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Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) to James Bowdoin

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03422 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) Place Written: Worcester, Massachusetts Type: Manuscript letter Date: 24-25 January 1787 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 31.2 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy

Marked "copy" on docket. Describes in some detail the confrontations between his troops and the insurgents in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays. Reports that General [William] Shepard, who is also leading troops, is in a precarious position which it seems likely Shays's troops will attack. Describes how Generals [John] Brooks and [John] Paterson [Lincoln spells it "Patterson"] should position their troops to help stave off the attack. Asks Governor Bowdoin to forward this letter to General Brooks "the moment It comes to hand - no Time I think should be lost."

[draft]
Worcester Jany 24th 1787 -
Dear Sir,
We have had for the last twenty four hours various reports respecting the insurgents there appears to be about one hundred & fifty at Prince Town and in the vicinity of it a like number to the fourth of the road leading from this to Spencer these parties seem to have their doubts and from various the leaders wish to be off & it is a doubt whether they will join Shays or not. we have just received Information that the insurgents from Berkshire are posted at [Chickebee] river four miles above Springfield on the main roads up the Country, Shays & about six or seven hundred men are as [palmer] at the bridge over [Chickebee] river [then] & that another party are at west Springfield on the road to Springfield. By [there] situation they cut off the supplies from Genl. Shepard saving what comes from down the river whether the Insurgents have taken this post for the purpose of cutting of his supplies or whether they intend from these points [inserted: to] form a junction & strike him is uncertain his force at Springfield is about fourteen hundred men and he supposes that Shays may bring against him about two thousand
I have called upon Genl Patterson, that in case the Insurgents move in force toward Springfield from his division to follow them with all their force. he can after leaving a sufficient number to guard the well affected & [2] The Court have [nearly] compleated their business this will give me an opportunity of marching with our whole force having about one Regiment & one Company of artillery with two field pieces which will be left to cover this town the Stores & [Goal] to protect this [inserted: part of] Country from insult -
I probably shall come up with Shays on Friday whether he will attempt to retard my progress to Springfield or not is uncertain we must not be delayed by him unless he should be in greater force than we are this I hope & trust will not be the case - we are attentive to that part of our commission which directs our [aid] to the Civil in executing certain warrants the case of this then will be left with Genl [Warner]
I think it highly improper to remain longer here as General Shepard is so much exposed the contests if any will be in [strikeout] one of the upper Counties -
10 OClock evening Information has just arrived that Shays passed [Palmer] this day with about eleven hundred men and it is said also that he is determined to attack General Shepard -
It has been impossible to determine what will be his object some times it was said that he would attack this post at others that he would only cover the leaders, [but] I think now there is great probability that he will attempt Genl. Shepards post & the magazine I hope however that he will not be ready untill I can arrive - 11 OClock evening the following letter just came to hand -
25th. 6. OClock A.M.
I have received several letters from Genl. Shepard since [3] since writing the above it can hardly be doubted but Shays will have [timerity] enough to attack him From this view of the matter I have been induced to Order on Genl. Brooks, with his division & to call for a thousand men more from this County Two days since I wrote besides to Genl. Patterson to march to Springfield with all the force he could collect (after leaving enought to protect the well affected) in his own division - when it shall be considered that the expense of marching Genl. Brooks Division if not needed will be small indeed compared with the units which may [insue] [sic] if they should [inserted: not] be here in time if needed I say when those things are considered I hope your Excellency will Justify the measure -
With the greatest esteem
P.S - I have the honor of being
I have to request that Dear sir Your
Your Excellency will Obedient Servant
forward the inclosed to B Lincoln
Genl. Brooks the moment
it comes to hand. no
time I think should be lost -

Governor Bowdoin -

Bowdoin, James, 1726-1790
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810
Brooks, John, 1752-1825
Paterson, John, 1744-1808
Shepard, William, 1737-1817

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