I am here in defence of that Country you are endeavoring
to destroy—he rejoined, if you are in defence of the Country, we
are both defending the same Cause—I added, I expected
we should take very different Posts before night ~~~
He said the ^ Post he should take, would be the hill on which
the Arsenal and Public Buildings stood; I told him if he
attempted it, he would meet a very warm Reception –
He asked, will they fire I replied, they undoubtedly would
he answered , that was all he wanted: --I then observed to him,
if he advanced, he must ^ meet those Men we both had once been
accustomed to obey. When the Insurgents had advanced within
about One hundred Rods of our Lines I was again Sent, in
company with Mr Lyman, General Shepard's Aid, to tell
Shays, that General Shepard was posted not only by the ~~
Authority of this State, but by Congress, and that the Post
would be defended at all Regards. On warning to the front
of their Column was called for the Commanding Officer
they asked if Gen Shepard was here; we answered yes,
they said he was not—they did not see him, on either of the
Horses, and replied, if Gen Shepard will come here, Gen
Shays will come forward. We asked will he not without
they said no—we told them they might go about their
Business then they said they meant to we told them
as soon as they pleased I then told them, Gen Shepard bid me
tell Shays he was posted not only by the Authority of this State
but by Congress, and that he should defend this post at
all hazard. I was sent to observe their motions again
and to tell them if they advanced forward they would
be fired on, which I accordingly did, in Company with
Mr Lyman, the General's aid ~ they said it was all
they wanted, and immediately gave orders, march
on—march on.~
Saml Buffinton
Hampshire ss. Springfield Feby 1st. 1787.
Personally appeared Capn Samuel
Buffinton, Subscriber to the above Declaration,
& made solemn Oath to the Truth of the same
before Sam. Mather Just Peace
Capt Buffintons
Deposition
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