STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION.
As we pass through the struggle of our country for freedom, all who know in the least what it is to earn their bread, must wonder what could be left for the future subsistence of the people, and particularly of those in moderate circumstances.
If they had not been called, themselves, to the tented field, the support of those who had gone, as we have seen, required all, and more than all which could be spared, and private creditors being less urgent than public, heavy debts were incurred in procuring the necessaries of life.
Often, too, the demands of the army could not be met by the people at large, and recourse must be had to loans from moneyed individuals, for which the towns became responsible.
These must afterwards be paid by means of taxation.
Previous to the war, the debt of Massachusetts fell short of £100,000; but now its private debt was more than £1,300,000, besides £250,000 due to the officers and soldiers in their line of the army, and their proportion of the federal debt was not less than £1,500,000.
How could the people be expected to endure this without complaints?
They had fought against taxes and imposts; but now they found themselves ground lower by the government which they had bled to establish, than they had ever been by England; and to increase the distress, the war, severe as it had been, had nevertheless fostered a roving, restless spirit, and in the higher classes a desire for foreign luxuries; while, at the same time, it had nearly destroyed all foreign commerce.
Money was almost the only export; and so fast as application to business returned, and was directed to the restoration of commercial intercourse with Europe, the country was drained of its specie, to bring home to the rich what the poor could scarcely look through their needs to covet.
In this state of things law-suits were numerous and distressing; and lawyers multiplied as their trade flourished, until both courts and lawyers came to be looked upon by the suffering, as enemies to the public welfare; and this, not in Massachusetts only, but in several other states of the Union.
But we have only to do now with the disturbances which convulsed our own Commonwealth, and spread terror once more among our own families.
At first, peaceable measures were resorted to: the Legislature was petitioned, and tradesmen or farmers, rather than lawyers, were chosen to represent the people.
But what could the Legislature do?
It could not create funds, nor pass sumptuary laws to restrain the expenses of the rich; nor declare a gregarian statute, and the proposal to issue a paper currency which should systematically depreciate, was discarded as unjust, and impolitic.
Efforts were made, which we must not stop to enumerate; but "the destruction of the poor is their poverty."
Those who called loudest for reform, were the very persons whose straitened circumstances had shut them out from the means of gaining a clear and far sighted understanding of the difficulties under which they labored.
There were others, whose wishes had been overruled in the House to their chagrin, and who were ready to lead on the multitude to rebellion, in the hope of gaining triumphs for themselves; but there was still a nobler band who pitied the distress which they had not power to relieve.
They felt that the discontented were struggling like the drowsy invalid, ignorantly, and hopelessly, and they urged that it was but the impulse of misery, which should be quieted with the most compassionate care.
They therefore refused to take up arms against their fellow citizens, preferring the fine to what they deemed a sin.
Others again, particularly royalists, looked with an ill-concealed pleasure upon the discontent, as an argument in favor of a less republican form of government.
The Senate too were disposed to show the utmost clemency; and the evil had every opportunity to form, and gather strength before any force to oppose it could be raised, and depended upon.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued ...
The counties of Hampshire and Berkshire felt that they were appraised too high, and, of course, paid more than their share of the taxes; so that they raised one complaint above the usual number.
Still the Convention of the malcontents of Berkshire, held in Lenox, the last of August 1786, was distinguished for its moderation, its just praise of the efforts of Government for their relief, its respect for the young Republic, its dissent to a depreciating currency, and its solemn pledge to do all in the power of the members to support the Courts of Justice, and to allay the prevailing agitation.
Had these principles but withstood the popular tide, our county might have been spared the horrors of civil war; but they did not, and Berkshire, and (we must confess it,) even Stockbridge men were among the insurgents.
Passing over events which occurred in other parts of the State, and simply mentioning the persuasive of the Government to peace, which was ordered to be read in all the churches either upon Thanksgiving Day, or at some other meeting called for religious worship during the week — a part of the " exercises" which must have produced a sensation in the audience difficult for us now to conceive — the offer of pardon to all who would take the oath of allegiance before the first of January, 1787, and the threat of arrest and imprisonment, without bail or mainprise, between January and July, in case of refusal or neglect of this mercy, and the regular opening of the war by the insurgents, we will now confine our attention to the scenes which transpired in our own immediate neighborhood.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued ...
