Historic Scenes

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.—" Bio available
• 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..." No bio available
• 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..." Bio available
• 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." Bio available

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.
  No essay available
• 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.
  Essay available
• Everyday Life
  Relations remained strained as Regulators and pro-government militia men returned to their communities.
  No essay available

Related To This Scene