The History of the Insurrections, by George Minot

money system, might well be expected to arise. Like their ancestors, the inhabitants of Massachusetts had, by they knew not what means, struggled through a variety of difficulties, with the aid of ideal wealth ; and, upon the appearance of new troubles, they felt inclined to revert to the same assistance. The injustice and extreme distress which had happened among individuals, and the burdens yet existing on the Commonwealth, as a member of the union, from bills of credit, began to be effaced by the superior objects which, it was thought, they had brought about. The revolution was ascribed to the powers of paper money, and it was held up as the price of every man's freedom. The proposition, however, was the less expedient, as great quantities of this currency in fact existed and were circulating in the Commonwealth at the very time it was made. The delinquency in the payment of taxes had necessitated the Treasurer to anticipate them, by orders on the Collectors. These orders accumulating in a great degree, had become a kind of currency at a depreciated value, and were negotiated through many hands, previously to their return to the treasury. Besides these, there were the notes for the state and federal debt, which were no inconsiderable substitutes for cash. Many persons must have been deluded as to the scheme for another