The counties of Hampshire and Berkshire felt that they were appraised too high, and, of course, paid more than their share of the taxes; so that they raised one complaint above the usual number.
Still the Convention of the malcontents of Berkshire, held in Lenox, the last of August 1786, was distinguished for its moderation, its just praise of the efforts of Government for their relief, its respect for the young Republic, its dissent to a depreciating currency, and its solemn pledge to do all in the power of the members to support the Courts of Justice, and to allay the prevailing agitation.
Had these principles but withstood the popular tide, our county might have been spared the horrors of civil war; but they did not, and Berkshire, and (we must confess it,) even Stockbridge men were among the insurgents.
Passing over events which occurred in other parts of the State, and simply mentioning the persuasive of the Government to peace, which was ordered to be read in all the churches either upon Thanksgiving Day, or at some other meeting called for religious worship during the week — a part of the " exercises" which must have produced a sensation in the audience difficult for us now to conceive — the offer of pardon to all who would take the oath of allegiance before the first of January, 1787, and the threat of arrest and imprisonment, without bail or mainprise, between January and July, in case of refusal or neglect of this mercy, and the regular opening of the war by the insurgents, we will now confine our attention to the scenes which transpired in our own immediate neighborhood.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued ...
A party of the insurgents had assembled at Barrington during the autumn of 1786, broken up the court, opened the jail, &c., and again, still later, with the intent of opposing the Supreme Court, notwithstanding its session had been abandoned on their account; and finding nothing in their ordinary line of business to be done, they searched houses, fired upon some of the citizens, pursued such as were particularly obnoxious to them, and threatened the life of Judge Sedgwick of this town.
Early in the year 1787, Eli Parsons had 400 Berkshire men under his command; and after the intelligence of this open violence, alarm had spread throughout the community.
The papers of Judge Sedgwick were deposited for safe keeping in the house of Dr. West, and money belonging to President Edwards, the younger, was buried in his garden.
Neighbors distrusted each other.
Property, and even life was felt to be in hourly danger; and each man, still true to his country, was afraid to take the field, lest vengeance should be immediately visited upon his family by some insurgent in his vicinity.
During the winter, eight sleigh loads of provisions were intercepted at one time, sent from this county to the rebel army.
February 15, Parsons put out a circular, calling upon his "fellow sufferers to resent unto relentless blood," and to collect in Berkshire for the purpose "of Burgoyning Lincoln and his army;" and it had been already made manifest to the citizens of Berkshire that they had those in their midst who, to the utmost of their courage, would stand side by side with such leaders.
But there was one mitigation; they all, to a man, were afraid of being killed, or even wounded.
They fought for gold; and for that it would be useless to part with life.
During the winter, the disaffected of this vicinity who had not joined the main body took up arms at home, and it was anticipated that in case the army was defeated in the eastern and middle counties, they would, by the aid of the home force, take possession of the fastnesses of the Green Mountains at the east of us, and spread desolation through the county.
Under these circumstances, the citizens banded together for mutual defense, and a company of 500 men was formed.
Stockbridge was chosen as the headquarters, sentinels stood on guard, or patrolled our streets at night, demanding the "pass" of every one, and armed soldiers, among whom George Kirkland is mentioned as conspicuous, attended the religious services of the Sabbath.
In Sheffield a company was formed, but so great was the danger that they did not venture to come up until another company from Barrington went down and joined them.
Muddy Brook or Barrington Hollow, and similar localities, were the hives from which the enemy issued, and in which the friends of order were in greatest danger; and the road then took this direction.
It was not long before a band of rebels had collected at West Stockbridge under the command of Hubbard, amounting to between 150 and 200 men, and the number was continually increasing.
The only way to prevent bloodshed was to disperse them as early as possible.
The army at Stockbridge was duly authorized to act independently, government having requested the citizens to defend themselves, as far as it could be done, without calling upon the public force.
Accordingly the whole body was formed into three divisions, and while the central took the direct route through Larawaugh, and over the mountain, to the village, a second, under Capt. Goodrich, took the southern, and the third, under Major Rowley of Richmond, took a more northern route.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued ...
