used his own money to pay for the troops' clothing, noting, "...if I had not taken this measure, the men at this moment would have been naked." Stamped "Boston" on the address leaf. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature. For related correspondence, please refer to GLC02437.03567, GLC02437.03573, and GLC02437.03577.

GLC02437.03580

18 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sympathizes with Knox on the painful treatment or cure for an unnamed disorder. Wishes he could come stay with Knox when he has the operation. Writes that he believes "Mr. Gerry's Letter has done great injury to the proposed New Constitution, more than he will ever be able to do good by a whole life of repentance - every thing went on firm & well until that damn'd Letter he has his influence with a certain party, of which your friend on Milton Hill is a principal." Is still hopeful since "all the liberal & most sensible men are highly in favor of it - they stand as firm &…

GLC02437.03705

10 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has been absent from Boston, attending a meeting of the Ohio Company in Providence, Rhode Island. Is pleased to find Knox has several shares of Ohio Company land. Predicts that New Hampshire will ratify the Constitution and Rhode Island will not. Hopes that John Hancock and Benjamin Lincoln will win the next election for governor and lieutenant governor of Massachusetts respectively. Notes that the Anti-Federalists and the "Insurgent influence" will support [James] Warren and [Elbridge] Gerry for the positions. Further discusses politics.

GLC02437.03819

20 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Recently heard news that their mutual friend, James Swan, arrived in France. His wife, Hepzibah Clark Swan, is still in America and hopes James will send for her. Jackson doubts he will be able to, noting "...I am sure his Finances are not sufficient to support it, that is, if he has left with me a true statement of his affairs." Refers to the Massachusetts election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Reports that their mutual friend, "the General," has 3/5 of the vote (referring to Benjamin Lincoln and the election for Lieutenant Governor). Of Massachusetts legislature, writes "Our…

GLC02437.03852

February 25, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 detail about his new recruits and funding for the uniforms. Notes General [Benjamin] Lincoln remains in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (one of the areas where Shays' Rebellion took place). Writes, "...the heart of the Rebellion is broken up, and have dispersed to all quarters - but if the government Troops were withdrawn, from that quarter, the same…

GLC02437.03469