History Of The Insurrections In Massachusetts In The Year 1786 And Of The Rebellion Consequent There

Book excerpt: This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1810 Excerpt: ...calamities seemed inevitable. If insurrection was to stalk unopposed by authority, some consequences were shewn; and what, it was observed, would be the end of such events, was known only to him, who could open the volume, and read the pages of futurity. The good people of the Commonwealth were therefore conjured, by every thing valuable in life, to co-operate with government in every necessary exertion for restoring to the Commonwealth, that order, harmony and peace, upon which its happiness and character so much depended. The movements in raising the army, could not but inspire the insurgents with serious apprehensions; and they began upon a system of policy, which they for a long time continued, of petitioning the government on the one hand, without relaxing their military exertions to overcome it on the other. When they were at Worcester, they agreed upon a petition to the Governour and Conn cil, which was to be supported by as many towns as could be brought into the measure. This petition, which had been once sent, but miscarried, was again brought forward and presented. It contained, in substance, a request that the state prisoners might be liberated, and a general pardon again granted to all the insurgents; that the Courts of Common Pleas might be adjourned to the next election; and it then engaged for the peaceable conduct of the insurgents. The motive of petitioning was held up as arising not from the fear of death, or of any evils that might be placed in their way, but to prevent the cruelties and devastations of a civil war. But there did not appear any evidence that the person whose name was subscribed to this petition, was empowered to execute it, and it was dubious whether he himself signed it. Besides which, there was not a man present at the...