Bowdoin, James, 1726-1790 to William Shepard

Thanks him for the intelligence provided by his last two letters. Says that the last of the letters was received by "your confidential Friend Major Shepard," and he has talked with him extensively about the matters contained therein. Writes that the Council will meet on 20 December, "when the means of effectually suppressing the Insurgents will be taken into serious consideration." Will hear from him on the subject as Shepard may have an active part in the situation. Asks for his ideas on the best plan for that purpose, from start to finish: "Beginning with the support of the Worcester court, which by adjournment is to sit the 23d of January next: particularizing what force (if any should be necessary) should be sent from the lower Counties: what can be depended on from Worcester, Hampshire & Berkshire: how long the Militia will be content to be in the service, if the business should not be speedily accomplished: what resources and regular supplies of provisions can be depended on from those three Counties and every other information necessary to be had." In the hand of William Shepard, and originally enclosed with his 17 December 1786 letter to Knox (GLC02437.03382).