1786-1787
Shays' Rebellion Pathfinder
Documents
Governor of Massachusetts James Bowdoin issued this proclamation after Shays and his rebels shut down a courthouse in Northampton after the assembly adjourned without addressing the grievances of the backcountry farmers. This primary source shows the opinion of the Massachusetts government during a time of colonial uprising. The language used in the document shows that Bowdoin did not sympathize with the farmers but looked to prosecute anyone who participated in the Northampton incident. This document allows the individual to interpret Governor Bowdoin's proclamation on their own accord. Primary sources are critically to the evaluation of any historical phenomenon and this document shows the viewpoint of the government as well as their intentions to prosecute those involved in the rebellion.
Bowdoin, James. "A Proclamation." America's Historical Imprints, Newsbank Inc., 2 Sept. 1786. Web. 7 Oct. 2013.
A proclamation calling for the apprehension of the leaders involved in Shays's Rebellion. This is an interesting primary source because the language of the document condemns those involved. This document can be used to cite evidence as well as serve as a resource for additional information. The proclamation lists four specific leaders of the rebellion. If someone is looking to research the other leaders of Shays Rebellion, this document provides evidence of the involvement of other notable rebels.
Bowdoin, James. "Proclamation to Apprehend Daniel Shays and Others." Shays's Rebellion & The Making of a Nation. Springfield Technical Community College, 9 Feb. 1787. Web. 7 Nov. 2013.
This journal article provides a brief overview of the context in which Shays’ Rebellion takes place and then addresses the role of the primary source documents presented. The first document introduced is a letter from General William Shepard to the Governor of Massachusetts James Bowdoin and reports the successful defense of the Springfield Arsenal from Shays militia. The second primary source introduced is a letter from General Lincoln to Governor Bowdoin. In this letter, Lincoln details his ability to reinforce General Shepard’s troops, which successfully caused Shays’ militia to retreat from battle. The last document presented is a petition to the Massachusetts government asking that the bloodshed of fellow countrymen be brought to an end. This journal article presents primary source documents in a coherent way, which provides a framework for the correspondents between government officials. It does not however include the perspective of Daniel Shays or his militia.
"Documents Relating to the Shays Rebellion, 1787." The American Historical Review 2.4 (1897): 693-99. JSTOR. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
Letters
This is a transcript of a letter from Thomas Jefferson to James Madison where Jefferson famously stated that "a little rebellion now and then is a good thing." This famous quote is a direct result of Shays Rebellion and this letter can be used as a primary source in arguing the effects the rebellion had on influential political leaders. The website has transcribed the letter into modern english so it is easy to read and comprehend.
Jefferson, Thomas. "A Little Rebellion Now and Then Is a Good Thing." Letter to James Madison. 30 Jan 1787. Archiving Early America. Web. 1 Nov. 2013.
This is a letter written by Daniel Shays requesting that the people of Northampton arm themselves in reaction to the General Court moving to prosecute those who attempted to shut the court down.
Shays, Daniel. "A Request." Letter to Printer at Northampton. 8 Nov. 1786. American Centuries. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association. Web. 2 Nov. 2013.
Letter from Daniel Shays to General Lincoln. Shays asks Lincoln to disband his forces and to release anyone captured from the rebellion. Shays is looking to resolve the situation diplomatically.
Shays, Daniel, and Daniel Gray. "This Convulsed Commonwealth." Letter to Benjamin Lincoln. 25 Jan. 1787. Object of the Month. Massachusetts Historical Society. May 2013. Web. 7 Nov. 2013
