The History of the Insurrections, by George Minot

portional diminution, was visible in other articles of exportation. I addition to this, what few could be obtained, were rendered almost useless, by one of the severest effects of the revolution--the loss of many markets to which Americans had formerly resorted with their produce. Thus was the usual means of remittance by articles of the growth of the country, almost annihilated, and little else than specie remained, to answer the demands incurred by importations. The money, of course, was drawn off ; and this being inadequate to the purpose of discharging the whole amount of foreign contracts, the residue was chiefly sunk by the bankruptcies of the importers. The scarcity of specie, arising principally from this cause, was attended with evident consequences ; it checked commercial intercourse throughout the community, and furnished reluctant debtors with an apology for withholding their dues both from individuals and the publick.

Another effect of the war which was exceedingly operative in the commotions that took place in Massachusetts, if it may not be called their primary cause, was the accumulation of private debts. The confusion of the times had excused or prevented most persons from discharging their contracts. Some indeed availed themselves of an advantage, which the laws of the country, for a