A party of the insurgents had assembled at Barrington during the autumn of 1786, broken up the court, opened the jail, &c., and again, still later, with the intent of opposing the Supreme Court, notwithstanding its session had been abandoned on their account; and finding nothing in their ordinary line of business to be done, they searched houses, fired upon some of the citizens, pursued such as were particularly obnoxious to them, and threatened the life of Judge Sedgwick of this town.
Early in the year 1787, Eli Parsons had 400 Berkshire men under his command; and after the intelligence of this open violence, alarm had spread throughout the community.
The papers of Judge Sedgwick were deposited for safe keeping in the house of Dr. West, and money belonging to President Edwards, the younger, was buried in his garden.
Neighbors distrusted each other.
Property, and even life was felt to be in hourly danger; and each man, still true to his country, was afraid to take the field, lest vengeance should be immediately visited upon his family by some insurgent in his vicinity.
During the winter, eight sleigh loads of provisions were intercepted at one time, sent from this county to the rebel army.
February 15, Parsons put out a circular, calling upon his "fellow sufferers to resent unto relentless blood," and to collect in Berkshire for the purpose "of Burgoyning Lincoln and his army;" and it had been already made manifest to the citizens of Berkshire that they had those in their midst who, to the utmost of their courage, would stand side by side with such leaders.
But there was one mitigation; they all, to a man, were afraid of being killed, or even wounded.
They fought for gold; and for that it would be useless to part with life.
During the winter, the disaffected of this vicinity who had not joined the main body took up arms at home, and it was anticipated that in case the army was defeated in the eastern and middle counties, they would, by the aid of the home force, take possession of the fastnesses of the Green Mountains at the east of us, and spread desolation through the county.
Under these circumstances, the citizens banded together for mutual defense, and a company of 500 men was formed.
Stockbridge was chosen as the headquarters, sentinels stood on guard, or patrolled our streets at night, demanding the "pass" of every one, and armed soldiers, among whom George Kirkland is mentioned as conspicuous, attended the religious services of the Sabbath.
In Sheffield a company was formed, but so great was the danger that they did not venture to come up until another company from Barrington went down and joined them.
Muddy Brook or Barrington Hollow, and similar localities, were the hives from which the enemy issued, and in which the friends of order were in greatest danger; and the road then took this direction.
It was not long before a band of rebels had collected at West Stockbridge under the command of Hubbard, amounting to between 150 and 200 men, and the number was continually increasing.
The only way to prevent bloodshed was to disperse them as early as possible.
The army at Stockbridge was duly authorized to act independently, government having requested the citizens to defend themselves, as far as it could be done, without calling upon the public force.
Accordingly the whole body was formed into three divisions, and while the central took the direct route through Larawaugh, and over the mountain, to the village, a second, under Capt. Goodrich, took the southern, and the third, under Major Rowley of Richmond, took a more northern route.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued ...
As an advance party of the central division, consisting of 37 infantry, and 7 cavalry, approached the insurgents, they were fired upon by the sentries, and the whole rebel force was at once formed in order of battle, and commanded to fire.
But before this little band of their fellow citizens, they faltered; and Judge Sedgwick, taking advantage of the favorable moment, rode up in front of the ranks, and ordered them to lay down their arms.
Many obeyed; others fled; a scattering fire occupied a few minutes, and two insurgents were wounded, but no one was killed.
The other soldiers from the north and south came in to aid in securing the prisoners, 84 in number, including their leader.
These were placed under guard in Stockbridge, and the troops meantime traversed the county.
A second offer of pardon to all who would lay down their arms and take the oath of allegiance had been made, and the greater part of these prisoners soon availed themselves of it, and were released.
Still, the spirit of discontent had not been laid, and quiet was not at all restored.
A force collected at Adams, and on being dispersed by the approach of Gen. Patterson, made an attempt to collect at Williamstown.
Many had assembled at Washington, and Berkshire County was in a state of open, bitter, civil war, with no human protection in the field or at the fireside, save the cowardice of the foe.
February 5, Gen. Patterson wrote to Gen. Lincoln at Petersham, for aid from the main army.
Gen. Lincoln returned answer on the 6th, that the defeat of Shays on the Sabbath morning previous had left him at liberty to remove his army to Berkshire, which he would do without delay.
"I shall," he writes, "commence my march tomorrow morning."
"No time will be lost in throwing a very sufficient force into your county."
"I shall have the pleasure to come with the troops."
"Take some strong post, until I can relieve you."
