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

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Historic illustration © 2008 Bryant White.

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