Following the American Revolution, a severe recession combined with a newly introduced real estate tax, and a shortage of money, devastated many Massachusetts farmers. One, Daniel Shays, organized a revolt against the state government in what is known as “Shays’ Rebellion” (August 1786-February 1787). In this notice Shays’ Regulators are promised a pardon if they turn in their weapons and sign an oath of allegiance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On February 16, 1787, a Disqualification Act laid out the terms of the pardon and accompanying penalties for any “who have been, or may be guilty of Treason, or giving Aid or Support to the present REBELLION, and to whom a Pardon may be extended.” The pardon did not extend to Shays and his leaders who, quoting Abigail Adams, were “Ignorant, restless desperados, without conscience or principles” who had “led a deluded multitude to follow their standard.”
Lincoln, General Benjamin. “Copy of a letter published in the Hampshire Gazette regarding Shays’ Insurgents.” Hampshire Gazette, January 31, 1787. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/l04-081/. Accessed on October 16, 2024.
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