To this he added the direction, in case a previous attack was deemed advisable, that the insurgents should be duly warned of their danger as open and avowed enemies of the government: a direction which there was opportunity to obey.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued ...
As an advance party of the central division, consisting of 37 infantry, and 7 cavalry, approached the insurgents, they were fired upon by the sentries, and the whole rebel force was at once formed in order of battle, and commanded to fire.
But before this little band of their fellow citizens, they faltered; and Judge Sedgwick, taking advantage of the favorable moment, rode up in front of the ranks, and ordered them to lay down their arms.
Many obeyed; others fled; a scattering fire occupied a few minutes, and two insurgents were wounded, but no one was killed.
The other soldiers from the north and south came in to aid in securing the prisoners, 84 in number, including their leader.
These were placed under guard in Stockbridge, and the troops meantime traversed the county.
A second offer of pardon to all who would lay down their arms and take the oath of allegiance had been made, and the greater part of these prisoners soon availed themselves of it, and were released.
Still, the spirit of discontent had not been laid, and quiet was not at all restored.
A force collected at Adams, and on being dispersed by the approach of Gen. Patterson, made an attempt to collect at Williamstown.
Many had assembled at Washington, and Berkshire County was in a state of open, bitter, civil war, with no human protection in the field or at the fireside, save the cowardice of the foe.
February 5, Gen. Patterson wrote to Gen. Lincoln at Petersham, for aid from the main army.
Gen. Lincoln returned answer on the 6th, that the defeat of Shays on the Sabbath morning previous had left him at liberty to remove his army to Berkshire, which he would do without delay.
"I shall," he writes, "commence my march tomorrow morning."
"No time will be lost in throwing a very sufficient force into your county."
"I shall have the pleasure to come with the troops."
"Take some strong post, until I can relieve you."
To this he added the direction, in case a previous attack was deemed advisable, that the insurgents should be duly warned of their danger as open and avowed enemies of the government: a direction which there was opportunity to obey.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued …
Before the army of Lincoln could reach the county, a party of insurgents, two hundred and fifty in number, collected at Lee, with the design of preventing the sitting of Courts.
A company of three hundred militia marched to oppose them; but having obtained a yarn-beam from the loom of Mrs. Perry, the rebels mounted it as a cannon, and thus procured more favorable terms, submitting only upon condition that the militia would use their influence to procure for them a trial within their own county, in case they were pursued by government.
Then General Lincoln reached Pittsfield, which he was to make his head-quarters, the volunteer army disbanded, and returned to their dwellings; and the service of the detached militia closed on the 21st.
The new troops enlisted did not all come in at once, a band was sent against the rebels in Williamstown, who took fourteen prisoners, and another against those in Dalton, who took six; and at one time Lincoln numbered, at head-quarters, only about thirty men.
Providentially the rebels either did not know of his situation, or they were not prepared to take advantage of it.
But the circular of Eli Parsons, dated February 15, 1787, to which allusion has been made, was doubtless working like leaven in the restless mass, and a body of eighty or ninety, under Captain Perez Hamhn, were in the vicinity of New Lebanon, lurking and longing for mischief, "determined," as Parsons expressed it, "to carry their point, if fire, blood and carnage would effect it."
Parsons himself was probably with the other division at Pownal.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued …
Before the army of Lincoln could reach the county, a party of insurgents, two hundred and fifty in number, collected at Lee, with the design of preventing the sitting of Courts.
A company of three hundred militia marched to oppose them; but having obtained a yarn-beam from the loom of Mrs. Perry, the rebels mounted it as a cannon, and thus procured more favorable terms, submitting only upon condition that the militia would use their influence to procure for them a trial within their own county, in case they were pursued by government.
Then General Lincoln reached Pittsfield, which he was to make his head-quarters, the volunteer army disbanded, and returned to their dwellings; and the service of the detached militia closed on the 21st.
The new troops enlisted did not all come in at once, a band was sent against the rebels in Williamstown, who took fourteen prisoners, and another against those in Dalton, who took six; and at one time Lincoln numbered, at head-quarters, only about thirty men.
Providentially the rebels either did not know of his situation, or they were not prepared to take advantage of it.
