Gorham, Nathaniel (1738-1796) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03355 Author/Creator: Gorham, Nathaniel (1738-1796) Place Written: Charlestown, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 November 1786 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 22.5 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written from "Charles Town," possibly Charlestown, Massachusetts, where Gorham was born. Asks Knox to deliver a letter he has enclosed to his daughter. Relates information on preparations Massachusetts has made to confront the insurgents associated with Shays' Rebellion. Describes how they thought the insurgents would stand and fight, but upon realizing that their reinforcements would not be joining them, they ran. Explains that "it is happy for them they did not come," because the government had prepared its own troops to fight. There is now a good chance that a government force will overtake the insurgents; the government force includes Hichborn and Jackson (Benjamin Hichborn and Henry Jackson). Sends his best to Mrs. Knox.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
[draft]
[inserted in different hand: Shay's insurrection] Charles Town Nov' 29 1786
Dr Sir
Inclosed is a letter for my Daughter which I will thank you to deliver her - the Court is siting very quickly at Cambridge - the Insurgences in the back part of the County assembled to the number of 70 & provided as far as Concord where they expected to be joined by a large number from Bristol & Worcester - but being disappointed in this they retired - it is happy for them they did not come - for such arrangements were made as would have put it in the Town of Government to have taken or destroyed them the weather has been & is now so severe that the Miltia & other Friends of Government did not embody - but were ready at a moments warning which was to bee given by firing three Cannon at Fork Hill - 60 [troops sent] from this County joined by 100 from Boston are now in pursuit of them & I [2] think from what I have just heard that there is a good prospect of their overtaking them - among the latter are Hichburn & Jackson. Doan the two Higginsons &tc - headed by Our Sherif with proper Warrants in his pocket - plan to make my best to Mrs. Knox - excuse haste & believe me to be
Very sincerely yours &tc
N Gorham
H Knox Esqr.
[docket]
Boston 29 Novr 1786
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