Economic, social and political turmoil plagued every state in the years immediately following the American Revolution (1775-1783). In Massachusetts, large numbers of residents took up arms in what became known as Shays’ Rebellion (1786-1787). The Massachusetts government swiftly repressed the movement. This proclamation by the governor extends mercy and forgiveness to those who were “misled in their participation” in the rebellion, providing they take an oath of allegiance to the Commonwealth before September 12, 1787. The crimes of Daniel Shays (1747-1825) and the other leaders were believed to have been too serious to be included, and were not forgiven.
Hancock, John. Proclamation regarding Shays’ Rebellion. Broadside/Poster. June 15, 1787. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/l03-001/. Accessed on October 16, 2024.
Please note: Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.