But the circular of Eli Parsons, dated February 15, 1787, to which allusion has been made, was doubtless working like leaven in the restless mass, and a body of eighty or ninety, under Captain Perez Hamhn, were in the vicinity of New Lebanon, lurking and longing for mischief, "determined," as Parsons expressed it, "to carry their point, if fire, blood and carnage would effect it."
Parsons himself was probably with the other division at Pownal.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued …
On the 26th, Captain Holcomb marched from Sheffield to Pittsfield at the head of a company of drafted men, with the best arms which could be obtained.
This left the Southern part of the county more open, while at the same time it increased the danger of the insurgents at Pownal and Lebanon.
About eight in the evening, Monday, 26th, Mrs. Tucker, mother of Mr. Stephen Tucker, who lived in the house now owned by Mr. Brinton, stepped out at her door, and heard a horseman who was passing say to his fellow traveler, "Now is our time to come in."
Not suspecting who they were, she gave no alarm; but the sequel led her to suppose that they were insurgents.
The next morning, February 27, 1787, just as the day broke, a party of men were seen marching through Larawaugh towards the village.
Halting at the public house, then kept by Mrs. Bingham, parties were formed for pillage, and sent in either direction.
Esquire Jahleel Woodbridge lived in the house now owned by D. D. Field, Esq.
"My first recollection," says the Rev. Timothy Woodbridge, D. D., "is a belligerent one."
"The first thing I remember, is waking in the night, and seeing a number of brutal soldiers, with their green boughs," (the insignia of rebellion,) "waving over the bed" where my father and I lay.
"The dreadful gleam of their arms was reflected by the burning lights in the room."
"They demanded the surrender of my father, and I shrieked in an agony of terror; and my father passed me between the guns to the arms of my sister."
"This is the first memory this poor world has left engraven upon my heart."
They plundered the house "most unsparingly."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued …
On the 26th, Captain Holcomb marched from Sheffield to Pittsfield at the head of a company of drafted men, with the best arms which could be obtained.
This left the Southern part of the county more open, while at the same time it increased the danger of the insurgents at Pownal and Lebanon.
About eight in the evening, Monday, 26th, Mrs. Tucker, mother of Mr. Stephen Tucker, who lived in the house now owned by Mr. Brinton, stepped out at her door, and heard a horseman who was passing say to his fellow traveler, "Now is our time to come in."
Not suspecting who they were, she gave no alarm; but the sequel led her to suppose that they were insurgents.
The next morning, February 27, 1787, just as the day broke, a party of men were seen marching through Larawaugh towards the village.
Halting at the public house, then kept by Mrs. Bingham, parties were formed for pillage, and sent in either direction.
Esquire Jahleel Woodbridge lived in the house now owned by D. D. Field, Esq.
"My first recollection," says the Rev. Timothy Woodbridge, D. D., "is a belligerent one."
"The first thing I remember, is waking in the night, and seeing a number of brutal soldiers, with their green boughs," (the insignia of rebellion,) "waving over the bed" where my father and I lay.
"The dreadful gleam of their arms was reflected by the burning lights in the room."
"They demanded the surrender of my father, and I shrieked in an agony of terror; and my father passed me between the guns to the arms of my sister."
"This is the first memory this poor world has left engraven upon my heart."
They plundered the house "most unsparingly."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued …
When this party reached the house of Deacon Ingersoll, which was probably on their return from plundering the dwellings in the east part of the village, the good man was engaged in family devotion; the terror and confusion having driven him into, and not, as is too often the case, out of the Ark of safety.
They entered the porch tumultuously, and were on the threshold, when Mrs. Ingersoll, bethinking herself of a very vulnerable point, handed to them a bottle of brandy; and they immediately, like lucky chickens in the farm-yard, ran off with their precious booty.
The party sent down South street, passed some of the houses, seemingly, in their eagerness to secure Mr. Ira Seymour, who resided in the building occupied by Mr. H. Goodrich.
Mr. Seymour, however, escaped, but without a shoe to protect his feet from the snow.
Another party took the road over the Hill.
The first house which they entered was that of Capt. Jones.
They entered the sleeping apartment of all, asking of males and females if they had "any arms?"
Two stopped for a few minutes to chat with the hired woman, and the first object which met the sight of the youngest daughter, who slept with her, was their "green boughs and gleaming arms."
