North, William (1755-1836) to unknown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03462 Author/Creator: North, William (1755-1836) Place Written: Springfield, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 February 1787 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22.8 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Notes he left Pittsfield along with General [Benjamin] Lincoln this morning. Mentions the number of men enlisted in "disaffected counties" and when their enlistment expires. Discusses the mood of the mob, saying the men look forward to taking up "arms against a government which they affect to detest" (referring to the participants in Shays' Rebellion). Recipient is not listed, but based on the content the letter was possibly written to Henry Knox. Letter is inaccurately dated 19 February 1786. Docket dates the letter 19 February 1787, this matches the letter's content and the time period of events that took place during Shays' Rebellion.
[draft]
Springfield Feby 19th 1786
Sir,
I returned this Morning from Pittsfield, where I left Genl Lincoln who doubtless has given you a much more comprehensive account of his situation, in the letter accompanying this, than is possible for me to give.
The forces of Government are scattered in the disaffected counties, & may amount to two thousand - their inlistment expires on the 23d inst & about 200 men for four months are engaged. The parties under Genl Lincoln are cordially bringing in the insurgents - numbers of them are permitted to take the oath, some are [2] obliged to give bonds for their appearance, & [they] are kept close prisoners; a certain judge [Whiting] is of the last [clan]: The spirits of the mob seem to be noways broken, they submit to events which they can not help, but appear to look forward to a time when they [shall] again take arms against a government which they [affect] to detest. I saw about forty of those fellows, who had just been taken & were marching under guard to Pittsfield, they looked, & spoke very imprudently to every one, who they supposed was on the other side, they [halted] a moment, & when the line of march was again taken up, they went off skipping & jumping. The rebellion in Berkshire has involved, (as I heard Mr Sedgwick say) two thirds of the people - & property. It [3] It will take time to subdue those stubborn spirits, & whether it will be possible for Government ever to draw a revinue from those counties without a regular force, time only can determine As Government have not at present a regular force, & are obliged to employ the militia, I think it would have been better to have employed those belonging to a [distant] part of the state, rather than the neighbours of the men who are to be held in subjection. However, I know very little of those matters, & perhaps have no bisiness [sic] to speak of them. Shepherd is at North Hampton
With the greatest respect
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your Obedt Servant
Wm North
[docket]
Major North Feby 19 - 1787 -
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