Following the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) the depreciation of money and the institution of new state taxes caused many farmers in Western Massachusetts to fall deep into debt. One of these men, Daniel Shays, organized a revolt against the state government, known as “Shays Rebellion” (1786-1787). His followers were known as “Regulators.” On December 9, 1786, officers of Regulator companies in Hampshire County met to organize companies and regiments” in the present movement of the people” to counteract any action by the pro-government militias. A committee of 17 men, including Captain Shays, was appointed to oversee the plan. Addressed to “the good people of the town of Deerfield,” this letter asks that officers call their companies together and organize them. Most in Deerfield did not support the revolt, however, and it is probable that this letter was sent to the Hampshire Gazette to promote anti-Regulator sentiment. William Butler began publication of the newspaper on September 6, 1786, in Northampton, Massachusetts. His mission was to inform the public about the issues pertaining to the ongoing conflicts. Butler was decidedly on the government side of the issues.
Powers, John. [A call to organize Regulator companies in “To the good people of the Town of Deerfield” address.] Hampshire Gazette, 1787. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/l04-074/. Accessed on October 16, 2024.
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