Historic Scenes
Taking the Oath: Punishment and Appeasement
The bloodshed and death at Springfield horrified the people of Massachusetts and shocked observers abroad. An uneasy peace followed as thousands of men surrendered their weapons and took an oath of loyalty to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that would keep them out of prison and off the gallows.
Observers
-
Major General Benjamin Lincoln
Pittsfield, MA, February 17, 1787
"The opposition to Government is giving way in every part; the people are hourly surrendering themselves, giving up their arms, and taking the Oaths, &c.—" Click for more info -
Captain Eli Parsons
Vermont, March 1, 1787
"Will you now tamely suffer your arms to be taken from you, your estates to be confiscated, and even to swear to support a Constitution and form of government, and likewise a code of laws, which common sense and your conscience declare to be iniquitous and cruel..." -
James Madison
Virginia, February 21, 1787
"Our latest information from Mass/ts gives hopes that...the Rebellion is nearly extinct. If the measures however on foot for disarming and disfranchising those concerned in it should be carried into effect, a new crisis may be brought on..." Click for more info -
George Washington
Virginia, February 25, 1787
"On prospect of the happy termination of this insurrection I sincerely congratulate you; hoping that good may result from the cloud of evils which threatned, not only the hemisphere of Massachusetts but by spreading its baneful influence, the tranquillity of the Union. Surely Shays must be either a weak man, the dupe of some characters who are yet behind the curtain, or has been deceived by his followers." Click for more info
Themes
-
Getting By & Getting Ahead
In the wake of the violence, the General Court began enacting legislation that would pay for the expenses of the militia called up to put down the insurgency.
Click for more info -
We the People
The crisis facing the Massachusetts state government did not end with the defeat of Shays' force at Petersham on February 3, 1787.
Click for more info -
The Wider World
Throughout the remainder of the winter of 1787, leaders in other states eagerly sought out and shared information on the rapidly developing situation in Massachusetts.
Click for more info -
Everyday Life
Relations remained strained as Regulators and pro-government militia men returned to their communities.
Click for more info
Related To This Scene
-
Benjamin Lincoln Order for Provisions
-
Bottle
-
Brown Bess
-
Circulating Letter from Eli Parsons
-
Commendation of General Shepard
-
Firearm Log
-
Firearm Receipt
-
Glass
-
Letter from Huntington to Bowdoin
-
List of Grievances Poem
-
Massachusetts Disqualification Act
-
Pewter Mug
-
Proclamation for the Apprehension of Daniel Shays
-
Resolve of the General Court that There is a Rebellion
-
Tavern Sign
-
Tavern Table
-
Windsor Chair
Historic illustration © 2008 Bryant White.