From the list made out by Capt. Jones, of "military stores" taken away, they would seem to have been paid for their trouble; but the greatest treasure stolen was the belt of wampum given him by the Indians as a token of friendship, and which he could never recover.
The prisoners taken were Capt. Jones, his two sons, (Josiah and William), an old negro who was laboring by the day, and a young man who had long desired to exchange his vocation as hired servant for that of a free ranger in Shays' army.
He assured the men that he was of their own creed, and was happy to unite with them.
He wore no white paper in his hat, and only coveted the green bough.
But his enlistment came too late; he was not believed, and was driven off with the others.
At the corner, Josiah procured the release of old Backus, on account of his lameness, which would render him a burden, and when they had reached the village, he plead off his brother because of his youth.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued …
When this party reached the house of Deacon Ingersoll, which was probably on their return from plundering the dwellings in the east part of the village, the good man was engaged in family devotion; the terror and confusion having driven him into, and not, as is too often the case, out of the Ark of safety.
They entered the porch tumultuously, and were on the threshold, when Mrs. Ingersoll, bethinking herself of a very vulnerable point, handed to them a bottle of brandy; and they immediately, like lucky chickens in the farm-yard, ran off with their precious booty.
The party sent down South street, passed some of the houses, seemingly, in their eagerness to secure Mr. Ira Seymour, who resided in the building occupied by Mr. H. Goodrich.
Mr. Seymour, however, escaped, but without a shoe to protect his feet from the snow.
Another party took the road over the Hill.
The first house which they entered was that of Capt. Jones.
They entered the sleeping apartment of all, asking of males and females if they had "any arms?"
Two stopped for a few minutes to chat with the hired woman, and the first object which met the sight of the youngest daughter, who slept with her, was their "green boughs and gleaming arms."
From the list made out by Capt. Jones, of "military stores" taken away, they would seem to have been paid for their trouble; but the greatest treasure stolen was the belt of wampum given him by the Indians as a token of friendship, and which he could never recover.
The prisoners taken were Capt. Jones, his two sons, (Josiah and William), an old negro who was laboring by the day, and a young man who had long desired to exchange his vocation as hired servant for that of a free ranger in Shays' army.
He assured the men that he was of their own creed, and was happy to unite with them.
He wore no white paper in his hat, and only coveted the green bough.
But his enlistment came too late; he was not believed, and was driven off with the others.
At the corner, Josiah procured the release of old Backus, on account of his lameness, which would render him a burden, and when they had reached the village, he plead off his brother because of his youth.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued …
The next house visited was that of Dr. Sergeant.
There they broke into the chamber of Miss Mercy Scott, a noted seamstress, at the time in the family, and stole her silver shoe-buckles.
As prisoners, they took Dr. Sergeant, Dr. Partridge, Hopkins and Catlin, (two medical students), and Moses Lynch, (lately deceased,) and another hired man.
Lynch was sent to Dr. West's to borrow a loaf of bread, for the enemy had no provisions for their captives, and as he took down his hat, one of the insurgents asked why he wore "that white paper ?"
"Why do you wear that green bough? " asked Mr. Lynch.
With an oath, the enraged soldier thrust his bayonet at him; but, perhaps intentionally, it struck the wall by his side.
From Dr. Sergeant's, they went on to Gen. Ashley's, a guard being probably left with each company of prisoners.
Gen. Ashley was taken; but Dr. West was unmolested.
Some think they did not venture to intrude there; but they had not time to show their daring, being recalled to prepare for the march south.
When the party came to the little stream at the foot of the hill, the young Shayite, feeling delighted at finding himself in the army of "the people," or proud and happy to be "on the side of the hangman," while those who had restrained him were in captivity, commenced dancing and singing in merriest style.
But his captors were still faithless, and they asked no songs of their victims.
A thrust at his breast with the breech of a gun, silenced his mirth, and nearly drove the breath from his body.
Nothing more was heard from him of the people's rights.
One band entered the store of Esquire Edwards, not for arms, but for spiritous liquors; and from the office of Judge Sedgwick they took Ephraim Williams, Esq., and Henry Hopkins prisoners, besides a quantity of linen from the drawers.
But at the house of Judge Sedgwick, the one now occupied by Mr. Carter, they found one who was prepared for them — Elizabeth Freeman — generally known as "Mum Bett."
