Shays, Daniel (1747-1825) to Benjamin Lincoln
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03434 Author/Creator: Shays, Daniel (1747-1825) Place Written: Pelham, Massachusetts Type: Manuscript document Date: 31 January 1787 Pagination: 1 p. : 31.1 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Contains two letters. The first, written from Pelham, Massachusetts on 31 January 1787 to General Benjamin Lincoln, is signed by (though not in the hand of) Daniel Shays, along with Francis Stone and Adam Wheeler. The second is Lincoln's reply, written on the same date, from Hadley, Massachusetts. The Shays letter mentions that he and his men have sent a petition with terms of surrender to the General Court, and he feels that all hostilities should cease until they receive a reply. Lincoln responds that the "request is totally inadmissible, as no powers are deligated [sic] to me which would justify a delay of my operations." Warns them to disband or face more hostilities. Copies of these letters appear also in GLC02437.03433.
[draft]
The Honorable General Lincoln
Sir
As the officers of the men now convened in defence of their right and privileges have send a petition to the General Court for the sole purpose of accommodation of our present unhappy affairs, we justly expect that Hostilities may cease on both sides until we have a return from our Legislature. Your Honor therefore will be pleased to give us an answer.
A copy of the above petition is enclosed.
Pelham January 31st 1787
order of the committee for reconciliation
Francis Stone Chairman
Daniel Shays Captn.
Adam Wheeler
Hadley January 31st 1787
Gentlemen
Your request is totally inadmissible, as no powers are deligated to me which would justify a delay of my operations- Hostilities I have not commenced. I have again to warn [struck: you] the people in Arms against government immediately to disband as they would avoid the ill consequences which may insue should they be inattentive to this caution.
B Lincoln
Mr. Francis Stone
Daniel Shays Captain
Mr. Adam Wheeler
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