Jarvis, James (fl. 1787) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03431 Author/Creator: Jarvis, James (fl. 1787) Place Written: New Haven, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 January 1787 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 23.2 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the confrontation between Shays' insurgents and the government forces at Springfield. Mentions that three of Shays' supporters were killed. Reports the status of the commands of Generals [William] Shepard and [Benjamin] Lincoln. Attaches a copy of a letter from Luke Day, one of Shays' lead supporters, with terms of surrender.
[draft]
Jas. Jarvis
New Haven Jany 29th 1787
Sir
Previously to the receipt of this, you will have heard no doubt that - three or four of Shays' people have paid with their lives, for the temerity of their leader in advancing toward Gen. Shepherd's post, at the barracks in Springfield, in defiance of the humane warning of that Gentleman
Mr. Broome left Springfield on Saturday Morning, and received the particulars of this affair from Gen. S. himself; and adds that Shays and his people, fled in the greatest confusion and precipitation, to a town called Ludlow, about 15 miles from the barracks- That Gen. Lincoln had arrived within a few miles of Springfield, with a body of 2 or 3000 men-
[2] One Luke Day, at the Head of 6 or 700 Wretches, and in possession of West-Springfield, sent by flag, a paper to Gen. Shepard, of which the Annexed is a copy
The American Archives for century's to come, I am convinc'd will not furnish its parallel for insolence & folly-
It is worthy of note, that Gen. Shepard commanded about 1200 well appointed Militia, uniformly arm'd, and well - clothed and fed; and that Day's people were destitute of every thing that could afford them comfort, or ten minutes' defence in case of an attack
The signature of Luke Day, I consider as my papal dispensation, for [3] the liberty I have taken, and therefore feel a degree of confidence on this occasion in subscribing myself.
With great Respect
Sir.
Your most Obedient
& very humble servant
James Jarvis
Head-Quarters
West- Springfield Jany 25.1787
The body of the people assembled in Arms, adhering to the first principles in nature self-preservation, do in the most peremtory manner-
1st That the troops in Springfield lay down their arms-
[4]
2nd That their arms be deposited in the Public stores, under the [inserted: care of the] proper officers, to be return'd to the owners, at the termination of the present contest
3rd That the troops return to their homes on parole-
(Signed) Luke Day
Capt. Commandant of this division
To the commanding officer-
At Springfield-
- On the back of the paper was written "By Col. Eli Parsons-
[Docket]
From Mr. james Jarvis
N Haven 29 Jany 1787
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