Benjamin Lincoln to George Washington Regarding His Observations

command them and have given me powers to call
for such further aid as I may think necessary to
effect the objects of my commission. I am thus far on
my march toward the disaffected counties, viz. Worcester
Hampshire & Berkshire. It has been given out that
Shays would stop the court to be holden at Worcester
on the 23^d. I think he will not be there tho it is
said that he is assembling his troops at
different places. If he should not be at Worcester
I expect to march the troops to the County of Berkshire
to take up the insurgents to give confidence to the
well affected and to convince those of an other character
how much they have been imposed on when they
have been made to believe that no troops would
turn out in favor of government.

The gentlemen of property & men of influence
have come forth fully on this occasion and have loaned
a considerable sum of money to government. I cannot
but hope that we shall be able to crush the
opposition & that the people will be disposed to
submit to government and enjoy undisturbed infulness
the blessings of it. When ever I mention military matters
I feel a responsibility to your Excellency & shall when
any thing turns up of importance do my self the
pleasure to communicate it.

Y. T. B. Lincoln
[in another hand: G W]
[docket]: Dec^r. 4^th 1786