She allowed them to search the drawers, knowing that the valuable papers were on the hill, and the silver all in her own chest, and to run their bayonets under the beds and into the dark corners to find Judge Sedgwick, for he, too, was absent.
But she forbade all wanton destruction of property; and arming herself with the kitchen shovel, no light weapon in those days, she escorted them to the cellar, jeering them at her pleasure, and assuring them that they dared not strike a woman.
When one of them, wishing for a share of the "gentleman's" cheer, broke off the neck of a demijohn, she offered to serve them like gentlemen, but declared that the next one who uselessly destroyed a vessel, should be instantly leveled by her shovel.
They affected to scorn the bitter liquor, and left the remainder for "gentlemen who drank such stuff."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued …
The next house visited was that of Dr. Sergeant.
There they broke into the chamber of Miss Mercy Scott, a noted seamstress, at the time in the family, and stole her silver shoe-buckles.
As prisoners, they took Dr. Sergeant, Dr. Partridge, Hopkins and Catlin, (two medical students), and Moses Lynch, (lately deceased,) and another hired man.
Lynch was sent to Dr. West's to borrow a loaf of bread, for the enemy had no provisions for their captives, and as he took down his hat, one of the insurgents asked why he wore "that white paper ?"
"Why do you wear that green bough? " asked Mr. Lynch.
With an oath, the enraged soldier thrust his bayonet at him; but, perhaps intentionally, it struck the wall by his side.
From Dr. Sergeant's, they went on to Gen. Ashley's, a guard being probably left with each company of prisoners.
Gen. Ashley was taken; but Dr. West was unmolested.
Some think they did not venture to intrude there; but they had not time to show their daring, being recalled to prepare for the march south.
When the party came to the little stream at the foot of the hill, the young Shayite, feeling delighted at finding himself in the army of "the people," or proud and happy to be "on the side of the hangman," while those who had restrained him were in captivity, commenced dancing and singing in merriest style.
But his captors were still faithless, and they asked no songs of their victims.
A thrust at his breast with the breech of a gun, silenced his mirth, and nearly drove the breath from his body.
Nothing more was heard from him of the people's rights.
One band entered the store of Esquire Edwards, not for arms, but for spiritous liquors; and from the office of Judge Sedgwick they took Ephraim Williams, Esq., and Henry Hopkins prisoners, besides a quantity of linen from the drawers.
But at the house of Judge Sedgwick, the one now occupied by Mr. Carter, they found one who was prepared for them — Elizabeth Freeman — generally known as "Mum Bett."
She allowed them to search the drawers, knowing that the valuable papers were on the hill, and the silver all in her own chest, and to run their bayonets under the beds and into the dark corners to find Judge Sedgwick, for he, too, was absent.
But she forbade all wanton destruction of property; and arming herself with the kitchen shovel, no light weapon in those days, she escorted them to the cellar, jeering them at her pleasure, and assuring them that they dared not strike a woman.
When one of them, wishing for a share of the "gentleman's" cheer, broke off the neck of a demijohn, she offered to serve them like gentlemen, but declared that the next one who uselessly destroyed a vessel, should be instantly leveled by her shovel.
They affected to scorn the bitter liquor, and left the remainder for "gentlemen who drank such stuff."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued …
On searching the chambers, and entering Betty's, one pointed to her chest, and asked what that was.
"Oh, you had better search that," she replied, "an old nigger's chest; you are such gentlemen; you had better search that, the old nigger's, as you call me;" and thus she shamed them quite out of it, and saved the silver.
Judge Sedgwick had a fine gray horse which Betty was fond of riding.
This the insurgents led out, and one of them mounted it, and attempted to ride.
But the horse did not fancy its rider's manners, and as he was passing the well, threw him off.
It was probably at this juncture that Betty seized the halter, and leading the horse to the gate, gave a blow which she thought would drive her favorite beyond the reach of its pursuers.
Thus far, says one of the family, Mum Bett was very fond of telling the story ; but the sequel she was not so ready to relate.
The horse was recaptured, and never returned.
After they had left the house one insurgent was obliged to return for a pair of boots, needed by one of the prisoners; and with the boots he took one more of Betty's jeers.
"Who is it?" asked Mrs. Sedgwick; "who are these people, Betty, you seem to know them."
"Why, it's nobody but Jim, from (naming a degraded region), the fellow that came along peddling brooms, miserable things, they are all in the cellar now; I never could use one of them."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued …
On searching the chambers, and entering Betty's, one pointed to her chest, and asked what that was.
"Oh, you had better search that," she replied, "an old nigger's chest; you are such gentlemen; you had better search that, the old nigger's, as you call me;" and thus she shamed them quite out of it, and saved the silver.
Judge Sedgwick had a fine gray horse which Betty was fond of riding.
This the insurgents led out, and one of them mounted it, and attempted to ride.
But the horse did not fancy its rider's manners, and as he was passing the well, threw him off.
It was probably at this juncture that Betty seized the halter, and leading the horse to the gate, gave a blow which she thought would drive her favorite beyond the reach of its pursuers.
Thus far, says one of the family, Mum Bett was very fond of telling the story ; but the sequel she was not so ready to relate.
The horse was recaptured, and never returned.
After they had left the house one insurgent was obliged to return for a pair of boots, needed by one of the prisoners; and with the boots he took one more of Betty's jeers.
"Who is it?" asked Mrs. Sedgwick; "who are these people, Betty, you seem to know them."
"Why, it's nobody but Jim, from (naming a degraded region), the fellow that came along peddling brooms, miserable things, they are all in the cellar now; I never could use one of them."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued …
At the house of Asa Bement, Jr., they were very violent; and seeing a lad who lived in the family, on horseback, with a white paper in his hat, they started in pursuit, and fired upon him.
The boy left the horse and fled to the house of the elder Mr. Bement, a few rods distant.
The insurgents were recalled for their march just before they reached that dwelling.
When the prisoners had been generally brought in, we learn from Mr. Tucker, an eye-witness, that they were paraded in front of what is now the new grave-yard.
While there, Nathaniel Lynch, Asa Bement, Jr., George Kirkland, and Ned Monday, a colored man, came up.
Lynch threatened to fire, and put his threat in execution, but with regard to the exact circumstance there is a disagreement.
Immediately they were pursued.
Kirkland leaped the fence, and crossed the grave-yard to Mr. Tueker's.
One of the daughters stepped to the door and warned him that there was a "Shays man" within.
"Here," said "Little Pete," on overhearing the remark, uttering at the same time an imprecation, "I'll take care of him," and rushing out, he seized the bridle of George's horse, and with a pistol pointed at his breast, ordered him to surrender.
There was no resisting, and George was led back to the line.
But "Pete S.," who was a German soldier, lately settled in West Stockbridge, mounted the beautiful steed, and started for Vermont or Canada.
He was not seen here again for twenty years.
Asa Bement and Lynch were pursued to the swamp near the residence of the former, and as might be expected, fired upon.
But they were not seriously injured, and, it is believed, not wounded at all.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XXXIII.
THE SHAYS REBELLION., continued …
At the house of Asa Bement, Jr., they were very violent; and seeing a lad who lived in the family, on horseback, with a white paper in his hat, they started in pursuit, and fired upon him.
The boy left the horse and fled to the house of the elder Mr. Bement, a few rods distant.
The insurgents were recalled for their march just before they reached that dwelling.
When the prisoners had been generally brought in, we learn from Mr. Tucker, an eye-witness, that they were paraded in front of what is now the new grave-yard.
While there, Nathaniel Lynch, Asa Bement, Jr., George Kirkland, and Ned Monday, a colored man, came up.
Lynch threatened to fire, and put his threat in execution, but with regard to the exact circumstance there is a disagreement.
Immediately they were pursued.
Kirkland leaped the fence, and crossed the grave-yard to Mr. Tueker's.
One of the daughters stepped to the door and warned him that there was a "Shays man" within.
"Here," said "Little Pete," on overhearing the remark, uttering at the same time an imprecation, "I'll take care of him," and rushing out, he seized the bridle of George's horse, and with a pistol pointed at his breast, ordered him to surrender.
There was no resisting, and George was led back to the line.
But "Pete S.," who was a German soldier, lately settled in West Stockbridge, mounted the beautiful steed, and started for Vermont or Canada.
He was not seen here again for twenty years.
Asa Bement and Lynch were pursued to the swamp near the residence of the former, and as might be expected, fired upon.
But they were not seriously injured, and, it is believed, not wounded at all.
TO BE CONTINUED ...